Inuyasha: The Spirit Within
By: Guardian Angel
Chapter Thirteen
Kagome eyed her drink suspiciously as well as her food. Naraku maybe giving her good hospitality, but that was still no reason to trust him.
Naraku frowned. “If I wanted you dead, you would’ve been dead by now. So, eat.”
Kagome started eating still not sure if she could trust Naraku or not. But the taste of the food soon took over and she ate it more than she concentrated on Naraku.
This pleased Naraku. “Kanna.”
Kanna came over to him showing no emotion. “Yes, Lord Naraku?”
“Bring us some more to eat,” Naraku said.
Kanna nodded and turned to leave.
Kagome quickly got up. “Um, let me assist you.”
Kanna looked towards her. Why would she want to help? Did she really want to talk to her? Kanna then turned to Naraku waiting for his answer.
“Kagome, you are a guest here. Guests shouldn’t have to do such things,” Naraku said.
Guest? Yeah, right. More like prisoner. “Um, well, that maybe true in this era, but in mine the guest is allowed to do such things,” Kagome said.
Naraku sighed. “Very well. You may help Kanna.”
Kagome smiled and quickly ran after Kanna as the girl turned to leave again.
“So, Kanna, why am I here? What does Naraku want with me? And where’s Rin, Kohaku, and Riku?” Kagome asked.
Kanna sighed. “You’re here because Naraku is using you as a hostage in order to get the Shikon shards from Inuyasha. Rin is in a dungeon. Kohaku is watching her. And Riku is…”
Kagome saw Kanna’s face feel up with sadness. “Oh. I’m sorry. I hadn’t meant to bring up such painful memories.”
Kanna shook her head. “It’s not your fault.” She let out another sigh. “Naraku killed Riku while Kagura was holding him.”
Kagome let out a gasp. “He did what? To his own son? Did anyone try to stop him? I can’t believe this. Naraku really is so cold hearted! He uses loved ones as bait to get what he wants. He turns loved ones against each other. And he kills his own children. I’m going out there to give that guy a piece of my mind.” She was about to leave to do exactly that, but a hand grabbed her wrist and she turned around to see Kanna with pleading eyes.
“Don’t do it, Kagome. He’ll kill you. I don’t want to lose you, too. I already lost Mom and Riku. I don’t want to lose anyone else,” Kanna said.
Kagome smiled sadly at the girl. “Okay. I won’t, but tonight can you take me to Rin?”
Kanna nodded.
“Great,” Kagome said happily.
Kagome, who was now back in her room wearing her original clothes, waited for Kanna to come. She went over to the window and gazed out of it. She let out a sigh and began playing with her hair. “Inuyasha, I know you’ll come to save me. I just hope it’s soon that way you can get us all out of here. I hope Rin’s okay as well as Kohaku.” She saw a flock of doves fly by. “How can Naraku live in such a beautiful place? If I imagined him in a castle it would turn out all dark and creepy. The complete opposite of this.” She heard a knock on the door. She turned away from the window and looked towards the door. “Come in.”
The door opened and standing there was Kanna.
Kagome ran over to her happily and was about to say something when Kanna put her finger to her lips to signal her to be quiet.
“Naraku maybe still awake as well as Kagura,” Kanna whispered. “So we have to be as silent as possible.”
Kagome nodded and they began going to the dungeons.
Inuyasha sniffed the air. “We’re near. I can already smell Kagome’s scent as well as Naraku’s. Heh, this is going to be fun.”
“Inuyasha, what about the shards of the sacred jewel?” Miroku asked.
“Huh? Well, that’s easy. Kagome has them. Stupid Naraku. He didn’t even know she had them,” Inuyasha said.
“And let’s keep it at that,” Sango said.
Kagome and Kanna climbed down the stairs.
“So, are we near there yet?” Kagome asked.
“Almost,” Kanna said.
Kagome sighed and looked around the dungeon as they passed cells. There was one that was empty. Another one had two skeletons and it looked like they hadn’t died a pleasant death. Kagome looked away hoping that no one she knew would end up like that. I’ve always hated dungeons. They give me the creeps. Besides, there are bugs crawling around in these kinds of places and that’s just gross!
The two girls finally made it to the cell Rin was in. Kohaku was standing guard again.
“Kohaku, you may go to bed now,” Kanna said.
Kohaku nodded and was about to leave, but Rin stopped him.
“Kanna, please let him stay,” Rin said. She then spotted Kagome and smiled. “Kagome!” Her smile then faltered. “What are you doing here? Don’t tell me you got captured, too. How about the others? Are they here, too?”
Kagome kneeled down in front of the cell. “No. I’m the only one here at the moment. Don’t worry. Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, and the others will come and rescue us. I know they will.” She smiled sadly.
