InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ ForgetMeNot ❯ Unrequitedly ( Chapter 28 )

Forget-Me-Not

By: Youkai Yume

Yume: Please don't hate me! I know my updates have been less frequent. But I have a good excuse!

CF: Oh it was horrible! {rocks back and forth}

Yume: I'll say, do you know how terrifying it feels when you see an e-mail from your teacher, sending you your hw assignment? (shudder)

CF: It took Yume all week to complete! So horrible!

Yume: Anyway, please enjoy this chapter, and be prepared, Koga is just twist one in this story! ^^ Oh, and thanks to those who sent me the fan mail and pics! {sniffles} I feel so loved! You know who you are. . . {cough} Angellymisty and friends {cough} ^_^

Disclaimer: . . . .No.

Chapter 28: Unrequitedly

"No! No way! Nuh uh! Nope! Not a chance in hell!" Inuyasha refused over and over upon hearing Koga's notion to join them. "Sesshomaru was already bad enough! I don't need YOU here!"

"Inuyasha, you can say anything you want but he's already following us, and it's been like two hours," Kagome said exasperatedly. He gave a disheartened glare at her from behind, then turned back to the scene in front of him while the whole time, muttering under his breath about stupid brothers and wolves.

"Besides, everyone else doesn't have a problem with it," She added.

"Yeah well, it's not like I have to like it!" The half-demon threw back. Koga made his way to Kagome's side, draping an arm around her and grinning from ear-to-ear.

"Kagome, I knew you would defend me! You truly ARE my woman. . ." The sound of low growls could be heard, and everyone was surprised that it didn't come from just Inuyasha, but Sesshomaru as well.

"Hey, wolf breath! Get your dirty hands offa her!" Inuyasha growled. The wolf prince was about to retort when he caught the threatening gaze that Sesshomaru sent him---a gaze that promised almost certain death if he did not comply.

"I thought you had learned your lesson upon our last meeting, or need I remind you of the consequences?" Sesshomaru said in his calm, yet cold voice. Koga gritted his teeth, he knew better than to go against the taiyoukai of the West.

"Keh, don't get your bunches in a knot!" He snorted, releasing his hold on Kagome. She let out a relieved sigh, and mouthed a "thank you" to the two inu brothers.

Everything grew silent once more, and the group trudged on. The demon lord edged a bit closer to Kagome, and Koga took that as a sign to leave distance in between them---though that didn't stop the wolf prince from sending cold glares at the two.

Sango and Miroku sent each other nervous glances as they eyed the unusual pair. They didn't need to have Koga or Inuyasha's acute hearing to catch the possessiveness laced in the demon lord's voice. Miroku motioned for Sango to join him in the back, and little by little, they lagged further behind for their own private conversation.

"Is it just me, or is Sesshomaru slightly. . .overprotective of Kagome?" the taijya whispered to him. Miroku nodded.

"Yes, perhaps even more than Inuyasha," Miroku admitted---something that he'd never thought possible. When it came to jealousy, the hanyou beats all.

Up ahead, they saw Sesshomaru pull Kagome into a little conversation of their own, and they also didn't fail to notice how Kagome's eyes seemed to light up and how she would occasionally blush when he spoke. It wasn't only that, but his words where devoid of its' usual ice, and was instead soft and tender when he talked to her.

"Do you think it has anything to do with Kagome's visit to Sesshomaru's castle?" Sango suggested.

"Not sure," Miroku scratched his head, "But it is obvious that whatever transpired while they were absent, only created some kind of bond between them. I know that they showed signs of. . .attraction before, but it seems to have multiplied some." Just then, Shippo popped up out of no where and was on Sango's shoulder.

"Oh please. . .what's with all of the big words and observations?" The little kitsune questioned. "It's simple," His voice grew silent, and turquoise eyes glittered. The two bent closer to him. "They're in love!" Sango and Miroku's eyes widened momentarily before Shippo added a "Duh!" and puffed out his chest proudly.

The demon exterminator nibbled her bottom lip.

"Are you sure, Shippo-chan?" She whispered, "I mean, Kagome. . .and Sesshomaru? It just doesn't seem possible."

"Oh yes!" The kitsune nodded, smiling knowingly and crossed his arms, eyebrows furrowed together as if to give him the impression of being wise. "Afterall, I was with them the whole entire time! And Sesshomaru-sama's always nice to Kagome, and they sure did a lot of hugging. . ."

