A Tragic Lovesong Divine

Kikyo arose bright and early the next morning. She did all of her morning duties such as gathering food to eat and doing some laundry. After dinner she decided that she needed to go and gather some medicinal herbs, for she was running low and did not want to run out in case of an emergency. Kaede was out playing with some local children so she decided to leave her at play to gather herbs. After gathering her bow and arrows, Kikyo grabbed her basket and left for the fields. She did not get very far before she started to sense another presence. It was a demonic presence, but not like anything she had sensed before. It was not as strong as most demonic auroras were, but it was still strong enough to keep her on guard. She stopped suddenly when she reached the forest before heading out to the fields. She bent over and proceeded to gather some herbs.

Now’s my chance...He watched her for a moment while she was gathering herbs then he leaped from the tree branch and landed a few feet behind her. “GIVE ME THAT JEWEL OR ELSE I’LL…” Before he could finish his statement Kikyo had turned and fired two arrows at him, pinning him to the very tree that he leaped from. “HEY! WHAT THE HELL…”

“So tell me, why exactly did you decide to attack me? I am sure I sensed your presence here yesterday but you did not try to kill me. Why all of a sudden are you trying to kill me now?” Kikyo asked.

“Huh? What? Why should I answer you? I am going to take out these arrows, kill you, then take that jewel from around your scrawny neck,” Inuyasha smirked. Who does she think she is? I could kill her with one blow and not think twice about it. His thoughts were interrupted by Kikyo’s voice.

“Oh really? So the jewel is what you’re after.”

“Gee, you’re really a dumb broad. What the hell you think I was after? I’m after what all the other demons are after. The difference between them and me is that I can actually take the jewel. The rest of the demons are all talk, but not me. Kikyo laughed. This angered Inuyasha. What the hell is she laughing for? This is no laughing matter. Can’t she see that she is in mortal danger?

“How about I kill you now and get it over with?” he asked with a smirk.

“I don’t really think that you want to kill me. I think you just want the jewel but unfortunately you can’t have it. So tell me…half-demon, what is your name?”

Did she just call me a half demon? Inuyasha was pissed now. “HEY! DON’T YOU CALL ME HALF-DEMON! YOU GOT THAT!”

“I am going to let you live today. If you tell me your name then I promise to never call you a half-demon ever again.”

Inuyasha thought about this for a moment. Is she serious? He knew that it was only a matter of time before he pulled the arrows out of his shoulders, but at the moment, he was in no position to do anything. It would take him a while to get the arrows out but he doubted that he’d be able to get them out in time to dodge an arrow aimed at his heart.

“Inuyasha,” he mumbled angrily.

“Well Inuyasha, I shall be on my way.” Kikyo put her arrows away and started to walk back towards the village.

“HEY! HEY…I’M TALKING TO YOU! WHAT IS YOUR NAME? AREN’T YOU SCARED THAT I AM GOING TO COME AND KILL YOU IN YOUR SLEEP,” yelled Inuyasha.

Kikyo turned and looked at him. “No, actually I’m not. It is probably going to take you a few hours to get those arrows out of your shoulders and to answer your question, my name is Kikyo.” Then she turned and walked off.

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I can’t believe this…these arrows…why the hell won’t they come out? Inuyasha asked himself this over and over but he decided that there was no point in dwelling on it. He knew that he should have been grateful that she let him live, but he still could not help but to be pissed. Kikyo. Not your average name for a young girl…yet, she carried herself as though she were a full grown woman. She was very pretty, he decided, although this was based on her face alone. Her robe kept her body covered up so all he knew was that the robe she wore outlined her curves very nicely. Her long, dark hair was tied behind her back and her almond eyes were very soulful. After going over her features in his head for a while he laughed. Why am I studying her so? She’s not all that and she’s a pain in my ass. Inuyasha sighed. It was not going to be easy getting that Sacred Jewel from her, but he figured he hang around until the opportune moment arrived and with that thought, he finally managed to pull one of the arrows out of his shoulder. It was starting to get dark and he had only managed to pull out just one of the arrows. This is going to be a long night, he thought.

