Disclaimer: You gotta be kiddin me…if I was in fact Rumiko Takahashi and I did in fact own Inuyasha, would I REALLY be writing here, and now? Right…
Anyway, today's episode, err… chapter, is a bit longer. It'll probably continue to be that way as I keep working on the story. So read and review, and I'll come out with these way faster, I promise!
Well, I think I'm pretty much done here… on with the story!
::Why me?::
Kagome dragged herself out of bed that morning, only to realize she was running late. Not like it mattered anyway. She didn't need much time to get ready. She donned her wrinkled school uniform and headed downstairs. On her way out, she passed by the table and her mom saw her just before she reached the door.
"Kagome, come join us for breakfast. You have time, don't you?" she asked.
"No breakfast for me today, mom. I'm not very hungry; may I just have some tea? I don't really have the time today, I'm running late," she said, sitting down at the table.
Her mother set a small cup of tea in front of her. "Kagome, why don't you eat anything? You've hardly eaten for the past few weeks. You're so pale, and your losing weight. What's going on, Kagome?" she asked, concerned.
"I'm not losing weight, mom. Nothing's going on," she said, and smiled at her in an effort to convince her.
"Well then can't you at least do something with your make up? Or your hair? It looks like you haven't combed it in days," she said, reaching over to touch Kagome's tangled locks, but Kagome recoiled with such speed her mom almost jumped. "Kagome?"
She pushed her chair back from the table and took her cup over to the sink. "Sorry, mom, but I've got to be on my way. I'm meeting up with a friend. I'll do my hair at her house. Don't worry about it; it's on the way. There's nothing wrong, I swear," she said, smiling once more and slinging her backpack over her shoulder. She hurriedly made her way to the door, and was halfway out when her mom called out to her again.
"What friend is that dear? I didn't catch her name?" her mom asked. Kagome shut the door and pretended not to hear. What friend? Hah. Yeah right. Kagome wiped a bit of moisture from her cheek. Great. I'm already crying and school hasn't even started yet. That'll give 'em something to laugh about.
Kagome stopped doing her routine things, probably a few days after the incident. She stopped eating as much as she used to, she stopped worrying about her physical appearance, except when she passed by a mirror to notice how ridiculous she really did look. Maybe, if I were prettier, or if I were thinner, then Koga… she shook that thought from her head, as she arrived at school.
Kagome came early to school every morning, in order to avoid the late crowds in the front of the school. She apparently wasn't very fortunate with crowds, as of late. She headed straight for the music room. The teacher never minded when she used the piano, and so she used it as a chance to relax. She had taken lessons as a young child, but now she pretty much just taught herself.
Two first year girls walked down the hall and were drawn to the music room door as they heard a piano playing.
"It's so pretty," a girl with long brown hair and freckles said.
"I know, but it sounds so sad… hey you wanna go see who's playing?" the other girl with dark hair and glasses asked.
Sango happened to be passing by at the time, and was also curious as to see who was playing, so she followed the two other girls to the doorway, unknown to them. "Hey, she looks… kinda familiar," Freckles said, looking at Kagome's profile. "Is she… crying…?"
"No way," Glasses said. "She's just concentrating on the keys… hey you're right… she does look familiar… That girl always looks like she's ready to cry. I think she's the one who…"
"The school slut," Sango finished for her. The two girls jumped, as they hadn't even noticed her creeping up behind them. "Kagome Higurashi."
"But she doesn't look like…" Freckles started.
"You probably should do your best not to be seen around her. You wouldn't want to ruin your reputation so soon," Sango warned, and gave what they thought was a warm smile.
"Oh, okay Miss Sango," Freckles said. Sango smirked and looked toward Kagome once more. I must be getting pretty popular. Even the first years know who I am, and call me 'Miss Sango'. Has a nice ring to it, I think. But first, I have more important things to worry about. Freckles took that as a sign that her and her friend were dismissed. "Okay, bye Miss Sango. We'll see you around, okay?" she said, tugging on her friend's arm. It was more of a request than a good-bye.