"You don't say," Miroku mused.

"I just did!" Shippo said quickly. "Honestly, are grown-ups really all that dense? If Rin and I could figure it out, why can't everyone else?!" Sango glanced back at them again, they were quiet once more, but she noticed that Sesshomaru was staring at Kagome when she wasn't looking, and vice versa.

"It's way too strange. . .but it does seem to fit. . ." She mumbled. However, her expression soon changed from contemplating to repulsed when she felt a hand grope her butt.

"Just like YOU seem to fit in my hands, ne my well-rounded Sango?" He leered.

The others stopped dead in their tracks and looked back when they heard the sound of Sango's fist connect with Miroku's jaw, and shrugged when the scene of him lying swirly-eyed on the ground.

~ ^_^ ~

The sunset was just over the horizon, but no matter how brilliant the colors radiated, it did not lift the darkness from the castle. The wind blew ominously outside, causing the master of said castle smile in deep satisfaction.

Bringing a pale hand up to brush aside the inky black hair from his hauntingly beautiful face, his crimson eyes glittered in anticipation. Digging his hands into his pockets, he pulled out a nearly completed Shikon no Tama. His smirk grew wider.

"Nearing our goal now, aren't we?" Kikyo whispered from behind. Naraku chuckled, and nodded.

"Yes, in fact, I don't sense any other shards. . .the only ones left for us to collect are all gathered in one place," He cooed. Kikyo narrowed her eyes.

"Inuyasha," She hissed the name out like it was vile poison.

"Precisely," He whispered. "However, there IS one other person I haven't retrieved it from. . ." With a wave of his hand, a shadowed figure appeared from behind the flap door.

"Yes, Master Naraku," Kohaku's dull voice echoed through the cold room. The miko stared at the young boy with emotionless brown orbs. Then her gaze rested once more on the master of darkness. Well, second---she had to keep herself in mind, who was playing the role of the mistress.

"Kohaku, prepare the others, we strike tonight." Then turning to the scenery outside, he relished in the thought of seeing a certain demon exterminator's pain-stricken eyes. "I'm sure your sister wouldn't want to miss her own demise---especially if it's by your hands. . .or better yet, yours. Wouldn't you say, Kohaku?"

The boy's glazed eyes flickered for a split second with emotion, before settling back to its' darkened state.

"Yes, Master Naraku," He answered. With the answer, Naraku burst out laughing, the sound sent shivers through everyone's spines. Kikyo glared at him, her brown irises also searched the outside.

If Naraku will strike tonight, then so would she. And despite herself, she couldn't help but let a cold smile curl upon her lips as well.

~ ^_^ ~

`So, it will begin, and it will end tonight. . .' Her blood-red eyes narrowed, staring at the shoji screen door. Like everything else in the atmosphere, she was tense. Very. Her freedom, or her life would all be decided on the upcoming battle, and as the sound of Naraku's gathering army sliced through the thick tension, Kagura couldn't help thinking, that she was not the only one whose life was waiting to be altered.

Everyone's would be, including Naraku himself. For better or for worse, she'd rather not know. Her slender fingers tightened their hold on her fan.

Thinking back on Naraku's scheme to rid himself of his biggest `threat,' he had unknowingly caused their ties to become stronger. She smiled, thankful for the dark shadows to conceal her pleasure.

She was partly responsible for the hanyou's blunder, and she took pride in any kind of rebellion she was able to inflict on her "master." As she had suspected, Sesshomaru had rushed to Kagome's rescue, saving the girl from her endless fall into darkness and despair.

There was no doubt. . .he loved the young miko from the future. And now, Kagura was almost sure that she returned the affection as well. `It's as plain as day. . .' Another thing she was quite pleased about was that Inuyasha had not broken under all of the events either. . .

Kikyo's betrayal, Kagome's disappearance. . .he had actually risen above it all and managed to prevail. And now that SHE was back, he was just as formidable as ever. Now with the unexpected appearance of Koga. . .

It seems as if Naraku was going to have quite the fight indeed. But. . .

Her smirk faded when she heard Kikyo's voice speak softly from the other side of the screen door. `Nothing is as it seems,' the wind sorceress walked down the hallway, mulling over the undead priestess. Somehow, she suspected that Kikyo did not plan on simply being Naraku's doll. . .no, she didn't seem the type.

