Priceless (an InuYasha FanFic)

Plans and Reminiscing

The Taisho's lived in a large mansion on the outskirts of Tokyo, in what had once been the capital, and central hub of the once illustrious Western lands belonging to the great Inu No Taisho. Said mansion was the central building, of a collection of buildings which had originally been the great Inu fortress. It was the ancestral home of the Taisho family, and though it had of course been renovated and remodeled many times over the years to keep up with human advances, it still held many of the most integral details of its original architecture. It stood on the hill like something out of a history book, beautiful, and dangerous, and regal.

The grounds on which this magnificent castle stood was also owned by the Taisho family and stretched outwards from the structure for many miles, which were protected by certain wards and spells to deter any unwanted visitors. Their lands served as a safe haven for some of those demons who either refused or could not blend in with human society. Those who preferred the old ways, and those whose form was still unable to be disguised by the spells which bound other demons' appearances. The lands were covered in vast forests with spatterings of meadows filled with wildflowers, various brooks and streams as well as a decent sized river, one or two ponds and a small lake. Near the castle, there was an entire grove of Sakura Trees which almost seemed to be perpetually in bloom. Sakura trees also decorated the gardens and the road which lead up to this majestic castle. 

All in all, the Taisho home was a beautiful haven for the spirit, and for those spiritual beings, for that is what youkai were, creatures of spirit. That is what connects youkai, Miko, and men of holy power. They were all deeply intuned with things of the spirit. Of magic, and Youki, and Reiki. 

Sitting within this haven, in the kitchen which had been converted for the use of one cook rather than the many which had once been needed to feed the hordes of noble youkai who lived here, were the Lady Izayoi and Kaiya. Kaiya had come several hours early for their dinner so that she could have the chance to help Izayoi with the preparations which would be necessary. 

"So were you able to convince Kikyo to come tonight?" Asked Izayoi.

"No, apparently Inuyasha and she have a previous engagement. They won't be joining us this evening." 

"Such a shame..." Izayoi hid her smirk. Once Kaiya had the chance to properly meet Kagome and hear the story from her, the last pieces would fall into place. Izayoi only hoped that Kaiya would not take the side of her daughter against poor Kagome. Though, knowing Kaiya's no-nonsense worldview, she had high hopes for such an outcome.

"Yes. They'll just have to meet another time."

At that moment the oven beeped signaling that the roast Izayoi had put in that morning had finished. After she pulled it out to cool, Izayoi set about putting out the plates, silverware, and other meal accouterments. This would indeed prove to be an eventful night if nothing else.

...

Inuyasha and Kikyo sat in Inuyasha's car, watching the sun, as it set over Japan. 

"We need to talk about what happened on Saturday," Inuyasha remarked. He had given his girlfriend the space she needed, but he needed answers. "Kagome is my brother's Mate. I know you didn't really like her in high school an' all but didn't you two use to be best friends or somethin'"

Kikyo remained silent, brooding. She honestly didn't know how to feel about seeing Kagome again. Especially after the letter, she had gotten from her a few months ago. Summer had been almost over and Kikyo had received a handwritten note in the mail which read

                   "My dearest Kikyo,

 I know we haven't been friends since middle school, but you are the last person who ever truly cared about me, so it seemed appropriate that my last words be addressed to you. You, who were my best friend. My light in the darkness. My confidant. The last person I thought I could trust. You were the one who made my life worth living after my father left us. You were the only one to whom I divulged my deepest darkest secrets. You knew my fears and my passions. My hopes and dreams. You were the only one whom I told that I had a crush on Inuyasha.

When did it all go so wrong? What did I do to make you hate me so much? My dearest friend, when did you decide that Inuyasha was worth risking our friendship for. I was prepared to back off. Inuyasha chose you. Why then did you turn our friends against me? Why did you tell my secrets and fears to everyone at school when you knew that it would wound me? Was this your goal? Did you want me gone? Then so be it. You will never be forced to look at me again. By the time you read this letter, I will be long gone from this world. You can have the school. You can have Inuyasha. You win. There is no place left for me in this life, so why should I linger?

Just do me this one favor, if you ever loved me as your friend. Treat Inuyasha well. He always had that distant and sad look in his eyes. That was what first drew me to him. Did you know that? That melancholic look which made me think that we may have something of a sad past in common with each other. Tell him to stay strong, remind him that he has a good heart. He always deserved better than me anyway. Don't forget me. 

Kagome"

Kikyo glowered at the sliver of gold that still lingered over Mount Fuji. Kikyo had been cruel to Kagome in high school, and she knew it. But as much as she had been cruel to Kagome, that letter, Telling Kikyo that she was killing herself when in fact she never planned on doing anything of the sort, irked Kikyo beyond anything she thought she could still feel for the girl. She never in a million years imagined that Kagome could turn around and be a manipulative bitch right back.

Inuyasha watched as Kikyo's face changed with her thoughts. Even if she stayed quiet, he could tell she was upset by something. Frowning, Inuyasha turned his attention back to the sunset as well. Whatever it was, she would tell him eventually... right?

AN Hmmm... Kagome left a note? I wonder how much of what Kikyo did was Inuyasha truly aware of...?

Until later my lovelies! Remember to leave a comment, tell me what you thought, or feel free to notify me of any mistakes or potential improvements. Constructive criticism is how we, writer's, improve. 

This story is now officially up on Wattpad, Dokuga, and AO3 for any of you who may prefer reading in different forums. and for those of you who don't know, Dokuga is a fanfiction website dedicated to specifically the pairing of Kagome and Sesshomaru. Lots of good stuff on there.

~Cassie