DISCLAIMER: Any familiar characters are not my property; I am just borrowing them for the time being. But the plot of this fan-fic is definitely MINE!
I am sorry for the late update but I am busy with my college admissions right now and I am badly hoping that I get a good college!
I just realized while uploading this chapter that I forgot to write the key for the Japanese words in the previous chapter and I have resolved that issue. I am sorry if anyone had trouble with the words. I am really sorry :[
I have put up the new chapter and it's party time! Happy birthday Rin-chan :D
(By the way I just wanted to give you a little something to look forward to and that is the fact that Sesshoumaru-kun and Kagome-chan will both be present at the party :P ;)
Hope you like this and don't forget to review :*
Single quotes (' ') are thoughts.
Double quotes (" ") are speech.
Long texts in italics are flashbacks to the Sengoku Jidai era.
Will Love Transcend Time?
By Kaleidoscope9o1
Chapter 2
"KAGOME RUN!" Shouted Inuyasha while running towards the latest (and most powerful) puppet sent by Naraka to steal the Shikon-no-Tama hanging aloofly around Kagome's neck.
"Take this you insolent beast!" cried Sango as she flung her Hiraikotsu at an approaching smaller youkai. The demon was sliced in half on contact and the weapon returned to its wielder. Just as Sango was about to attack another hoard of lesser youkai Miroku grabbed her by the waist and pulled them on top of a crouching Kirara waiting in all her glory. They ascended to the sky before Sango noticed that a pool of acid was eating away the flora at the exact place where she was standing. She turned to Miroku and muttered "thanks" with a slight blush on her face. Miroku replied with a soft smile and "anytime..."
"Oh no! Okaa-san! Look... She is stuck... Kagura and Kanna have surrounded her!" screamed a horrified kitsune, Shippou, from his perch upon Kirara's head. Both Sango and Miroku turned in the direction Shippou was gazing at and immediately forced Kirara to swoop in to rescue Kagome.
Meanwhile Inuyasha was trying in vain to break through the puppet's barrier, even the red Tessaiga was not working. Instead it seemed that with every attack Inuyasha was losing more of his yoki and his body was wearing down. His fire rat robes seemed to be accumulating a fair share of cuts too.
"AAAAAHHHHHHH! TASUKETE! INUYASHA!" came a blood curdling scream which seemed to resound in the heavy air. Inuyasha immediately turned towards the source of the scream and found Kagome hanging 20 feet in the air wrapped tightly with thick gruesome looking vines which seemed to be on the verge of strangling her. Kagome was slowly getting blue in the face and she could no longer feel her toes or fingers.
Just as Inuyasha was about to rush to Kagome's rescue a weak "Inuyasha" made its way to his hanyou ears. Hearing the voice sent chills up his back as he slowly turned back towards the puppet who now revealed a barely conscious Kikyo looking at him through half lidded eyes and trapped by tentacles at the base of the puppet.
"HA HA HA HA HA HA" a booming laugh echoed in the open meadow. The laugh was laced with pure evil and schizophrenic mirth. "Now what will you do Inuyasha? Who will you save? Which onna do you hold dearer to your heart? Saving one will definitely result in losing the other... So choose wisely... HA HA HA HA HA HA" the voice faded into the wilderness.
Inuyasha housed an expression of shock, confusion and indecision. His head was bent low at the neck as if defeated already and a death grip held Tessaiga in his palm. Finally he looked up and screamed "Miroku. Sango. Go save Kagome" and he took after Kikyo all the while failing to realize that Sango, Miroku, Shippou and Kirara had fallen to the ground, unconscious, and were surrounded by a swarm of Saimyosho and a cloud of Miasma.
Kagome opened her eyes and through half-lidded eyes saw Inuyasha racing to rescue Kikyo and leaving her to die. To fend for herself. He chose the dead over the living. As moisture started clouding her vision her eyes drooped and she entered a world of peaceful oblivion. The darkness embraced and slowly pulled in deeper into an abyss. The last thing she remembered before drifting away was a blur or white and red and blue lightening hurtling towards her.