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Just what in the world was I thinking, letting that half-demon get away? Well, he didn’t actually get away since he was currently stuck to a tree near the jasmine fields outside the village. But still…He said his name was Inuyasha. What a funny name for a mere half-demon!

“Ha!” she laughed out loud. He had such an attitude problem…so feisty and quick at the tongue and yet…He didn’t look half bad. If you can get past the dog ears, he was actually very good-looking. His long white hair complimented his piercing cat eyes, which were a sharp yellow color. He wore a red robe which complimented his pale, demon skin. His dog ears were actually kind of cute. What in the world am I going on about? I’ll probably have to finish him off tomorrow anyway. He doesn’t seem to know when to quit. Kikyo was so lost in thought that she didn’t realize that she had made it back to the village nor did she hear her sister calling her name.

“KIKYO!” It was Kaede.

“Oh, I’m sorry Kaede. I was just thinking about some things. Come here and give me a hug.”

“Sister, what took you so long? I was worried about you.”

“Oh, I got caught up wrestling with a demon.” Kaede looked frightened. “Hey, don’t you worry. I put him in his place. He was practically harmless.” Kikyo smiled at her sister. She was all she had in this world and the only one who truly cared about her well-being. “Kaede, I love you so much. It makes me happy that you’re always so concerned for my well-being. That lets me know that I truly have a reason for living.”

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The next morning, Inuyasha awoke bright and early. He did not sleep very well, mostly because of the pain in his shoulders. It didn’t take him too long to get the arrows out of his shoulders, but the pain they left behind was unlike any arrows he’d ever been shot with. Some priestess she was. Kikyo. He was about to venture out towards the fields when he heard laughter coming his way. He quickly jumped back towards the forest and hid behind one of the trees. As the voices got closer, he recognized one of them as Kikyo’s. The other one he did not recognize. He proceeded to hide but when Kikyo and the little girl that was with her finally reached the tree in which he was hiding behind, he could smell Kikyo’s sweet scent. She smelled of fresh jasmine and roses, a scent that made his nose tingle. He watched Kikyo as she and the little one ran around in the fields. She seemed to be enjoying herself and the smile she was wearing was enough to make any man stop and stare. Although she was smiling today, it was not something that Inuyasha thought she did often. Yesterday she looked as though she would never smile again. He was not sure when he had come from behind the tree, but when he looked up he realized that Kikyo was looking right at him. Inuyasha quickly ducked behind the tree again.

“Kikyo, what are you staring at?” It was the little one who was with her asking questions. Damn. Why do kids have to be so damn curious? If Kikyo decides to come over here then I’ll have to kill her and take the jewel in front of the kid. Inuyasha did not wish to do that. It wasn’t really his style. I will if I have to though he thought.

“Um, nothing. Look Kaede, you see those daffodils over there? Go and fill a basket up with some good ones ok?”

“Okay big sis," said the little one. So the little one is her sister… Before Inuyasha could dwell on his new discovery, Kikyo called out his name.

“Inuyasha, I know you are there. Why are you watching me so? I thought you were going to kill me?” Inuyasha stayed behind the tree. He did not wish to confront her, not just yet.

“Fine then. Don’t come out. Kaede let’s go now. We should be heading back so I can fix you supper.” Inuyasha watched as they gathered their things and began to journey back towards the near by village. He could not understand why he did not just kill Kikyo. If it was Sesshomoru he probably would have killed her by now. Inuyasha quickly climbed back onto the highest tree branch. He could still smell Kikyo’s scent. He smiled then closed his eyes for the night.

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For the next couple of days, Inuyasha stayed hidden in the trees watching Kikyo whenever she came to the fields. For some reason he just couldn’t bring himself to harm her. He liked how she smelled and he loved watching smile whenever she played with her sister. One day she came to the fields all alone. She looked so sad and lonely. Inuyasha wanted a closer look so he quietly climbed down from the tree branch and began to walk towards her slowly.

“Inuyasha, are you intending to kill me today?” Her question caught him off guard. For a second he forgot she was a high priestess with spiritual powers.

“Um…what? Why would I do that? I just want the jewel.” In truth, he had forgotten all about stealing the jewel. The last couple of days were spent watching Kikyo and for some strange reason watching her became an everyday activity in which he enjoyed immensely. He did not know whether or not he should go and sit next to her or leave.

