Oasis
Chapter 7: Treasures
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"I'm hungry…"
Inuyasha looked down to the girl in his arms with sympathy. He was also hungry having not eaten yesterday. At the crack of dawn, they set out to look for a way to escape.
"… and thirsty too… when are we getting out Inuyasha?" Kagome looked into Inuyasha's golden orbs.
"I don't know Kagome…" Seeing her crestfallen face he said, "But we'll get out, I know it… If we can survive on an island, we can walk through a cave…" Inuyasha sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than her.
Kagome sighed wearily. She leaned her head on Inuyasha's shoulder and felt his hand rub her back. She closed her eyes and imagined the green and brown jungle she loved so much. She wanted to feel the gentle wind caress her face and the breath of the ocean embrace her form; to feel the heat of the sun beat down on her delicate face.
His sunlit golden eyes briefly looked down at his burden he carried in his arms. Her tanned form was covered by a blanket of darkness and her scent was weakened by the stale air in the cave. Much like Kagome, he wanted to be out in the open again. The darkness was not a place that a beautiful creature like Kagome should be trapped in. She was one who could brighten anyone's day and can outshine the sun with her smile. Inuyasha could never have survived on the island without her smile brightening his day. For all the time's she didn't smile he made it his goal to bring it back.
A groan brought Inuyasha out from his musings. Looking down he saw the pained face that was Kagome. He skidded to a halt and asked, "What's wrong? Are you hurt? Do we need to stop?"
"No…" Kagome rubbed at her stomach for a while and stated, "It hurts a little here…"
"Really?" Inuyasha asked on the verge of panicking. He was berating himself and wanted to bash his head on something for not taking better care of her. He had promised to protect her! To take care of her! But now here she is wallowing in pain and he has no idea how to stop it! What kind of person was he?
"I wish I had some herbs with me…" Kagome muttered
With a new found determination springing into his narrowed eyes, Inuyasha gazed into the darkness, "I'm getting you out of here, Kagome… don't you worry."
~0~
If the two inhabitants had been outside they would have known it was midday. But currently both were still trapped in a tunnel of darkness, cold, hungry, and thirsty…
… and currently looking at a split connection in the cave. Both have to decide to go to the right or to continue to the left.
"Where should we go?" Kagome asked.
"Um… I think we should go to the right?" Inuyasha looked to the right side.
"Why did that sound like a question?" Kagome looked into Inuyasha's golden eyes.
"Because I'm not sure." Inuyasha looked at her face with a sheepish grin.
Kagome gave him a peck on the lips and rubbed his ear. "How about this… we go to the right and if we hit a dead end we turn back and go to the left?"
"But that takes a long time."
"Then we need to get going, don't we?"
Sharing a kiss, Inuyasha carried Kagome deep into the other tunnel. He felt guilty every time he heard Kagome's stomach growl or the little husky sound that came from her parched throat. He had thought they would get out here quickly but the way this tunnel was made out, it felt like they were walking the whole island again and not getting a very pretty view either.
A distant sound crawled its way to his ear. Focusing in on the noise that echoed off the walls, he figured it to be… something… that fell from above and bounced when it hit the bottom.
Moving closer to the source, Inuyasha heard what appeared to be water. Inhaling sharply, he squeezed Kagome to his chest and took off at a run, receiving a squeak from the girl in his arms.
Now Kagome could hear the noise though not as clearly as Inuyasha. "Inuyasha, what's that noise?" she confusedly asked upon seeing his suddenly cheerful expression.
"It's water!" Inuyasha in little to no time at all arrived at the end of the tunnel.
Both their eyes widened at seeing a crack in the ceiling and water leaking from it in a thin strip. They watched the water fall through the air and bounce off the flat, clear pond at the bottom in fat droplets.
Kagome was practically bouncing in Inuyasha's arms. "Can you move, Inuyasha? Please? I'm thirsty."
Nodding his head, Inuyasha wasted no time splashing to the center of the pond and set Kagome on her butt under the dripping water, which Kagome immediately devoured by opening her mouth and letting the cool fresh liquid run down her parched throat.
Waddling around in the barely two foot deep water, Inuyasha gazed at the crack with a frown upon his face. "I think… I think we're right under the stream that enters our bathing cave."
"Mmmm…" Kagome hummed swallowing more of the heavenly liquid while brushing her arms with her water filled hands.
"Hey! I want water too! Let me have some!" Inuyasha strode over to Kagome and poked her in the arm.
"No! It's mine and you can't have it!" Kagome playfully yelled back and rubbed the spot he poked like it 'hurt'.
"But I found it so I should have some!" Inuyasha joined in her game and gently pushed her away and to take a sip from the water.
Kagome shoved him back lightly. "But I'm a lady and ladies always go first!" After she finished her statement she splashed Inuyasha with water.
Splashing her back, Inuyasha laughed lightly and said, "But I'm a growing boy! I need the water! Besides you already drank."