Kanna sighed and looked towards Kohaku. “You may stay.”
Kohaku nodded.
Kagome looked towards Kanna. “Can you let Rin out? It’ll only be for a while.”
“Yeah,” Rin said.
Kanna couldn’t help but smile. “Very well.” Kanna went over to the lock, grabbed out the keys, and unlocked it. “Remember Rin, only for a while.”
Rin nodded. “Don’t worry. I will.” She smiled.
Kanna smiled. It was hard hiding her emotions whenever she was around Rin and Kagome. The two were so cheery and carefree. It was hard to believe could still be that way when they were Naraku’s prisoners.
“So, Rin, what do you want to do?” Kagome asked.
“Well, if we could, I would like to go pick flowers and if we can’t then let’s play ring-around-the-rosy,” Rin said.
“Well, you can’t pick flowers, but you can play this ring-around-the-rosie you speak of,” Kanna said.
Kagome smiled. “You want to play it with us?” Kanna gave her a puzzled look. Kagome laughed. “Here, I’ll show you.” She took Rin’s hands and began spinning around.
“Ring around the rosy, pockets full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all fall down,” the two girls chorused and fell down.
Kanna smiled. It looked like fun.
“So, do you?” Kagome asked.
“Sure. Why not,” Kanna said.
Kagome and Rin took Kanna’s hand and began spinning around.
Naraku stared out the window of his room. “Kanna is getting too attached to those girls. Soon, she may even turn on me thanks to those two. I feel even Kohaku is getting attached to them. What is it those two have that makes them want to be friends with them? Whatever it is, it’s the same thing that softened Inuyasha’s heart, made Sesshomaru their ally, and gained them all their friends. Speaking of Inuyasha, he draws nearer.”
Kagome, Kanna, Rin, and Kohaku (who decided to join them earlier) fell down for what must’ve been the tenth time. They all started laughing.
Kanna calmed down. “Okay. That’s enough for today. Rin, get back in the cell.”
Rin and Kohaku groaned.
“Do I have to?” Rin asked.
“Listen to Kanna, Rin,” Kagome said getting up. “Besides, it’s passed your bedtime. And I need to go and get some rest. I think the same goes to Kohaku and Kanna.”
Rin nodded and went back in the cell. After Kanna had locked it up, she, Kagome, and Kohaku went to their rooms to sleep.
Kagome closed her door, took her shoes off, lied down on the bed, and covered herself. She yawned. Today had been a very long day for her. First she had to convince the audience that they shouldn’t be so prejudice towards people like Inuyasha, then she had gone to get some rest only to be kidnapped by Naraku, then she had woken up to find out she had been kidnapped by Naraku, she then ate dinner with him, afterwards she had played with Kanna, Rin, and Kohaku, and now she was going to get the rest she deserved. She yawned again and closed her eyes. “I hope you get here soon, Inuyasha.”
Miroku and the others, except Inuyasha, started eating their dinner they had caught earlier. They had set camp up once the sun had set and were now all gathered around the fire eating.
Inuyasha was looking up at the half moon. He let out a sigh and looked down at his food. Kagome, I hope you’re okay.
Miroku looked up at Inuyasha and spotted his untouched food. “Hmm, Inuyasha, can I have that if you’re not going to finish?”
“Huh? No way! Get your own!” Inuyasha scowled.
Miroku sighed. “Listen, Inuyasha, she’s fine. We’ll get there before Naraku tries to do anything.”
“Feh! I’m not worried about her. She’ll be fine. It’s the shards I’m worried about,” Inuyasha said.
Koga smirked. “Inuyasha, you can deny it as much as you want, but we all know you’re worried about Kagome. After all, she is the one you love.”
“Yeah. Love,” Shippo teased.
“Why you little-“
“Now, now, Kagome wouldn’t like to hear that you’ve been a bad boy while she’s gone, will she?” Miroku asked.
Inuyasha glared at Miroku.
“Actually, it’s more like bad puppy,” Koga said.
“I am not a PUPPY!!” Inuyasha shouted and lunged after Koga.
Koga smiled and began running towards the forest. “Hey, mutt, I bet you can’t catch me.”
Inuyasha started running after him. “We’ll see.”
Sango and Miroku let out a sigh.
“Here they go again,” Sango said.
“Indeed,” Miroku said.
Shippo bit into his food. “Inuyasha is such a jerk. I don’t see what Kagome sees in him.”
“Even I don’t see what that human sees in that half breed,” Jaken said.
“Jaken, that human and half breed have a name,” Sesshomaru said. “And I suggest you use them when referring to them.”
“Yes, my lord,” Jaken said.
