NG: Whew, somehow I managed to avoid Sango and Nishi who were both ready to rip me limb for limb. But I mean I am the author. There was no way they could get me.
Nishi and Sango: Hey! Let us out!
NG: Yep, I brought out the cage again. I almost forgot I had the thing. Good thing I remembered. That could have been disastrous. Well here's your next chapter!
---------------------------------- Love: Confusing Isn't It? ----------------------------------------
Last Time
Nishi's disappearance had honestly scared Sesshoumaru and he put all his effort into finding her to save her and protect Rin and his other friends. Though he didn't like to openly express his feelings he did have them and the feelings that he felt now with Rin in his arms were love and security. He bent down and placed a chaste kiss on Rin's lips causing her to blush prettily.
"W-what was that for?"
"That, was because I love you." He said softly and seriously. Rin turned an even deeper shade of red and hugged him tightly. It was rare for him to say such things, but he felt this was a special occasion.
"I love you too." She muttered into his tux and they continued to dance in each other's embrace.
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"Kouga?"
"Hm?"
"This night has been amazing. Thank you so much for taking me to the prom." Kouga smiled at her, admiring her beauty.
"You're more than welcome. I'd do anything for you." They shared a sweet kiss under the stars as the crickets chirped in the night. "Ayame, because of you, I finally know what love is."
Ayame's face turned incredibly red and Kouga chuckled lightly. He put his hand out and asked, "May I have this dance?" She graciously accepted his hand and they danced to their own music the rest of the night.
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"Sango, I love you too. And I am so sorry for breaking my promise and your heart. I won't make you anymore promises. Instead, I'll prove my love for you with my actions. I know I've said this before, and you probably won't believe me this time around, but I'll make this right. You'll see." Sango rested in Miroku's embrace, allowing herself to trust his words once more.
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"By the way, nice plan you two cooked up." Inuyasha said smirking, mainly because of the shocked look on Kagome's face.
"But how did you…" Kagome then noticed Inuyasha's ears twitching on to of his head. "Oh." She said blushing. "I'm sorry. I just really wanted to dance with you."
"No, I'm sorry Kagome. I was being a real jerk. This is a special night for us and I shouldn't have been so stubborn. Besides, how could I miss the chance to dance with the most beautiful girl here?" Kagome smiled and kissed him on the cheek causing his cheeks to turn red.
"Arigatou Inu-kun."
'This night truly is special.'
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"Kouji, you're such a great dancer." Kikyou commented as he gracefully glided her across the floor. "Where did you learn?" She noticed a look of pain cross his face but the moment it was there, it vanished and was replaced with a smile.
"From a friend." He replied. She wondered about his response, but did not worry about it. Tonight was their night and nothing would ruin it. Kouji continued to dance with Kikyou allowing his feet to move and his mind to wander. He felt like such a jerk. He did not want to be here. He felt so depressed looking at all of the happy couples and knowing that he and Kikyou were not one of them. He had a feeling that Kikyou felt something for him by the way she clung to him and constantly wanted to be with him. Kikyou was a nice girl, but he just didn't feel anything more for her than friendship.
His heart only belonged to one girl, one girl that was completely out of his reach. He had tried to forget about her. Her laughter. Her smile. The feel of her lips. Kikyou sort of became a distraction for him and that's why he felt like such a heel. He was using her to fill the loneliness in his heart and in the process was leading her on. He'd have to tell her the truth before things got out of hand. He looked down at her smiling face and decided that he wouldn't ruin her night with such information. He'd tell her later.
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"Basketball the day after prom?" Kouga said skeptically. "That's an awesome idea!" he shouted seconds later.
"We could have a tournament. Couple versus couple!" Ayame suggested.
"Great idea Sess-kun!" Rin said pecking him on the cheek. Kikyou cringed. Basketball, oh well, she'd just cheer on the sidelines. "What time should we meet?"
"I believe noon should be a decent time." Sesshoumaru said remembering that Kagura said she wanted them there after Nishi who would arrive at around eleven thirty.
"Oh, okay that's good for me." Kagome said. The majority of the car agreed.
"I'll probably be a little late." Kouji announced. "I'm coming. I just have something to do before then."
"Yeah me too." Kikyou piped up. "Hey Kouji, we could walk there together once we're done." She suggested. Kouji just nodded politely.
"Sure."
"So it's settled. Basketball court at twelve?" Kagome asked.
They all agreed. The limo dropped everyone off at home safely and everyone went to bed unbeknownst to them of the surprise that awaited them the next day.