"But I haven't had a drink…" Kagome started splashing more water to him and having an equal amount splash onto her, "… since the day before yesterday!"
"I haven't had any either!" Inuyasha rubbed his eye where water had entered only to have Kagome push his head under the falling water, drenching his hair and back completely.
Kagome's giggles filled the air and Inuyasha's amber orbs narrowed. "So that's how it's going to be!" Kagome squealed when Inuyasha created a wave of water with both his arms and sent it to fall on her person.
"Ah! It's so cold!" Kagome splashed back with as much power her skinny arms could.
Giggles, chuckles, and laughter of children filled the air and bounced off the walls. The usually still water was disturbed and the dry rocks were now wet. The two children were thoroughly soaked. The girls' hair was floating around her head after the silver haired boy pounced on her and both fell in a tangle of limbs.
"Can you get off me?" Kagome panted through her giggles. Inuyasha smirked down at her.
"Why should I?"
"Because your hair is falling on my face and it is tickling me!" Kagome brushed away said hair with a wave of her hand.
Inuyasha chuckled and a spark lit in his eyes. "That's not going to be the only thing tickling you."
"No! Inuyasha, don't you dare…" Kagome was cut off by her sounds of laughter as Inuyasha's clawed hands found their way to her sides.
"Inuyasha… Inuyasha, stop… it…" Kagome said with each inhale of air.
Inuyasha only laughed more. "I will if you tell me you love me."
Not willing to submit to him, Kagome yelled out a "No!" and began to move her hands over his ticklish spots.
Laughing, Inuyasha fell to his side, and listened to Kagome's heavy breathing as he quickly collected air to fill his lungs.
Twisting her head to look at his face, she grabbed his hand and said, "I love you, you jerk."
Inuyasha's breathy chuckle next to her ear caused shivers to run down her spine. Leaning forward, Inuyasha placed his lips on Kagome's.
With no coy hesitation, both deepened the kiss and their tongue's met. They explored their partner's mouth and left no space untouched. Kagome's tongue ran over Inuyasha's fangs and a growl issued from his throat. Pulling her bottom lip between his teeth, he sucked at the appendage and entered her mouth again.
Pulling apart minutes later, they panted, their faces red though not from anger or embarrassment. Kagome rubbed at Inuyasha's right ear as he caressed her arms, his forehead leaning against hers.
"I love you too." Inuyasha muttered, his love for her shining bright in his eyes.
~0~
Not long after, Inuyasha and Kagome set off in their journey, this time walking back to search out the remaining tunnel for an exit. With their stomachs now filled with water and throats no longer dry, they weren't in such a hurry as before.
Actually now that they were no longer worried about their empty bellies, their musing ventured out further.
Kagome thought of their experience underground as a new adventure, something she's longed to have all of her life. Who knows what they could find at the end of this tunnel? Maybe a way to escape? Or maybe they'll discover another secret of the island? No one knows and perhaps they'll be the ones to uncover them. They; the only ones who have been given a whole new world to explore.
Inuyasha thought of how this new experience has brought them closer without worries. Sure, they were worried and wondering about a way out but Inuyasha didn't have to worry about anything intruding on their private moments. The weather couldn't harm them, an animal couldn't find them. It was going pretty good for them under here. Although he could do without the scent of Kagome's blood, even if it seemed not to be harming her, but he put that thought in the back of his mind.
So lost in thought were they both they didn't see the dent in the ground nor did they see the piece of wood that was in their path.
That is why they were both surprised when Inuyasha's foot hit the object causing them to fall with a yell. Quickly thinking, Inuyasha spun in the air making sure to fall with his back on the ground and Kagome on his chest.
"What was that?" Kagome asked picking her head up from his chest.
"I don't know…" Gently setting Kagome beside him, Inuyasha sat up and crawled to the object. He pulled on the wood with one hand and stated, "It's wood… and it's heavy… I'm going to take it out." Inuyasha grabbed hold with both hands and pulled. He only got it to move a few inches in a matter of about fifteen minutes.
Kagome placed a hand on his shoulder. "Do you need some help?"
"No," he gave a peck on her mouth, "and anyway you're hurt. I want to do this myself. Okay?"
Reluctantly nodding, Kagome sat back and watched as Inuyasha strained to pull out… whatever it is… and sweat built on his brow. A few moments later, half the object was uncovered from the soil revealing a small rusty trunk. Inuyasha still held on to the thing but at its side now, walking back and pulling out the trunk completely.
Dropping on his knees next to Kagome, Inuyasha rubbed all excess dirt from the wood. Looking at a golden plate at the front, he could make out an inscription carved into it but was too rusty to read.
"Let's open it." Kagome said at his side. He saw her looking at the trunk with wonder and curiosity evident on her face.
Using his claw, he inserted it into the lock and twisted it until the chest opened with a snap. Lifting the top lid, they gazed wide-eyed at what they found within.
