Errrr…. Hi! ;;;;; Nerrrrgggggg… yeah, if anyone who used to like me is still reading fanfiction, hi again! I hope you don't hate me…. Either way, I hope this attracts more readers and I'd like to assure you that this isn't going to be the only chapter I post in the next six months or anything (I know because a good portion cough all cough of the next chapter is up too.
Anywho, please forgive me if my writing has gotten rusty and please enjoy the chapter!
Chapitre 12
Shinsetsu na Hito (A Good Person)
Auroras-flame
"Kikyo," Kaede said, "Are you awake?"
"Yes," Kikyo answered, "What is it Kaede?"
They were in their room and in bed for the night. Moonlight was shining through the windows and dimly lighting the space. Kaede shifted on her cot and turned to face Kikyo's back, "Ane-san, is it wise to allow the hanyou to-?"
"His name is Inuyasha, Kaede," Kikyo interrupted.
Kaede frowned, "Not Inuyasha-sama?"
Kikyo paused for a moment, and then let out a sigh and asked calmly, "What ails you, sister?"
Kaede fidgeted a little bit, "Sister, I am concerned ye are getting too close to Inuyasha-sama." Kaede waited for an answer, but when one didn't come, she continued, "It isn't right Kikyo. I know you're indulging him just to be polite, but it is giving off a terrible impression. He's a demon and you are a priestess. Just think if Father learned about it-"
"Inuyasha is a good person Kaede," Kikyo cut her off, "He is also our host. It is dishonorable to speak of him in such a way within his own home."
Kaede sat up, staring incredulously at her sister, "Inuyasha is a demon."
"He is only half demon…"
"And what does it matter?!" Kaede leaned toward her sister, hand clutching her sheets in desperation, "Please Kikyo! Ye have always done everything possible to keep yourself and our family honorable; please tell me that you have not fallen for Inuyasha! Deny it, sister, please!"
Kikyo remained silent, back still turned to her sister. Kaede would have done anything to just see what her face looked like right then, just some confirmation that she was thinking over her words and not seriously considering beginning a relationship with a hanyou; but she was dead silent. Kaede lowered her head and murmured a final time, "Please…"
Kikyo finally sat up and faced her sister directly. The moonlight from outside their window lit up half of her face and reflected off her eyes which were as serious as the grave. Kikyo stated slowly, and without stutter, "I am not falling for Inuyasha, Kaede."
Kaede let out a breath of air she didn't even know she was holding, and her shoulders relaxed out of tension she hadn't even realize she had. Kikyo descended back onto her cot and said coolly, "Satisfied, sister? Now please, go to sleep and calm yourself. You have undoubtedly embarrassed us both by yelling so loudly in a palace half filled with demons."
Kaede blushed and returned to lying down, realizing that her sister was right. Hopefully what she said wouldn't be too spread around by tomorrow morning…
O.o
Kagome returned to her room after feeding the wolves and was surprised to see Shippo there, sitting right outside her door. Upon seeing her, Shippo scurried over and checked her neck and the jewel. When he confirmed that it was still there, he let out a sigh of relief, "Oh good. It's still there. I admit, I was a little worried about you going up there with the jewel, but three whole days and it seems like everything is alright."
Kagome crouched down so she could get to Shippo's eye level, "Of course everything is alright. You know Shippo, Kouga isn't as bad as you think. I just explained the situation to him, and he totally understood. I don't think he'll bother you anymore. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he left soon, either."
Shippo stared blankly at her before asking, "You're joking, right?"
Kagome frowned, "No, I'm not joking. I really think Kouga has changed for the better during his little stay here at the castle. I mean, he hasn't gone crazy and tried to kill you or Inuyasha or anything, has he? He's just stayed in his room, just like we asked of him, even though he has recovered completely. I genuinely think he's just a nice guy."
Shippo had his mouth agape for a moment in speechless shock before finally saying, "You are SO NAÏVE," he shook his head and stuck out his hand, "You know what, I'm sorry Kagome, I change my mind. Give me back the Shikon no tama."
Kagome laughed, "It's okay Shippo, I won't give it to him, I promised you, and he knows that."
Shippo lowered his hand and stared up at Kagome worriedly, "Kagome, please just be careful. These guys are wolves and I think that they are willing to do much lower stuff than you give them credit for."
Kagome smiled gently, "Thank you Shippo, that's really sweet. I'm happy that you care about me this much." Kagome grasped the jewel in her hand tightly, "I will do all I can to make sure this doesn't get into the wrong hands."
"Kagome!"