GASP! GASP! GASP!
'Damn! It was just a dream. Just a dream. A dream. Well... technically a memory but it's too early to get into details Kagome!'Sigh. "Well... Sunrise is in half an hour so I might as well get up. Not like I can fall asleep anyways" She mumbled to herself. "Yossha! Ikkou!" She spoke in a cheerful voice with a bright smile and untangled herself from her bed-sheets to get on with her morning routine.
By the time she was fully dressed in casual clothes after a bath and everything it was already sunrise and the streets of Tokyo were coming to life.
'Let's see what all I have to do today. Hmmm... Grocery shopping. Pay the bills. Oh! And those school kids are coming to visit the shrine today too... Damn! There is so much to do.' "Good Thing I got up early" she mumbled to herself. With that she quickly made her way out of the front door along with her wallet and a cloth bag. She locked the door and started on her way to the market place on foot whilst humming a nostalgic melody.
"Let me take a look at that. I could help" Kagome requested the lying demon. He one of his closed eyes while tilting his head to get a clearer look at the ningen miko. The said demon was lying under the a large Sakura tree with his armor and swords removed and kept to his side but well within reach in case of attacks. After taking a good look at her for a few seconds he turned his head back upwards and closed his eye.
"And what propels you to believe that I would require the care of a ningen and at that a miko" he mused in his calm velvety baritone. "I might have agreed to work together with your pack to aid in the destruction of Naraku but I did not fall so low as to require succor of a mere ningen" he hissed out the last world.
"LOOK! I know you have this mightier than thou syndrome but as long as you are part of our pack I will treat you like any other of my friends. So you better let me treat you or I will purify your ass to that of a mere ningen's!" she spoke like a reproving mother with her hands firmly planted on her hips and a fire burning in her eyes.
Sesshoumaru was shocked that someone of her status could speak in such a formidable manner to him (Of course the shock never showed on his face). The shock very soon passed and was replaced with anger and he hissed out "You petty ningen DARE threaten this Sesshoumaru! You have lost the functioning of your faculties or you might have hit your head during battle yet neither of the situations shall permit me to overlook this insult caused to this Sesshoumaru by you—"
"Sesshoumaru-sama" a meek voice interrupted the mentioned demon.
Sesshoumaru and Kagome turned to the sound and found a little girl in a yellow kimono half hidden behind a tree not too far away.
"Did you need something Rin-chan? Is Shippou troubling you again?" Kagome inquired before the Taiyoukai could answer.
Rin shook her head. "I… "
"Yes Rin… Tell me…" encouraged Kagome.
"I wanted you to treat Sesshoumaru-sama, Kagome-nee-chan!" Rin exclaimed with vigour. "I know Sesshoumaru-sama is injured badly and he is the most powerful demon but I am still worried. I don't want to lose Sesshoumaru-sama. Rin will be all alone if Rin loses her Sesshoumaru-sama. So could you please help Sesshoumaru-sama?" Rin recited in one breath with tears on the brink of falling.
Before Kagome could say anything to console Rin Sesshoumaru started off in a strict tone "Rin don't cry. I will let her treat me so you can stop your whining."
"Hontoni?" Rin questioned uncertainly.
"Hn" Sesshoumaru grunted. "Go and play with Jaken while the miko looks at me."
Rin gave one of her brightest smiles and scampered off to play dress-up with the green dwarf. All the while Kagome was trying to suppress her smile and failing miserably. She sat down next to the demon and started taking out various paraphernalia from her medical kit.
"Your services are not required ningen" Sesshoumaru spoke in an cold tone surprising the miko and making her jaw drop.
"Buh- But! You just told Rin-chan that you would allow me to treat you."
"That was merely to set her mind at peace. I never intended for you to touch my person."
"Nan-Nan- Nande?" she was rendered shocked once again. Slowly her ire started replacing her shock and bubbling to the surface but suddenly an idea struck her and her ire completely disappeared. She put on a sweet smile on her face (at which Sesshoumaru could not help but to raise an eyebrow) and started speak in a tone dripping with honey "Well… If that is what you want then I can't do anything can I. But Rin-chan will really be disappointed when I tell her that her Sesshoumaru-sama refuses to let me treat him" a dramatic sigh followed the articulation.
