I'M SO HAPPY I GOT Word back on my comp! Less spelling and grammar mistakes for all! Sorry the past 6 chapters have been very badly done. I'd read back through them and be like "Awwwwww jezz louise man!" That's my curse phrase, lol. I'm weird, instead of using the "F" word, I say, "Fuji" or "Fujiman!" LOL, but back to the story!-

Chapter 7: The Festival and Meeting Kikyou-

Saturday emerged as a bright star, it was the day of the Japanese Culture Festival. Kagome was putting the finishing stitches on her coverbun (I don't know what it's really called) for her kimono. Inuyasha sat on her bed, cross legged and cross armed. "Have you decided on what I'm going to wear?" Inuyasha asked. Kagome looked at him puzzled, "What do you mean? You want me to choose what you wear?" He gave her an 'I thought you already knew' look. "Well, ano, I haven't really thought much about it. I have been so busy with mine that I didn't remember! I am sorry, Inuyasha." She said. Inuyasha found it evident that she felt bad. He rose, walked over and kneeled by her. "What is it?" She asked. He stared at her Kimono. "You are wearing this tonight?" He asked in a cute, curious voice. "Mmm" She said as she smiled and nodded. She sat a moment and thought. "They had hanyous in the past. Actually they are fairly common, maybe if I could convince one of my grandparents to let you wear one of their haoris, maybe you won't have to hide your ears and just walk around as yourself!" His ears laid against his head. "What is it?" She tried to look in his eyes. "I'm nervous. There's going to be a lot of people there! I don't know if I can do it." A glimmer of sadness shone in his eyes. Kagome put a hand on his cheek to direct his face to look at her's. "You are going to be perfectly fine, but I wouldn't doubt it if some people would take pictures with you. You'd look like someone in a costume! Like me! I'm wearing a costume!" She smiled really wide and winked at him. He smirked slightly.

"Jii-chan! Please!" Kagome pleaded, "No! Absolutely out of the question!" "Why Jii-chan?!" "I don't like that boy and we are selling those at the festival! Unless you have $300, than no!" "Jii- chan! Please!" Then Grandma Kaede walked in. "Well, I don't think there's anything wrong with it, besides, it makes for good advertising!" Once again, Kagmoe's grandfather knew he was out done. "And I have the perfect one for him! But if he damages it, you'll have to pay it with your allowance, is that understood?" Kagome just ran up and hugged her grandmother. Kaede had a very large smile and chuckled. "Let me find it and I'll bring it to you, okay?" "Mmm!" Kagome smiled as she nodded.

"Come on down, Inuyasha! I really want to see it on you!" Kagome called up the stairs. Inuyasha felt awkward. He knew he used to wear clothing like this as a child, but still he felt uncomfortable. He slowly descended the stairs in the archaic red outfit. It was almost identical to the one she found him in, but this one was brand new, red and had an off- white under shirt. Kagome held her breathe and appeared shocked. She thought he looked charming in his Haori. Inuyasha noticed her intent stare; attempting not to blush only caused his cheeks to redden more. "You look so wonderful!" Mama said in a chipper voice. "You are really going to fit in at the festival!" Inuyasha lit up with the glow of hope, "You really think?" "Definitely!" Then Inuyasha looked at Kagome. "When are you going to get ready for the festival?" Kagome smiled. "You were getting ready in my room. I can't get dressed with you in there, but I'm heading up there right now. Mama, can you help me?" Her mother smiled and they walked upstairs. Inuyasha sat on the couch to wait for her. Grandfather stared at him intently. Inuyasha snapped at him, "You have a problem, old man? I don't like to be stared at!" Grandfather sat up straight and said, "How dare you talk to me in that tone you horrible creature! You should respect your elders! You are lucky I love my granddaughter so much that I even let you set foot in my house! Little lone wear a $300 article of clothing that was supposed to be up for sale!" Inuyasha glared for a second before looking away. 'Hurry up, Kagome!' They both thought.

"Inuyasha! Jii-chan!" She yelled. They both stood at the end of the stairs as Kagome walked down in a beautiful kimono. It was blue silk with a pink cherry blossom pattern. Around it was a shimmering gold-colored cover bun (A/N: again I don't really know what it's called) that was wrapped around her waist with a large bow in the back. Her hair was in a traditional bun with sticks that held up her hair. She had strands of hair hanging down her neck, though. Her make-up was done lighter than traditional fan dancers. Her grandfather and Inuyasha smiled. "You look beautiful, Kagome." Inuyasha said, but then he got a 'Did I say that out loud' look and cleared his throat. Kagome's heart skipped a beat, but she walked up to him and smiled. "Thank you Inuyasha. You look good too." Both of their eyes shimmered, but Mama broke it up. "Okay you guys! Everyone in the car! We have to meet Grandma and Souta there!"