Shippo and Kagome glanced down the hall to see Sango holding a pair of towels and washcloths. She walked up to them, just noticing Shippo she said, "Oh, hello Shippo," she turned back to Kagome, "I turned on the boiler. Do you want to go take a bath with me, Kagome?"
Kagome returned to her normal height and nodded, "Sure." She looked down at Shippo, "Would you like to join us Shippo?"
Shippo shook his head, "That's alright. I was getting kind of hungry and I wanted to raid the kitchen."
Kagome nodded, "Alright, bye bye."
"See ya." Shippo scurried off toward the stairs. Sango watched him go and as soon as he was out of earshot, questioned, "What was that about?"
"I'll tell you about it inside the bath," Kagome said.
O.o
Miroku carried a towel and washcloth over his shoulder as he strolled to the baths, he noticed the boiler was already on, so he figured somebody had already finished taking a bath and just was going to let the coal just burn off, so Miroku was going to take this opportunity for himself. On his way, a little fuzz ball scampered right by his feet, nearly tripping him.
"Whoa!" Miroku regained his ground, and he heard a quick 'sorry' coming from the fuzz ball before it left. Miroku quickly figured it must have been Shippo, but then shrugged it off and continued on his way.
Miroku used to always enter the baths through what was now Kagome's room, but he was forced to change to a new course upon her arrival, now he entered in the room over. It was a little bit more of a walk, but only by about ten meters or so.
He entered the room and wasn't surprised to find it steamy since both Kagome's and this room got that way whenever the boiler heated the water in the bath room. However, while stripping down, he began to hear noises coming from the baths.
Miroku paused and glanced at the baths door, "Oh," he murmured to himself, "I guess there's someone already in there…"
"Ah, it's really warm this time, Sango!"
"Yeah, I put extra coal in, so we can soak for a bit longer too."
Miroku's eyes lit up a bit. Sango and Kagome in the baths. Maybe he could sneak a peek in or two…
"So what was Shippo talking to you about, Kagome?"
"The jewel, of course."
Miroku stopped. Well wasn't this interesting? Even if Sango would just reveal everything to him later, he sort of still wanted to know about this now. He sat down near the door and leaned in close to it.
"Well, I can sort of understand why he'd be worried," Sango said, "I mean, you see those wolves every meal-time and they really want the jewel, right? If I were him, I would have been too afraid to give it to you."
"It's not like I'm just going to let them pickpocket it off my neck, you know," Kagome said defensively.
"I'm not afraid of them getting the jewel, Kagome, I would be worried about the methods they use to get it from you," Sango clarified.
Kagome sighed loudly and Miroku didn't hear anything for a moment. Finally Kagome said, "You know, you're probably going to think I'm crazy, but I don't think Kouga is such a bad guy."
Sango paused, as did Miroku. Why on Earth did she think that? Sango said, "You think this because he hasn't tried anything yet? To get the jewel, I mean."
"Not just that, but he's actually been pretty nice to me…"
"I should hope so, if he was being mean we'd kick him out so fast it he wouldn't even have the time to say "Shikon"."
"Okay, okay, I get it, don't trust wolves, fine."
There was a long period of silence, and Miroku grew amazingly bored. 'Ah, well, I suppose this time is as good as any to take my peek…' he thought to himself. He reached for the door until Sango suddenly asked, "Kagome, what do you think about Inuyasha?"
Miroku put his hand down. Good girl, Sango! This was going to be fascinating.
"Wha-? What on earth are you talking about, Sango?"
"Oh, come on, you know. You guys have been pretty nice to each other recently. Is there anything going on?"
"How could there be anything going on, Sango, the only time I really see him is during meals."
"But still, humor me, what do you think about him now that you've gotten to know him a little better?"
"Well, I still think he's pretty much just a big kid…"
'Ouch, sorry Inuyasha…' Miroku thought amusedly.
"… He throws tantrums when he doesn't get his way…"
'Ouch.'
"… He gets competitive with other children…"
'Ouch.'
"… Not to mention that entire incident where he wouldn't let me bandage him up for reasons I still don't know…"
Miroku chuckled. 'Poor Inuyasha, good thing he isn't here to listen to this…'
"I'm sure there was a perfectly good reason behind that," Sango insisted.
"Well then I would like to hear it," Kagome huffed. There was a pause. Kagome said, now in a gentler voice, "But he does have his good points too."
'Oh?'
"He's a lot kinder than what I expected… Don't get me wrong, he's still a jerk for threatening my father into bringing me here… but… I realize now that you all want me for something… something important… important enough to where good people like you and Miroku could let Inuyasha treat someone that way…. I'm guessing I'm still not allowed to know what it is, but I'm willing to play along… and Inuyasha… I have a feeling he's a much better person than what he allows people to see..."
