chp 11

She sighed, his breath tickling her neck. She felt warm arms around her, cuddling her like a teddy bear. She waved her hand towards the wind of warm air, as if trying to shoo away a fly. The soft pattern of his deep breathing woke her softly, and without thought she silently smiled, her body shook slightly with mute laughter. She placed an arm around him, taking in his warmth. She slowly inched her eyes open, seeing the night still dark. She glanced upwards, seeing the stars glimmering brightly, she glanced around seeing no moon.

"The new moon..."

She glanced at Inuyasha's face, which she could barely make out under this light. She gently glided his hands from her waist, and glanced at his sleeping form. Even his long tresses no longer shined in this black night. She longed to touch his face, but she was afraid that would rouse his peaceful sleep, and she was not one to ruin perfection. She slowly got up, in case he was sensitive to movement. She slowly took a step, making sure there was nothing in her way, and then walked down the beach in inky darkness.

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It was obvious the moment he grasped air, that Kagome was gone.

'Damn...why does she just LOVE to cause me trouble?'

Tired as he was, he balled his hand into a fist, and pushed himself up off the sand. It was pitch black, just his luck. Any other night...any other FREAKIN' night, but no she chooses this night. Why!?

Damn it all to hell!

He didn't want to say anything to her that day, because he thought it would be nothing, but a demon scent was on the island. But today the scent was growing stronger and the air was thick in a demon's scent. But now he couldn't smell whether it was closer or farther away. Tonight was the night of the new moon...

The night he lost his demon powers, and became human.

He couldn't see as well in the dark as he usually could. It pissed him off, this human state. He just wanted to sleep through it, for once, but no...and his human emotions were so powerful right now. He was almost afraid of what would happen if Kagome was here.

'Maybe I shouldn't go find her...it might be more disastrous if I did..'

But he tredged on, following the footprint in the sand she had left. It wasn't easy to follow them either, the sand was so dark and the imprints were hard to distinguish. But eventually the stars became brighter or something, or his eyes became more accustomed to the dark, in any event, he could see a little better. He followed the imprints of little Kagome feet in the sand, careful not to be lead off track.

But a voice so musical stopped him dead on. The lyrics so entrancing, and the voice so completely perfect, he completely stopped, and stood up. Even without his dog ears, he could hear the voice beautiful as a violin. The silhouettes of chords dancing up her wide range, the pitch blending perfectly in the cool air. Soft as kitten's breath, the voice humbly entered its solo. Music to his ears was an understatement, it was as if everything in the world stopped for this one moment, this one sliver of time, to listen to perfection.

He followed the velvet sound, taking in the atmosphere she created. Each moment was like a sip of fine wine, thirst quenching and mind calming. He neared towards her, completely mesmerized with her presence. He finally caught glimpse of her, sitting on a rock, staring up at the sky. She was on her back, her arms spread out. Her white dress was easy to see as it waved delicately in the dark, inky night.

"..All the little pieces, falling, shattered... shards of me, too sharp to put, back together...too small to matter...but big enough to cut me into so many little pieces... If I try to touch her, I bleed...I bleed...and I breathe, I breathe...no more..." (breathe no more, evanescence -personal obsession-)

How could she understand that pain. That broken twist of fate that life had brought him, to be a hanyou, and to be unloved. She understood, completely, how it felt to be him. His heart split in two, one side daring him to talk to her, the other half knowing the pain of rejection. Her wonderful voice, the soul clenching lyrics, and her beauty radiating off her, she was a celestial being in his eyes. Yearning for her, he stepped closer, afraid his silent steps would be heard.

Her long tendrils of hair floated in the wind, the folds of her dress dancing. He now realized she was dancing as she sang, her invisible partner leading her in perfect grace. But she floated in darkness, looking like a ghost in her long white dress. She turned towards where he was crouching, and he caught sight of her face. It sent a cold shiver down his heart..

