Heartbroken

Chapter 1

As the clock's hands crept closer to midnight, the five companions gathered around the crackling campfire, their faces illuminated by the dancing flames. The kit, a nimble and agile rogue with a knack for unlocking secrets, sat with his legs crossed, his gaze intent as he sharpened his dagger. Beside him, the monk, a master of martial arts and meditation, sat serenely, his eyes closed in contemplation. Across from them, the priestess, a devout follower of an ancient faith, chanted softly under her breath, her hands clasped together in prayer. The demon slayer, a seasoned warrior with a haunted past, leaned back against a tree, her arms crossed over her chest. A half-demon sat perched on a sturdy tree branch in the ethereal twilight, where the world seemed to breathe in a hushed whisper. His golden eyes, usually filled with mischief and delight, were now veiled with a distant look as he lost himself in contemplation. As he sat there, lost in his thoughts, the wind rustled through the leaves, creating a gentle melody that seemed to accompany his musings. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions, memories, and uncertainties. He had lived a turmoil and adventure marked by triumphs and heartbreaks.At this moment, as he sat perched on the tree branch contemplating his future, the weight of his past and the uncertainty of what lay ahead pressed upon his heart.The air was thick with anticipation and unease. They had journeyed long and far, following a treacherous path to this sacred clearing. As night descended upon the forest, they knew that the moment of truth was fast approaching. Their mission was dangerous and noble: confronting an ancient evil that threatened to engulf the world in darkness.As the dying embers of the fire cast long shadows across the clearing, the four companions exchanged knowing glances. They knew their challenges would be formidable, but they were prepared to face them together. Determinedly, they extinguished the fire and set off into the darkness, ready to confront the ancient evil lurking in the shadows.As everyone finished their dinner, Inuyasha was the only one not there to eat with us. He left at sundown and never came back. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the forest, Inuyasha excused himself from the campfire. He left the tree without a word, leaving his companions behind. They watched as he disappeared into the shadows, a sense of unease settling in their hearts.Hours passed, and Inuyasha did not return. The others finished their meal in silence, their minds preoccupied with worry. Unable to shake the feeling that something was wrong, Kagome rose. "I'm going to look for him," she announced, her voice trembling.Kagome ventured into the forest, her heart pounding in her chest. She called out Inuyasha's name, but there was no answer. The trees whispered menacingly, and the darkness closed in on her. Fear gnawed at her, but she pressed on, determined to find him.As she searched, Kagome stumbled upon a clearing. In the center of the clearing, she saw a figure standing motionless. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was Inuyasha.Kagome's POV:Determined to uncover the truth, I ventured into the dense shadows of the forest, guided by a mix of trepidation and a desperate need for answers. My senses were heightened as I navigated the familiar paths, the moonlight casting eerie shadows upon the ancient trees. As I delved deeper into the forest, the air grew heavy with an unfamiliar presence. It was a potent mix of spiritual energy and demonic aura that sent shivers down my spine.Suddenly, the sound of voices, carried by the gentle breeze, reached my ears. My heart pounded in my chest as I cautiously approached the source of the sound, my fingers trembling around the hilt of my sword. Behind a veil of foliage, I witnessed a sight that shattered my heart into a million pieces. Inuyasha stood before me, his arms wrapped around Kikyo, a priestess with whom he had a complicated past.Tears welled in my eyes as I watched them exchange intimate gestures, their laughter echoing through the forest. It was as if I had been stabbed in the heart, the pain so intense that I could barely breathe. I had always known about Inuyasha's connection to Kikyo, but I had clung to the hope that our bond was more robust. Now, it felt as if my world was crumbling around me.Inuyasha and Kikyo stood facing each other, their hearts filled with a tumultuous mix of longing and regret. It had been many years since they had last seen each other, and the weight of their shared past hung heavy between them."Kikyo," Inuyasha began, his voice thick with emotion, "I never meant for things to end like they did. I made many mistakes but have never stopped thinking about you."As she listened to Inuyasha's words, Kikyo's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She