Kagome was walking in a forest. Why? She didn’t know. She continued walking until she got to the god tree. Inuyasha was leaning against it. Kagome’s face lit up with happiness and she ran to him. But the scene began changing and once she had reached him he no longer was leaning against the tree, but was lying on the ground dead. Standing next to him was Naraku. Naraku turned around. He was holding a knife covered with Inuyasha’s blood. He smiled and began running towards Kagome…
Kagome woke up and screamed. There was sweat going down her face. She calmed down realizing it was all a nightmare. She got out of bed and went over to the window and gazed out of it. “Inuyasha, please be safe.” She began fingering her necklace that had a bottle filled with the shards of the Shikon no Tama. The shards began to glow.
Inuyasha grabbed out Tessaiga. He and the others had bumped into a huge scorpion demon. “Get out of here. I’ll take care of this. Besides, he can’t be that strong unless he has a Shikon shard and I doubt that since Kagome and Naraku are the ones who have all the shards.”
“Inuyasha, that maybe true, but you still need help,” Miroku said.
“No, I-“
“Inuyasha, look out. Behind you!” Sango cried.
Inuyasha turned around to see the scorpion’s stinger coming at him. He closed his eyes prepared to feel the pain that was about to come. He opened after a couple of seconds had gone to see he was surrounded by purple light and that it was stopping the stinger from hitting him. Inuyasha looked at it confused then looked towards the others to see they were just as confused. Inuyasha then caught a very familiar scent. “Kagome?”
Kagome looked down at her necklace to see the shards glowing. She then heard her name. Someone very familiar had said it. “Inu…Inuyasha?”
“It is you, Kagome,” Inuyasha said happily.
Kagome looked just as thrilled as him. “Inuyasha, where are you? Are you guys okay? Are you near? What are you doing?”
Inuyasha looked towards the others who looked like they thought he was crazy. “Guys, it’s Kagome. I can hear her.”
Their faces lit up. “Really?”
Inuyasha nodded then said to Kagome, “Well, I don’t think I really can tell you where we’re at, but I know it’s near. Your scent is getting stronger each and every day.”
Kagome laughed. “Don’t be silly. It hasn’t even been days.”
Inuyasha smiled. He hadn’t heard her laugh in such a long time. It really did seem like days to him. “Well, we’re okay. At the moment, we were fighting a big scorpion demon until this strange light thing came and surrounded me. It even has your scent on it. Like you’re really here and not there.”
Kagome smiled sadly. “I wish I really was there instead of here.” She watched as some birds passed her window. “How are we able to talk to each other? Why does it have my scent? And are you hurt? What about the others?” Her voice rose in worry.
“Calm down, Kagome. We’re fine. Anyway, I really don’t know how we’re talking to each other or why this thing has your scent,” Inuyasha said.
“Um, Inuyasha, it’s great you and Kagome can talk to each other and all, but in case you haven’t noticed there’s an enemy we have to fight,” Miroku said.
“And don’t forget to tell us what you guys were talking about,” Shippo said.
Inuyasha glared at them, but knew they were right. “Sorry, Kagome. I have to go. The scorpion won’t wait for me forever.”
“Wait, Inuyasha. Before you go, can I ask you one last question?” Kagome asked tears beginning to fill her eyes.
“Huh? Yeah. What is it?” Inuyasha said.
“You’re coming to not only save me, but Kohaku and Rin, right? And maybe Kanna?” Kagome asked.
“Of course,” Inuyasha said. “Now, it’s my turn. You’re keeping the shards safe, right?”
“Yeah. Don’t worry about them,” Kagome said fingering the shards again.
“Good girl,” Inuyasha said smiling. “Bye.”
“No! Wait! Inuyasha!” Kagome cried tears now going down her cheeks. “Inuyasha.” She sat down on the ground and pulled her knees up to her chest and began sobbing.
The light disappeared from Inuyasha’s body. Inuyasha smiled and began charging towards the demon. “I’m going to make this fight really quick. Kaze no Kizu!” He used the wind scar and the demon died. “Heh. Piece of cake.”
Sango and the others, except Sesshomaru, let out a sigh.
“So, tell us what you two were talking about,” Sango said.
“Yes, do tell,” Miroku said.
Sango and Inuyasha both glared at him and hit him on the head knocking him out.
“Lecher,” Inuyasha said.
“Pig,” Sango said.
Kagome continued sobbing even after the she heard someone knock on the door. She ignored and continued. The door then opened and Kagura entered.
She frowned and went over to Kagome not noticing Kagome’s necklace. “Hey! Quit your crying and get changed. Naraku wants to see you.”
Kagome ignored her and continued crying.
This angered Kagura. She grabbed Kagome by her hair and forced her to get up. Kagura looked at the tearstained face of Kagome and smiled. “Now that you’ve stopped crying, get dressed. I’ll come and get you in a couple of minutes.” With that said, she threw Kagome to the floor and left.
