((A/N: I'd like to dedicate this chapter to my absolute best friend in the
whole world, KittyBell. She knows who she is. Hehe. She's helped me in so
many ways- especially when it comes to listening and appreciating my
stories. I don't know where I'd be without her.
To her: Thank you so much for being there when I need you and for accepting me for the total lunatic, crazy person I am. You are such an extraordinary person, and I thank God everyday that He brought you into my life. I hope and pray that we'll stay best buds forever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and.. need I go on? Lol. Catch you later, sista! ^_^ ))
Chapter 7: Road to Destiny and the New Malicious Peril
*Kiome's eyes closed again. The force deep inside her heart and around her body stopped glowing. Countless glittery pieces of energy and power sparkled on her as she began to drop from the air. They acted like small wings which enabled her to do so with ease. InuYasha caught her in his arms. Her jewel gently descended as well and landed onto her chest.* Ughhh. InuYasha. *he held her close while her delicate hand clutched his kimono.* Please say something? *she pleaded weakly. He could tell that she was extremely exhausted- from the ends of her hair to the tips of her toes.*
*He gazed down at the beautiful, young princess's face. She seemed to know his answer even before it was understood.* I..I don't know, Kiome.. We just met yesterday, *he grinned slightly* and forgive me for being blunt, but it wasn't exactly what I would call a "love at first sight" acquaintance. Heh. *he closed his eyes while all of her information finally set in. She was Midoriko? Kikyo? AND Kagome? If that were truly so, then she was indeed a part of him from every aspect.*
*Kiome began to chuckle sweetly. He opened his eyes and watched her smile, wiping away a strand of hair from his face as she did so. She searched his face over, grinned, and then let her hand slowly fall to her side. Because she was in his arms, it was easy for her to whisper what she wanted to say in his ears.* Tell me, Lovely. When have you Ever had a romantic introduction? *Her words caught him off guard. He opened his mouth as if to protest, but realized that she was right-* You're so new to me all in yourself.. *-he softly spoke in return and kissed the top of her forehead instead. It took both by surprise.*..yet..I feel as if I've known you my entire life. Just give me some time?
*Kiome made another effort to smile and nodded her head tiredly.* Yes, of course. But remember this in your heart when you finally do decide? Yesterday, InuYasha. yesterday WAS yesterday.. and today is today. The wrong choices and directions we have taken in the past.. can affect our lives considerably,.. but we should all try to repent. by setting our hearts for the stars of the morrow.
*He smiled brightly at her sweet words, though he didn't and refused to notice. Along with the utmost care and gentleness, he sat down and leaned against the logged branch by their fire. She was still in his arms, and her hair was still very much wet from the water. He set her between his legs in front of him so that they could keep each other warm again.*
*She fell right into place; their body heights were perfectly matched. Her back rested against his chest while her head impeccably fit right underneath his chin. He wrapped the blanket around them both for more warmth, and the minutes passed them by.*
~Maybe she's right~ *He thought to himself. The sky slowly turned darker around them until everything was blue and obscure.* ~I've messed up time and time again, after all. And now..~ *he looked down at her face once more. She was now fast asleep, her breathing slow and rhythmic.* ~now I have another chance to get it right.~ *he finally turned his gaze to meet the twinkling fireflies in the sky* ~Heaven must be smiling down upon me. I don't deserve it, but still. I'm taking every opportunity I can get.~ *he turned again, this time to the fireflies of the earth. He blinked and took in a deep lungful of air* ~I swear this: By all of the stars above, I swear that I will protect and love this girl for the rest of my life. I will love her, more than Kikyo or even. even Kagome could ever imagine. I will not go astray and fail her-them this time around.~
*Kiome smiled. Through her powers and mind, she could hear his thoughts whenever she needed or wanted. She also began to make a promise in her consciousness.* ~And I swear this to you also, my dearest one: I will protect you too. You are my life. I shall do all in my power to bring back the happiness you once had. Whatever pain you have suffered through these many grueling long years, I will turn away- and in its place, bring a bliss of 100 fold. Sleep at ease for tonight, InuYasha. You have my strength. and my love.~
*And the fireflies continued to dance around their bodies; the flames continued to crackle. From a distance, it looked as if the two were one. Their destinies and fate were both intertwined from that moment on.*
*In a land of shadows.. In the uppermost, top tier of a mighty fortification, a dark prince sat on a throne.. watching.. the two soon to be lovers through his murky orb. Inside, it showed a clear picture of them sleeping- their faces bright with a calm tranquility all about them. A bolt of lightning struck from out the only window in the room, and for a split moment, it illuminated his pale sickly face. The prince's lip curled to reveal an evil smile*, "Heh. Fools! They should never underestimate the strength of my hand and the power which it holds. I shall rout them, yet!"
