Vacillate by vampyrosa

The bittersweet end

Chapter one

Declaration of love-

The sky above was clear, the wind cool and everything seemed to be at right, now that Naraku was gone. Kagome sat on the side lines as their group celebrated back at Keade's village. Miroku at the moment was trying to run from a very rambunctious- not to mention drunk- Sango. "Hold still monk! I just want to demonstrate my secret 'hick' technique!" She shouted. Miroku in turn yelled back, "My dear lady, maybe you should reconsider this for another time, perhaps when you are more sober!" Shippou and Kohako were roasting marshmallows, a treat she gave them.

As for Inuyasha, Kagome had yet to see him. She wondered if he was still talking to his half brother. Those two had made progress over the years where it wasn't necessary to try and kill each other at the mere sight of each other. By all means, they still hated each other, but at least they could get along to some degree. If it weren't for Sesshoumaru's help, Kagome wondered if they would ever be able to destroy Naraku.

Kagome got up to take a walk. It was a prefect summer evening. The air was fragrant with the blooming flowers and the smell of the good rich earth. She grabbed her bow and a few arrows, just in case. Kagome touched the jewel, now completed, that hung around her neck. It was still faintly tainted, with its swirled inky blackness. It would take some time to cleanse it of its filth.

She walked to a meadow that she knew was nearby. It was quite beautiful with its night blooming flowers and soft grass. She sat down on the organic carpet and looked up to the full moon. Every once in a while she would catch a glimpse of a bat or a wayward moth. The gentle chirpings of the night sang its own lullaby.

It felt like her heart was going to break. She would miss this place. She played with the necklace, reliving her memories. She thought of all the times she had fun here, the moments when she thought she was good as dead, and all the battles they endured. It was over now, and she needed to return home. Her real home, that is, where technology was the new form of magic, and information was the power every one craved. Back to the busy streets, the hurried rushed life of school, jobs and making a family- Back to the 22nd century.

Kagome trained her ears to listen to the villagers and her friends. Their shouts of joy gave her little cheer. In the morning she would tell them. She laid back and starred at the stars, wondering not for the first time since the jewel was completed whether to give it over to Inuyasha or not. She guessed it would depend on his answer. Should he still decide to become a full demon then... Kagome frowned. Could she deny him the jewel? In that vein of thought, she wondered if she could hold off Inuyasha.

Kagome sighed downheartedly. Her brain hurt from all these troublesome thoughts. It was no use trying to predict anything. She would just have to go with the flow of things and see what happens.

"Kagome what are you doing way over here?" Inuyasha snapped. Inwardly Kagome sighed again.

"I needed some time alone to think," she said still starring up at the sky.

"Can't you do that in the village?" He grounded out. She didn't need to look at him to know he folded his arms in his agitation.

"No, like I just said, I need some time to myself." She said calmly.

"Well... you could get hurt. Out here, all alone." He huffed.

"I'm not as weak and defenseless as you think I am. Besides, if some bad guy wants to take me on, it better that I'm out here where no one will get hurt." She said. She rolled over to look at him. He didn't look half as angry as he sounded. In fact, she could have sworn he looked nervous. "How did your meeting go with your half brother?"

He snarled in anger. He walked over and plopped down beside her. "The same old BS from the same old bastard. Nothings changed." He growled. Kagome noted the deflated look in her friend's eyes. She couldn't help but lean her head on his shoulder.

"Hmm... things will get better." She said softly. She idly drew circles on his back as her thoughts swept her away. Inuyasha glance down at her when she wasn't looking. She wasn't anything like Kikyo, not in manner or in personality. In a few years that he had known Kagome, she was something entirely different, something new. He knew it was wrong to compare them, but in retrospect, Kikyo was always cold. Even in their love, she was cold and distant. Kagome on the other hand was warm, and there was an easy atmosphere to their friendship. Even now as she leaned on him, he knew Kikyo would never do anything so openly affectionate. Timidly he lean his head on Kagome's and snaked his arm around her waist. He let the pent up breath go as Kagome didn't make a move to shrug off his arm. They sat there together in quiet companionship.

The night was warm except for a few cool breezes that cut through the field. Out side of the buzz of the night creatures, he could faintly hear her heart beating. He noted the pulsating blood made her skin deliciously warm to the touch. He was all too aware of her engaging smell. It was the combination of perspiration, vanilla lotion and clean cotton clothes. For a moment he was sorely tempted to inhale her unique fragrance. Distantly he wondered how he could not like it.

Kagome sat a little straighter, "Look!" Inuyasha followed where her finger was pointed. They both witness the brilliant blue streak of the falling star. She looked at him with a dazzling smile, "Make a wish!"