Kagome got up and wiped her face. She then got up and went over to the closet. She grabbed out a plain light green gown made of silk and the shoes that went with. She then changed into it ready for Kagura to come and get her. Kagome let out a sigh and sat down on the bed. “How was I able to talk to Inuyasha?” She then remembered the shards of the sacred jewel glowing. She let out a gasp. “It was because of that?!”
“Hmm, I see. So, you’re saying that not only were you able to talk to Kagome, but were also able to smell her scent?” Miroku asked. He and the others were in an inn they had stopped by in a nearby village.
“Yeah. What of it?” Inuyasha asked.
Sango and Miroku exchanged glances.
“Well…” Miroku began.
“There’s a legend about the Shikon Jewel,” Sango said.
“What of it?” Inuyasha asked.
“Well, there was a priestess who had to protect it,” Miroku said.
“Before Kikyo had to protect it,” Sango said.
“Anyway, the priestess protected it and, like anyone who had to protect it, was pure of heart. In fact, she balanced out all that the Shikon no Tama stands for,” Miroku said.
“But you wouldn’t believe who she was,” Sango said.
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. “Oh, and who was she?”
“Well, remember when I was telling you about Ryouken?” Miroku asked.
Inuyasha nodded.
“Well, the priestess was Ryouken’s girlfriend’s great grandma,” Sango said.
“I don’t really care about that,” Inuyasha said.
“Anyway, she took care of the jewel very well,” Miroku said.
“She was the strongest priestess yet,” Sango said.
“Every demon feared her,” Miroku said.
“Because her soul was inside the jewel itself,” Sango said.
“It gave her powers beyond belief,” Miroku said.
“And yet her heart still remained pure,” Sango said.
Inuyasha snorted. “What’s this got to do anything with Kagome?”
“Well…”
“Her soul was so attached to the jewel that it began making her every wish come true. It also protected her as well as her loved ones,” Sango said not letting Miroku finish.
“So?” Inuyasha asked.
“She fell in love with a strong warrior,” Miroku said.
“She had also been kidnapped by her lover’s worse enemy,” Sango said.
“The enemy had captured her in exchange for the Shikon no Tama,” Miroku said.
“But the priestess had had it all along,” Sango said.
“She feared for her love’s life and wished for him to be safe,” Miroku said.
“The jewel began to glow and it granted her wish,” Sango said.
“Just then, the warrior was being attacked and was about to die when a light suddenly surrounded him,” Miroku said.
“He didn’t know what was going on and his companions were just as confused,” Sango said.
“He then heard the priestess’ voice,” Miroku said.
“She and him talked for a while and then she left him knowing he was near,” Sango said.
“Though she also got scared for he was close to his worse enemy’s ground,” Miroku said.
“But that’s beyond the point,” Sango said.
“The point is, Kagome’s soul is not only within her body, but also in the jewel,” Miroku said. “So far, it seems as though she is following in the paths of the long dead priestess and you, Inuyasha, have followed in the steps of the priestess’ beloved warrior.”
Sango sighed. “Let’s just hope you both don’t totally follow it.”
Inuyasha looked at her confused, but shrugged it off.
“And that’s what happened,” Kagome said.
Kanna nodded. “Kagome, you are about to fulfill your destiny.”
“Huh? What do you mean?” Kagome asked.
“Well, you’ll find out soon enough. I believe it’ll happen once Inuyasha and his companions get here,” Kanna said.
“Kanna, what’ll happen?” Kagome asked.
“Don’t worry about it,” Kanna said. Though, I’m sure if your friends know about the legend that they’ll be the ones worrying as well as me. She felt someone tugging on her sleeve and looked down to see Rin. “What are you doing here? Who let you out?”
“Well, Naraku let me out and said I could stay out as long as I didn’t try to run away. And he told me Kagome was staying in here so I came here to hang out with her,” Rin said.
“Naraku let you out?!” Kanna and Kagome asked in surprise.
Rin nodded. “Kanna, can you tell me story?”
Kanna smiled. “Okay. Hmm, now what story should I tell?”
“Tell me the one about the priestess who protected the Shikon no Tama before Kikyo did,” Rin said.
“The one who is believed to be legend?” Kanna asked.
Rin nodded. “Yeah. She reminds me of Kagome.”
Kagome smiled. “Yeah, Kanna. Tell the story about the fabled priestess who protected the Sacred Jewel.”