*He then stood and turned to his captain of the guard. "Kenjae!" A very tall, muscular man unfolded his arms, stepped from behind a gray pillar, walked towards the young master, and kneeled. His clothes and armor were of the finest make, however were an extra large fit due to his sheer tissue size.* "Yes, my Prince Asura-sama. How may I be of bidding?"
*Asura scowled down at him, as he did with all of his servants, though not as fierce as he would have with others.* "Kenjae, do you see these two here?" *he looked to his swirling orb, motioned with his hand a 'come' gesture, and his eyes flashed red. The ball was lifted into the air and slowly floated over and into his hand. He held the orb slightly down for Kenjae to see. The big man stared long and hard into the depths of the ball, but was unable to distinguish anything save for the numerous twisting swirls of black now and then.* "I see nothing, my Prince."
*Asura half-sighed* "It is to be expected. You do not possess the gift of 'sight'. Here. I shall make it better for you." *another hand motion was made over the ball itself, and instantly, Kenjae could make out the view of InuYasha and Kiome. He seemed skeptical after a few moments.* "Asura-sama, why do these simple beings displease you so? They appear to be of little importance to me."
*Asura became angered. He frowned then ruptured. A forceful wind blew from behind him as he lashed out at the body guard.* "You dolt!! You inferior mass of all muscle and no brain! Do you honestly believe I, Prince Asura, the first and remaining heir of my house, the only one left with the Kurai enchantment, would use my time and magic for your pure entertainment?!" *Kenjae bowed so low that his head literally touched the ground. It was also the only way for him to prevent from being blown away.* "Please, sir, I was merely making a foolish assumption. Forgive me! I do not know any better."
*The winds slowly died down and the prince's wrath diminished. His scowl was immediately returned to its usual unhappy state.* "Yes. You do not." *he began to walk back to his chair; his footsteps echoed throughout the room.* "You leave the thinking for me to do." *he sat on his throne that was much too big for his small body and began to tap his fingers slightly against one another.* "Now. Listen closely. I want you to send out your greatest of warriors. The two have something of great significance to me, and I want it right away. Bring them both here, and unspoiled. Is that clear?"
*Kenjae stood and bowed in respect* "Crystal, your highness." *he began to leave the room hurriedly. As he opened the doors and took a step, Asura spoke again with a small snicker* "Oh, and Kenjae." *Kenjae stopped and turned* "Do try and get some much needed rest. You Look terrible. If you haven't got your health, you haven't gotten anything." *The big man bowed again and exited into the main hall.*
*As he closed the doors behind him, Asura sighed and closed his eyes. In a tone that sounded almost regretful, he softly spoke.* "I should know.. afterall. I AM the last of my bloodline,.. the last one with our family's power,.. the last with our Curse." *he then opened his eyes and looked inside the orb again. He stared greedily into Kiome's peaceful face* "Soon. Soon beautiful one." *he then began to chuckle almost hysterically* "Heh. Heh. Heh. Heh! Beware, InuYasha. They are coming, and coming after you!"