Sesshoumaru's lips slightly drooped and a slight glare was clearly visible in his golden orbs. "I should not have underestimated you ningen. Though your methods are underhanded I shall let you off this time." He slowly exposed his injured shoulder where a deep gash at least six inches long.
Overjoyed Kagome hurriedly applied several salves and bandages all the while beaming and humming a soft melody.
"What is that tune you hum ningen?" Sesshoumaru questioned with a slight distance in his voice when Kagome was securing the bandages.
"Oh that! It is something okaa-san used to sing to me when I used to get hurt."
"Hn..." he replied and when she was all packed up and just about to leave he halted her in her approach by speaking "It is a beautiful tune. My mother also used it as a lullaby. You do justice to the song. I wish you to teach it to Rin also" saying so he closed his eyes again to rest.
Kagome stood there like a statue unable to even twitch. It all felt like a dream to her and she expected to wake up any second. 'He actually praised me. Praised my voice and my CHOICE. Me! A mere ningen! He said he liked my voice… at least I think he meant that. WOW! This is a dream isn't it! Am I going to wake up any moment?'
After several minutes Kagome was snapped back to reality and become aware of the fact that she hadn't responded to his request yet.
"Hai. I will be happy to teach Rin-chan the song. Thank you…" She softly spoke and went on her way again.
"Damn! Why does everything have to remind me of him! I wonder how Rin died. Whether she got married and had children" she spoke to herself.
Suddenly she stopped in her place and started thinking 'Why does it feel as if I am forgetting something? "Well! It can't be that important if I am forgetting it ne!" she told herself cheerily and was on her way again.
By the time Kagome came home it was already time for the school tour. After a grueling hour of guiding little brats to the various locations and narrating the place's grand history in as simple words as possible Kagome was exhausted. While reclining in the rocking chair in the early evening she was just about to doze off when her mobile ringing probably saved her whole career.
"Moshi Moshi. Kagome desu."
"Aah.. Kagome-chan. I know I am slightly late but I will be there within half an hour. So please wash and blow dry your hair before I come and keep everything ready. Wakatte ka?" spoke a young voice in a hurried but calm tone.
"Get ready? Wash my hair? What are you talking about Shizuka-chan?" Kagome seemed utterly lost in the entire conversation.
"Muri desu" Shizuka deadpanned. "How the freaking hell can you forget that today is the party where you get introduced to your senpai in the Tama Corporation!"
"KUSO!" exclaimed Kagome in a anguished voice. "What will I do now? AAAHHH!"
"Kagome! Listen to me. You better do what I told you. It will be fine. Good thing you asked me to help you get dressed otherwise you would be lazing away in the chair! Now hang up and get going! I'll be there soon! Ja!" She hung up the phone and Kagome immediately launched into action all the while uttering some curse words under her breath.
She hurriedly took a shower and got ready in record time. She was in the process of laying out all her jewellery, dress and shoes when the bell rang. Kagome ran to the door and was about to display her relief but Shizuka cut to the chase.
"Okay… No time to get cozy. We have one hour to make you look like a diva and then half an hour for you to reach your destination. I asked Kousuke-kun to drop you in his car so he should be here in the next half an hour. Alrighty! Let's get to work" saying so she started off to Kagome's room while Kagome dumbly followed.
1 HOUR LATER
"Oye! How much longer will you girls take? We have to reach there today you know!" shouted a grumpy guy dressed in black skinny jeans and a translucent white shirt with the words 'BAD ASS' printed across the front. He was wearing combat boots and several piercing in one ear. His black hair was streaked blonde and hung loosely around his eyes and shoulders. His mouth was covered with a frown and his constantly tapping foot clearly showed his impatience. "OYE! Hayaku desu" he screamed once more.
"Hai hai! We heard you. We are not deaf! We'll be out in two minutes so relax." Answered Shizuka from across the closed door which lead to Kagome's room.