In her eyes, he saw Kikyo, staring deadly to the world. The coldness in those eyes, the complete lack of Kagome in them, it was enough to scare him. He remembered waking up from himself, looking down at her cold dead eyes, never to see them alive again. The haunting feeling it gave him, to see it in the rays of sunshine themselves, Kagome. But in an instant it was gone, replaced with a slow, sad smile. She whispered something to herself, inaudible in his current state. She stopped dancing, the light frills of her dress falling limply to her sides.

"Inuyasha..." she spoke...

She was...pretending to dance with me?

He stood up, knowing his form would not be seen in this inky dark. But he hit a nearby bush, and created a scurrying sound.

Kagome immediately turned towards him, staring right at him. He froze..

Her face became a mixture of fear and surprise. She squeaked, her face shrouded in the fear he knew was present. She opened her mouth to speak, but was completely immortalized by fear.

"Who's...th..ere.." She spoke in a loud whisper.

He moved towards her, and she ran. He couldn't run as fast in human form, but he could run faster than she could. He felt awkward running as a human, it was heavy, and he didn't have the control he usually had. He wasn't weightless; he didn't have the strength to feel that way. He quickened his pace, using a sudden burst of adrenaline to power his flight. He reached out and grabbed her arm, yanking her back and into his chest.

"Aiiiii! Let me go! Please let me go!"

"Calm down Kagome, its just me."

She stopped fidgeting, and looked at him blankly, then shouted, "GET AWAY FROM ME!!!!!!!"

She slapped his face, trying to get away from his grip. She pried her left hand away, and continued to bash him.

"KAGOME! It's me! Don't you get it!"

Suddenly a deep growl was heard, and both turned to look at the noise. A pair of eyes floated in the bushes, fangs the size of daggers gleamed...

"Get behind me, now..."

She did as she was told, assuming the man to be a savior in disguise. She studied his long black hair, and his clothes..

INUYASHA!?

Suddenly the growling demon sprang out, a giant cat demon. Flames surrounded its tail, giving light into the surrounding area. Its black stripes ripped down its body, and it growled a fierce battle cry. Inuyasha stood blankly at the cat, "Kirara?"

The cat looked at him, and then a sudden burst of flames surrounded its entire body. Once the smoke cleared, a tiny kitten was in place of the tiger of a cat. It meowed softly, "Mrow.."

Kagome looked at the kitten, "What happened?"

Inuyasha sighed, "Show yourself Sango..."

Kagome watched in awe as a beautiful woman walked out of the darkness. Her skin tight cat suit was decorated with magenta colored armor, a sword at her side, and a giant boomerang tied to her back. Kagome was shocked, what was the boomerang for?

"Who are you!? Name yourselves!"

"We were on the other side of the island the entire fucking time!!!"

"I have no affiliation with you, how do you know my name!?"

"One word, Miroku."

Her eyes shot open, and her face was in shock, "Mi..Miroku?"

"I'm Inuyasha, the captain..."

"But the captain is a..." Her eyes widened in understanding.

Kagome stared at them both blankly, "What?"

"Kagome, "Inuyasha spoke, "This is Sango..."

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"I thought I smelt something familiar in the wind. So it was you, Kirara?" The small cat purred, and Inuyasha scratched its head. It stretched its neck out to Inuyasha's lightly scratching claws. Sango watched him, studying him for any abnormalities. He was a little edgy, but then again, it was his night of the month. She kept her attention mainly focused on Kagome. The girl seemed innocent enough, but there seemed to be more to her than what she was giving away. Her movements were too fluid, too practiced. Her steps were small and quick, like that of a hunter's.

I'm surprised Inuyasha hasn't caught on to her; she's definitely more than meets the eyes.

Kagome was beautiful, in a different way from most women her age. She was shorter than most, with a small torso and long legs. Most had a long torso and equally long legs, making them much taller than she. Her brown eyes were giving off a hazel essence, as if shinning from the back. Long wisps of brownish black hair tumbled down her face, her pink lips small, but full. She was gorgeous, when you took the time to examine her.

"Sango, thank you for the meal, and your hospitality, I'm sure its not easy finding people in the middle of the night and taking them in," Kagome replied in a pleasant voice.

"It's not as big as you make it out to be. Honestly, I was just doing my nightly rounds before I head to bed, and I happened to run into an old friend."