had also harbored feelings for him despite the pain he had caused her."Inuyasha," she replied softly, "I, too, have carried the weight of our past with me. I have often wondered what might have been if things had been different."As Inuyasha continued speaking, his words dripped with regret and frustration. "Ever since Kagome came into our lives, I've barely had the chance to see you, let alone have fun together. It's like she's always jealous of us and wants to keep us apart," he lamented.Kikyo, standing nearby, couldn't help but smirk. She knew Inuyasha was unaware of her presence, and she seized the opportunity to make him feel even more miserable and jealous. With a feigned innocence, she asked Inuyasha a question that would cut him deeply."Inuyasha," she uttered, her voice laced with a seductive moan, "do you love Kagome more than me?"Inuyasha's heart skipped a beat. He had never expected Kikyo to ask such a question. Momentarily speechless, his mind raced as he tried to process the implications of Kikyo's words.Finally, he managed to find his voice, but his answer was filled with anguish and bitterness. "No, never," he exclaimed. "I would never love her more than you, Kikyo. She's just a jewel finder, nothing more."Kikyo's smile widened, but her eyes remained cold and calculating. She had succeeded in making Inuyasha feel torn and conflicted.Their conversation continued late into the night as they shared their deepest thoughts and regrets. As the moon rose high in the sky, Inuyasha and Kikyo realized that the love they had once shared had never indeed died.With a newfound understanding, they embraced each other, their hearts beating in unison. The past may have been painful, but the future promised a love that would endure.After Inuyasha uttered those hurtful words, my heart sank. Overwhelmed by sorrow and anger, I turned and fled from that accursed place, my heart heavy with the weight of betrayal. My tears flowed freely as I ran, mingling with the cool night air. Anger surged through me, an intense burning sensation that consumed my entire being. It was not just anger at Inuyasha but also myself. I was angry for falling in love with someone who did not reciprocate my feelings or could be cruel and dismissive. The realization that my affections were unrequited cut me deeply, leaving a gaping wound in my heart.Questions raced through my mind. Why had I allowed myself to be so vulnerable? Why had I let my emotions get the better of me? I was strong and independent, but Inuyasha's words shattered my confidence. I felt foolish and naive, like a lovesick teenager.The anger mingled with a profound sense of sadness and disappointment. I had thought that Inuyasha and I had a special connection, but I had been mistaken. The pain was almost unbearable. I yearned for solace, but there was no one I could turn to. My friends and family did not understand the depth of my feelings for Inuyasha, and I was too ashamed to admit my vulnerability.I knew that my life would never be the same after this revelation, and I wondered how I could move forward without the person who had been my constant lover for so long.With the night descending upon the campsite, I yearned for the comfort of my sleeping bag and the reassurance that my companions were at ease. As I stealthily returned to the designated sleeping area, I tread carefully, my movements deliberate and silent. The moonlight cast eerie shadows across the terrain, and the campfire crackling in the distance provided a haunting melody to my nocturnal journey.A sense of relief washed over me as I settled back into the warmth of my sleeping bag. I had successfully returned to the safety of our designated sleeping area without causing any undue disturbance to my companions. With a contented sigh, I closed my eyes and allowed myself to drift into the embrace of slumber, comforted by the knowledge that all was well.Over the following days, Inuyasha would sneak off to be with Kikyo, and each night, I would follow and allow my heart to be shattered repeatedly.In the twilight's embrace, as the sun slowly descended, Inuyasha's heartstrings tugged at him, drawing him away from our shared abode. A pang of unease settled within my spirit, a foreboding that gnawed at my being. With each passing day, the allure of a forbidden love beckoned him, and I was left to navigate the treacherous waters of unrequited affection.Driven by a potent blend of curiosity and anguish, I resolved to uncover the truth beneath the veil of darkness. As the moon cast its ethereal glow upon the sleeping world, I stealthily trailed Inuyasha's footsteps, my heart pounding with apprehension and longing.Each night, I witnessed a heart-wrenching spectacle that left me shattered and adrift. Amidst the moon-kissed glade, Inuyasha and Kikyo, his former flame, would entwine their