"Hn... Annoying girls. Take too long to dress!" muttered Kousuke-kun.
Not long after the bedroom door opened and Kagome exited in a radiant evening gown. It's upper body was hot pink and had barely visible silver threadwork which would glitter just the right amount under any light and a silver diamond studded belt came securely just under her breasts highlighting her womanhood. From then on the dress flowed and just skimmed the ground in pale pink silk material and ended with a slight pee of her silver and glass 6 inch pumps. Her raven tresses were in a side fishtail braid with a few tendrils framing her face strategically. Long silver danglers could be seen hanging from her ears and silver bangles on her bare wrists. Overall, she was a vision in pink. Just like a tenshi.
"Kou-kun! You better close your mouth and hurry up. Kagome still has to reach on time." Shizuka jokingly reprimanded.
Kousuke was shook out of his reverie at seeing Kagome who was now blushing at the way Kousuke reacted. Her kohl-lined eyes and rosy lips with just a hint of gloss made her features pop out with delicacy and subtlety.
"Ha-hai. We better move or we will never reach on time. You look like a hime Kagome-chan. Really!" Kousuke supplied and they were soon out of the house and in the car. Soon they were on their way to a seven star hotel where all the celebrities frequented. While on the road both friends browsed through an array of topics but Kousuke could make out that Kagome was extremely nervous.
"Kagome-chan. Are you nervous? Daijobu dayo! You will totally rock it. I mean you are extremely smart and was number one in the whole college! You have nothing to worry about! You will definitely make an impression on them." Kousuke spoke with confidence dripping from each and every word.
"Hontoni? You really think so? I am so nervous. What if they don't like me? I really need this job Kou-kun." Kagome replied in a worried tone.
"Shimpaishinaide! You will definitely be selected. You are the best of the best!" He smiled at her with pride in his eyes as if trying to pass on a bit of courage to her.
"Hai!" he huffed.
"Kay… You gotta get out Kagome-chan. We are here already! Gambari yo!" he encouraged her one final time.
"Arigatou" she smiled at him. Taking a deep breath she got out of the already open door and stood like a true hime. Immediately all eyes were at her. Kagome felt like running away that instant but valiantly fought of the butterflies and followed the direction pointed out by the guard who was covertly trying to check her out.
As she entered the lavish reception area she was already awestruck by the regal beauty surrounding her. Golden silk tapestries and frescos covered the walls. The towering roof held a skylight in the centre. A grand crystal chandelier along with numerous modern design lights simply increased the ambience ten-fold. The crimson furniture and mahogany tables clearly pointed out that this place was not cheap. Looking around see could see two rounding staircases leading to the second floor right in front of her and a queue of the chicest people in town. Standing at the entrance with her mouth gaping would certainly draw attention so she quickly closed her mouth and approached the closest receptionist. The pricey and high quality silk kimono made Kagome feel like a pauper at the king's court but she didn't lose her cool and asked the receptionist about the Tama Corporation party and produced the invitation card. With a beaming smile which could make the moon shy the receptionist directed Kagome to a side door which led to the party hall. Once she crossed the door a guard with a ear phone and walkie-talkie checked her name of the list and another female guard scanned her for weapons. After she was cleared she was lead to another lady (most likely a waitress judging by her uniform) who informed her that she would lead her to Odagiri Kaito-san. At first Kagome could not place the name but then it hit her that she is her senpai and the person she would be replacing. Giving an affirmative nod to the girl she started being lead through throngs of people. Finally they stopped behind a lady dressed in a black cocktail dress and red pumps.
"Ano… Sumimasen Odagiri-sama. The person you wanted to meet is here" spoke the girl successfully breaking the conversation between the lady and her partner (supposedly).
Kaito turned to towards Kagome once the her male companion took his leave and Kagome was really shocked to see a genuine smile on her face. She half expected to see a haughty fake smile and judging eyes to be donned by this lady.
"Aah… Higurashi Kagome-san ne? Watashi Odagiri Kaito desu. Hajimemashite" she greeted cheerily.
