Fallen Angel by Kira

Prologue~Fight

The chilled wind made its way across the land, the only true sign of winter's swift coming to the lands of the Feudal Era. The trees were barren of leaves; those that had fallen to the ground were now decayed and gone. Winter had been slow to coming, which allowed more time to prepare for its harshness, but now it was going to come with a vengeance.

Kagome walked the path from the well to the village where Kaede resided. She knew the village well now and had the respect of many. After she had dived into the water to save the boy, the villagers had taken a kindness and respect towards her. She had even taken the time to teach a few of the younger kids to swim to the amazement of their parents.

The breeze made its way to Kagome, sending her hair flailing behind her. Kagome lifted her face to the wind, closing her eyes and feeling much apart of the winter to come. She let her head fall with a sigh as the wind died down and continued her walk to the village.

She saw the villagers as she walked by. The men were about preparing for the winter that was soon to come. It would be a harsh winter, Kagome could sense it. She watched as some of the men went fishing, storing the fish during the winter to provide for food.

Others were cutting down trees in the forests and preparing mounds of firewood that would be to everyone's use. Some were gathering water into bins that would be warmed near the fires. That way there water supply would be inside the home and they would not lose heat by having to open the doors as much. A few men were missing, gone hunting for extra stores of meat to supply many families within the village.

The women of the village were busy storing the meats, making sure everything was in order, clothes were being made, and everything was nice and clean and ready for use during the winter months. The women probably have a harder time then the men...I can imagine having to hand sew all those clothes.

Kaede had done her gathering of herbs earlier. Kagome had helped her stock pile the herbs, she ever brought a big case for Kaede so she could store the herbs separately and label each of the herbs for easy finding. Kaede had changed around Kagome. Kaede had become like a second mother, and she her daughter. Kagome had done much training under her watchful eyes.

Kagome was now very skilled with the bow and arrow, able to hit anything moving at an extremely fast pace. Even Inuyasha couldn't dodge her arrows anymore, neither could the speedy demons that came too close to the village with the intent of harming the people there. Also, she learned to hone in and control her priestess powers. Though she knew there was much more then she could control, she at least had some control none-the-less. She was proud of herself for coming so far in only a year's time.

The Shikon Jewel was still in the hands of Naraku, but Kagome had a feeling that it wouldn't be too long before he would be slain. Kikyo had steered clear of Kagome, which wasn't a problem. Kikyo seemed to know that even coming within a mile of Kagome would endanger what soul she had left. Naraku usually sent Kagura now to do most of the dirty work.

Kagome was nearing the hut, her eyes holding an angered expression. Some of the villagers who had waved to her had caught the sight of her expression and returned quickly to their work. She hated that they had seen her in a foul mood, but it could not be helped. Inuyasha had seen to it that yet again that she be in an angry state.

What he did back there was not right...not acceptable. I can't believe the jerk...She walked over to Kaede's hut, pulling the reed door open just enough to poke her head through. "Lady Kaede, I just came to say hello. I'm going to go for a short walk, could you watch over my pack?"

Kaede was bent over a large pot adding herbs to the water mixture. "Kagome, you have come back early. Is everything alright with ye?" She had stilled her work to stare at Kagome's angered face. She was still surprised that Kagome could change her moods so quickly when Kagome gave her a lovely smile.

"Just fine Kaede. Can you tell the others I went for a walk and will return soon?"

"They are not here. While you were away, they decided to pay Sango's family a visit to pay their respects." The older woman bent to her work again.

"Alright, just watch my pack then for me. I appreciate it." She left the pack sitting by the door and closed the reed door. She continued to walk, her destination the God Tree, the only place that seemed to have a soothing effect on her. She looked to the sky as she walked...Why does Inuyasha have to be a jerk?

Kagome's day had not been too good. Normally her days were just filled with harmless fighting with Inuyasha, perhaps a demon fight or two, nothing too bad. But no, Inuyasha had to come and wreck her trip home. Stupid jerk.

~~Flashback~~

Kagome was having a wonderful time with her friends at the mall. She had been home for about three days, and was aloud another four days to stay. She had done much homework since she had been home. Her grades weren't what they used to be, but she refused to give up.

She spent a full afternoon listening to Gramp's ramblings about demons and ways to stop them. Not really paying attention, his advice was never very helpful. He stuffed some spell scrolls in her hand, which automatically went to the trash when he wasn't there.