"Feh," Inuyasha stated blankly.

Sango giggled, "You're just mad because you lost to me."

"I did not lose," he stated bluntly.

"You lost all your money to me!"

"You cheated!"

Sango sighed, he was a hopeless case.

"What happened?" Kagome asked.

"Me, Miroku, Kohaku, Kaede, and Inuyasha played a tournament of Hijiri 8the game in the third movie8 . Kohaku won, but when me and Inuyasha were up, he insists to this day that I cheated."

"You did…"

Kagome smiled at the conversation. It made her remember the ones Inuyasha and her had in the beginning of their voyage.

I forgot how long ago that was, two months? It seems like I've been with him for a lifetime.

She glanced over at him, watching his angry face glow red. It made her smile, for it was a comical fury. Sango's face was calm, although slightly irritated. Kirara kept glancing from one to the other, her voice mute with an incomprehensible expression.

"What is all the ruckus?" A voice called into the hut.

All four looked to the old woman in the doorway, a stunned look on her face, "Sango, who are these people?"

Sango blushed, embarrassed by her behavior, "You remember Inuyasha, of the Wind Scar."

Kaede nodded her head in understanding, "Ah yes, a hanyou as I remember. And you've brought another young maiden, what is your name, make I ask?"

"Kagome Higurashi," She stated a little dazed and confused.

A look of shock ran over her face, and she glanced over at Inuyasha, "Ye came for the map, didn't you."

Inuyasha grinned a beautiful sideways smirk, "And if I did?"

"Ye are a terrible fool, ye should know better than that after your fiasco with Naraku!"

"I forgot Kagura was watching," He said sarcastically.

He ran his fingers through his midnight black hair, his grey blue eyes shining. His playful smirk toyed with her heart, cutting away at it like glass.

"Well, if she's known all about this fiasco, then why didn't she…COME TO GET ME ON HER OWN FREAKIN' ISLAND!? She knew, didn't she?"

Kaede stood silent, "I owe ye no explanation of the Lady's way."

"I want her down here, NOW!"

Kaede sighed, "If ye must see her that bad, then go to the castle yourself."

Sango glanced over at Kagome, and gave her an almost pitiful stare.

"I feel sorry for you; you have to put up with him everyday."

Kagome smiled, and shook her head, "He's not that bad, once you get used to him."

She tilted her head and gave a smile, and immediately Sango knew she had feelings for that mongrel. She couldn't blame her; Inuyasha was attractive in that exotic way. Even now, he was exotic. With the long black hair, and piercing grey blue eyes, he was still attractive. But when his actual appearance was seen, no one could deny that he was one of the best looking people they'd ever seen. With draping silver locks of tangled hair, and the glowing liquid gold eyes, he was a figure carved by angels.

Not that that was her choice of man, she preferred charming and witty men like-dare she say- Miroku…

His violet gray eyes and feathery locks of tangled black made her melt into a puddle of mush. Even when he tied them back with a band, he was still drop dead handsome. It made her heart hurt, missing him and all him beauty. His gleaming gold sheath tied at his hip, the familiar crest of the handle. She had never seen the equal of Miroku's sword. But the gold against the blue of his clothes, it was stunning.

Suddenly she blushed, realizing what a fool she was to indulge herself in thinking about Miroku. She reminded herself that Miroku wasn't interested in a simple girl like herself, plus it was against her morals to go with a man like him. He was a dirty minded creep, who just happened to have a smile that made her go weak at the knees…

Oh God! He was coming here! Of course! She frantically panicked in her head.

Miroku, here! Oh no! What if he sees me, in my uniform! Or comes to visit me while I'm working! What if he…

Too many ifs, so many possibilities. Her breath tried to make its way in long clear strides, although it wasn't working out as well as first planned. Her whole being, once calm in these situations, was now aflutter. She bit her bottom lip in frustration, completely dazed by the new experience of confusion.

She watched Inuyasha argue with Kaede for a few minutes more, then leave the hut at easily as he came. Kagome came up to her, "Thank you, Sango, for you hospitality."