"Common, InuYasha! Keep up!" *Kiome giggled as she ran across a bridge and over to the other side of a stream. Her hair swayed in the wind and her pulse raced excitedly. The scenario was rather an awkward sight for a passer that crossed them; even with her heavy backpack on, she was still ahead of the hanyou. InuYasha was jumping overhead from treetop to treetop. He grinned down at her and shook his head. She looked like a five year-old playing, jumping and skipping as she did so. She was having the time of her life. He jumped again and slowly landed on the next branch. He was just close enough to be down at her side in an instant, yet far enough behind to let her think she was winning this little game of hers.*
*Of course, Kiome knew that he was letting her win the entire time (his mind left her no secrets), but it was still a good feeling for her to have anyway. She looked up to him.* "Hey! Get the lead out, Grandpa! Hehe, or we'll never get anywhere anytime soon!" *InuYasha lifted and eyebrow and leaped for a second time* "Feh. And just WHERE are we going exactly?" *Kiome grinned and bounced on one foot as if she were playing hopscotch.* "Somewhere among friends, a place you've never been before!" *InuYasha missed the limb and fell in surprise* "MORE Riddles?" "Yeeeeesss!" *Kiome's voice sounded back, giggling.*
*He sighed and began to walk along side her.* "Look, if we are to become closer, you should start by telling me things." *Kiome hopped a last time upon the 'invisible #10'. It signaled the end of her one woman contest. She stopped and threw her hands in the air.* "Yeah! Yes! I did it! Yes! Ha ha!! I win!" *she then looked at him and realized that he had asked her a question. Her cheeks went red.* "Uh, whoops. Sorry. What was it that you wanted again?"
*he closed his eyes and walked a little faster to try to look annoyed.* "Oh. Nothing. I was just saying that if you wanted to be CLOSER, then you should begin to tell me things." *Kiome paused questioningly then walked faster to his pace so that she was next to him again.* "What do you want to know?" *He huffed* "Well, where we're goin' for starters." *She lifted her head up and smiled* "Nope. I'm not telling." *Inuyasha face faulted.* "Wha- what?!" *she closed her eyes* "No, not this. I'll tell you anything else, but where we're heading. Think of it not a secret, but as a surprise."
*He wasn't satisfied; he placed his arms together in their big sleeves.* "Yeah. Yeah. Whatever. I suppose I'll find out one way or the other anyway, right?" "Yup." "And you're not going to tell me even if I begged, right?" *she giggled as she imagined him begging on his feet like a puppy* "Right" *he sighed* "Then there's no point in wasting my breath is there?" *she stopped and looked up into his face.* "Wow! You're such a smart boy, aren't you! Yes you are!" *she boldly began to pat his head. He grumbled loudly..* "Oh please!" *then removed her hand away from his sensitive ears.*
*His hand suddenly wielded a mind of its own and refused to move. Their hands stayed entangled for several moments. They both couldn't believe the sparks that were galvanizing into each other from that single touch. He gazed into her big brown eyes. She gazed into his caramel ones. A breeze swayed through the trees and grass. Reality finally came between them both; they each let go and turned a radiant shade of color.* "Uumm." *She spoke shakily.* "We'd best be going." *All InuYasha could do was nod in response.*
*Their path had steadily grown uphill. It eventually stopped at the peak of a large mountain that was just a small distance from their destination. From there, one could see for miles on end. After they had walked in silence for quite some time, Kiome finally decided to lift her eyes from the ground (she had suddenly found the rocks beneath her feet to be very interesting, requiring further study, after the two had deeply blushed); she knew that the home of Miroku and Sango was drawing near now. She looked up only to be faced with an indescribable beautiful horizon in front of her. Her breath was caught in her throat. Never had she seen such a wondrous majestic glory in all of the lands of her time: fluent green mountains that seemed to go on for an eternity, the valleys between here and there blooming with wildflowers, the never aging pools of crystal clear spring water, and the calm windy skies above.* "It's.. it's.."