Buyo had been a little on the annoying side, stepping in front of her feet no matter which way she was going. As soon as she thought she had dodged the cat, he would walk a little farther and lie right in her path. Stumbling, she would have to almost fall in order not to step on the poor cat. Such an attention seeker.

"Awww...look at the cute doggy," the girls had chimed to Kagome. Kagome stared at the dog, it was a tanish color and very fluffy, one ear stood straight up while the other ear had the tip bent down. What attracted her the most were the eyes. They were a golden yellow color, usually this would have reminded her of Inuyasha, but for some reason she thought of Sesshomaru. Great, thinking about Ice Prince. Inuyasha would just love to hear that. She smiled inwardly. Inuyasha was always such a touchy one.

Kagome could hear the girls giggling around her and she gave them a look of uncertainty. "What? Did I do or say something funny?" She looked down at herself to make sure everything was all right there which caused more giggles from her friends.

"It's Hojo, he's coming this way. Come Kagome, we know Inuyasha is a jerk, you told us so yourself. Remember, conceited and all that. Hojo is the perfect guy for you. He gives you gifts and waits on you hand and foot, that's far more then that Inuyasha has ever done." Eri was never really one to not speak her thoughts, no matter who or what was around her.

"Kagome!" Hojo called as he walked over to Kagome and her group with the same big smile on his face. Kagome wondered if he ever frowned at all.

Kagome looked over at Hojo. He had suddenly appeared between the masses of people that gathered around the mall. Boy am I glad a certain dog boy isn't here...he would have a cow. "Hello Hojo. How are you?"

"I'm just fine. I should be asking how you are Kagome. You seem to look alright, not like one who's been sick with...what was it..." He had a quizzical look on his face as he tried to recall the last name of the disease she'd had.

Not being able to come up with it, he merely shrugged. Kagome watched him and smiled sheepishly. Thanks gramps, you gave him something he couldn't even remember.

"Anyway Kagome, I got this for you." He handed her a small package that was wrapped in a blue wrapper. Kagome took the gift and opened the paper with reluctance.

To her surprise, it seemed to be a bottle of lotion. She smiled at the bottle, and turned it over to see what scent it would be. Advanced Medicinal Cream, For All Your Skin Irritations.... should have known..."Uh, thanks Hojo. That was very nice of you." She smiled at him.

It was then that she sensed him, and with great dread, she looked behind her. There was Inuyasha in his red fir-rat outfit and a baseball cap hiding his ears from view. At least he had the sense the put the hat on before coming out here. "Hello Kagome, nice to see you having so much fun."

Kagome glared daggers at Inuyasha. This was her time, her time to be with her friends and her family. Time to get away from annoying half demons that didn't know when to keep their mouths shut. "Hello Inuyasha. May I ask what you are doing here?" she asked in a tone of deathly sweetness.

"So that's Inuyasha...the jerk?...It appears to be...I can't believe he talked like that to Kagome...He is a jerk isn't he! Of all the nerve...Typical guy"

"Guys can you please keep it down," Kagome pleaded to her friends who were now in a world of their own. Their observations of Inuyasha weren't making him to happy.

"So, that's what you think of me? If I'm such a jerk, why do you keep hanging around?!" His shout made just about everyone in that vicinity of the mall turn and stare. He turned his gaze to Hojo who was staring at him in wonder. "You can't have her you hear! So BACK OFF!" His gaze returned to Kagome.

"Inuyasha, can we talk about this later. People are starting to stare and I..." She was never able to continue.

"You don't want to be seen with me? FINE!" He ran off out of the mall with his demon speed making her friends stare at her in wonder. Poor Hojo looked like he was going to die of shock and had a pained look in his eyes. The poor guy...

"Guys, I'll talk to you later." With that, she ran to her house in tears. Why am I crying...it's not like I did anything wrong here! I should be angry at the stupid jerk. I can't believe he did that to poor Hojo. I'll have to have a talk with him when I return. Kagome made it to her house and went up to her room.

She quickly packed everything she would need on her journey with the group. Also, she gathered some of her schoolwork, determined to finish what she could while on their travels. She put the pack on her back and made her downstairs to the kitchen. She placed some ramen, lots of chocolate and candies, and other things she would need.

With her pack ready, she had started her walk to the well house. She stopped quickly, glancing at the God Tree. It is the only thing that could truly calm her nerves (other then walking for hours on end). With a small sigh, she opened to the door to the well house only to come upon Inuyasha. He was leaning against the lip of the well, arms crossed, and ears held back a little, meaning he was irritated. The jerk! He comes and ruins my stay home and he has the nerve to be irritate at me!