Kagome gasped. "Inuyasha…" she whispered mystified.
"Yeah… I can't believe it either."
Inside the chest was a collection of gold items. Kagome saw two pieces of gold coins next to each other that reminded her of Inuyasha's eyes. There were many more pieces of golden coins along with jewelry and different colored jewels.
Spotting a ring, Inuyasha picked up the item without Kagome noticing. The ring had a bright gold band with a red jewel at the top; a ruby, had Inuyasha known what it was; and a word carved on the inside- love.
Kagome was picking up a chain with a square shaped golden plate hanging from it, an emerald in the center. Looking at her and then back at the ring, Inuyasha thought back to his days in civilization. He remembered his mother wearing a golden band similar to the one he held on her left ring finger. He had asked why she had always worn it and he would always remember her answer-
"This ring marks me as your father's beloved- his wife. It is a way to show our eternal love for each other, never to part, together forever, for as long as we both shall live.
Perhaps one day you will find that special girl, just like your father has found me, who will bring you happiness and make you learn the joy of falling in love."
Inuyasha blushed at the remembrance of her words. Looking up at the raven haired girl kneeling before him, he tried to remember the talk he had with his father once-
"How did I propose to your mother? Well pup, It was a day like any other. I was alone with your mother having fun like any young one would when she sent me one of her smiles that you couldn't help but to fall in love with. And I knew right then that I wanted to have her by my side forever and always. So I got down on one knee and asked her-"
"Will you be my wife?" Inuyasha asked looking into Kagome's shocked brown eyes.
He had done just what his father had done. He placed his left knee to the dirt floor and held both his hands out holding the ring and right when Kagome turned to him with her brilliant smile, he popped the question.
Looking at the ring in his hands and then into Inuyasha's hopeful eyes, she gave him her trademark smile and her eyes watered. Lunging forward, Kagome whispered the most beautiful word Inuyasha could have ever heard in that moment before their lips connected.
"Yes."
"She said yes, of course. And I can't bring myself to ever regret it. Izayoi has become my world. Perhaps someday you'll find a girl, you can share a great love with, like the one your mother and I have."
"Yes?"
"Yes!"
"Are you sure?"
"Completely sure!"
Inuyasha's arms wrapped around her joyful body, bringing her closer to his. He placed kisses to her cheeks, forehead, and chin… lips. Kagome's laughter and tears of joy filled his heart with happiness and his eyes to the absolute brightest. Kagome's hands fisted in his hair and brought his mouth down to meet hers; her left hand sporting the beautiful ring on her finger.
"I love you. I love you so much…"
~0~
Even in the darkness of the tunnel, one could feel the brightness that radiated off the place, its source coming from the two souls walking along the dirt path who carried an aura of happiness.
Both Inuyasha and Kagome sported smiles on their faces that turned to grins whenever they made eye contact. Kagome was in Inuyasha's arms again but this time her right arm was under his arm dragging along the chest of treasure they found. Although if you would ask them what is the greatest treasure they would answer each other without any hesitation.
It was midday outside and the day was clear of any clouds. The sun shone brightly from above and as brightly in Inuyasha's gaze. It was right what his father said. He felt like he was on top of the world with Kagome on his side and nothing can bring him down.
Hearing another foreign noise coming from the rocks exterior, Inuyasha's dog ear shriveled forward.
"Do you hear that?" Kagome whispered to him.
"Yeah… I'm going to check it out. You stay here…" Without waiting for a response, Inuyasha placed Kagome on the ground and walked to the rock wall in their path- a dead end.
Running his hand along the wall, Inuyasha's finger found certain places that seemed moist; mostly along the edges of the rocks. His finger caught onto a pebble jabbed between two large boulders. Yanking on it, it fell soundlessly to the ground leaving two astonished people staring at its original location.
Kagome gasped. Streaming through a small hole was sunlight and the sound of rumbling grew. Inuyasha placed his palms on a boulder and pushed with a groan. He gritted his teeth and shut his eyes tight feeling the movement of the rock coming through the other side. His arms tingled and his breath escaped his mouth in a relieved sigh when the rock passed through to the other side ending at the bottom of the cliff with a splash.
They gazed wide-eyed at what they discovered. It turns out that the rumbling sound came from the waterfall they knew so well. The tunnel had completely led them to the other side of the island but still fairly close to their hut, which they were grateful for.
Sending each other small smiles, they felt their worries being lifted from their shoulders and they could think back to the past two days as another adventure filled with enjoyment.
Now all they had to figure out was how Inuyasha was getting Kagome on land without her getting hurt.
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Another chapter finished. Yippee! I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I had writing it. Thankfully my home is not badly damaged except for a leakage in my room. So, I'm okay.
So please enjoy, review, cry, laugh, or do whatever it is you do and I will write for you next time.
Ja Ne.