Though, Kagura had to admit the priestess was a superb actress, but the small glares, the momentary look of deviousness that crossed her face that could rival her master's. . .did not go unnoticed.

It made it difficult for her to figure out whose side the undead miko was really on. The last rays of the sun were disappearing over the horizon, bringing the dark blanket of night over the stars. `She will reveal her true colors soon.'

~ ^_^ ~

The fire sent flickering shadows to the trees, and the dying embers gave a warm glow the members of the group. Everyone was fast asleep, Even Inuyasha, who after several complaints and much negotiation, agreed to let Sesshomaru to stand guard.

"You're way too tired! Even I can see!" Kagome had nearly scolded him. Afterall, the earlier battle they had with the dragon youkai was nothing short of exhausting. Well, now there was only dead silence, and as the demon lord gazed around the camp, he had to admit that never in his entire life would he have guessed that he'd end up here, a part of this group.

Glancing beside him, he smiled softly at Kagome's sleeping form. And never would he have guessed he'd end up falling under this bewitching creature's spell. Kagome was safely snuggled in his fluffy, but he hadn't started off in his tail. . .She started off sleeping in her sleeping bag. But he had placed his tail near her for a purpose.

As the hours wore on, she had managed to find her way into his warmth, and gazing at her serene face now, all he could do was enjoy the sound of her calm breathing. That is, he WAS enjoying the peace.

"Don't tell me you fell for her too," He looked up at the sound of Koga's gruff, but low voice---as to not wake the others. He remained silent, causing the wolf prince to growl. But the sound slowly disappeared from his throat, and he reluctantly plopped down on a nearby rock.

Crossing his arms, he watched as Kagome slept as well.

"I was a bit suspicious of it when you saved her the first time I came here. . ." He started. Sesshomaru still did not acknowledge him, but the wolf knew he was listening. "I thought it was just a deed between friends. . ."

"You assumed wrong then?" He replied in an almost amused voice, as if mocking him. Koga glared back.

"I don't know. . .did I?" He smirked, now mocking the demon lord instead. Sesshomaru's amusement disappeared, only to be replaced by seriousness. They both turned their attention back on Kagome when she began to mumble in her sleep.

Sesshomaru resisted a smile, but his hand could not resist running through her ebony locks, letting her strands fall from his fingers like liquid. After a while, he answered.

"Yes, you assumed wrong." The wolf prince gritted his teeth, and turned away, jealousy seethed throughout his entire being.

"I don't know about the half-breed," Koga muttered. "But. . .when I said I wanted her to be my woman, I meant it with everything that I am." He glanced at Sesshomaru, who was watching him with intense, golden eyes. Giving him the impression that he was being judged. Reluctantly, he continued. "I love Kagome."

The taiyoukai growled.

"You know not what love is."

"And I suppose YOU do? You, Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands who's never showed an ounce of emotion in battle, slain countless without mercy, and hate humans with a passion. . ." cobalt eyes glittered in his rising temper. "You're telling me you know what love is?"

"Yes." Sesshomaru answered with such calm confidence, such resolution and honesty that it surprised Koga. Was this really the same demon lord? Turning away, his fists tightened by his side, and gazing up at the moon, he choked out the next question that would confirm it all.

"Do you love her?" The silence dragged on and on forever, and the anxiety was killing him before he was finally given an answer.

"Unconditionally, unrequitedly, and without regrets," Sesshomaru admitted, for the first time not afraid to admit to anyone else. `Let them think she is my weakness, my downfall. But I see her as my strength."

He couldn't believe his ears, it was so unlike him! Koga was very tempted to spill Sesshomaru's blood, alliance or no. But it was the next thought that stopped him from rash actions. Gazing once more at Kagome, who had a peaceful smile on her face, and Sesshomaru's fingers still entangled in her locks, he realized something else. He didn't love her unrequitedly.

`She loves him too. . .' He could sense it, the feeling that she directed towards the demon lord was stronger than it ever was for Inuyasha, and he knew he didn't have a chance in hell. She was not his, and was never his to begin with.

Now that he thought about it, did he REALLY love Kagome? Or was he just as bad as Inuyasha? From what he had gathered before, the hanyou only wanted her around to find jewel shards. Hadn't he kidnapped her, decided that she would become his for the same reason? For her power?

Looking at Sesshomaru, he had to admit. . .the demon lord seemed to love her for reasons far beyond petty desires of power or lust. He could SEE. It was so clear to him now.