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT KAGOME?!" He was now standing right in front of her, his clawed hands clenching and unclenching.

"I was with my friends at the mall. What did it look like?!" He's the biggest jerk I've ever known, and the dumbest...geez. A girl can only take so much of this. "Now, get out of my way so I can go." She had made it to the lip of the well and had one leg over when Inuyasha spoke again.

"You were going to betray me with that...that...Hojo guy!" His words sent Kagome's temper through the roof.

"Me betray YOU? I don't think so Inuyasha. YOU betray ME! Every time you think of Kikyo, every time you look at me and think of her, you betray ME! And I'm sick and tired of it Inuyasha. I told you before I would stand next to you, be there for you...but when you falsely accuse me of betraying you...grrrr....SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT!" She screamed at him as she jumped into the well.

She had slowly climbed out of the well with her heavy pack on her back. This isn't as easy as it used to be...I'm too used to Inuyasha helping me out...the jerk.

~~End Flashback~~

She continued walking down the path the God Tree. The tree I met Inuyasha and everything began. I saved him from the tree and he had the nerve to try and kill me. Man, he really is a jerk like my friends said. Still...I can't help but love him. How could he accuse me of betraying him?

She stomped her feet as she walked. The God Tree was now in her view and she ran over to it and stopped about ten feet away from the massive trunk. Its many branches were now bare and ready for the winter snows to come. A graceful, powerful tree stood out from any other. She smiled inwardly as its comforting ability towards her seemed to be taking effect.

She took her seat near by the trunk of the tree, placing her arm on part of the root that was above the ground. This was her favorite spot to be, to think, to just be there made her happy. Memories of her family played in her mind. She knew they'd be worried to find her gone, but surely they would know where she went when they noticed was gone.

She yawned and stretched her arms to relax her muscles. A side effect the tree also had on her, making her overly tired. Her eyelids slowly slid shut and her breathing began to relax. I have to get over Inuyasha...was the last thought before the dream world took her over.

*****

Inuyasha stood at the well for a few minutes, giving Kagome plenty of time to climb up and be on her way walking. He could smell Sota nearby, so he took shaky steps over to the boy. What Kagome had yelled at him really got to him. I didn't know she felt that way about Kikyo...I didn't think she really cared that much. Maybe I am a jerk...

The little boy Sota was playing by the God Tree, a soccer ball bouncing on his forehead. Inuyasha watched with slight amusement that the little boy had the skill to hit the ball up with his head and not let it fall after three or so times. "Hey, Kagome went back to my time. Let her mom know."

Sota didn't wasn't even distracted for a minute; he just kept bouncing the ball on his head. "Alright. See ya later Inuyasha." He smiled as he counted twenty times he had bounced the ball into the air.

Inuyasha was thankful the boy hadn't mentioned Kagome in any way, shape, or form. With a sigh, he walked slowly over to well, making sure he gave Kagome plenty of time to get well away from the area, he had no intention of being 'sit' anymore times today.

He jumped down the well. The best part of traveling to Kagome's time and back was the weightless feeling of floating through time in the well, surrounded by glowing lights and the like. He landed lightly on his feet and looked up from the bottom of the well. The sun was shining, giving the well a magical look with its vined walls. He leapt out of the well and landed on a nearby tree.

Without thinking about it, he ran full speed towards Kaede's hut. He knew Kagome had just been there, he could smell it. Thankfully, she had already left. Looking for the others I bet. I hope she isn't too mad still...I don't want her saying sit anymore...

He stopped in front of the reed door of the hut, put up a face of indifference, and pulled it open and walked inside. He noticed Kaede glance his way and let out a small sigh indicating she knew about Kagome's angered mood and knew it was his fault. "WHAT?!" He shouted at her. It's none of her business...why can't she just butt out?! I bet she even wants me to apologize!

"Ye should not treat Kagome as you do Inuyasha." She looked down at her stew and tasted the contents. It was turning out nicely thanks to the helpful added ingredients Kagome had once showed her. Her eyes glanced over Inuyasha whose posture was now straight as a board and as defiant as ever.

"I treat her just fine. Perhaps if she was nicer to me and didn't try to betray me I wouldn't have yelled at her!" He was thoroughly angry now, especially at the mention of Hojo. He had smelled Hojo's interest in Kagome all too well, and he had noticed her friends egging her on to go to him. Also, he had heard them calling Inuyasha a conceited jerk. He let a low growl.

"Kagome would not betray ye Inuyasha. She has too innocent a spirit to do such a thing as you suggest." She paused for a moment before continuing. "Perhaps you should put more trust in the girl, and stop considering her to be like my dead sister."