She closed her eyes and thought hard. Inuyasha continued to watch her as she made her wish. He stared at her slightly parted lips as she mumbled to herself. He cleared his throat and said, "I wish-" Kagome put a finger to his lips. He looked at her quizzically.

"You're not supposed to tell anyone otherwise it won't come true." She said sweetly.

"Kagome," He said softly looking down at her. He saw how the moonlight soften her features. She looked at him in speculation as to what he wanted.

"Yes?"

"N-nothing..." He quickly looked away. He stared at the moon and remembered something. He licked his dry lips and said, "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Kagome raised an eyebrow, "Inuyasha, are you feeling okay?" He was silent, so Kagome didn't push him. She looped her arm around his and looked up at the sky. "It's very beautiful," she said. She stifled a yawn as her eyes began to flutter close.

"Not as beautiful as you..." Inuyasha quickly muttered. Kagome's eyes popped open. She pulled away and stared at him. He cautiously turned his gaze to her. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, for the first time you said something absolutely right!" She tackled him with a hug. He laughed as Kagome squeezed him.

"Um... I need to breathe," Inuyasha teased. Kagome pulled away and Inuyasha was stunned to see tiny droplets fall from her eyes, "Kagome?"

She blinked away the tears and smiled at him. In that instant, he couldn't deny what he felt for a very long time. He loved her and it was now or never. Very gently he smoothed her hair away from her face. She looked at him, confused and a little afraid. He rubbed his thumb on her lower lip. He leaned close and whispered into her ear, "I'm in love with you."

Kagome felt the electric shiver run down her spine. It felt like someone poured ice water all over her body. She couldn't breathe, she couldn't talk, and she couldn't move. Of course she didn't have to do anything as she felt his moist lips press against her own. Her arms on their own accord wrapped themselves around his shoulders. Her hands found themselves working their way through his white mane. She was only aware of their lips tenderly caressing each other.

However, deeper into Inuyasha's forest, not all was fine on that beautiful night. In a shallow grave, the resident spirits awoke. The tombstone with its in enchanted markings glowed once Inuyasha spoke his true feelings. The ground shook until the ground gave way. Otherworldly beings slipped out like shadows. Their eye's the color of brimstone and pain. They slithered along, slowly in the directions of the two lovers.

The fondness of the heart-

Kagome pulled away and sighed contently. She starred at Inuyasha hungrily. For so long she had waited for this moment. Finally, after all these years, he had chosen her... or did he? Kagome pulled away. Damn it, she thought. Even now, that ghost has managed to ruin this perfect moment. Inuyasha sensing the change in mood guided Kagome's face back to him.

"What wrong?" He said anxiously. He felt a knot grow tighter inside with the thought that he misunderstood the situation.

"Its... It's just that," Kagome groan in frustration. She tried to find the right words to convey her concern but the words she needed escaped her. "I need to know who you love."

Inuyasha blink in confusion. "Huh?"

"Please be honest with me. Do you love me, Kagome or do you love Kikyo's reincarnation? I need to know," Kagome grabbed his hand. Her eyes pleaded with him.

Inuyasha quirked a side smile, "I love you, Kagome, duh!"

Kagome's eyebrow twitch, and briefly she wondered why she was so in love with him. Inuyasha could tell that Kagome was seconds off from sweat-dropping. He had to think of something to get them back into their groove. He smiled mischievously and kissed her on the nose. "You think too much."

"I can't help it-" Kagome was silenced as she was bombarded with kisses. She swooned under the pleasure. She had no idea how talented his tongue was. At first it was a struggle to keep up. It wasn't like she had much practice. Soon, they found a rhythm they could enjoy.

In what seemed like hours in bliss, they finally parted reluctantly. Kagome tried to gain her breathe as Inuyasha simply smiled like an idiot. Kagome turned to him and immediately saw the lust in his eyes. They were lit with an unnatural gold hue. Instinctively, Kagome backed away.

"Where do you think your going?" Inuyasha's grin turned into a carnal smirk. She leaned further back, as he leaned over her. Gravity took its toil and Kagome fell back onto the soft grass.

"This is going way too fast!" Kagome said even as she felt Inuyasha press on top.

"Then make me stop," he whispered huskily into her ear. Kagome heart was pounding. It wasn't out of fear, but desperate need. Her eyes fluttered close as she felt a hot hand trail up along her thigh and under her skirt. In her mind she grinned, Okay, so that's how it's going to be? With a blast from her hand Inuyasha was thrown off of her. Stunned he looked up at the towering girl. He tried to get up but Kagome firmly said, "Sit!" and he was thrown back down. The old anger flashed in his eyes but Kagome didn't mind as she straddles his waist.