She looked down and smiled warmly. "Of course," she said. And with that, the two girls left. Hear that Kagome? Miss Sango. I have something you'll never have again. Respect. But that's not all I want. I'll destroy you. With that, she spun on her heel and left.
The door shut behind her, and suddenly Kagome felt extremely uncomfortable, and stopped playing, and looked around the room. Nothing. Soon after, the bell rang, and she was reluctantly on her way to class. The day passed by pretty much uneventful. No big scenes in the hallway, like before, but of course the usual teasing and taunting, and a few paper balls stuck in her hair, but she pulled them out before she reached class. She was relatively calm, as calm as one can be while paper balls are thrown at their heads, that is, until History class. The class she had been dreading most since yesterday. Group projects.
She sank into her seat a few minutes before the bell would ring and stared at her desk, trying to ignore everyone, however she could not help but hear their snide remarks. I hope I don't get Kagome in my group…I feel sorry for whoever gets her… does that girl ever comb her hair? She looks terrible… Finally the bell rang, and the class quieted down. Kagome listened attentatively to the groups, silently praying that her name wouldn't even be called, and she would be 'forced' to work alone. However, today was just not her day. Of course not.
"And so that leaves two more groups… let's see…" he said, consulting his paper once more. "Mr. Wolff, Miss Naguru, and…" he trailed off. Sango smirked at the fact that she and Koga were working together. Now's my chance, she thought. "And… Miss Higurashi," he said. NO! Sango screamed in her head.
Kagome almost had a heart attack. "Oh, my mistake. I meant Mr. Wolff, Miss Naguru, and Mr. Arashi," he corrected. "Will one of you please come to the front and pick up your assignment?" Kagome and Sango both sighed in relief mentally, as Kagome glanced at Arashi and noticed that he was one of the students that were in the crowd torturing her the day before. She winced as she remembered all the bad things he'd done to her. More than most, however much less than some.
Kagome's relief was, however, short-lived. "And the final group would be Mr. Taisho, Mr. Houshi, and Miss Higurashi," he said. Some students started to laugh.
"Hah!" Arashi called out. "Sucks to be you Inuyasha. I wonder if you'll ever get the smell out of your clothes from being too close for too long!" he laughed. It wasn't really very funny. Everyone knew Kagome didn't really smell. She simply looked atrocious. But they laughed anyway, out of fear that if they didn't, they too would be ostracized at the hands of their classmates.
"Now, now, calm down class. Kagome, come to the front and pick up the assignment," he said. Why me? Kagome stood and slowly made her way to the front of the classroom. Not without her share of rude comments, laughs, paper balls, and even a few pencils. A few people tried to trip her on her way there and back, and she did stumble a few times.
She sat down and read the top sheet of the packet of papers he had given her. Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a Machiavellian Prince: This Assignment will require you to work with your group to understand both the Perfect Machiavellian Prince, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. You will be expected to be able to prove how he is or is not a 'perfect prince'. This will be typed, minimum 15 pages, single-spaced. Due dates will be announced and further details will be discussed in this packet.
"Now everyone get in your groups please, I will give you until the end of class to discuss the project. After that, you're all on your own. There will be no time given in class, and I'll check to make sure you're getting work done. I suggest you all begin today. That is all," he said, and with that, he headed to his desk. Kagome made a move to plead to work alone, but was interrupted when Miroku and Inuyasha gathered around her desk, looking at her expectantly.
They just stared at each other for about one full minute. "Uhh… what are you doing?" Kagome finally asked quietly.
"Aren't you going to tell us what the assignment is, so we can start working things out?" Miroku asked.
"You actually want to work with me?" Kagome asked incredulously.
"It's kind of assigned, unless you got a problem with it," Inuyasha said sarcastically.
"It's okay. I don't mind doing the work on my own," Kagome said. They just looked at her. "You guys can just put your names on it at the end," she suggested.
"What? You think we're too stupid to do this assignment right?" Inuyasha hissed.
"No, that's not it… it's just…" she trailed off.
"Well I ain't about to let some girl do my work. Right Houshi?" Inuyasha said. Miroku merely nodded.
"Oh…" Kagome said.
"So where do you guys want to meet after school today?" Miroku asked.