*InuYasha turned to her and saw the expression she was making. He then moved to look back at the scenery.* "It's ok, I guess. Nothing your mom hasn't told you about before, I'm assuming?" *she looked from right to left, soaking in every last feature of the medieval era.* "Yes. She has described it to me, but.. it's so very different when you actually see it for yourself.. so very different." *she repeated then trailed off.*
*he thought little of it, as he had grown-up and lived there all his life. He let her have a few more minutes before going completely restless. He pretended to cough to get her attention.* "A-hem, a-hem. Well, are we still going or not?" *Kiome snapped out of her own dream world and looked at him* "Oh..um..yes. Yes, of course. We Should be moving on." *She began to start walking to the slanted path, leading down the mountain. InuYasha heavily sighed. At this rate, it was going to take forever to get to this 'surprise' ending trail. and he HATED having to wait.*
"Um. Say, Kiome?" *he took hold of her little finger so she wouldn't take another step. She rolled her eyes and turned fully around.* "NOW what do you want?" *he unexpectedly gave her a large, mischievous grin. She lifted an eyebrow and listened to his explanation.* "Kiome, how would you like to feel what it's like to fly?" "What are you talking abo-" *she was cut off as he swiftly gathered her into his arms, wrapped her own arms around his neck, and began to run at a fast pace towards a cliffed drop off on the side of the mountain. She frantically began to look around* "InuYasha, what are you doing?" *Kiome tried to read his mind but only received emotions of eagerness*
"Inu-" *she looked forward and shrieked when she put his quickened velocity and the overhang together.* "InuYasha, don't you even think!" *he wasn't slowing down.* "InuYasha?" *her heart pounded as she felt him preparing to jump* "Inu- YYYYYYAAAASSSSSHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!" *she closed her eyes tightly as they began to soar in the wind towards the ground.*
"Whaaaaa-whaaaa-aaahhh! I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die! I'm gonna DIIIIE!!!" *Kiome repeatedly screamed. Finally, InuYasha was beginning to think that his short cut was more trouble than it was worth.* "Be QUIET!" *he snapped. Kiome opened her eyes crossly* "Be 'QUIET'? Beeee QUIET?! How CAN I be quiet when I'm falling to my death?!?" *InuYasha gave her a dulled look* "Well did it ever pass through your mind that maybe, just maybe, because you're not..?" *she blinked and looked down for a split second, expecting to see the trees quickly coming towards them; it was the direct opposite however* "Um. how.. what?" *InuYasha snorted* "Feh. At least you'll die in the arms of the man you love, right?" *she blushed as he landed safely on a large limb. From there, he began to jump from one tree to the next. Kiome held onto him tighter.* "I.. forget sometimes that you're demon." "Half-demon." *he corrected.*
*she squeezed his neck tighter. She felt very sick to her stomach, but didn't want to show in front of him. She swallowed hard* "I just have this fear of heights, is all I'm trying to say. You mind telling me why you didn't want to take the long way around?" *he nodded* "I just want to get there as soon as possible. incase you haven't noticed already, heh, I have a very weak patience." *Kiome wrinkled her nose somewhat, trying to hide the flip-flops she felt and trying to seem like she was in total control of the situation.* "Weellll. if you're in That much of a hurry. I'll let you take us there then." *his face immediately light up* "Really?" *she giggled all over again at his cute pup face* "Yes, you certainly may." "Alright." *he stopped on the tallest tree he could find. She pointed to a particular route and he sped away.*
((A/N: So, what did you guys think of this chappie? Sorry for such the long wait once again, but I've come up with such a super-duper plot line, that I will be busy for quite some time now! ^_^ MORE chapters to come. Ja matta ne!
Oh, and P.S. - Though I'll be VERY busy and updating new chapters frequently, if you want to know the exact second I update a new part in the story, list your e-mail address in your review and you'll be added to my 'Alert List'. I'll personally send you a message when a new chapter is added. Thanks again!))