"Let's take things a little more slowly..." She purred. Her hand slid over his chest and found the hard nub beneath the red cloth. She gently tweaked the nipple and Inuyasha gasped. Always an opportunist, she covered his mouth with her own and playfully flicked her tongue against his. He moaned in pleasure and pain as her hand turned a little more.

The two lovers did not go unnoticed. Sesshoumaru was flying on his dragon Ah-un toward his mountain dwelling. With keen eyes he just so happen to see the Miko girl have her way with the loathsome Hanyou. He could see her naked body playfully running away from his idiot half brother into the light of the moon. Her skin was the color of milk it that light. She looked like an ethereal being fallen from heaven. "How odd", he murmured to the night. He looked away, no emotion evident or expression to convey his inner thoughts. He flew high into the night sky.

It was nearing dawn. Kagome's head fell backwards and she panted hard. Inuyasha's skin was slick with sweat as he rolled off of her. He had to admit, she was a wild cat, and had managed to wear him out. They let the early morning breeze cool their bodies. Kagome rolled onto her side and smiled sleepily at him. Softly she caressed the pointed triangular ears and immediately Inuyasha began to hum with a satisfied growl.

"Inuyasha, I love you. From the very first moment, I loved you, my hot tempered baka." Kagome finally said. She rested her head on his chest, the unyielding beating of his racing heart, lulling her to sleep.

"I love you too my book crazed wench," He said jokingly. However, once he heard her claim, his heart swelled with joy. He knew she loved his but having her say it out loud that was cherry on his ice cream. He really thought he was a fool for waiting so long.

Kagome fell into a deep slumber. She had maybe an hour of sleep before a strange foreboding pushed her back into consciousness. She sat up and looked at the rays of light peeking over the horizon. Inuyasha silently watched her. He frowned as she clasped the whole jewel around her neck.

"Inuyasha... have you decided yet?" She did not look at him. "Do you still desire to become a demon?"

He could hear the pained uncertainty. He also took note the fear in her features. He knew his answer long before. He sat up and pulled her close. "Yes, I have decided."

Kagome looked at him the dread in her eyes had made him waver. "If you become a demon..."

"I'm not," He said abruptly. "Although I still want to, to protect you, I understand that if I make that wish, I'll lose you." He said softly and uncharacteristically spoken wisely. "Kagome, I'm sorry but I can not wish to be human either."

Kagome sighed with relief. "I would never ask you to become a human. I like you the way you are, my cutie-pie Hanyou." She tweaked his ears for emphasis. Inuyasha was stunned. That was a new concept to him. He felt renewed respect for his friend and lover.

He smiled, "So long as you carry the Shikon no Tama, I will always love and protect you." He held her close.

A sad thought entered her mind. She still had to protect the jewel. It wasn't a resentful thought, more or less a poignant acknowledgement that she had to give up on something. Then she knew as she looked at the man she loved for so long. She would stay, with him, here in the feudal age. It was too risky to take him and the jewel to the future otherwise.

"I want to stay here with you," She said at last. It both hurt and gave her joy. Inuyasha held her close. In that peaceful meadow, how were they to know the danger that inched closer to them? "I need back to tell my family." Soberly Inuyasha nodded his head. Quietly they gathered their clothes and dressed.

"Do you want me to go with you?" He asked.

"No, I better go alone," She paused, "On the next visit I want to properly introduce you. Right now, I think they'll be too shock to celebrate." She smiled at him. "Don't worry my family loves you."

The Lament of Inuyasha-

Kagome gave Inuyasha another kiss before heading to the Bone Eaters Well. Inuyasha returned to camp, a happy smile planted on his face and joy shining in his eyes. He thought of the years to come, the family he would raise and the time being with her. He came upon the village just as the sun had come up. Miroku had risen and was meditating near the doorway. Sango had gathered some wood with Shippou and Kohako in tow. As he came up to them, they all smiled knowingly.

Miroku didn't open his eyes as he addressed his friend, "Did you sleep fine last night?"

Inuyasha snorted, "Sleep?" Miroku raised an eyebrow and Sango giggled.

"Its official now, isn't it? Kagome is your woman?" Shippou stated the obvious. Everyone looked expectantly at Inuyasha.

"Well of course, and so you know, Monk she's off limits." Inuyasha intoned. Miroku caught the warning but he wasn't about to say that Kagome had been off limits for quite some time.