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Chapter Thirty-Six: Friends Reunited Part 1
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'Bounce. Bounce. Bounce. Bounce.' A breeze blew through on this gorgeous day cooling pale skin as the sun's rays beat down on the girl dribbling the ball. She got in position to shoot the ball.
'Swoosh.' Nishi opened her eyes after hearing the ball enter the hoop from the free throw line. She smiled. 'I've still got it.' Nishi thought smirking. It was absolutely exhilarating to be back on the court. The last time she was here and played basketball was as Chiyu with…Kouji. Nishi blushed at the memory.
"Hey, you'd better get your shots in now. Your friends will be here in a little while and you probably won't get to play for a long time." Kagura called from the bench. Nishi felt butterflies in her stomach. She was so nervous. She readjusted her hoodie and sun glasses and began doing spins and practicing her tricks as she awaited the arrival of her friends. She decided that just standing there with a basketball might shock them too much.
Kagura would soften them up a bit and then she would reveal herself. If felt so good to be outside again and free playing her favorite sport. She was still a bit rusty, but she was getting her familiar style back the more she played. She was so engrossed in what she was doing she did not realize that her friends had arrived.
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For some reason Kagome felt a bit excited about going to the basketball court today and it wasn't because of the tournament. She had a strange feeling that something big was going to happen. They had all walked there excluding Kouji and Kikyou who would arrive later. Somehow they all met at the courts at relatively the same moment. They walked together in silence, which was strange for their group, especially with Inuyasha and Kouga there.
It seemed as if a mutual feeling of apprehension had passed over them all. Upon entering the basketball court they found that someone was already there, much to Kagome's displeasure. Actually, there were two people, but the other person was covered from head to toe so she couldn't make him out.
'Hey, he's a pretty decent ball player.' Kagome thought. 'But isn't he hot in that giant hoodie?' Kagome just shrugged and turned her attention to the unwelcome visitor.
"Kagura! What are you doing here?" Sango asked angrily. She along with the other girls did not like her after the way she used to treat Nishi. Kagura was momentarily shocked. She had been entranced by Nishi's skill as a basketball player. She was so fluent and graceful. It was truly a sight to see. Oh well, it was show time now.
"Hey, the whole gangs here. How nice. Did you enjoy prom?"
"Cut the small talk Kagura." Inuyasha said. "Why are you here and what happened to your arm?"
"I got shot." Kagura said plainly as if talking about the weather. The group gasped in shock.
"Are you serious?" Kagura ignored the inquiry and answered his first question.
"I was just here to watch my friend play ball. Honestly my friend is the best ball player in town." Inuyasha snorted.
"Whatever. I've never played him and I'm the best, so he has to beat me to be the best." Kagura locked eyes with Sesshoumaru and winked which went unnoticed by the others.
"How about a game- to prove who's better?"
"Hell yeah!" Inuyasha shouted. "I haven't had a good game in a while."
Kagura hoped Nishi would forgive her for this. She just thought this would make it easier to reveal her identity. "I'll go talk to my friend and see." Kagura approached Nishi who stopped what she was doing when she came. "Well, your friends are here." Kagura whispered.
"What!" Nishi shouted causing the others to look in their direction though she didn't see it because she refused to turn around. She was frozen to the spot in fear.
"Shh. Do you want them to think you're crazy? Look, don't be mad but I kind of got you a one on one game with Inuyasha to see who the best basketball player in town is."
"Are you kidding me?" Nishi hissed. "Why would you do that?"
"I did it to make it easier to reveal yourself to them. Basketball seems to be your comfort zone. When you win, you'll feel more relaxed."
"And what makes you think I can win?" Kagura smirked.
"You will. Get ready, he's coming." And Inuyasha was coming. "My friend has agreed to play you one on one first to score ten points wins." Inuyasha nodded in agreement and Kagura moved off the court.
Inuyasha thought this character was strange wearing a very large black hoodie and jeans on a bright spring day. 'Oh well, if he passes out, it's on him.'
Nishi was a nervous wreck. It was Inuyasha. She felt like crying. Her best male friend. Her first friend ever. Inuyasha stretched his hand out shake his opponent's.
"Good luck. You'll need it." He said with a cocky smirk. Nishi grabbed his hand and shook hard. She steeled herself and got ready for the battle that would ensue. Nishi touched up the ball and the game began.
"Whoa, that guy is really good." Kouga commented. The game had been going on for fifteen minutes and both players were tied six to six. Even with all the clothing the other player was keeping up step for step with Inuyasha.
Miroku piped in his agreement. "Yeah, his playing style is kind of familiar though."
Sesshoumaru stood there with pride. Nishi's game was still as good as ever. Better even. She was surely giving his brother a run for his money. Just like the first day they had met her, excluding Inuyasha.