“Inuyasha, you can sit down over here if you wish. I will not harm you, but if you even think about trying to get the jewel I will kill you.”

“Yeah, whatever.” He sat down next to her and her scent hit him all over again. He looked down at her and studied her features again. She was lying in the grassy field with her eyes closed. She looked so beautiful and peaceful lying there. Her robe was slightly opened and he caught a glimpse of her bare chest and neckline. It looked so soft. The sound of Kikyo’s voice brought him back to reality.

“Inuyasha, you’re not an average demon are you? I mean, I know you are one half human but that’s not what I mean.”

“Well, just what the heck do you mean then?”

“I mean that you’re not as bad as you pretend to be.”

“Hmpf. Whatever. I am bad. I just don’t feel like being bad right now that’s all.” It was a lie of course. He was never really a bad demon, but because he was always so misunderstood, he developed a habit of being bad wherever he went; not to mention his brother never made life any easier for him.

“Well, I know that you have been watching me for the past few days and I was just wondering why you haven’t made an attempt at the Shikon Jewel again.”

“DAMN! ENOUGH WITH THE QUESTIONS ALREADY! I SAID I WASN’T GOING TO KILL YOU AND I’M NOT! CAN YOU JUST LEAVE IT AT THAT?” Inuyasha had no idea why he was yelling, and even thought about apologizing but he didn’t. Kikyo did not respond to his shouting and that made him angry. Is she ignoring me? “Kikyo? Did you hear me? HEY, I’M TALKING TO YOU!” Kikyo laughed. “Hey, what’s so damn funny? What, you think it’s funny that you’re ignoring me?”

“No.” Kikyo was no longer laughing. She had opened her eyes and had a very serious look on her face. She sat up quickly and reached for her arrows.

“Hey, HEY…I thought…” but his sentence was cut short. A squirrel demon had come from behind and punched Inuyasha in the back of the head. “WHAT THE HELL…” Kikyo fired an arrow at the demon’s heart and it disintegrated. Inuyasha turned and looked at Kikyo. He thought she was getting those arrows in order to try and kill him, but he was wrong.

“Inuyasha, I should go now. It’s getting late and I don’t wanna fight anymore demons today.” Kikyo turned and started to walk away. I don’t think I want her to go.

“Kik…Kikyo.”

“Yes, Inuyasha?”

“Um…” He did not know what to say. Finally he decided on just letting her go. “Be safe.” Kikyo laughed and kept walking.

That Inuyasha…what is his deal? Kikyo began to wonder what was going on inside of his head. One day he talked of killing her but now he’s just watching her. She didn’t really mind him watching her. It was just sort of strange because no one had ever paid so much attention to her besides Kaede. Then again, it could be a trap. Kikyo let out a sigh. “I hope it’s not a trap. I’ll feel so bad if something were to happen to Kaede all because I was foolish and let a half-demon live.” Kikyo’s thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of frightened villagers.

“SISTER KIKYO! PLEASE COME QUICK! DEMONS ARE ATTACKING THE VILLAGE!” Kikyo ran into the village and began firing arrows at the many flying bird demons. There were so many and she was almost out of arrows.

“KIKYO!” It was Kaede.

“KAEDE, GO INSIDE NOW! I DON’T WANT YOU TO GET HURT!”

“BUT KIKYO…”

“NOW! DO AS I…”

“IRON REAVER SOUL STEALER!” Kikyo turned around just in time to see Inuyasha slaughter another demon.

“Inuyasha, what are you…”

“LOOK OUT!” Kikyo turned and fired her last arrow at the attacking demon.

“Looks like you need my help.” There were still a few birds left to kill but she had used all of her arrows. Inuyasha used his claws to slaughter the last of the demons. When the last of the bird demons fell dead on the ground, Inuyasha turned to Kikyo. “Are you ok?”

“Um, yes. I’m…I’m fine.” Kikyo was still in shock at the sight of Inuyasha. He had saved her life. She sensed the other demon presence but because she was worrying about Kaede, she did not react fast enough and it almost cost her her life. “Thank you Inuyasha.”