To her: Thank you so much for being there when I need you and for accepting me for the total lunatic, crazy person I am. You are such an extraordinary person, and I thank God everyday that He brought you into my life. I hope and pray that we'll stay best buds forever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and.. need I go on? Lol. Catch you later, sista! ^_^ ))
Chapter 7: Road to Destiny and the New Malicious Peril
*Kiome's eyes closed again. The force deep inside her heart and around her body stopped glowing. Countless glittery pieces of energy and power sparkled on her as she began to drop from the air. They acted like small wings which enabled her to do so with ease. InuYasha caught her in his arms. Her jewel gently descended as well and landed onto her chest.* Ughhh. InuYasha. *he held her close while her delicate hand clutched his kimono.* Please say something? *she pleaded weakly. He could tell that she was extremely exhausted- from the ends of her hair to the tips of her toes.*
*He gazed down at the beautiful, young princess's face. She seemed to know his answer even before it was understood.* I..I don't know, Kiome.. We just met yesterday, *he grinned slightly* and forgive me for being blunt, but it wasn't exactly what I would call a "love at first sight" acquaintance. Heh. *he closed his eyes while all of her information finally set in. She was Midoriko? Kikyo? AND Kagome? If that were truly so, then she was indeed a part of him from every aspect.*
*Kiome began to chuckle sweetly. He opened his eyes and watched her smile, wiping away a strand of hair from his face as she did so. She searched his face over, grinned, and then let her hand slowly fall to her side. Because she was in his arms, it was easy for her to whisper what she wanted to say in his ears.* Tell me, Lovely. When have you Ever had a romantic introduction? *Her words caught him off guard. He opened his mouth as if to protest, but realized that she was right-* You're so new to me all in yourself.. *-he softly spoke in return and kissed the top of her forehead instead. It took both by surprise.*..yet..I feel as if I've known you my entire life. Just give me some time?
*Kiome made another effort to smile and nodded her head tiredly.* Yes, of course. But remember this in your heart when you finally do decide? Yesterday, InuYasha. yesterday WAS yesterday.. and today is today. The wrong choices and directions we have taken in the past.. can affect our lives considerably,.. but we should all try to repent. by setting our hearts for the stars of the morrow.
*He smiled brightly at her sweet words, though he didn't and refused to notice. Along with the utmost care and gentleness, he sat down and leaned against the logged branch by their fire. She was still in his arms, and her hair was still very much wet from the water. He set her between his legs in front of him so that they could keep each other warm again.*
*She fell right into place; their body heights were perfectly matched. Her back rested against his chest while her head impeccably fit right underneath his chin. He wrapped the blanket around them both for more warmth, and the minutes passed them by.*
~Maybe she's right~ *He thought to himself. The sky slowly turned darker around them until everything was blue and obscure.* ~I've messed up time and time again, after all. And now..~ *he looked down at her face once more. She was now fast asleep, her breathing slow and rhythmic.* ~now I have another chance to get it right.~ *he finally turned his gaze to meet the twinkling fireflies in the sky* ~Heaven must be smiling down upon me. I don't deserve it, but still. I'm taking every opportunity I can get.~ *he turned again, this time to the fireflies of the earth. He blinked and took in a deep lungful of air* ~I swear this: By all of the stars above, I swear that I will protect and love this girl for the rest of my life. I will love her, more than Kikyo or even. even Kagome could ever imagine. I will not go astray and fail her-them this time around.~
*Kiome smiled. Through her powers and mind, she could hear his thoughts whenever she needed or wanted. She also began to make a promise in her consciousness.* ~And I swear this to you also, my dearest one: I will protect you too. You are my life. I shall do all in my power to bring back the happiness you once had. Whatever pain you have suffered through these many grueling long years, I will turn away- and in its place, bring a bliss of 100 fold. Sleep at ease for tonight, InuYasha. You have my strength. and my love.~
*And the fireflies continued to dance around their bodies; the flames continued to crackle. From a distance, it looked as if the two were one. Their destinies and fate were both intertwined from that moment on.*
*In a land of shadows.. In the uppermost, top tier of a mighty fortification, a dark prince sat on a throne.. watching.. the two soon to be lovers through his murky orb. Inside, it showed a clear picture of them sleeping- their faces bright with a calm tranquility all about them. A bolt of lightning struck from out the only window in the room, and for a split moment, it illuminated his pale sickly face. The prince's lip curled to reveal an evil smile*, "Heh. Fools! They should never underestimate the strength of my hand and the power which it holds. I shall rout them, yet!"