Kanna sighed. “Very well. Once upon a time of great violence there lived a young villager girl. She was one of great beauty and all men fell in love with her, but she never fell in love with any of them. Even demons and half-breeds fell in love with her. She was so innocent and pure of heart. One day, a warrior priestess came by carrying the Shikon no Tama. She said she needed someone to protect the jewel. With that she died. An elder priestess knew she could not protect the jewel, as she was too old, so she gave the responsibility to the young village girl knowing her heart had no evil within it at all. She told the young girl she could never live a normal life ever again as long as she had the jewel. The young girl knew this was true, but took the jewel anyway. The day after she left to travel across the lands trying to think of a way to rid the world of the Shikon no Tama. The day after, she had traveled into a forest to be attacked by a warrior who was in search of the jewel for power. The girl tried fighting back, but was very weak when it came to physical attacks. The warrior soon took her as his prisoner trying to figure out how to take the jewel away from her. Immediately they were attacked by a huge demon. The warrior threw the girl down and went after the demon. The demon ignored him and went after the girl. The warrior saw her in danger and instantly killed the demon. The girl immediately ran over to him and told him she was so glad he had saved her and that he couldn’t be all bad. She then told him her name was Chihira. The warrior told her his name was Antares and he didn’t save her, but the jewel.”
“Inuyasha,” Kagome said softly.
Kanna smiled. “Yes, I do believe that’s how you guys sort of met as well as when he saved you the second time. Anyway, the elder priestess came and told him to protect Chihira. Antares told the old lady he would do no such thing. The priestess said he would because she would be needed in his life or at least that’s what she and many others had predicted. Antares reluctantly agreed to protect the jewel and the girl, but promised he would take the jewel when he was sure they were free of all who wished to have it. Chihira didn’t mind him coming with her at all. The man seemed very sweet to her and was strong and could serve as her bodyguard. Soon, the two began falling in love with each other. Sure they bickered and fought a lot, but they really didn’t hate one another. Their feelings were soon beginning to show and they admitted their feelings to each other. A couple of days later, Chihira was captured by Antares’ worse enemy.”
“Who was his worse enemy?” Kagome asked while thinking to herself about what Kanna said about Antares and Chihira arguing and bickering all the time, but were really in love and when the elder priestess had to talk Antares into traveling with Chihira. Way déjà vu.
“His worse enemy was Orlingumo, Naraku’s or better known as Onigumo, great grandfather,” Kanna said.
“I guess it runs in the family,” Kagome said a bit darkly.
“Anyway, as Antares drew nearer, Chihira wished for him to be safe. The jewel began glowing. Just then, Antares was about to be killed when a weird light had surrounded him. He could hear Chihira’s voice as she could, too. They talked for a while and she told him the location of Orlingumo’s hideout. They then parted again and Antares took care of the beast that had attacked him. The girl had not known why the jewel had glowed or why she was able to talk to Antares. It had happened because her soul had become one with the jewel due to her being able to balance out all that the Jewel of Four Souls stood for. The jewel would make her every wish come true and she wouldn’t even know it. It kept doing this and soon, Antares arrived. Orlingumo attacked him and Chihira watched. Soon, she realized Antares was fighting a losing battle. Chihira couldn’t bear to lose him and fought Orlingumo. Their enemy became angry and went after the girl. Well, let’s just say in the end they lived happily ever after,” Kanna said. Not really. But I’m not telling the rest.
Rin yawned. “That’s not how Sesshomeru or Mommy and Daddy said. They said Orlingumo had k-“
Kanna quickly covered the young girl’s mouth and shook her head.
Kagome looked at her puzzled. “What really happened?”
“Nothing important,” Kanna said.
Kagome frowned and shrugged. “Whatever you say.”
Rin yawned. “Kagome, is it okay if I sleep in your bed?”
Kagome smiled. “Of course, Rin.”
Rin smiled and ran to the bed. “Thanks.”
Kanna sighed. “Well, I’m going to go to bed, too. See you in the morning.” She got up and left.
Kagome went over to the bed and slightly moved Rin to make room for her to sleep. Rin grumbled something, but was still asleep. Kagome sighed.
“Good night, Inuyasha,” Kagome said as she held the Shikon shards within the bottle. “Sweet dreams.”
Inuyasha grunted in his sleep. “Kagome, you have sweet dreams, too. Night.” He yawned. “I’ll be there soon.”
“The guy has officially lost it,” Koga said.
“Aww, if it isn’t love. To be young and in love,” Miroku said pretending to wipe a tear away.
Sango hit him on the head. “You are young and alive. Remember?”
Kagome was surrounded by darkness. She couldn’t see what was in front of her nor could she see the ground, but far up ahead a bright purple light was visible. She began following it. The closer she got the farther away it became. She started to slow down. “Inuyasha!” The light started glowing more brilliantly. Kagome smiled as she approached the light. She would soon be away from this darkness. She got closer and closer. Then a huge dark creature appeared blocking her from the light. It reached out its hand. Kagome backed up in fear. She closed her eyes. “Help me! Somebody, help! Inuyasha!”