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"You know we really need to get another player." A young Kouga said from the sidelines. "I'm sick and tired of sitting out while you four play each other." Inuyasha scored the last shot winning the game for him and Miroku.
"Aw quit complaining. Maybe you should stop missing shots and then you could play." Inuyasha said smirking.
"And what do ya mean by that mutt-face?"
"Easy, you suck at basketball ya flea bitten wolf." In that next instant the two boys were wrestling with each other on the basketball court.
"Where do they get these insults from?" Kouji asked.
"You don't want to know." Miroku replied.
"Hey, uh guys, do you need an extra player?"The new voice caused both boys on the ground to look up. Standing at the entrance to the basketball court was a girl about their age. She had baby blue eyes and green hair which was in a high ponytail. She wore basketball shorts and a tank top with a matching sweat band though she was wearing it like a headband. Tucked under her arm was a basketball.
"Who are you?" Kouga questioned as he disentangled himself from Inuyasha. At that moment Inuyasha and Nishi locked eyes. Both of them stared at each other in shock.
"Inuyasha?" the girl breathed quietly.
"Nishi?"
Kouga looked back and forth between the two. "You two know each other?"
"I can't believe it's really you." Nishi said as she entered the court, completely ignoring Kouga's question.
"What are you doing here?" Inuyasha questioned. He was torn between happiness and anger: happiness for his best friend being back and anger for her leaving in the first place.
"I just moved back. I thought I'd come shoot some hoops." She said with a hint of question in her voice.
"Hold it a minute. You can't just come in here all unannounced and expect to play. This is our court." Kouga said crossing his arms.
"Uh, Kouga, weren't you the one saying that we needed an additional player?" Kouji said stepping forward.
"Well yeah but-"
"Hello, my name is Kouji Ookami. What is yours?" he said sticking out his hand for her to shake. She shook his hand blushing a bit as she looked into his shining turquoise eyes.
"My name is Nishi Midori."
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Kouji replied holding her hand a moment longer than necessary. "This loudmouth is my little brother, Kouji Ookami." He said pointing to the currently fuming boy. "The boy with the short hair over there is Miroku Houshi."
"Houshi?" Nishi said raising an eyebrow. "Do you have a relative named Rin Houshi?" she asked Miroku.
"Yes, she's my sister." Miroku answered.
"Then Ayame Hime must be your cousin too. I met them at the old school I used to go to."
"Well what a coincidence." Miroku said smiling and grasping her hands in both of his causing the girl to blush deeply. "My you are such a pretty girl. It is quite possible that my sister mentioned your name before. Please forgive my forgetfulness."
"Uh Miroku, I wouldn't-"
"Ahh! Hentai!"
'Slap!'
"Damn she hits hard." Kouga muttered.
"I tried to warn him."Inuyasha said shrugging his shoulders and moving the fallen monk in training to the bench until he woke back up.
"Uh, well the guy over there is Sesshoumaru Tsrugi." Kouji said carefully, slightly afraid of the fuming girl. She calmed down from the incident and smiled at Sesshoumaru.
"Are you Inuyasha's older brother?" Nishi asked. Sesshoumaru nodded. "It's nice to finally meet you.
"Likewise." the boy said without much emotion. Kouji snickered a bit.
"And of course you know Inuyasha. When he was younger he always used to talk about a girl who he was friends with and played basketball with. Because we never saw her we thought it was his imaginary friend."
"Oh." Nishi said pleased that Inuyasha still talked about her even after she left. "Well I'm very real."
"So it appears that Nishi is not your imaginary friend." Sesshoumaru stated.
"I told you!" Inuyasha shouted.
"Well, now that we've had all the introductions can we get back to the game!" Kouga shouted.
"He's a bit testy isn't he?" Nishi whispered to Kouji.
"He hasn't gotten to play yet. He'll get better after he's played a game."
"Alright time to choose teams." Miroku said. Finally awake from Nishi's slap.
"Can I play?" Nishi asked again. She was unsure if she was welcome at all and Kouga's hostile attitude wasn't helping her any.
"Sure, you can be on Inuyasha's team."
"No way!" Inuyasha yelled making Nishi feel a bit hurt. "I want to play against her. I haven't done that in a long while." He said smirking. Nishi smiled in return. After a brief team huddle they all lined up ready to start. The teams were Inuyasha, Kouga, and Miroku versus Sesshoumaru, Kouji and Nishi.
"Alright this is a game of 20. Whoever gets 20 points first wins the game." Miroku announced.
"We'll let you guys have the ball first." Kouga said smugly.