*He then stood and turned to his captain of the guard. "Kenjae!" A very tall, muscular man unfolded his arms, stepped from behind a gray pillar, walked towards the young master, and kneeled. His clothes and armor were of the finest make, however were an extra large fit due to his sheer tissue size.* "Yes, my Prince Asura-sama. How may I be of bidding?"
*Asura scowled down at him, as he did with all of his servants, though not as fierce as he would have with others.* "Kenjae, do you see these two here?" *he looked to his swirling orb, motioned with his hand a 'come' gesture, and his eyes flashed red. The ball was lifted into the air and slowly floated over and into his hand. He held the orb slightly down for Kenjae to see. The big man stared long and hard into the depths of the ball, but was unable to distinguish anything save for the numerous twisting swirls of black now and then.* "I see nothing, my Prince."
*Asura half-sighed* "It is to be expected. You do not possess the gift of 'sight'. Here. I shall make it better for you." *another hand motion was made over the ball itself, and instantly, Kenjae could make out the view of InuYasha and Kiome. He seemed skeptical after a few moments.* "Asura-sama, why do these simple beings displease you so? They appear to be of little importance to me."
*Asura became angered. He frowned then ruptured. A forceful wind blew from behind him as he lashed out at the body guard.* "You dolt!! You inferior mass of all muscle and no brain! Do you honestly believe I, Prince Asura, the first and remaining heir of my house, the only one left with the Kurai enchantment, would use my time and magic for your pure entertainment?!" *Kenjae bowed so low that his head literally touched the ground. It was also the only way for him to prevent from being blown away.* "Please, sir, I was merely making a foolish assumption. Forgive me! I do not know any better."
*The winds slowly died down and the prince's wrath diminished. His scowl was immediately returned to its usual unhappy state.* "Yes. You do not." *he began to walk back to his chair; his footsteps echoed throughout the room.* "You leave the thinking for me to do." *he sat on his throne that was much too big for his small body and began to tap his fingers slightly against one another.* "Now. Listen closely. I want you to send out your greatest of warriors. The two have something of great significance to me, and I want it right away. Bring them both here, and unspoiled. Is that clear?"
*Kenjae stood and bowed in respect* "Crystal, your highness." *he began to leave the room hurriedly. As he opened the doors and took a step, Asura spoke again with a small snicker* "Oh, and Kenjae." *Kenjae stopped and turned* "Do try and get some much needed rest. You Look terrible. If you haven't got your health, you haven't gotten anything." *The big man bowed again and exited into the main hall.*
*As he closed the doors behind him, Asura sighed and closed his eyes. In a tone that sounded almost regretful, he softly spoke.* "I should know.. afterall. I AM the last of my bloodline,.. the last one with our family's power,.. the last with our Curse." *he then opened his eyes and looked inside the orb again. He stared greedily into Kiome's peaceful face* "Soon. Soon beautiful one." *he then began to chuckle almost hysterically* "Heh. Heh. Heh. Heh! Beware, InuYasha. They are coming, and coming after you!"