She followed Inuyasha, where ever he was going. But Sango had a feeling, it wouldn't be their last meeting.

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"Inuyasha, where are you going!?" Kagome cried breathlessly.

"To talk to that scheming witch, Kagura!" Inuyasha huffed as he climbed the hill to get to the palace.

"Inuyasha, stop please! Come on, it's nearly sun rise, and we've been up since I don't know how long. Could we stop and rest, please!"

He turned around, "If you're so tired, stop following me and rest! I don't need you clawing at my heels, woman!"

"You're a jerk! All I do is care, and it bothers you! Are you too good for me, or am I just an inferior human whose existence is irrelevant to you! Forgive me for being a pathetic human, but if being a hanyou or a demon means being like you, then forget it!"

Her words stung, like salt in a wound. He sighed, "You know…I don't feel like that about you."

"No I don't. That's how you always treat me, how you always have treated me. How am I supposed to know you feel different if I have nothing else to go by?"

He grimaced, grinding his teeth together in disgust of himself. He swung around, staring her straight in the eyes, trying to get himself across, "You are not inferior to me, you surpass me. I'd be a moron to think that way about you."

Her brown eyes shined hazel in the morning sun. Her wonderful petal lips looked soft as they had the first time he'd let temptation take over him. The loose wisps of hair that framed her face were especially beautiful today, once again enhanced by the morning sun. He reached out to her perfect face, feeling the soft, smooth skin under his fingertips. She didn't squirm, or try to stop him, she just stared at him, her hazel eyes barring into his soul. Sunlight hit his back, and he knew it was time…

He felt his demon powers flood into him, as the mysterious wind flowed from under him. His hair shot upwards, and his body pulsed. He let go of Kagome as the transformation began. His human ears receded and his dog ears began to come out. His claws returned, as well as his fangs. The wind blew away the black in his hair, washing it away to show the fresh silver. He blinked once, and his eyes turned to liquid gold. Suddenly the wind died down, and his hair fell gently to his back.

"Inuyasha," Kagome said with awe.

He returned to staring at her, "Where was I?"

"I don't remember."

He smiled, "Are you tired?"

"Yes."

He knelt down, "I'll carry you."

Kagome blushed, "No, that's ok, I'll be fine."

"Kagome, it's not a big deal, get on."

She looked at him hesitantly, but walked towards him, and positioned herself on his back.

"Are you sure this is safe-"

He jumped up into the air, higher than she'd ever been in her life. The rush of adrenaline was a certain shock, as her heart leaped into her throat. She suspended in the air for a moment, and then realized how powerful Inuyasha was. To be able to leap this high, he must have the strength of 50 men. She must be as delicate as rice paper to him, why did he bother with her?

She finally realized she was holding her breath as they gently hit the ground. He just clear at least 500 ft in one leap, and they were at the front doors of Lady Kagura's castle. And Inuyasha wanted to be the one to knock.

Which he did…literally…

"Hey! Open up Kagura, I know you're in there."

Kagome thought he was knocking on a wall, but when she looked up, she saw two 50 ft doors soaring up to the ceiling. She let her mouth drop in awe, as the one door creaked open for them. Inuyasha pushed it opened more, and grabbed her arm, leading her in.

"Listen, stay close to me, and don't let go of my arm," He whispered into her ear.

She nodded, soon realizing the hell of the situation. They were literally suspended in air, the only thing they could step on were currents of air that were possibly solid enough to walk on. Her eyes couldn't focus enough on the air currents to see though, but she knew Inuyasha's could. But that didn't mean she wasn't afraid. She immediately clamped herself to Inuyasha's waist, refusing to let loose.

Sensing her fear, he pulled her close to him, "I won't let anything happen to you Kagome, I swear."

"Mhmm…"

He hesitantly took a step, and succeeded. He followed down the path to Kagura's lair, where he knew she would be. He placed his arm around Kagome, and led her towards the suspended doors. He could hear the pounding of her heart and the shortness of her breath. She was afraid beyond reason.