Inuyasha got really nervous when he saw all the people and cars. The festival was crowded with hundreds of people. "I don't know if I can do this! I've been around maybe 20 people at one time at most!" Kagome looked over at the frightened hanyou. She put grabbed his hand and said, "Don't you want to see me dance?" He looked over at the radiant Kagome. Her smile was so welcoming and brought calm to him. She took his hand with both of her's. "Besides, right after my dance, I'll be right by you. I promise." Then her mom spoke up, "It's okay Inuyasha, Just stay with me until she's done!" Finally she parked the car behind the booth she was assisting to run. Kagome took Inuyasha's arm as they enter the back entrance of the wooden, makeshift booth. Inuyasha looked down at Kagome, who was leading him where he needed to go. "I want to stay with you," He said. Kagome looked up with a sad look. "I'm sorry, Inuyasha, but no boys are allowed where I'm going. Just stay with Mama. She will bring you with her to see me dance, then I promise right afterwards I'll come back too you." For some reason, when she said, "I'll come back to you" sent another feeling he's never felt before. "I have to go now, Inuyasha. I'll see you!" As she ran, she yelled back, "Try to have fun while I'm gone." Then she disappeared in the crowd of people. Inuyasha looked like an abandoned child as he stared in the direction she ran. Kagome's mother took him by the shoulders. "Come along, Inuyasha. We'll see her in just a few minutes". Even as they turned around, he kept looking for her.

"I'm going to find him and break his neck!" Kouga said as they walked into the crowd of people flocking to the various stands and booths. "Are you sure he'll be here, boss?" one of his gang asked. "Of course he will! He'll come to see Kagome dance. I have to see her dance, then we'll beat the living crap out of him!" They stormed through the crowd of people.

"Come on, Inuyasha, It's time to see Kagome dance!" His mother shouted as she took his arm and led him into the crowd. He saw people stare at him, "Look at his ears!" "Cool!" "What do you think he's supposed to be?" "I don't know, but by the way he's dressed, probably some ancient ghost or demon" "I want to touch his ears". All of these were all the whispers heard, but at least they thought that it was a costume. Even someone took a picture of him. Finally they reached the 3rd row from the stage. "Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the 2003 Japanese Cultural Festival and Fair! Now for your pleasure." The announcer kept rambling on, which was starting to annoy Inuyasha, but finally the curtain opened to 15 girls in a pose, each holding 2 large paper fans. Then a gong sounded as the music started. Right away he spotted Kagome. She was beautiful as she gracefully danced, waving and spinning her fans. She spotted Inuyasha. The look on his face was so intense that it made her heart flutter, but for some reason, it made her dance with more ease. It became as if Inuyasha was the only one in the audience. She stared at him the whole time, it was like a bond. Kouga watched Kagome intently as he occasionally took a swig of beer. His eyes didn't leave her until he noticed she was staring at something.or someone. He spotted long silver hair. "That bastard is staring at MY WOMAN! He is going to regret even meeting her!" As he charged for him, he noticed that Kagome's mom stood beside him. "Dammit!" He thought. "I'll have to wait to get him alone!" "I'll get Kagome away from him," He heard her say. "Kikyou! You really think you can?" "Of course! Trust me!" Kouga smiled at her than at the graceful Kagome. "You will be mine! You ARE mine!" He growled.