"How about in the library?" Kagome suggested quietly.
"No way. We'll never get any work done in there. Everyone else will be going there," Inuyasha immediately shot down Kagome's idea.
"How about your house, Inuyasha? It's pretty big," Miroku suggested.
"So's yours Houshi! Why don't you volunteer your own house?" Inuyasha spat.
"But yours is so much better. Besides, I don't know how… female friendly my room would be…" Miroku said, and winked at Kagome, causing her to blush. Sango saw this and fumed. She didn't want any guy near Kagome.
"Sango, what's wrong?" Koga asked.
"What? Oh, it's nothing. I just suddenly felt sick to my stomach…" she said, half- truthfully.
"So then Inuyasha's house it is!" Miroku exclaimed.
"Only because you're such a pervert and a slob. Clean up so next time we go to your house," Inuyasha suggested to Miroku.
So a few hours later, Kagome was on her way to Inuyasha's house, afraid of what might happen, but more afraid of what probably would happen were she not to show up. Suddenly, she started to have doubts. What if these are the wrong directions? What if this is a setup? What if… Suddenly, she was terrified, and longed for the comfort of her warm bed. Her footsteps slowed to a stop, and she was frozen with fear. I can't… She turned around and started to walk, then jog, then sprint towards her house.
Tears clouded her vision, and she was so determined to get home that she didn't notice the silver haired guy walking in front of her, heading the opposite direction. She slammed into him with great force; however, her lack of body weight sent her staggering backwards. He grabbed her arms and pulled her up.
"Kagome? What's wrong? Where are you going? My house is the other way…" he said.
"Inuyasha…? I… I need to go home…I can't go to your house today… I'm sorry," she said, and pulled herself from his grip.
"Why not? We need to get started as soon as possible. How come you just now decided to change your mind?" he asked incredulously.
"I just can't… I have something I need to do, so…" she trailed off, and stepped to her left, but Inuyasha countered with a step to his right.
"You don't think I'll let away with you skipping out on the work, do you?" he hissed.
"No, it's not like that… I just…" Kagome said, stepping to her right, but of course Inuyasha had to step to his left.
"Just what? Give me a good reason other than 'I just can't' and I'll let you skip today," he said, folding his arms.
"I've got something else to do…" she said, looking away.
"Right. Forget it. You're coming. I want to get this started so we can get this over with. Let's go," he said, and grabbed onto her arm gently but firmly.
Kagome yanked her arm away. "Please don't touch me," she said softly.
Inuyasha shrugged and turned away. "Whatever," he said and started walking. When he didn't notice her footsteps behind him, he turned and saw Kagome still standing in the same spot, clutching her wrist. "You coming or what?"
Kagome nodded, and followed behind him until they reached his house. When he looked at her again, he realized how petrified she looked. "You okay?" he asked, while they headed up to the porch. She nodded. "We don't bite, I swear," he said, smirking as he opened the door.
Miroku was already sitting at the table, papers scattered all over when they entered. "Ah! You made it! Well let's get to studying!" he said, picking up his papers while Inuyasha led them to his room. They all sat down and worked, the situation completely tense with Kagome's silence. She refused to sit near them and made sure that she was near the door at all times.
About two hours later, Miroku shut his book and yawned. "How about some food, Inuyasha?" he said, stretching his legs out.
"How about you go buy your own?" he spat sarcastically.
"Aw come on! You volunteered your house, it's your responsibility to make sure we are accommodated well, as your guests," Miroku said.
"I didn't volunteer shit, Houshi. Get your own food!" Inuyasha hissed.
"Now, now, Inuyasha. Don't speak so harshly. You're offending the lady…" he said, motioning toward Kagome, who had been listening silently the whole time. She blushed when included in the conversation. Inuyasha glanced at her.
"Whatever… come on. I'll get you guys some food," he said, stepping out into the hallway. Kagome and Miroku followed close behind when "Mmph!" Inuyasha huffed. "Will you watch where you're going, you idiot?" Inuyasha yelled.