"Kagome…"
'Aw, that's sweet, maybe I'll tell Inuyasha about that,' Miroku mused, 'I can't imagine a more interesting topic coming up, so perhaps I'll take my peek now…'
"What about you Sango? How do you think about Miroku?"
'…I take that back.'
"Miroku? Wh- Why would you bring up that pervert?!"
"Oh, come on Sango, I've seen the two of you. Isn't there something going on already?"
"There most certainly is NOT."
'The lady doth protest too much…'
"Well, okay then, I spoke about Inuyasha, you speak about Miroku…"
'Oh, don't make her do that…'
"… but I already know he's a perv. Talk about his good points like I talked about Inuyasha."
'May the gods bless you, Kagome.'
"THERE ARE NONE."
"Ouch, Sango, you wound me so…"
"What the heck was that?!"
'Whoops, that wasn't in my head was it?' Miroku figured. He stood up and collected his things. Time to go.
Sango was already in the room by the time he opened the hall door to leave. Miroku stared at her briefly as she glared him down, red with rage, and clad only in a towel. He whistled, "Nice towel," only to split a second afterwards.
"MIROKU, I WILL KILL YOU!!!!!" she screamed down the hall.
Fortunately for him, she would need clothes first.
O.o
Inuyasha exited his room with a yawn. It was already noon, but he decided to sleep in a bit. He slowly descended down the stairs, keeping himself balanced by using the support of the wall. As his senses began to clear, he picked up on a familiar scent coming towards his room. His ears pricked up a bit and he rushed to her.
"Kikyo!" he exclaimed like an excited child upon meeting up with her.
"Inuyasha, I was just looking for you," she smiled weakly.
He frowned at the peculiar smile, "Is there something wrong, Kikyo?"
Kikyo's already fragile smile diminished, "As a matter of fact, there is Inuyasha. I told you that we would be staying for an extra week, but I'm afraid it isn't to be so. Lord Noroubido sent a letter to my father to request the extension… however word has just been received back that it is… impermissible."
Inuyasha became entirely deflated. He glanced toward the ground, "Oh…" his head popped up again, "But Tessaiga…! You need more time to work on it don't you? Can't you stay longer because of that?"
Kikyo shook her head, "A half demon by the name of Naraku is coming to the palace, and he would solve the problem of you needing to save me, right before the deadline too."
"But your father doesn't know that!" Inuyasha persisted.
"I'm not going to lie to my father, Inuyasha," Kikyo said so firmly that Inuyasha flinched. Kikyo turned her head away and sighed, "Besides… you know… I know… it would never work Inuyasha."
Inuyasha stared at her hopelessly, "…What…?"
"It would never work. I was talking to Kaede last night and… a lot of things became clear to me. I can't afford to… get involved with anyone right now, especially someone of… your parentage," Kikyo struggled with phrasing, "I'm sorry Inuyasha, but in four days, I will leave." Kikyo turned around and strode away.
Inuyasha stood there watching her, dumbfounded and heart broken.
O.o
Inuyasha ate his rice slowly during dinner, taking occasional glances at Kagome. Was Miroku right? Did Kagome not hate his guts like she used to? Did she perhaps… like him? Or at the very least tolerate him?
He glanced up at her again, only to see her looking back at him. He lowered his eyes immediately and ate his food a little quicker.
Kagome sighed, a little exasperated and demanded to the whole table, "Okay, why do you all want this so badly? I've come to expect Kouga and the wolves staring, but every one of you are too. I don't get it."
What?
Inuyasha looked at Sango and Miroku who were giving each other guilty looks. Inuyasha didn't know what the heck they were talking about. Sango explained, "Well you see Kagome, you've already figured out that we want you here for something, but we think that the jewel might be able to help us achieve that goal that we are sort of using you for…"
Inuyasha glanced at the jewel around Kagome's neck. That's what Kagome thought he was looking at.
"I'm sorry, but Shippo wants me to take care of it and not give it to anyone," Kagome explained.
"You tell 'em, Kagome!" Shippo cheered happily.
Inuyasha growled, "You're such a little brat."
"Inuyasha!" Kagome scolded, "Don't say that to Shippo."
"Why not? My home," Inuyasha stated huffily.
"Shippo's been through a lot, and it's bad enough he's being hounded by Kouga and his wolves, he doesn't need it from you too."
Inuyasha's eyes narrowed. Those wolves; he had nearly forgotten about them. "Speaking of which, why aren't they gone yet?"