"Common, InuYasha! Keep up!" *Kiome giggled as she ran across a bridge and over to the other side of a stream. Her hair swayed in the wind and her pulse raced excitedly. The scenario was rather an awkward sight for a passer that crossed them; even with her heavy backpack on, she was still ahead of the hanyou. InuYasha was jumping overhead from treetop to treetop. He grinned down at her and shook his head. She looked like a five year-old playing, jumping and skipping as she did so. She was having the time of her life. He jumped again and slowly landed on the next branch. He was just close enough to be down at her side in an instant, yet far enough behind to let her think she was winning this little game of hers.*
*Of course, Kiome knew that he was letting her win the entire time (his mind left her no secrets), but it was still a good feeling for her to have anyway. She looked up to him.* "Hey! Get the lead out, Grandpa! Hehe, or we'll never get anywhere anytime soon!" *InuYasha lifted and eyebrow and leaped for a second time* "Feh. And just WHERE are we going exactly?" *Kiome grinned and bounced on one foot as if she were playing hopscotch.* "Somewhere among friends, a place you've never been before!" *InuYasha missed the limb and fell in surprise* "MORE Riddles?" "Yeeeeesss!" *Kiome's voice sounded back, giggling.*
*He sighed and began to walk along side her.* "Look, if we are to become closer, you should start by telling me things." *Kiome hopped a last time upon the 'invisible #10'. It signaled the end of her one woman contest. She stopped and threw her hands in the air.* "Yeah! Yes! I did it! Yes! Ha ha!! I win!" *she then looked at him and realized that he had asked her a question. Her cheeks went red.* "Uh, whoops. Sorry. What was it that you wanted again?"
*he closed his eyes and walked a little faster to try to look annoyed.* "Oh. Nothing. I was just saying that if you wanted to be CLOSER, then you should begin to tell me things." *Kiome paused questioningly then walked faster to his pace so that she was next to him again.* "What do you want to know?" *He huffed* "Well, where we're goin' for starters." *She lifted her head up and smiled* "Nope. I'm not telling." *Inuyasha face faulted.* "Wha- what?!" *she closed her eyes* "No, not this. I'll tell you anything else, but where we're heading. Think of it not a secret, but as a surprise."
*He wasn't satisfied; he placed his arms together in their big sleeves.* "Yeah. Yeah. Whatever. I suppose I'll find out one way or the other anyway, right?" "Yup." "And you're not going to tell me even if I begged, right?" *she giggled as she imagined him begging on his feet like a puppy* "Right" *he sighed* "Then there's no point in wasting my breath is there?" *she stopped and looked up into his face.* "Wow! You're such a smart boy, aren't you! Yes you are!" *she boldly began to pat his head. He grumbled loudly..* "Oh please!" *then removed her hand away from his sensitive ears.*
*His hand suddenly wielded a mind of its own and refused to move. Their hands stayed entangled for several moments. They both couldn't believe the sparks that were galvanizing into each other from that single touch. He gazed into her big brown eyes. She gazed into his caramel ones. A breeze swayed through the trees and grass. Reality finally came between them both; they each let go and turned a radiant shade of color.* "Uumm." *She spoke shakily.* "We'd best be going." *All InuYasha could do was nod in response.*
*Their path had steadily grown uphill. It eventually stopped at the peak of a large mountain that was just a small distance from their destination. From there, one could see for miles on end. After they had walked in silence for quite some time, Kiome finally decided to lift her eyes from the ground (she had suddenly found the rocks beneath her feet to be very interesting, requiring further study, after the two had deeply blushed); she knew that the home of Miroku and Sango was drawing near now. She looked up only to be faced with an indescribable beautiful horizon in front of her. Her breath was caught in her throat. Never had she seen such a wondrous majestic glory in all of the lands of her time: fluent green mountains that seemed to go on for an eternity, the valleys between here and there blooming with wildflowers, the never aging pools of crystal clear spring water, and the calm windy skies above.* "It's.. it's.."
