Same Old Tale

Chapter 1 – Of birthdays and anniversaries.

Kagome awoke hastily and with reason that morning. It was her sixteenth birthday. She smiled as she opened her window to another bright sunny day. Today's the first anniversary of when I met Inuyashashe thought to herself, and I promise to make his day wonderful

She went downstairs to find her mother, brother, and grandfather all waiting for her. They shouted "Happy Birthday!" as she entered the room. She couldn't help but blush.

"Kagome," her grandfather said, "Since today is the first step on your way to becoming a lady, I got you something special." He pulled a beautifully wrapped present from behind his back and she took it hastily. As she unwrapped her present, her grandfather began to explain his mistake. "I know it is not what you are usually given, but I thought today was the time for change so don't be mad if you don't like your gift."

Kagome's heart almost skipped a beat at the thought of getting something 'different' than what she usually got which was garbage or food for Buyo. But she didn't care. It was her birthday and as long as that was acknowledged, she didn't care. She tore the last bit of wrapping paper off and she gaped at her present. It definitely wasn't what she usually got. Inside was a beautiful, black as deep night, silk kimono that had been cut above the knees with intricate designs of flames and water, a new mini skirt, a brand new blouse, new sandals and flat knee-high boots, makeup, and many silver hair pieces that were encrusted with diamonds. Kagome began to cry.

"This is the best gift ever grandpa! Thank you!" she hugged him harder than she could ever remember. Souta spoke up next.

"My gift is upstairs!" He grabbed her hand and rushed her up the steps into the hall. "I'll be right back," he said as he walked into his room, closing the door behind him. A few seconds later he came out with a package behind his back. "It may not be as flashy as grandpa's, but I think you will like it."

Kagome opened her gift carefully. In the package, there was a hairbrush, a new winter coat, a gorgeous new backpack to replace her old one that had torn a couple moths earlier, and a big fluffy towel. "Thank you Souta," she said as she hugged her little brother. She ran downstairs but just when she was about to re-enter the kitchen, her mother pulled her aside and took her outside.

"Kagome, I thought the day would never come when you would turn 16, but it has, and for that I have a special gift," she said as she took Kagome to beneath the sacred tree. As her mother stooped behind it, Kagome couldn't help but think about Inuyasha when she was this close to the place where they had first met. The thought made her smile inside and out.

"What are you so smiley about?" her mother said, reappearing from behind the tree. "I haven't even given you your present yet!"

"I know, I was just thinking about something," Kagome said as a daze overcame her striking brown eyes. Or someone…

"Well, okay then," her mom said as she pulled out an ornate package. Kagome was extremely cautious in opening it, hoping to save the wrapping paper. She gasped at the present. It was a short cherry wood bow with a matching quiver and arrows. They hummed with spiritual powers.

"Where did you get these?" Kagome said as she calmed down.

"I found them at a shop downtown that sells items from the feudal era. Since it seems to be from that time, I thought it would blend in perfectly!" her mother said, smiling. Kagome hugged her while thanking her.

"I have to get going," Kagome said after she had gathered what she would take from her new gifts. In her backpack she had the towel and hairbrush, all her new clothes except for the winter jacket since it was the middle of summer, and her school outfit. Meanwhile, she had put on the kimono, the knee high boots, a hair piece in the shape of a butterfly, makeup on her lips and eyes, and the bow and arrows.

"I'm off," she said as she ran to the well. She hopped inside and felt the familiar tingling sensation. When it was over, she heard birds chirping and a low constant growl that could only be from Inuyasha. She was in the feudal era.

So, what did you think? Please review!

The Fiery Temptress