souls in a tender embrace. Their laughter and whispers intermingled, creating a symphony of love that pierced my core.Over and over again, I allowed my heart to be shattered into a million fragments. The pain was unbearable, yet I was unable to tear myself away from this self-inflicted torment. I yearned for Inuyasha's love, but fate had dealt me a cruel hand, relegating me to the sidelines of his affections.In the depths of my despair, I found solace in the embrace of the night. Beneath the vast canvas of stars, I poured out my sorrows, my tears mingling with the cool night air. The moon, a silent confidant, seemed to understand the turmoil within me.As the nights turned into days, my resolve began to waver. The weight of unrequited love pressed down upon my spirit, threatening to consume me entirely. I knew I could not continue to exist in this state of perpetual heartbreak.As the days passed, the anger gradually subsided, replaced by a deep sense of resignation. I realized that I could not change the way Inuyasha felt about me. All I could do was accept the truth and move on. It was a complex process, but I was determined to heal my broken heart.I walked to a hot springs to clear my head.I sat there with nothing to protect myself, crying over a boy who doesn't love me like I do. In search of solace, I embarked on a journey to the secluded hot springs, nestled deep within the heart of nature. As I approached the ethereal pools, the steam rising from the water wove a mystical tapestry in the air. The gentle sound of cascading water created a symphony that soothed my weary soul.With each step, my mind became a maelstrom of emotions. The weight of unrequited love bore down on me, and tears welled up in my eyes like a broken dam. I longed for affection, for someone to cherish me as I cherished them. Yet, fate had dealt me a cruel hand, leaving me alone and heartbroken.I sought refuge in the warmth of the springs, sinking into the healing waters. The heat enveloped me like a comforting embrace, easing the pain that consumed me. I surrendered myself to the tranquility of the moment, allowing the restorative powers of nature to wash over me.In my overwhelming grief, I sat hunched over on a rock, tears streaming down my face. The sounds of the forest seemed to fade into a distant hum as I became consumed by my sorrow. Suddenly, I heard a faint rustling of leaves behind me. My heart skipped a beat as I realized someone was approaching. Fear and trepidation washed over me. I was curious to know who it was and what they wanted. I wiped away my tears with trembling hands, trying to compose myself before they reached me.Sesshomaru's POV:"Hnn," Sesshomaru uttered under his breath as he walked with a determined stride. His golden eyes scanned the dense forest around him, taking in every detail."Lord Sesshomaru," Jaken, his loyal vassal, said in a hushed tone, "it appears that the human priestess is here. Shall we do something?"Sesshomaru paused in his steps, his expression unreadable. "Jaken," he replied, his voice low and commanding."Yes, mi-lord?" Jaken asked, his voice trembling slightly."Be quiet," Sesshomaru ordered, his gaze piercing through Jaken."Yes, milord," Jaken replied, bowing his head in submission.Sesshomaru turned and continued walking, his long silver hair flowing behind him like moonlight. His mind raced as he contemplated the situation. The human priestess, Kagome, was a powerful force to be reckoned with. She possessed the ability to purify tainted souls and wield sacred arrows that could pierce through even the strongest of demons.Sesshomaru knew he could easily defeat Kagome in battle, but he hesitated. He had no desire to harm her, and he sensed that there was more to her than met the eye. He had observed her interactions with Inuyasha, the half-demon he had once considered his enemy, and he had seen a genuine connection between them.Sesshomaru's heart stirred with a strange emotion he had never felt before. It was a mix of curiosity, fascination, and a hint of something that might be called compassion. He realized he wanted to learn more about Kagome and understand her power and purpose.As they walked, Sesshomaru and Jaken encountered a group of demons terrorizing a nearby village. Sesshomaru quickly dispatched the demons, using his sword, Tokijin, to cut through their flesh like butter. The villagers were grateful to Sesshomaru for saving them, and they offered him their thanks.Sesshomaru accepted their gratitude with a nod, but he did not linger. He had more pressing matters to attend to. He needed to find Kagome and learn more about her.With trembling hands, Kagome hastily gathered her belongings, her heart pounding. The sun had begun its descent, casting long shadows across the forest, and she knew she had to find shelter for the night. As she hurriedly found a strange village to sleep