Inuyasha found himself surrounded by a bright purple light. So bright that he had to shield his eyes. “What the-where am I?” He looked around, but couldn’t see much of anything due to the brightness of the light. “Grrr, I can barely even see my hands.” He then heard a girl’s voice crying out for help followed by calling his name. Inuyasha sniffed the air. “I knew it. It’s Kagome. Don’t worry. I’m coming.” He began running towards her scent.
Kagome looked up in horror. The monster was holding her in its hand. “Ohhh, this is definitely not how I had planned to die.” She bit her lower lip. Think, think. There has to be a way out of this. She kicked the monster’s finger. “Let me go, you creep!”
Inuyasha began getting closer and closer to Kagome. He soon began smelling another scent. A very dark evil scent. Darkness began creeping near. “I’m getting closer. Hang in there, Kagome.” He stopped as soon as he saw a big dark creature holding Kagome in its hand. “Kagome.” He ran behind the creature and jumped onto its back.
Kagome closed her eyes as the creature opened its mouth and was about to eat her. Ooohhh, this is so not fair! Why do I have to die like this? She then felt something or someone grab her by her waist, jumped, and landed. What was that? Is it another monster that thinks I’m its dinner? This is just great.
“Kagome, open your eyes. You’re safe now,” a calm familiar voice said.
Kagome opened her eyes and looked up to see Inuyasha’s face. She smiled happily and hugged him. “Oh, Inuyasha, I was so scared that thing was going to eat me. If it did, I would never be able to see you again.” She began crying.
Inuyasha kneeled down and took her off his lap. He then hugged her. “Kagome, you would never die. Not as long as I live. I will always be there to protect you.”
Kagome continued crying. “I know, it’s just-“
“Shh, don’t worry.” Inuyasha looked down at her.
Kagome looked up at him. Their eyes met. Inuyasha wiped her tears away.
“You really shouldn’t cry. I hate it when you do,” Inuyasha said.
“I’m sorry,” Kagome said. “It’s just, I’m so happy to see you and I was scared that thing was going to kill me and I wouldn’t see you anymore and-“
Inuyasha silenced her with a kiss. Kagome looked at him surprised, but soon returned the kiss. After a while they parted.
“You know, you really are a worry wart,” Inuyasha said smiling.
Kagome softly punched him. She smiled. “I am not.”
“You are,” Inuyasha said. He softly poked her on her side. Kagome giggled and Inuyasha smiled at what he had done. “You’re ticklish.”
“I am not,” Kagome said backing up a bit.
“Yes, you are,” Inuyasha said.
“I am-“ Before Kagome could finish Inuyasha had begun tickling her. Kagome started laughing. “Stoooooop itttttttt!”
Inuyasha’s smile widened. “I told you you were ticklish.” He continued tickling her.
Kagome’s eyes began to water and her stomach began to hurt from laughing so much. She poked him on his side to discover he was ticklish. She then began tickling him.
“Stoooooop ittttttttttt, Kagomeeeeeeeeee. Thaaaaaaaaat ticklessssssssssss,” Inuyasha said between laughs.
Kagome smiled. “But that’s the whole point.”
Inuyasha grabbed her wrists to stop her from tickling him. His eyes had watered up and his stomach was beginning to hurt. He breathed out a sigh of relief. “Thank you.” He then gently pushed Kagome off him and sat up. “Don’t ever do that again or I’ll tickle you so much you won’t be able to stop laughing for ten years.”
“Yeah, right,” Kagome said sitting up. She brushed her bangs away from her eyes. “So, how were we able to talk to each other?”
“Miroku and Sango said it had to do with some legend about a priestess who balanced out the four souls of the Shikon Jewel,” Inuyasha said.
“Kanna told Rin that legend as a bed time story,” Kagome said. “Kanna said in the end she and the warrior lived happily ever after. Rin said that’s not how Sesshomaru or her parents told the legend. She said that the enemy, Orlingumo, had done something, but she didn’t get to finish because Kanna covered her mouth. Inuyasha, do you know what happened in the end?”
“No, Sango and Miroku never finished it. They were only telling me some parts of it. They said the point was you and I are following in the footsteps of the priestess and the warrior,” Inuyasha said.
“Well, a lot of it sounds just like the situation we’re in right now,” Kagome said.
“Kagome, they said your soul is within the Shikon Jewel. They also said they hoped we wouldn’t totally follow in their footsteps,” Inuyasha said.
“Why?”
“They never said.”
“But Kanna said they lived happily ever after.”
“I’ll ask them when I wake up.”
“So, does that mean this really isn’t a dream?”
“Well, it is a dream, but at the same time it isn’t. I guess this is the only way you and I can speak to each other and actually see each other.”