"Hai. Kagome desu. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu Odagiri-senpai" Kagome replied nervously.
"Chigaimasu! Watashi Kaito desu. Just relax. I don't like all this formality. Can I call you Kagome-chan?" Kaito questioned with twinkling eyes.
Slightly taken aback Kagome took a few seconds to understand what was spoken by Kaito and then enthusiastically replied "Yes! Of course!"
"Great! Alright… I know you just came and everything but I want to get over the introductions first and then have a gala time in this party. Is that alright with you?" Kaito asked.
"Yeah… Sounds like a plan. Let's go with it" Kagome replied. She felt that they both have been friends forever!
"Yossha! Before we start let's grab a drink! I don't think I can handle ass-kissing without some liquor in my system" Kaito prompted and lead them to the bar. Once with drinks in hand they slowly started approaching branch heads, managers, top investors and the best clients. Everyone who met Kagome was in awe, first of her beauty and then of her brains. Everyone teased her about working with the ice prince even if he was easy on the eyes. Kaito always made sure that they could scamper away from each group as fast as possible a fact for which Kagome could not be more grateful! After they had finally met the last of the executives they both made their way to the veranda and sat on a nearby swing which was shrouded in darkness but the moon conveyed just enough light for them to head to the piece of plank and relax on it.
After a few minutes of comfortable silence Kagome's voice raised a question "Ne! Kaito-san…I mean Kaito…" - she quickly corrected herself when Kaito started glaring at her -"Why was I invited to this party? I mean I don't even know the people who are hosting it and on second thought I haven't even met the host yet! So rude of me!" she exclaimed.
"Dijobu. Let me tell you this much. Your host is your boss and before you say anything! He doesn't give a damn whether you are here or not. He won't demand any sort of social courtesies as long as you do your job efficiently and address him respectfully and that's it!"
"Wait! That's it! So why is this job considered so taboo? I mean everyone keeps warning me about this job and working for the ice prince!?"
"Aah… that is because all the girls till before me only did half the job and the rest of the time they spent trying to get into the ice prince's pants. Now believe it or not but despite being the most handsome she simply hates it when women throw themselves at him! Especially during work and I really hope that you won't do the same" Kaito finished with confidence radiating off her eyes.
"Of course not. I mean work is work. I won't be throwing my dignity down the drain anytime soon" Kagome assured Kaito.
"Good! I got exactly that sort of vibe from you when I first met you. I am so glad I found you. I couldn't imagine leaving Sesshy-kun with a gold-digger tramp" her eyes twinkled.
"Sesshy-kun?" Kagome questioned and wondered to herself about why it seemed to familiar and personal.
"Yeah… It's my pet name for him but don't even accidently mention it. He will go ballistic and throw you out on your ass before you can even blink" Kaito finished with a laugh and Kagome joined her. After their laughter died Kagome realized that she should be heading home when she conveyed so to her companion disappointed could be clearly seen etched on her face.
"Aah… I guess it is late. Time really flies doesn't it." Kagome nodded to it. "Let me drop you till outside." Kagome nodded once again and they started making their way to the front. Both were chattering away about how the office is and who all to stay away from and also every now and then Kaito spoke about how to control 'Sesshy-kun'. Giggling and laughing their way through the garden they were almost at their destination when Kaito whispered a look and pointed towards a thick canopy of trees some distance away where a tall man in a black tux was standing still and every once in a while sipping a glass of champagne. Kagome turned to look in the direction Kaito was pointing at and a gasp immediately left her mouth. If Kaito would have been looking at Kagome then she would have seen a look of terror grace her face and tears starting to brim. In a shaky voice Kagome asked "Who-Who is that person?" to which Kaito replied "That's your boss of course! The one I called ''Sesshy-kun'. Come. I'll introduce you the prodigy of the business world Sesshoumaru Taisho" Kaito giggled at this and turned to Kagome and immediately concern was etched on her face. "Kagome… Are you okay? What's wrong?" Kaito questioned slowly moving towards her.