Kagome became less defensive, "You mean Kouga, Hakkaku, and Ginta?"
Inuyasha's eyes narrowed even more. Why did she bother to learn their names? "Whatever," he huffed, "Why are they still here? I said they could stay until they were healed. They're demons; they must have healed days ago."
Kagome lowered her head, "You're right, all of them have been fine for the past four days, and they probably could have left a week ago."
"They're probably still after the Shikon no tama," Shippo said, taking a bite of his rice, "I'm surprised they haven't tried to take it already."
Inuyasha looked back to Kagome, "Is that safe?"
"Inuyasha, it's fine. Kouga isn't as bad as you guys think. He understands that I'm not just going to give him the jewel, and I trust he'll leave soon," Kagome said matter-of-factly.
Inuyasha stared at her blankly. He opened his mouth to say something but Kagome interrupted, "Don't call me naïve! I know," Kagome stood up, "I'm done, I'll go talk to him now, okay?"
Kagome picked up her dishes and brought them to the kitchen and soon she was back with trays, walking speedily through the dining room to get to the stairs.
Once out of earshot, Sango wondered doubtfully, "Do you really think they're going to listen to her?"
"Of course not!" Shippo spat, "We're just fortunate that Kouga has the hots for Kagome and doesn't maul her when she steps foot in his room."
All three of the residents got wide-eyed as they stared at Shippo. Inuyasha was the first to respond, "Come again?"
Shippo looked around at his hosts, "He likes Kagome. He must. He hasn't attacked her, instead of just killing her to get his revenge on Inuyasha, he puts up with her, and he hasn't even tried to take the jewel from her yet after she asked him not to. If he doesn't want her to like him, I have no idea what he's doing."
"Isn't he just afraid of Kagome's abilities as a priestess?" Miroku inquired.
"As far as I can tell, Kagome doesn't have any dangerous priestess powers, and outside of being able to pinpoint the jewel's location, seemingly none at all," Shippo mused, "Which makes me so sure that he likes her."
"But, what's going to stop him then? Can't he take both the jewel and Kagome then?" Sango asked, "I mean, that sounds the most logical considering his mind set."
"Oh yeah," Shippo cringed, "That's not good."
Inuyasha had heard enough. He stood up and stormed to the stairs. He heard Miroku and Sango call out his name behind him, but he didn't care. It's one thing if Kouga didn't like Kagome and just feared Inuyasha or Kagome's powers. If Kagome ever got attacked and the jewel stolen from her, he could just catch Kouga and take care of him. But if Kouga was in love with Kagome, it could be just like Sango said, there shouldn't be anything stopping him from taking both the jewel and Kagome. He just had to hope Kouga hadn't figured that out yet.
Inuyasha stopped right before he hit the hall that Kouga's room was in. His ears picked up voices from the rooms. A good sign. Inuyasha stayed where he was. He shouldn't be out of smelling distance for wolves just yet but he should be able to stay out of detection if Kouga was distracted by Kagome and his nose dulled with the smell of hot rice.
Inuyasha focused all he could on hearing.
"I'm really sorry Kouga, but Inuyasha and the others are concerned about you being here still… especially when you're no longer hurt…" Inuyasha didn't like how nice and wishy-washy Kagome sounded. It sounded like she wanted him to stay.
Kouga let out a laugh, "I see, so mutt-face is finally kicking us out. I was wondering when it was going to happen."
Kagome immediately protested, "Don't say it like that! It isn't really kicking you out; it's just that he's sort of curious why you haven't moved on already, particularly because you already healed."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. No Kagome, it was called 'being kicked out'.
"And it isn't just Inuyasha either," Kagome added, slightly more softly, "it's everybody in the palace… even me…" her voice gained a little more strength, "Kouga, I explained to you that I can't give you the jewel. Please, don't make me have to ask you again not to go after it."
Inuyasha didn't hear anything for a moment. He was worried for a moment until he heard Kouga, "Okay Kagome, we'll leave…"
Inuyasha lowered his head and smirked. Perhaps Kagome did have this down. He began walking away.
"… but I want you to come with us, Kagome."
Inuyasha froze. Kagome must have too, because there was a stunned silence.
"Kagome, you say you don't like it here. I can take you away. You could go home to your family or come live with us. You wouldn't be a prisoner anymore, and you wouldn't have to put up with the mutt anymore! You hate him don't you?"