"And why is that?" Kouji said a bit irritated at his brother's attitude.
"Well, you are at a disadvantage."
"What do you mean by that!" Nishi growled, anger taking hold.
"What I mean is that you've never played with us before, that's all." Kouga said defensively, afraid of the small girl's wrath.
Sesshoumaru tired of their bickering touched up the ball and the game began. Sesshoumaru immediately took off down the court dribbling the ball with ease while his two teammates got in position to help him out at any moment. Miroku took after him playing defense and attempting to get the ball back which Sesshoumaru did not allow to happen. Team Sesshoumaru scored the first point in the game.
"Maybe you'd like the handicap?" Kouji said smirking at his brother as they raced down the court.
"Don't get cocky. That was only the first point." He said kicking in some speed and catching up to Miroku who passed him the ball. He made the shot effortlessly tying the game.
"What did I tell ya?" The game became more intense as it went on but it seemed as if Nishi wasn't getting in much action.
"Hey Yasha, why isn't your little girlfriend doing anything? I thought she said she wanted to play?"
"She's not my girlfriend you mangy wolf!" However, Inuyasha had noticed that Nishi hadn't touched the ball all game too. "Oi Sesshoumaru, stop being such a ball hog and let the girl get a chance."
Sesshoumaru made eye contact with Nishi. "Are you ready?" Nishi just nodded and Sesshoumaru passed the ball to her. She immediately took off down the court.
'Whoa she's fast.' Kouga thought, but not faster than me.' Kouga took off after her and caught up to her easily. Nishi stopped short so as not to run into Kouga.
"So you think you're fast?" Kouga taunted as she dribbled the ball trying to get past him and to the basketball hoop.
"Not really. I'm really an all around type of player." Nishi replied.
"Oh really, and what does that mean?"
Nishi smirked. "How about I show you?" Nishi concentrated hard while still dribbling the ball, staring at Kouga intently. She noticed the slightest shift in his right foot and his body tensed slightly.
'Now.' She thought. As soon as the thought left her head Kouga sprung forward using his right foot for momentum and Nishi spun around on her left foot towards her left in that same instant. She landed on her right foot and sprinted off down the court. With no one in her way Nishi made the shot with a clean swoosh of the hoops. Kouga was thrown off guard.
"Ha ha she showed you wolf boy." Inuyasha laughed.
"It's nothing hard, just something I do to psych a player out when I know he has underestimated me." Nishi said making her way back to the half court line. Kouga just crossed his arms.
"I wasn't underestimating you. I was just testing you."
"Sure Kouga. Just keep telling yourself that." Miroku teased.
"Guys the game isn't over yet." Kouji said inwardly smiling. 'This girl is good.'
"The score is 10 to 12. Inuyasha's team leads."
"Well that can change soon enough." Nishi said twirling the ball on her finger.
"This time, I'm covering you." Inuyasha said smiling. This was exciting. He didn't know his friend still played and she was good too.
"Fine by me." Nishi tossed the ball to Inuyasha who touched the ball up and took off towards his end of the court. Nishi was easily after him as Kouji and Sesshoumaru blocked Kouga and Miroku, preventing them from assisting Inuyasha. The two countered each other's moves as if they had memorized them. Inuyasha couldn't even pass the ball to his teammates because Nishi was all over him.
'Man, she doesn't give up. It's like she knows everything I'm going to do. Bet she can't guess this.'
"Miroku!" Inuyasha called and tossed the ball to his right, except Miroku was on his left. It was Kouga on his right who knew this trick. Once Nishi was distracted by the call to Miroku, Inuyasha would pass the ball to him instead, but the ball never came.
"Thanks Inuyasha." Nishi said as she made her way down to her basket. Inuyasha was pissed.
'She intercepted the ball. How did she know I was going to do that?' The ball was passed to Kouji who made the tying shot.
"I bet you wish I had kept out of the game a bit longer, huh?" the green haired girl asked her shocked friend. Inuyasha didn't respond and instead prepared for payback.
The game continued for a while longer until the score was tied 19 to 19. All players were tired now and with Nishi getting the ball more often, the pace of the game changed drastically. It was the final showdown. Nishi had the ball and inched her way down the court as Inuyasha continuously tried to prevent her progress.
"Ya know what Nishi?" Inuyasha said panting from tiredness.
"Yeah Inuyasha?" Nishi responded equally as tired.
"It's great to have you back. Unfortunately, you're not going to win." Her lips curved into a smirk.
"That's what you think." She faked right knowing that he wouldn't fall for it and would go left with her which is when she turned around towards the right so that her back was to him. Just as her right foot touched the ground she bounced the ball between her legs and his then spun behind him caught the ball and shot a lay-up. All of the boys stopped in amazement.