in, the sun descended toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the rugged landscape. Kagome found herself lost and alone in the wilderness. With each step, the path beneath her feet grew increasingly treacherous, and the dense foliage surrounding her seemed to close in tighter, enveloping her in a claustrophobic embrace. Fear gnawed at her heart as darkness crept upon the land, and the realization dawned upon her that she was ill-prepared for the challenges ahead.Exhaustion weighed heavily on Kagome's limbs, and her resolve began to waver. Just when her hope seemed to dwindle, a flicker of light caught her eye in the distance. With renewed determination, she stumbled towards the source of the illumination, praying that it would offer her solace and respite. As she drew closer, the light resolved itself into a small village, seemingly untouched by the passage of time. Its quaint cottages, bathed in the warm glow of lanterns, seemed to beckon her like a beacon in the night.With newfound energy, Kagome quickened, eager to reach the village and seek shelter. As she approached, laughter and music drifted through the air, creating a festive atmosphere that lifted her spirits. The villagers, dressed in traditional attire, greeted Anya with warmth and hospitality. A strange barrier covered the village, and she paid no mind to it and rested for the night.The mysterious barrier enveloped the village and emanated an ethereal luminescence, shimmering like a celestial tapestry. Its luminescent tendrils caressed the buildings, cloaking them in a veil of otherworldly beauty. Unaware of the barrier's presence, the young traveler sought solace within a nearby inn, oblivious to the enchantment surrounding her. As darkness descended upon the village, the barrier's glow intensified, pulsating with a rhythm that seemed to echo the universe's heartbeat.As night fell, Kagome sought shelter in a dilapidated temple deep within the ancient forest. The weight of her journey lay heavy upon her shoulders, her muscles aching from the relentless pursuit of the Shikon Jewel. Exhausted, she lay down upon a bed of fallen leaves, her body weary but her mind still racing.Amidst the darkness, Inuyasha's image flickered through her consciousness. Like a distant star, his memory illuminated the night sky of her thoughts, drawing her back to the adventures they had shared and the bond they had forged. Though they had shared many adventures, their relationship was tense and uncertain. Kagome could not deny her attraction towards Inuyasha, but she recognized their vastly different backgrounds and temperaments complicated their bond.Amidst the chaos of setting up camp, Kagome's thoughts drifted towards Sesshomaru, Inuyasha's older brother. Unlike Inuyasha, Sesshomaru was a powerful and aloof demon lord who had always treated Kagome with distant respect. Though she knew it was foolish, Kagome could not help but feel a longing whenever she thought about him. His strength, his quiet confidence, and his commanding presence were all qualities that she found deeply alluring.However, Kagome quickly chastised herself for indulging in such fantasies. She knew that a relationship between a human and a demon lord was doomed from the start. Inuyasha had already made it clear that he had no romantic interest in her, and Kagome was determined to move on with her life. But as the night enveloped the forest, Kagome found it difficult to shake the lingering thoughts of Sesshomaru from her mind.As she closed her eyes, Kagome's mind drifted into a realm of vivid dreams. In her trance, she stood beside Inuyasha, hand in hand, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of a sun-kissed meadow. Together, they faced the challenges ahead, their spirits intertwined and hearts beating as one.Yet, even in her dreams, the shadows of the past lingered. The memory of Kikyo, Inuyasha's former love, pierced her heart like a shard of glass. Kagome knew that Inuyasha and Kikyo's love was a bond forged by fate, a love that transcended time and space.As dawn broke, Kagome awoke with a start, the morning light filtering through the cracks in the temple roof. The dream had faded, but its emotions lingered, stirring her determination to find Inuyasha and unravel the mysteries ahead. With renewed strength, she gathered her belongings and set off on her journey, her heart filled with the hope that one day, she would be reunited with the half-demon who had captured her heart.In The MorningInuyasha's eyes widened as Sango's words hit him like lightning. "What do you mean she went home?