Kagome nodded. “So, we’ll see each other again when we go to bed, right?”
“Yeah,” Inuyasha said.
Just then, Inuyasha began fading.
“Inuyasha?” Kagome questioned with a worried _expression.
“Don’t worry. I’m just waking up. You had better do the same,” Inuyasha said and disappeared.
Kagome nodded.
Inuyasha woke up and went over to Miroku who was still sleeping. “Hey, wake up.” The monk didn’t obey. Inuyasha growled and hit the monk on the head. “I said wake up!”
Miroku got up and rubbed his head. “Jeez, Inuyasha, couldn’t you have waited until I woke up. I was having a really good dream.”
Inuyasha snorted. “I bet you were. Anyway, this is more important than your stupid dream.”
“Oh, and what is it, hmm?” Miroku asked.
“What happened to the priestess and warrior in the end?” Inuyasha asked.
“Uhh, well, um, Sango can tell you that because I, uh, just remembered I have somewhere to go. Um, you know, I have to go home to, um, mark my Dad’s fifth anniversary since his death from the wind tunnel. Well, gotta go,” Miroku said. He quickly ran away, but Inuyasha blocked his way.
“I thought that wasn’t until four more months,” Inuyasha said.
“Uh, yeah, but we always mark it four months before that. I mean, I always pay my respect four months before his death and on the day of his death. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to-“
Inuyasha began to choke the monk and lifted him off the ground. “Miroku, I am tired of your lies. Now tell me or I’ll kill you.”
“San-Sango,” Miroku gasped.
Sango woke up and rubbed her eyes. She yawned. “What is it, Miroku?”
“Some help,” Miroku said pointing to Inuyasha.
Sango looked towards him and followed his finger. “Oh, my gosh. Inuyasha, what are you doing?”
Inuyasha grunted. “Trying to get Miroku to talk.”
Sango eyed Miroku. “What did you do this time?”
“Nothing,” Miroku said. “Honestly. All I did was tell him I needed to go visit my dad’s grave to pay my respect and told him that you could answer his question.”
Sango raised an eyebrow. “You said you don’t pay your respects until the day of your father’s death. And what question did Inuyasha ask you?”
“Uh…………..Well, I, oh, never mind. The question was what happened to the priestess and the warrior in the end,” Miroku said.
“Oh,” Sango said. “Uh, I just remembered Miroku and I were going to go exterminate some demons in a nearby village. Well, we’ll see you later.” Sango ran up to Inuyasha and made him let Miroku go and took the monk’s hand and ran off.
Inuyasha growled.
“Looks like they got away, mutt,” a voice said.
Inuyasha didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. “What do you want, Koga?”
“Nothing really,” Koga said.
“Sure. Well, I’m going to go look around or something,” Inuyasha said.
“Inuyasha, do you really want to know what happens to the priestess and the warrior in the end?” a voice asked.
Inuyasha turned around to see Sesshomaru awake. “Of course I want to know.”
Sesshomaru got up and went over to him. “Then I shall tell you.”
Kagome woke up and saw that Rin had already gotten up. Rin was looking out the window. Kagome yawned, stretched, and then got out of bed. She went over to Rin.
“What are you doing, Rin?” Kagome asked.
Rin turned around and smiled. “Just looking outside. You ready to eat?”
“Huh? Yeah, let’s go eat,” Kagome said smiling. “And while we’re doing that, why don’t you tell me the real ending of the story Kanna told us yesterday?”
“Okay,” Rin said.
“Orlingumo then went after the priestess in anger,” Sesshomaru said.
Inuyasha nodded. “Then what?”
“And then he killed Chihira,” Rin said.
“Oh, how sad,” Kagome said.
“The warrior watched in sorrow and charged after Orlingumo in anger as well as sorrow,” Sesshomaru said.
Inuyasha bit into an apple. “Go on.”
“Then Antares killed Orlingumo or at least that’s what he thought,” Rin said sipping her milk.
“Oh, well, that’s good,” Kagome said.
“The warrior went over to the priestess, held her, and began crying over her death,” Sesshomaru said.
“Uh-huh,” Inuyasha said. What a weakling. Wait. What am I saying? I would cry over Kagome’s death, right? That guy’s not a weakling, but he should’ve protected the girl better.
“Then the Shikon no Tama started to glow,” Rin said.
Kagome looked down at the shards. “So, then what happened?”
“Then a bright purple light surrounded her body,” Sesshomaru said.
Inuyasha’s eyes widened. Just like when I was about to be killed.
“After the light was gone, Chihira was back alive with one little difference,” Rin said.
“And what was that?” Kagome asked.
“She was a full demon,” Sesshomaru said.
Inuyasha’s mouth dropped.
“And from then on she would always turn to a demon every full moon,” Rin said.