"What the hell was that!"Inuyasha exclaimed. He had never in his life seen a move like that. It was incredible.
"I call that my Nishi twist." She said happily. "And that is game."
Miraculously, neither Inuyasha nor Kouga was angry at loosing. They were too impressed. From that day on, none of them would ever underestimate Nishi Midori again.
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By now the mystery player was showing signs of fatigue as the hot sun and warm clothing took its toll.
"You might play better if you took off all those heavy clothes." Inuyasha suggested smirking. "Don't worry. I'll let you have a time out." He didn't want to admit it, but this person might have been one of the best players he ever faced. Besides…
He shook his head. He didn't need to think about the past. Right now in the present he was tied with this guy who hadn't said a word all game. It was the last point of the game. Each of them had played hard and the score was 9 to 9. The mystery guy had the ball and was making his way down the court with Inuyasha attempting to block each step. For some reason this seemed familiar to Inuyasha but he continued playing.
"Sorry buddy, butcha ain't beatin' me." Just then the mystery player faked right and went left but Inuyasha was ready for that and moved with him. However, he wasn't ready for the spin to the right and couldn't stop the ball that bounced behind him after the player threw it under their legs. As soon as he landed he sprinted behind Inuyasha, caught the ball and made a clean lay-up. The only sound was Kagura's cheers of applause.
"I told you that you'd win!" she shouted from where she and the rest of the gang were standing. Inuyasha stood there in silent shock. Not because of the loose, but because of the move that let they mystery player win. Miroku and Kouga were also wide eyed and could not believe what they just saw.
"What's the matter with you guys?" Kagome questioned the two silent men. "I'm sure Inuyasha has lost before. It's not that bad."
"It's not the fact that he lost." Miroku stated, his voice exuding awe. "It was the way he was beaten."
Inuyasha was truly stunned. No one knew that move. It was a one of a kind original. The shock was soon replaced by anger. "Who the hell are you?" Inuyasha growled.
The hooded figure did not respond which only proved to fuel Inuyasha's anger more. This person had to have met Nishi. He must have spent some time with her to learn her signature move which might also mean he knew where she was. In a flash he grabbed the guy by the front of his hoodie, ready to take the information out of him by force if necessary.
"Who the hell are you and where did you learn that move!" he shouted shaking the boy.
"Inuyasha! Let him go!" Kagome shouted racing up to her boyfriend. Kagura was in hot pursuit.
"Put her down!" Kagura yelled racing to her friend's side. The others also went up to the scene, the girls ready to stop a fight if it occurred and the guys ready to help with the interrogation.
Nishi herself was panicking. She hadn't realized how terrifying Inuyasha could be having never been on the receiving end of his wrath. He had the same look of anger that Hiten had the day she beat him for the first time in a spar. The same day he called his lackeys in to beat her up because of his humiliation. Inuyasha was going to do the same thing. They were all going to hurt her.
Nishi began struggling. She would not let it happen again. Not again. Her eyes started to water as she could not get free. Her panic was taking over and it was getting harder to breathe.
"Let me go!" she yelled gasping. Kagura intervened and pushed Inuyasha away from Nishi with ease because in shock at her outburst, he had let her go. Kagura grabbed Nishi who was till having trouble breathing. 'A panic attack? I thought she was over these.' She took the sunglasses off of the girl and made her look her in the eyes.
"Calm down. It's okay. He won't hurt you. Naraku's gone. Hiten's gone. You're safe okay." Kagura stared into Nishi's teary eyes, hoping that she would snap back to reality. The frightened girl closed her eyes and took a deep breath trying to calm herself down. She opened her eyes again and wiped away her tears.
"Thanks Kagura." Nishi said gratefully. "I'm okay now."
"Good. You think you're up for the big surprise." Nishi took another deep breath and nodded. Kagura held Nish's hand tightly and faced the group of perplexed friends.
"I have a surprise for all of you. Something I'm sure you'll all love." Nishi began to tremble slightly and Kagura squeezed her hand tighter. "That amazing move has only ever been done by one person and now I present to you its originator." Kagura said as if she were a game show host.
The guys held their breaths in anticipation as the girls just looked on with curiosity. Kagura released Nishi's hand and she slowly took off the hood revealing her green hair, dog-ears, and baby blue eyes filled with nervousness and fear.
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NG: I left a little cliffy this time. Oh and this is the last time I will update two chapters at once. From now on it will be one chapter at a time until the last chapter posting on January 10th. Hope you enjoyed it!
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