"You'd better not hurt her like dog-breath over there," He growled, motioning over to Inuyasha's sleeping form. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at him.

"You no longer wish for her?" He asked stoically, his calming ministrations through her hair stopping. Koga scoffed.

"It's not that I don't want her anymore," He gazed longingly at the girl. "But I know when to give up. . .she's. . .already chosen. . ." Sesshomaru mulled over the wolf prince's answer. It was strange. . .hearing it come from Koga, thinking that he was implying what he was, and daring to hope that it was true.

But it was just strange hearing it come from one such as him. Sesshomaru suddenly had a whole new respect for Koga. . .he was even more mature than Inuyasha to know when to admit defeat.

"Well, why don't you get some rest, I'll take the next shift," Koga offered. He scoffed at the suggestion.

"I need no such rest," He answered. Koga couldn't help but smile, knowing that the moon undoubtedly lightened after straightening things out. He vaguely wondered if Inuyasha had realized what he had as well. `Nah, too slow for that.'

"I seem to recall. . ." Koga's attention snapped back to Sesshomaru as his icy voice sliced through the air. "That you were already betrothed to someone already in the first place. . ." He had to resist from smirking in amusement at the groan Koga emitted.

"Don't remind me. . ." He grumbled. "Ayame is ruthless in her pursuit. . ."

"Wolves are known for their persistence, I gather," Koga glared, getting the drift that he meant the wolf prince's own pursuit in Kagome.

Before he could retort, a light buzzing sound echoed off into the distance, and the wind began to blow in a most ominous matter. Both Koga and Sesshomaru became alert immediately, and even Inuyasha awakened from his deep slumber to the sudden shift in wind.

"I sense trouble. . ." He growled, though noticeably groggy.

From his side, Sesshomaru saw Kagome begin to thrash in restlessness in her sleep, as if in a nightmare.

"He's coming. . ." She muttered, "I feel his power, the jewel shards. . ."

"Kagome, wake up," Sesshomaru urged, nudging her slightly on her shoulder. She slowly opened her eyes, grasping onto his silk tail in a death grip, and a look of alarm was etched on her face.

"Sessho. . ." She whispered. He brought a finger to her lips to silence her. Then he pointed to the sky, in which she complied to do. Sapphire eyes widened in shock, and a gasp escaped her delicate lips.

"Those insects. . ." Koga muttered, almost in awe as hoard upon hoards of them flew by in a thick cloud. And not just insects, but demons as well.

"It's Naraku," Kagome stared at the dark cloud continued to drift over them shielding the moonlight until there was only eerie shadows to company them. She swallowed.

In an instant, Inuyasha had leapt down from his perch and unsheathed Tetsusaiga.

"Looks like he came a little earlier than expected," He growled. "Wake the others."

~ ^_^ ~

Crimson eyes glittered behind the white baboon mask. `Doomsday has come. . .' He smiled malevolently. How he dreamed of such a day when he would see his hands bathed in each and every one of their blood. `I will enjoy causing them pain.'

His army flew over them in dark shadows, and as they began to rouse from their sleep, completely surprised at his sudden appearance, Naraku could not help but gloat. Kagura and Kanna stood to his left, with Kikyo and Kohaku to his right.

Turning slightly to his mate, he whispered in a low and malevolent voice.

"Are you ready, Kikyo?" He purred, causing the miko beside him to open her eyes in cold malice. Her orbs flickered to where Inuyasha stood; the anger and bewilderment that adorned his features somehow brought her pleasure. She liked seeing him in pain.

"Oh yes, Naraku-sama. . ." A smile crept upon her lips. "As ready as I'll ever be."

As the cloud descended slowly onto the ground, the Inu-tachi took their battle stances. He observed the rag-tag group through his mask, noting how Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and Koga seemed to jump protectively in front of Kagome. `Slaughtering her will prove to be a major blow for them.'

Pushing away all devious plots for now, he focused his malicious greeting.

"It's judgement day."

~End Chapter ^_^

Yume: Okay, short, and I know kinda like a filler chapter. The whole purpose was to portray a different side to Koga. But you know, the calm before the storm. Next chapter! THE FINAL BATTLE!

CF: {dressed in a military outfit with marks on her cheeks} Bring it on! BABY! {cocks gun}

Yume: O_O Give me that! {grabs weapon} No playing with guns!

CF: It was a super soaker. . .