Just like Inuyasha turns human every new moon, Kagome thought.
“The warrior was a half breed like you, Inuyasha. He didn’t mind being in love with a human priestess who only turned into a demon every full moon,” Sesshomaru said.
“He didn’t even mind being in love with the girl before she started turning into a demon,” Inuyasha said.
“One day, when the priestess was going to purify the jewel since she found out how she could and it was by turning either herself into a full human or turning Antares into a full human, she was trying to decide what to do,” Rin said.
Kikyo and Inuyasha, Kagome thought. She wanted him to become a human so the jewel would be purified and may even disappear.
“So, she went even into the forest in search of the warrior,” Sesshomaru said.
“Go on,” Inuyasha said.
“But she found Orligumo instead,” Rin said.
“Oh, no,” Kagome said.
“He attacked the priestess,” Sesshomaru said.
“He did?” Inuyasha asked.
“Antares heard her scream and ran to save her hoping his worse nightmare hadn’t come true,” Rin said.
“Did he make it in time?” Kagome asked.
“The warrior arrived there to see that-“
“Orlingumo was attacking the priestess,” Koga said.
“What did he do?” Inuyasha asked.
“He went after Orligumo,” Rin said.
“Did Chihira live?” Kagome asked.
“Yes,” Kanna said entering the room. “She did. Rin, go play outside for a while. Don’t worry, I already asked Naraku and he said you could.”
“Okay,” Rin said and ran off.
“The warrior tried to kill Orlingumo, but he ran off,” Sesshomaru said. “The warrior went over to the priestess to see she was-“
“Still living,” Koga said giving Sesshomaru a look.
“Is that true?” Inuyasha asked.
“Yeah,” Koga said.
“Whatever. I’m leaving,” Inuyasha said and left.
“Kanna, is there something you’re trying to hide from me?” Kagome asked.
“What? No. Of course not,” Kanna said.
“Okay. So, let’s go hang out with Rin,” Kagome said smiling. “You need to get out more, Kanna. Besides, I’m sure Rin doesn’t want to be out there all alone.”
“Uh, sure,” Kanna said. “But Kohaku’s coming, too.”
“Okay,” Kagome said.
Inuyasha lied down on a tree branch. “Sango and Miroku better come back soon. Kagome needs us. Kagome needs me and I need her.” He sat up and grabbed an apple after making sure there were no squirrels around to steal it from him. He bit into it. “I want some ramen.”
“Well, your not going to get any by sitting in that tree all day,” a voice said.
Inuyasha looked down to see Sango and Miroku.
“Yeah,” Miroku said.
Inuyasha jumped down. “Then let’s get Kagome already.”
Kagome and Kanna joined Rin in the field of flowers.
Kagome looked around in awe. “This place, it’s so beautiful.”
Kanna could only nod in agreement.
Rin ran over to Kagome holding all kinds of flowers. There were daisies, roses, forget-me-nots, dandelions, and things of that sort.
“Hey, Rin. Do you know what each of those stand for?” Kagome asked.
“Huh? Um, I think so,” Rin said. “Roses mean love. Um, well, that’s the only one I know of.”
Kagome smiled. “Well, roses do mean love. That’s a good start. I’ll tell you what the others mean.”
“Finally, we’re here,” Inuyasha said.
“Great. I can’t wait to get Rin back,” Sesshomaru said.
Jaken nodded.
“Naraku will pay for killing my family, taking Kohaku, and kidnapping my best friend,” Sango said.
“Can’t wait to get rid of this wind tunnel of mine,” Miroku said.
“Well, I can’t wait to kill the baboon,” Koga said.
“I just want Kagome and Rin back,” Shippo said.
“In short, Naraku’s a dead man,” Inuyasha said.
“And forget-me-nots mean love, but they mean a deeper kind of love,” Kagome said.
“I’m going to get some forget-me-nots and roses for Sesshomeru,” Rin said.
Kagome looked at the young girl in surprise. “But Rin, you don’t actually love him do you?”
“Of course I love him,” Rin said.
“Uhh…” Kagome thought about this. Does she really love him? I mean the guy’s too old for her. What am I saying? He’s a demon. I don’t think it really matters to them. Does it? Oh, who cares. I mean, Inuyasha is like sixty-eight because of the fifty years that passed since Kikyo “betrayed” him. That at least makes Sesshomaru in his seventies or eighties. Oh, who cares. “Okay, Rin, I’ll help you. And while I’m at it, I’ll make a bouquet for Inuyasha.”
“And I suppose I’ll make a bouquet of flowers for myself,” Kanna said.
Meanwhile, in the shadows, Kagura watched Rin, Kanna, and Kagome closely. A smile formed on her lips. “Now I’ve got you.”
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