Inuyasha felt a knife sink into his chest. Every word that Kouga spoke infuriated him further, but hearing that Kagome didn't like him, in fact hated him… it seemed more to wound him more than anything. And… 'put up with the mutt'? Did he annoy her? Was he in the way some how? Inuyasha clenched his hands until his nails pierced his palms. It was happening all over again!!
He was going in there.
"Don't say that, Kouga!"
Inuyasha stopped where he was.
"Kagome..?" Kouga sounded as shocked as Inuyasha.
"I don't hate Inuyasha," Kagome clarified fiercely, "Please do not speak of him like that while you're eating his food and were permitted to stay here at his mercy. And what's this about running off? I can't do that! I owe Inuyasha too much."
"What are talking about?!" Inuyasha heard the ruffling of Kouga standing up, "What on Earth could you possibly owe that mutt?! Have you forgotten?! I thought that he threatened your father's life so he could imprison you, for some mysterious reason that I'm starting to doubt even exists!"
Kouga was panting. Kagome was silent. She breathed in and out, "I know. I have yet to hear or catch onto anything that might suggest I have a purpose… but I think that's why I am sure that there is one. If there isn't one, then what would my being here do? All I would be doing is eating his food and taking up one of his rooms."
Kouga grumbled something that was uncatchable, even for Inuyasha.
"As for what I owe him…" Kagome continued, "He hasn't been incredibly kind or anything, but he's been tolerant and patient with me, which is more than I deserve sometimes, "she joked half heartedly, "He also has done a lot of favors for me. Even though it cost me my freedom, he let my father live, he saved my little brother, and allowed him, Rin, and Shippo to stay here as they healed, and he also let me save you, Kouga. He didn't have to, but he did. So both you and I have him to thank."
Inuyasha started to blush a little. She made him sound so… nice. It made him feel a little guilty because he wasn't, not even close.
Kouga snorted, but in a much calmer fashion than he was previously, "I'm not thanking him for nothin'."
Kagome gave a relieved laugh, perhaps over that Kouga calmed down, "You don't need to. I doubt he'll care anyway."
Kouga sighed, "So, you really need us to leave then huh?"
"It is making the household uncomfortable."
"Fine, okay, I get it," Kouga ceded, "But keep in mind Kagome, I can't guarantee that I won't come back and attack the castle. I still want that jewel."
"Kouga!" Kagome chided.
"You could still come along with me…"
"Not gonna happen."
"Alright, we'll leave tomorrow morning, but remember: I always get what I want."
Inuyasha got a sinking feeling that Kouga wasn't always talking abut the jewel.
"Thank you Kouga. I'm happy that we got to resolve this without bringing Inuyasha in… physically at least. I'll go tell him after I feed Hakkaku and Ginta." Shoji doors opened and Kagome added, "I knew you were a good person, Kouga."
Inuyasha sneered and just barely picked up Kouga saying, "I'm not that good, Kagome…"
Inuyasha looked down at the floor, pondering Kagome's words, and went back down stairs to wait for Kagome to tell them the news.
O.o
I'm sorry for anybody who likes Kaede (from the original Inuyasha) I made her so out of character and mean!!!! Oh well. I feel a little awkward answering my reviews... but I will anyway, even if you guys don't see them... ;;
Priestessmykala: Yeah, no kidding. Thanks! Personally I thought the analogy wouldn't be liked, but I'm so happy that you enjoyed it.
RK Ryune: I'm not so sure I'll hear from you now. (it's been so long... ;;) What??!!! I'm doing character developing O.O When did that happen???? Well, looking back, I guess I did... I didn't really realize it at the time, but thank you. Hmmm... kaede, huh? Your prediction is appreciated.
Dragon-neko383: Yeah... I reeeaaallly doubt that you'll be even seeing this, so I may just not bother (I know this person personally, all my other reviewers). However, the review itself was just uncharacteristically chock-full of compliments which I just adored.
sneakyteaky: yay! A review with questions! My favorite! 1) If the wolves were out chasing Shippo for a long time, wouldn't they smell really bad? -Yes, they smell terrible, and haven't had a single bath upon arriving at the palace. You are entirely correct. 2) Wouldn't the rest of Kouga's pack want to attack the palace to avenge their "fallen leader" seeing as they should probably assume he's dead? - I'm going to say that the majority of the pack are wusses, they are too afraid of Inuyasha with his big sword, Kouga was probably the only real honorable leader of the bunch, and they are too preoccupied with drawing straws or something to pick the new leader to go avenge Kouga... None of this will appear in the story... 3) Did Kagome ever get her shoes? -Nope, never. Just where she left them, right by the slippers. Yours was the most recent review so i hope that you see this!!! ;;;