Yume: {mumbles} Oh, I meant to update Monday, but my mom had an operation and I spent the day playing "nurse" for her. {man that woman's picky} Anyway, Sorry for the long wait. Oh, and for any news and stuff about my updates, visit my homepage---er, xanga! Lol.

CF: CHIBI PIC!

Yume: Oh yeah, for those of you who don't know, fanart is posted on mediaminer.org now. I have a new pic up of Chibi Sess, Rin, and Kag! It's really cute. . .go and visit sometime! The link to my gallery is on my bio page---or just go to mediaminer.org and type in "Youkai Yume"

CF: We also have a pic up of Sessho in dog form giving kag a ride-from the chapter "just fly away!"

Yume: okay, enough of that. Please review, and no flames. Next chapter: ACTION PACKED AND TWIST! ^^

Review Responses:

~Fanfiction.net

inukagonly; DogDemon; rising waves; ptbear; GuradianAlexio; Silver Shadow Of Silence; Pixy-Misa-Misao-Amano; Polaris the Northstar; *.*; BlackWolfFenrir; Ariya Higurashi; White-Crystal; gimeGohan; Nymph Demon; Orchidaceae; Jaiasa; ForgetMeNot Fan; Kore Yan; CocaCola43; Megan Yuy; ~Inuyasha~Lover~; Kiaor; VicFan; aqua gurl; DarkFIre77; JadeBlueAfterGlow1; ChibiTenshi5; Kagome loves Inuyasha; Saria4; Whitedragon354; luna101; Rhexi; Lady Shippo; Namesake; Dionysos; spirit elemtent; Inulover626; fire goddess5; wyldwolfrose; Rin; Sesshys Hime; Tsuki Yume; bloodbunny; vgamer575; KougasMyMan; raine84; DemonWicca1; Lady Icykimi; Tsykyamma; Wake-Robin; Dragon Rae; Rabid-Inu-Girl; snowy day; Minni May Yukibara; Defafaeth Mechqua; MidnightDragonShadow; Reine Keri; MoonlightPrincess; blazing kodachi; Fluffy-Maru-Kouga-Chan; Akina Tsukana; Moon-n-Universe-Goddess; Sadow39; Lady ShadowMoon; ladihouki; Jupiter's Light; THANKS SO MUCH!

Suisen: Oh, why oh why would you be shy reviewing to me? I'll have you know that I cherish every single one of my reviews, and I was dying to talk to you when read your review! Thanks for supporting my fic for a long time, and I hope you review again soon!

Perro: Oh, it's not that I haven't gotten your reviews, I have! Every single one of them {huggles reviews} As I said before, just missed you is all.

Shinigami Clara: I know it's very frustrating, but Kagome doesn't tell Sessho because she's afraid that the reason she fell for him is because of Inu, and she thinks it's unfair for him if that's the case.

Kataini Masaya: Oh, don't worry about Inu. He'll come around eventually. He's kinda neutral at the moment.

Angel of the Heavens: Thanks, I support Inu/Kag as well, but the alternative pairing is just so much more fun!

DarknessGuardian: No, it's not just you, I always manage to squeeze in a little romance in each chapter!

Whysper: I know! A growing problem I need to get rid of! So ashamed! {runs away crying} P.S. I never expected you to stick with this fic for so long. . .I'm honored!

grey tears: Haha, you guys are just so funny. I truly enjoy hearing all of your rambles. Lol.

Victoria Wolf: Wow, interesting concept. You know you could write a fic with that idea!

Kiwi93089: Yes, Kikyo is good. . .in an evil kinda way. Lol.

Guardian: HI KELLIE! Man! I thought I'd lose you as a reader once that website went down. Glad to have you here!

Noir12: HAHA, Koga is only twist number one! ^^

~Mediaminer.org

12blue12; MKyrissaean; Kurama no Miko2003; S1Cherry; maruchan; akuma river; DeathsAngel; lady scorpio; Sharyil; InusDemoness; CrystalRaven44; THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!

Inuyashas Kagome: lol. I love it when Naraku doesn't get his way either. But he's still my favorite villian!

yugis_chik_4eva: Glad to have more fans!

StormAZ: I know, but the real fight begins in the next chapter.

IsisTheEgyptianGoddess: (blushes) Oh, stop it! Haha.

END NOTE!

Yume: no time for idle chitchat, gotta get to school! Lol. Ack! I'm late!

CF: Hurry Yume, hurry!

Ja Ne! ^_~