"Hm. Rude as always, I see," came Sesshomaru's voice. He glanced at the two behind Inuyasha. "Miroku," he said, nodding his head in acknowledgement. "Who's this friend of yours, Inuyasha? Are you so embarrassed of me that you can't introduce me to new friends, little brother?" Sesshomaru asked. Kagome avoided looking at his face the entire time.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Sesshomaru, this is Kagome. Kagome, my older brother Sesshomaru. He's in his second year of college," Inuyasha said sarcastically, and Kagome bowed, never taking her eyes from her feet. "You happy?"
Just then, another male about Sesshomaru's age appeared behind him. The man also curiously looked at Kagome, first a look of shock and recognition in his eyes, but it disappeared so quickly, no one could have been sure it was there. Inuyasha sighed, causing Kagome to glance up, the unmistakable expression of fear crossing over her features. "Okay, this is Kagome. Kagome, this is my brother's friend…"
"…Naraku…" she half-whispered. She stepped back in fear. No. Not him… Why him? Why here? Why now? Why me?
"Oh… you two know each other?" Inuyasha asked, surprised. Miroku and Sesshomaru here just as shocked, however Sesshomaru made no move to show it.
Kagome nodded. I have to… get out of here… before… something… bad… She backed up one more step.
Naraku smirked. He chuckled lightly. "Heh. You could say that," he said, not moving his gaze from Kagome's, daring her to speak. However, she could not find her voice, or her will to run, which was what her mind was screaming at her to do.
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Okay, I feel as if my writing is already starting to go downhill, if at all possible. That was pretty frickin quick! Anyway, I feel the need to thank my reviewers. It makes me feel extra special to get reviews, especially on my very first story. Please, if you enjoy this, recommend it to your friends. And if you've read this, please review!
Quick authors note (Please Read): Okay, about people's names in here… Sango's last name (Naguru) is Japanese for "To punch, to slap, to beat up, etc." I thought I might add a little humor in on that one. As for what the first-years call her, "Miss Sango," that has to do with the fact that she is older. In Japan, it is traditional for younger students to refer to their older classmates as "senpai". However, I am trying to "English-ify" things in this story in order to make it easier to understand for those who are not Japanese- learning people or whatever, so I chose to use "Miss Sango".
Inuyasha refers to Miroku as "Houshi" which is the Japanese word for monk. After spending so much time on Sango's last name, I didn't feel like trying to get any other names, plus they all sounded so terrible with "Miroku". Just take it that Inuyasha's not calling him "Monk" really, but think of it more as a name. Like that TV show Monk. Everyone calls him "Monk" because of his last name, not like he really is one.
As for Koga's last name, "Wolff" if you need to ask, you need to watch Inuyasha. As for Arashi, I made him up. I don't think I could stand for any more people in the show to not like Kagome. So don't concern yourself with him, I'm fairly sure his name doesn't mean anything.
(Okay I lied about these notes being short, but I really thought they were somewhat important. These will probably be the last extensive author's notes I'll have to use, so… yeah. If you're reading this, and haven't read the notes about, please go back and read it.)
Reviewers: I was so happy to hear from you all. I got nothing but positive feedback, and that makes me feel very good, so thanks. Although of course I don't mind flames as long as they're not "I hate you, you suck," kind of things. Please if you're going to flame, have a purpose in doing so. Thanks a bunch!
Kousagi-chan: Thanks for your review. I was really hoping for an "attention grabbing" kind of summary. Not as successful as I'd hoped, but hey, it's still early. I hope this chapter allowed you to start to piece things together as to why Kagome's being picked on, but if not, fear not! The truth will soon be revealed!
Aqua Miko: I was aiming for an interesting story… in a good way of course! . Thanks for your review.
Lady Desdemona: What exactly is "Desdemona"…? Anyway, thanks for your review. It just might be Sess/ Kag! (maybe)
Your-Worste-Nightmare13: Glad you liked the story so far. I just hope I don't lose any of my already small audience with this chapter. It'll get better, I swear! Just might be Inu/ Kag… guess you won't know until you read!
Kimonolover: Strange… I was waiting for someone to be angry about me making Sango hate Kagome. Everyone always makes her the "sister-like" character. But for now, she's gonna be one of the villains.