*InuYasha turned to her and saw the expression she was making. He then moved to look back at the scenery.* "It's ok, I guess. Nothing your mom hasn't told you about before, I'm assuming?" *she looked from right to left, soaking in every last feature of the medieval era.* "Yes. She has described it to me, but.. it's so very different when you actually see it for yourself.. so very different." *she repeated then trailed off.*
*he thought little of it, as he had grown-up and lived there all his life. He let her have a few more minutes before going completely restless. He pretended to cough to get her attention.* "A-hem, a-hem. Well, are we still going or not?" *Kiome snapped out of her own dream world and looked at him* "Oh..um..yes. Yes, of course. We Should be moving on." *She began to start walking to the slanted path, leading down the mountain. InuYasha heavily sighed. At this rate, it was going to take forever to get to this 'surprise' ending trail. and he HATED having to wait.*
"Um. Say, Kiome?" *he took hold of her little finger so she wouldn't take another step. She rolled her eyes and turned fully around.* "NOW what do you want?" *he unexpectedly gave her a large, mischievous grin. She lifted an eyebrow and listened to his explanation.* "Kiome, how would you like to feel what it's like to fly?" "What are you talking abo-" *she was cut off as he swiftly gathered her into his arms, wrapped her own arms around his neck, and began to run at a fast pace towards a cliffed drop off on the side of the mountain. She frantically began to look around* "InuYasha, what are you doing?" *Kiome tried to read his mind but only received emotions of eagerness*
"Inu-" *she looked forward and shrieked when she put his quickened velocity and the overhang together.* "InuYasha, don't you even think!" *he wasn't slowing down.* "InuYasha?" *her heart pounded as she felt him preparing to jump* "Inu- YYYYYYAAAASSSSSHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!" *she closed her eyes tightly as they began to soar in the wind towards the ground.*
"Whaaaaa-whaaaa-aaahhh! I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die! I'm gonna DIIIIE!!!" *Kiome repeatedly screamed. Finally, InuYasha was beginning to think that his short cut was more trouble than it was worth.* "Be QUIET!" *he snapped. Kiome opened her eyes crossly* "Be 'QUIET'? Beeee QUIET?! How CAN I be quiet when I'm falling to my death?!?" *InuYasha gave her a dulled look* "Well did it ever pass through your mind that maybe, just maybe, because you're not..?" *she blinked and looked down for a split second, expecting to see the trees quickly coming towards them; it was the direct opposite however* "Um. how.. what?" *InuYasha snorted* "Feh. At least you'll die in the arms of the man you love, right?" *she blushed as he landed safely on a large limb. From there, he began to jump from one tree to the next. Kiome held onto him tighter.* "I.. forget sometimes that you're demon." "Half-demon." *he corrected.*
*she squeezed his neck tighter. She felt very sick to her stomach, but didn't want to show in front of him. She swallowed hard* "I just have this fear of heights, is all I'm trying to say. You mind telling me why you didn't want to take the long way around?" *he nodded* "I just want to get there as soon as possible. incase you haven't noticed already, heh, I have a very weak patience." *Kiome wrinkled her nose somewhat, trying to hide the flip-flops she felt and trying to seem like she was in total control of the situation.* "Weellll. if you're in That much of a hurry. I'll let you take us there then." *his face immediately light up* "Really?" *she giggled all over again at his cute pup face* "Yes, you certainly may." "Alright." *he stopped on the tallest tree he could find. She pointed to a particular route and he sped away.*
((A/N: So, what did you guys think of this chappie? Sorry for such the long wait once again, but I've come up with such a super-duper plot line, that I will be busy for quite some time now! ^_^ MORE chapters to come. Ja matta ne!
Oh, and P.S. - Though I'll be VERY busy and updating new chapters frequently, if you want to know the exact second I update a new part in the story, list your e-mail address in your review and you'll be added to my 'Alert List'. I'll personally send you a message when a new chapter is added. Thanks again!))