I Am Me; No One Else

Chapter 14: The Temple of the Sacred Arrow

Kagome was relieved to learn that her former companions were alright; even if she thought Inuyasha was pushing her patience with him while not among them. That he still thought he could have her while sneaking around with Kikiyo...it hurt, and painfully so.

Sesshoumaru had caught her crying alone again and singing as he guarded her during her usual bath ritual she had. Often times now joining her and holding her as she leaned onto him for support while he silently vowed to himself that she would not suffer again from him like she had from his brother.

He would not betray this bond; he would not become his father or his brother. He would more than they had been.

Her angelic voice toned over in sadness as the smell of loneliness and salt engulfed her frame had made him very angry at his half-brother. Nearly to the point of being unable to control his rage for her pain at Inuyasha's hands when he had promised to protect her. It was as if her voice called to him when she sang, but her words...they pulled at his heart to hear them and to know she had not forgotten his brother and how he had hurt her.

She had acknowledged him and their bond; she had told him she did not regret it in the slightest. Yet, she couldn't forget what had led her to this path; of what had forced her hand to come this way.

Though, he would never admit that aloud to anyone.

He remembered her as she had pleased him so many days before; a day that seemed so long ago at the lakeside, and how she had been smiling and happy. He wanted her to always be happy and to remain as cheerful and playful as she had been with him that day without having to remember her past with such anguish and sadness.

He knew it would take time for her to let go; to fully let it all go while remembering the best of times with his brother in fondness. He was willing to wait for her no matter how long it took her. He would still be here when that happened and he would still be waiting; even if he had to wait another decade for it; he would wait for her.

She was worth it to him and he hoped she came to realize this.

--

It was the morning of their last day as travel companions; for the temple was close by, and near. The temple itself was inside the Western lands and Inu no Taisho had safeguarded it with Midoriko when they had worked together during their life-times.

As Kagome emerged into the light of the sun from dark caverns; she gasped to the sight as her smile exuded and radiated pure and uninhibited joy. Sesshoumaru and Ashura smiled to see her so happy; it was the first time in several days due to her worries.

"It's gorgeous, isn't it?" She beamed to them both

She grabbed their hands and dragged them to the front courtyard garden as she laughed and then let them go whilst she danced around in happiness to be somewhere so peaceful.

The temple was a beautiful mixture of sturdy dark wood and white stone that made the structure of the monastery-like building, and had gardens of envy for the vibrant life it exuded. Kagome eyes misted as she slowly walked towards the front of the building and kneeled before it while bowing her head in respect and her body began to glow a soft lilac for a mere moment and then faded.

"Midoriko-dono." She said softly, "I feel your very soul within every inch of this place. The serene tranquility and reflection of the purest of pure hearts rest here. I am honored you believe me worthy to be here and to house your spirit."

"I will train hard and do what is within my power to avenge you and our sisters who lost their lives to Naraku, formerly known as Onigumo. I will try to end your suffering and allow you to finally rest in peace." She said