Suddenly Shippou groaned, "Damn it, now that makes you my dad!" Everyone laughed except Inuyasha and the pouting Shippou.

"Complain about it anymore and you'll be an orphan again, understood... son?" Inuyasha said wickedly. Shippou glared back.

"So how are you and Kagome going to go all about this," Miroku inquired. "Will you go with her to her time?"

"She decided to stay with me," Inuyasha said proudly. Miroku clapped Inuyasha on the back. However Sango had a worried look in her eyes.

"That seems all fine and dandy, but what about Kikyo? For your sake, you better not break Kagome's heart." Sango warned as she stepped into the cabin. Inuyasha's smile faltered at the mention of his ex-lover. He followed her inside and sat down across the demon exterminator. Always the big sister, he thought. The others understood the situation and did not follow.

"I'm serious that I love Kagome, I want to be with her," Inuyasha said as he took the offered rice bowl. Sango gave him a stern look, perhaps judging his sincerity.

"What about the matter of Kikyo?" Sango said softly.

Inuyasha bowed his head, "I can never stop loving her. When she was resurrected, I slowly became aware that it wasn't all of her there. It was just a reflection in the mirror." He looked up at her; the intensity glowed with his conviction. "Some how, I feel that she has returned to me but not through Kagome." He paused and looked away, "The Kikyo I knew and loved would want me to be happy..."

Sango nodded her head in approval. They ate in silence. Shippou poked his head in, "The meeting over?" Sango nodded and the rest came in to eat. They were talking about the past. Miroku brought up a story that made everyone laugh. Shippou was about to say something, then he stopped. He sniffed the air.

"Everyone quiet!" Everyone did, more out of shock at how serious Shippou sounded.

Both Inuyasha and Shippou's ears perked up. "Kagome!" Inuyasha shouted. They didn't even see him leave.

It stronger now, absently Inuyasha note, the smell of blood, Kagome's blood! He ran faster and leapt farther. Over the next ridge he could hear her faintly screaming. Please, please hold on until I get there! It was pure terror. His blood was pounding in his ears. His vision blurred with unshed tears.

Nothing mattered in the blurred world around him except her screams. It was all he could hear. Her scream, filled with pain and panic. He finally landed in the clearing but it was too late.

"Inuyasha!" She called pitifully.

Kagome was bleeding from numerous lacerations. From head to toe bruises began to develop. All around her a flurry of rocks and stones pelt her staggering form. She could feel his presence get closer but she could not see how far off. The blood trickled into her eyes, burning as it did. Finally, unable to stand any longer, she fell.

"Kagome!" He cried as she fell into the well. He rushed over but the shadows that control the rocks attacked him. Furiously he fought and slay the evil spirits. He stood before the well, but before he could jump in two figures appeared.

"K-Kikyo?" Inuyasha stammered. She did not smile nor react. From behind her a horribly disfigured man held her. The ground shook causing Inuyasha to fall back. The well was surrounded by a sickening miasma. He heard the infamous laughter of Naraku.

"You have vanquished me, now I return the favor!" Its lilting voice said into the haze. The ground continued to shudder and the well was swallowed up.

"No!" Inuyasha screamed! He struggled to dig the well out but it was no use, as the ground continued to consume it. He too was being pulled into the earthy abyss. He didn't care as he unrelentingly tried to plow the dirt away. Kikyou knelt down beside him.

"Forget about her... you have me now," She whispered. "Now and forever!" Inuyasha struggled within himself as Kikyo brush her lips over his cheek, but even through her ministration, he could still hear the ring of fear in Kagome's voice.

It was then he became aware of the hot fire of hell burning around them. He also became aware that he wasn't struggling against her embrace.

"Begone evil spirit!" Miroku whacked her on the head with his staff. Kikyo hissed and moved away. Sango rushed up and pulled the Hanyou away from her clutch.

Kikyo snarled, and in her hate her face contorted into a mask of hideousness. "Why must I suffer a lone? Why must I stand by while my beloved is stripped of me! I will not endure this pain solely!" Again she tempted to grab Inuyasha but Miroku easily put up a shield to protect them. "Curse you Inuyasha! You said you loved me!" Her miko powers began to hum around her, "May you never find happiness for forgetting your promise to me!" The area grew tainted with impending evil. They all stared in horror as Kikyo used the last of her strength to make a seal over the mound-covered well. Then she and the other apparitions disappeared.

Inuyasha was the first to recover from the shock leapt toward the dirt mound where the well once stood. The barrier repelled him. Miroku and Sango tried to pass the shield but they instantly became ill. They looked dishearten at it. Inuyasha let his tears fall as he beat against the shield.

"Kagome!"

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