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief. "She was just here a moment ago!"Sango crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. "That's exactly my point, Inuyasha," she said. "She was here, and now she's gone. And you, being your great protector, let her just walk away!"Inuyasha felt a surge of anger and frustration wash over him. "I didn't let her go home, Sango!" he shouted. "She just up and left!""Well, maybe if you had been paying more attention to her instead of running off with your tail between your legs, she wouldn't have felt the need to leave!" Sango retorted.Inuyasha's jaw clenched, and his fists tightened at his sides. "You don't know anything about what happened, Sango," he said through gritted teeth. "So just stay out of it!"As I entered the camp, the silence was palpable. All eyes were upon me, their gazes filled with awe and astonishment. It was as if my presence had caused the air to crackle with electricity. I could feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on me, their judgments hanging heavy in the atmosphere."KAGOME, YOUR BACK!" Sango yelled again, her voice echoing through the forest. Inuyasha and Miroku looked up from their conversation, their eyes widening in surprise. Kagome, walking since the sun rose, turned around and smiled tiredly."Yes, yes, I'm back," she sighed, brushing the loose hair from her face. "Sorry, I took so long."Sango rolled her eyes and walked over to Kagome, quickly hugging her. "It's okay, Kagome. We're just glad you're safe. We were worried about you."Kagome smiled and hugged Sango back. "Thanks, Sango. I'm glad to be back, too."Inuyasha and Miroku walked over to Kagome and Sango, and they all stood together in a circle. Kagome looked around at her friends and smiled. She was so glad to be back with them."So, Kagome," Inuyasha said, his tail wagging behind him. "What happened?"Kagome sighed and told her friends about the village she had found. She told them about the strange people she had met and the mysterious barrier surrounding the town.Inuyasha and Miroku listened intently, their expressions growing more severe as Kagome spoke. When she was finished, they all stood silently, contemplating what they had heard."This is troubling," Miroku said at last. "I've never heard of a barrier like that before.""Me neither," Inuyasha agreed. "And those people Kagome met... they sound strange.""I think we should investigate," Sango said. "There could be something dangerous going on."The others nodded in agreement. They decided to set out the next day to investigate the village.Kagome was nervous about going back to the village, but she knew it was the right thing to do. She wanted to help the people she met and discover what was causing the strange barrier.The next day, the group set out for the village. They traveled for several hours, following the path that Kagome had taken the day before. They could feel the barrier growing more robust as they approached the village.When they finally reached the village, they found it deserted. The houses were empty, and there was no sign of any people.Kagome and her friends searched the village but couldn't find anyone. They were about to give up when they heard a noise coming from the outskirts of the town.They followed the noise to a small clearing, where they found a group of people huddled together. The people were all wearing strange clothes and looked scared and confused.Kagome and her friends approached the people cautiously. "Hello," Kagome said. "My name is Kagome. Who are you?"The people looked up at Kagome, their eyes filled with fear and mistrust. "Who are you?" one of them asked. "What do you want?"Kagome took a deep breath and told the people about herself and her friends. She told them that they had come to help.The people listened in silence, and when Kagome was finished, they looked at each other and whispered among themselves. After a moment, one of the people stepped forward."My name is Ayame," the person said. "I am the leader of this village. Thank you for coming to help us."Ayame told Kagome and her friends about the strange barrier surrounding the village. She said that the barrier had appeared suddenly and that no one had been able to leave or enter the town since then.Kagome and her friends listened intently, and when Ayame was finished, they promised to help the people of the village.They spent the next few days investigating the barrier, eventually discovering that it was caused by a powerful demon. The demon was using the barrier to trap the people of the village, feeding on their fear and despair.Kagome and her friends knew that they had to defeat the demon to break the barrier and free the people of the village. They prepared for battle, and the next day, they confronted the demon.The battle was long and complicated, but Kagome and her friends were victorious. They defeated the demon, breaking the barrier.The people of the village were overjoyed to be free. They thanked Kagome and her friends for their help and celebrated their newfound freedom.Kagome and her friends were glad they had been able to help the people of the village.