Kagome was still staring at the man whose waist-length silver hair was flowing gently in the breeze. She snapped out of her reverie when a hand shook her shoulder sharply.
"Kagome! Kagome! Kagome-chan! Can you hear me?" Kaito repeated again and again but she didn't seem to hear or notice anything but the silver haired youkai.
"Sesshoumaru…" came a whisper from statuesque girl and abruptly she looked at Kaito and spoke in a broken and hollow voice "I… I… I have to go… I am sorry but I can't meet him right now. I am in a hurry" Kagome then stormed out of the place as soon as her heeled feet could manage. She could hear her name being called out in the background repeatedly, most likely from Kaito, but she never stopped. Once out on the street she walked aimlessly on the half-deserted road. The leering rug rats, the blinding lights, the judging females and the traffic lights. Nothing mattered to her. In fact it is a miracle that she even managed to escape any accidents. All the while the only thing that she could think of was 'He is alive. He survived. So why am I running away from him? Why?' These questions kept on swarming her mind as she walked and walked and walked. Finally after many hours her legs gave out and she fell. She sat on the cold hard ground and the flood gates broke and a barrage of tears washed her face.
"Kagome? Kagome is that you? What are you doing here? What's wrong?" Kagome heard a voice but could not for make out its owner to even save her own life. She tried to see who the person was but her crying bout left her vision cloudy and her mind even foggier than before. She felt hand lifting her bridal style but she had no strength to fight back. Before she knew it she was drifting in and out of consciousness and was being carried away by a stranger.
KEY:
Shikon-no-tama: Sacred jewel
Hiraikotsu: Sango's boomerang weapon
Youkai: demon
Okaa-san: Mother
Kitsune: Fox
Tessaiga: Inuyasha's sword
Yoki: chi
Tasukete: help
Hanyou: half demon
Onna: Woman
Saimyosho: Naraku's poisonous bees
Miasma: poisonous air
Yossha: Let's do it!
Ikkou: Let's go
Ningen: Human
Miko: priestess
Sama: extremely polite way of calling someone especially those in high positions
Nee-san: a way of writing one-san which means older sister
Hontoni: really
Nande: What?
Hai: Yes
ne: right?
Moshi Moshi: a way to say 'hello' while answering a call
Kagome desu: it is Kagome
Muri desu: It is impossible
Kuso: shit/crap
Ja: bye / see you later
kun: a way to acknowledge guys ( by girls)
Tenshi: Angel
Simpaishinaide: Don't worry
Gambari yo: Best of luck
Arigatou: Thank you
Ano: used like 'um...'
Sumimasen: excuse me
Watashi Odagiri Kaito desu: I am Odagiri Kaito
Hajimemashite: Nice to meet you
Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu: I am in your care now
Sempai: Reference to your seniors either in office or school
Chigaimasu: wrong
Daijobu: It's alright.
I would really like to thank AnnaliseIsmeneRomano, Feng Lan, Firewolfsky, JKitty12, KWTheWorld, Natalie Shiffer, PhoenyxandKoko, Purplebabe, VixenKitsune147, kj1003, miassartemis88, shadow zombie, mona, .9237 for supporting my story! Thanks a tonne!
Mona: From what I understand from your review I am answering your questions. First of all Sesshoumaru or Inuyasha or anyone can't exactly go searching for Kagome because they do not know the exact date or year when Kagome permanently returns from the feudal era and if they accidentally meet her before then they can possibly change the future. In my story Inuyasha is not in love with Kagome but definitely cares for her a lot and no Inuyasha did nothing for their safety since he can't exactly predict the future and Kagome has always said that demons no longer exist in the future so Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru don't know whether they will survive.
.9237 : I know I said that I would tell about Rin in this chapter but I got a little side-tracked and the story came out a bit different than I had anticipated but I assure you that I will reveal about her soon enough.
Nathalie Shiffer: I am myself not sure when those two will meet because there are a bunch of scenarios that are in my head right now but I assure you that it will be soon. :D
Please Review! And if you find that I am putting too many Japanese words and it is bugging you while reading and tell me so. I will stop doing so. Hope you like this chapter :D