“Huh?” He stared at her intently; the look on his face full of concern. “It was no…I mean yeah whatever. You sure you’re ok?”

“Yes.”

“Then I guess I’ll see you around.” Then he was off again, up the trail and into the forest. He…he saved my life, but how did he… Kikyo decided to just go and get some rest. She would ask him about it tomorrow after she’s done helping the villagers clean up.

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Inuyasha awoke the next morning to Kikyo’s voice. “Inuyasha,” she called. “Will you come down? I would like to talk to you.” What in the world did she want to talk about? Inuyasha jumped down from the tree.

“Yes, Kikyo? Is there something you need...I mean, yeah what’s up with you?”

“Inuyasha…I…I have been thinking about what happened in the village yesterday. If it had not been for you then some of the villagers would have gotten hurt. I have been fighting demons for a while now and I’ve never had any help. Yesterday I decided to relax a little and not worry about demons but I now know that I do not have time for such things.”

Inuyasha listened to her while studying her intently. Clearly she hasn’t had the best time of things. Right now, she looked so sad and the way she spoke was as though she was never supposed to be happy. That is not the case, not for her or anyone.

“So Inuyasha, I just wanted to thank you again for being such a big help. I know that it seemed as though I was being ungrateful, but I was just…shocked that’s all.” Kikyo stood there silently looking away from him. It was as though she could not bear to look him in the eye.

“Yeah well, you need to learn to take better care of yourself. As for my help, don’t thank me. Just be grateful that I followed you home…” Inuyasha stopped talking suddenly and looked away. He had not meant to mention that he followed her home.

“You followed me home yesterday?” Kikyo asked incredulously.

“Ehh…..well, yeah. I wanted to make sure there weren’t anymore bad demons following you that’s all. It’s no big deal you know. You don’t have to worry about me following you around. I’m not some stalker.” He wasn’t a stalker, but in truth, the real reason that he followed Kikyo home was to see where she was staying so that he could watch her even when she wasn’t in the fields. He also thought she was very beautiful and watching her made his day seem to go by much faster.

“I…I guess I’ll be going now.” Inuyasha watched as Kikyo once again turned to leave. Before he knew what he was saying Inuyasha blurted out, “HEY KIKYO! ARE YOU…ARE YOU COMING BACK TODAY?” Why the hell do I care whether or not she comes back today? It was too late. He had already asked. He was hoping she didn’t hear him, but when she turned around suddenly, he realized that she in fact, did hear him.

“Do you want me to come back?”

It was such a simple question but to respond to such a question was well beyond simple. If he said yes, then she’d probably think he was a fool and he didn’t want to give her the impression that he liked her or something. Then again, if he said no, then he’d risk hurting her feelings and from the looks of things, her feelings had been hurt enough already. “Um…well, I didn’t say that you had to come back. I was just asking. Nevermind. Uh…later.”

Kikyo went back to the village and left Inuyasha standing there. He decided not to climb the tree but sat under one of the trees in the shade to think. Kikyo. He could not figure out why he cared so much. They had never really talked and he couldn’t really call their relationship a friendly one. Sure, he helped her out by fighting off those bird demons, but that doesn’t make them friends. And yet, she came to see him today of her own free will to apologize to him for being rude. He did not think she was rude last night. He was in awe that she cared so much for those lowly humans who never really paid her much attention except when they needed her help. The fact that she wasn’t with anybody bothered him too. She was so beautiful. Her smile alone was enough to make any man or demon long for her. She was probably the prettiest human he had ever laid eyes on.

Inuyasha let out a sigh. He just couldn’t get Kikyo out of his head. The village was so near and so he could still smell her from the village. His demon nose was very sensitive and being half dog only sharpened his senses more. Inuyasha’s thoughts now angered him a little. Why do I care? He had never cared for any individual besides himself and his brother. It was becoming evident that he cared about Kikyo’s well being. He now found himself plotting ways to make her happy but at the moment he just wasn’t sure how. Inuyasha looked towards the sky. It now the middle of the afternoon and he was getting hungry.

“Maybe…maybe there are some fish near the village,” he thought. With that fleeting thought, he made his way towards the village.