Inuyasha let out a louder warning growl. "Look, I have no interest in Kikyo alright?! I did love her, but she's not her anymore. I know Kagome is nothing like Kikyo...which is why I..." His face softened but only for an instant. "Listen old hag, you better not say anything if anyone asks alright!"

Kaede gave him a slight nod. "In the meantime, ye might try to apologize to the girl for your comparison of her to Kikyo."

"I'm NOT going to apologize!" With that, he stormed out of the hut in a blur. He didn't know what to do, he just needed to run, needed to get away from everyone and everything. Why does everyone seem to think I compare of Kikyo?! I never mention her, they do! Besides, Kagome has no reason to be jealous or anything over Kikyo...she should know how I feel.

The trees seemed to blur together with his increased speed. For all he knew, he was going around in circles to nowhere in particular. That's when he noticed a rather large tree; he was too occupied to look at the surrounding area. I would never hurt you on purpose Kagome...maybe I should tell you how I feel.

He jumped onto one of the fat branches of the tree. He could smell Kagome's scent, it seemed like it was so close, but he figured it was just his mind playing tricks on him. He slumped down on the branch and leaned against the stump to stare at the sky, which had started to turn to night with the setting sun. The colors were very beautiful, rich oranges and pinks. He sighed when the lullaby melody of the forest and Kagome's scent had him drifting off to sleep.

*****

"Can we go back now? We should be waiting for Kagome to return!" Shippo screamed at them for the thousandth time.

"Come now Shippo, you must know how important it is for Sango to pay her respects to her family." Miroku stared at the kit. His gaze went to his staff reminding the kit of the previous incident that earned him a nice whack on the head.

"I know, I know...I just miss Kagome." He grumbled the words out.

They all sat around the campfire they had made near the burial ground of Sango's family and friends. The orange and yellow colors held Shippo's fascination. He stretched his little paws and started to curl up next to the already sleeping Kilala.

Sango was sitting next to Miroku, which was amazing enough since he had to be warned earlier that day not to touch her again or she would torture him until he begged for death. She didn't truly mean it, but hey, whatever works right? She gazed over at the monk. "We should get some sleep. We shall return to the village tomorrow."

Miroku looked over at Sango, catching her gaze. "Whatever you wish Sango." He couldn't help but let his eyes roam since his hands were not to touch her. Surely she wouldn't have anything against that...right? She looked so tough, yet so soft...so full of courage and pain. He just wanted to hold her, comfort her, kiss her...

*SMACK*

Shippo watched the helpless monk fall to the ground, a nice red hand print highlighting his left cheek. With little snickers, he closed his eyes and snuggled closer to Kilala. We'll be leaving soon...I can't wait to get back. Surely Kagome brought some chocolate for me. Mmmm...chocolate...With those happy thoughts, Shippo fell into a silent slumber.

"I know what you were thinking Miroku..." She stood up, placed hiraikotsu against a large rock, and leaned on it. She watched Miroku gather himself off the ground and wipe down his robes from the dirt they had gathered from his nice fall.

"Why Sango, I wasn't thinking anything that would deserve that." His smile, he noticed, softened her eyes. However, it was not long lived for they were hardened yet again.

"Sure. Now, good night Miroku." She sat down on the ground and again leaned against her hiraikotsu, this time preparing for sleep. He better not try anything...She closed her eyes, hoping he would stay on his side of the fire. Why couldn't he just, for once, not grab at me when I try and get close to him? Are all guys such idiots? I know Inuyasha is, but why does Miroku have to be? She sighed and let herself start to drift off.

"Good night Sango." He leaned against a nearby tree, and closed his eyes, listening to the sounds around him. The birds were silent and the wind was blowing a little making hollow noises as they went through the trees. Shippo was mumbling in his sleep, his little hands grabbing at something in his sleep and Kilala looked like she was chasing something down. I hope they are having good dreams and not nightmares. Poor Sango, she'll probably dream of Kohaku again. She's had to deal with so much, I wish there was something I could do to help her.

He heard Sango's breathing even out and opened an eyelid to take a glance at her. I hope one day she knows how I feel...He let out a small sigh and closed his eyes again. He soon fell asleep like the other members with his head hanging down.

Kira~ Hey there! I'm sorry about the mix-up with all the chapters and everything. Keep hitting the wrong button at the wrong time, which is pretty typical of me. Anyway, I'm fixing the errors so you don't need to worry! Please review!