"I've got you…"

"I know…"

The doors were still a ways, and he could feel the darkness of the abyss they were standing on seep into him. The way it was made, was that what they were walking on were currents that Kagura places down. She could cut them off at any moment, and they would fall to their deaths. Of course, Kagura was always too curious for her own good.

"We're almost there Kagome, keep it up."

She nodded, and continued to trek along. Usually she wouldn't be so afraid, but when you're walking on nothing but AIR, its a little nerve wrenching. She wanted to be back outside, where there was solid ground. But she couldn't leave Inuyasha to do this alone, she wouldn't let herself. In spite of the fear that coursed through her, she knew she had to keep going.

"Kagome, you can let go now…"

She opened her eyes, and saw she was standing on a white marble floor. She let go of Inuyasha's waist, blushing with embarrassment. She looked around at the room. There were waterfalls everywhere that emptied into glass basins filled with tropical fish. The walls were a light blue, and there was a throne with a woman sitting in it, a girl standing next to her.

"I see you've finally realized where you were, Inuyasha."

"You are a bitch Kagura, you know that!"

She smiled, "What do I owe the pleasure?"

"You know what I came for, the map; give me the map and the book."

"I'll give you the map, but even I don't know where the book is."

Inuyasha growled, "Damn it, Kagura, you know the book is most important."

"I gave it away, to an old friend. She hid it somewhere on the island, I don't know where."

Inuyasha snarled, and took out a sword from his hip, "Kagura, I mean it, give it to me."

She hmphed, and reached into her kimono, and threw a rolled up piece of paper at him, "That's all I have. You'll have to ask Kaede where the book is."

"Kagome get the paper," he spoke.

"Aw, you still don't trust me."

"No…"

Kagome did as she was told, and picked up the scroll of paper. She backed up to Inuyasha, where he protectively put his arm around her waist. In the midst of it all, she liked how protective of her he was being.

"Inuyasha, I'm hurt. You still don't trust me, and after all I've done for you."

"Kagura, you tried to kill me."

"Yes, but that was Naraku's fault."

"Yes, I see now you were telling the truth, that doesn't mean I trust you."

"Fine," she said bored.

"I'll be back another time."

Inuyasha back out, and ran through the doors. He jumped on the air current, and glided from place to place to get to the other side quicker. He knew Kagura would try to kill Kagome is he wasn't careful. He wouldn't give her that chance. He knew the faster he got to the other side, the safer Kagome was. His feet finally met the solid ground, and not a moment too soon. Kagura had shut down all the wind currents, only seconds after he reached the other side.

"Come on Kagome…"

"You have dangerous friends…"

"No, she's just jealous of you."

"Why," she asked confused.

He tried to find the right words to answer her question, "Because you're with me, and she would give anything to find someone to be with her."

She blushed for what seemed like the millionth time, "But we're not…together together, just friends…right."

He wanted to say 'If that's what you want,' but knew better than to lead her on like that, "I wouldn't think so…"

She sighed, "Of course…you wouldn't."

She couldn't say what came over her just then, but suddenly her heart hurt. She looked at him, wishing to God he would like her back for just a moment.

Suddenly she felt his arm drape around her shoulders, and she looked up at him, "I do too like you…"

His face was in a blush, and she smiled, "I'm glad…"

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YAY new chapter. Sorry for the long update, just birthday stuff going on (16 woot! ), boyfriend stuff, and new computer stuff. If you haven't heard yet, I have anew story called Tacite Love, Unforgotten enemies. Its gonna be in a traditional setting, you know, feudal era, goshinboku…Sit…all that good stuff. Anyway, its up in my profile so if you wanna check it out, I have chapter one up. Also is anyone else not getting emails about reviews or updates, or is it just me. Also, I'm looking for a beta reader and if anyone knows anyone or is interested themselves, could you tell me so we could work something out? Hey, did you notice I have no spelling errors this time? Hurray for Microsoft word!

Reviewers:

InuKagKisses- I didn't say I would write it, I said do you want to write it and I'll post it for you. At least, that's what I thought I said…

Inuyasha Lover 813

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luver-of-horses

Ichiru-GoLuckyHanyou

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fluffy's love

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Once more, I luv you guy bushels and bushels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Review please!

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