Finally the dance ended. Kagome gave a soft smile to Inuyasha before the curtain shut. Inuyasha's stomach had swarms of butterflies flying around. He was so excited to see Kagome. Kouga peeked behind a corner to see the reunion. Kagome ran up to Inuyasha and her mom. She ran up to Inuyasha and said, "Thank you so much!" He looked puzzled, "For what?" She blushed. She didn't quite know how to thank him for staring at her. She smiled and said, "Nothing. Let's go!" She said as she hooked her elbow with his and hugged it with the other arm. Inuyasha didn't know what to do, but he put his hand over her's. He felt so honored to escort her around. They smiled at each other. Kouga's eyes became bloodshot with anger. "She can't do this to me! I'll mutilate him!" He looked at Kikyou. "Go! Now!" Kikyou ran up to Kagome. "Kagome! Yo, Kagome! How are you doing?" Kagome gave an embarrassed look and said, "Uh, Hello.Kikyou." Then she thought, 'Kikyou's talking to me? Why?' Then Kikyou grabbed her free arm. There is someone that wants to see you! After seeing you dance, she really wants to meet you!" Kagome looked at her with a suspicious look. "Who?" Kikyou thought for a second. "My sister! She thought you were wonderful and thought you were the best dancer. I told her that I knew you and she wanted me to come and get you!" They started walk until Kikyou stopped them. "Uh, he can't come." Kagome almost sounded angry, "Why not?" Kikyou looked him over. "Well for one thing, she's almost 6 and I think his claws and teeth would scare her half to death." Kagome looked directly at her and stepped back, right beside Inuyasha. "Then I'm afraid I can't do that." Kikyou gave her a look that would send anyone on a guilt trip, "Well, I'm just going to tell my little sister your boyfriend was more important than her." For a split second they thought about Kikyou calling Inuyasha her boyfriend, but then Kagome looked very guilty and sad. Inuyasha couldn't stand to see her look like that. He gulped and said, "Go on and go." Kagome looked up at him, in shock, "Inuyasha?" "Just go on and go." His voice was kind of shaky, "Are you sure? Do you know your way back to Mama's booth?" He was scared to death but said, "Yes, I know the way. I don't want you to disappoint that little girl. I'll meet you back at Mama's booth" Kikyou heard this and started to drag Kagome away. "I'll see you back there, Okay?" She yelled back and once again, she disappeared into the crowd.

Inuyasha reached Mama's booth. It was closed and said. "Inuyasha & Kagome, I went to go visit Grandfather, Grandmother and Souta at the Trinkets Shop. I'll be back in a half hour. Inuyasha didn't know where the Trinkets Shop was, but he remembered how Mama parked behind her booth. He knew what the Grandparent's car looked like, so he went out to behind the booth. He didn't see their car, but it was dark back there. He was about to turn back when he got slammed against the wall. "What the hell were you thinking! Staring at my woman like that when she danced?" Inuyasha growled, "Kouga!" Kouga had him by his collar. "You remember me? Good because.Hey! Wait a minute. What are these?" He asked as he reached for an ear. "Why are you wearing dog e." He pulled on one. "They are real ears! What the hell?" He back off for a second and took a good look at Inuyasha. Inuyasha stared and growled at him. "Are you come kind of monster? Or. You are a demon! You are a dam." "I'm a hanyou!" Kouga and his gang laughed. "So you are truly a freak! You lay your dirty paws off my woman dog crap!" Inuyasha growled. "She's not your woman!" Kouga growled back, "What did you just say you monster?" Inuyasha growled and yelled, "She's not your woman!" Kouga charged and punched him the stomach. Inuyasha got struck to the ground. As he got up to slash Kouga a crossed the stomach, he remembered Kagome's words. Then he remembered the look on her face the last time he stood up to fight him. The look of sadness, anger and fear. It hurt to remember that face. Then Kouga got in a fighting stance, "Aren't you going to fight with me you mutt?" For some reason, those words hurt but he growled without looking a Kouga, "No," "Why not! Afraid?" Inuyasha shot him a glare, "I'm not afraid of a weak human like you! But." He looked away and said quietly, "Kagome wouldn't want me too" Kouga said, "Come again?" Then Inuyasha yelled, "Kagome wouldn't want me too!" Then Kouga shrugged, smiled and said, "Suite yourself" He said with a punch.

"Where exactly is your sister?" Kagome asked as they were walking at the far end of the festival. "She's over here by the Dragon Coaster." Then Kikyou spotted a stand with beautiful silver jewelry, "Hey, Kagome! Look at these!" she said as she dragged Kagome over to look. "Wow! These are beautiful!" Kagome exclaimed as her eyes got bigger. She looked at all the beautiful necklaces and earrings. They even had some jewelry made out of jade. "Kikyou! Come look over here! This is beautiful!" She looked up. No Kikyou. "Kikyou? Kikyou? Kikyou!" Kagome got angry. I should have known! But she stood there and thought a moment. "Why would she drag me all this way?" A moment more she thought, "Oh no! INUYASHA!" She started to run in the traffic of the crowd. Her hair came tumbling down out of it's beautiful bun. She felt tears swelling up in her eyes. "How could I be so naïve?! How could I leave him alone! I'm so stupid! I promised him I wouldn't leave him!Please be safe! Inuyasha!" Everyone was walking against her. She felt like a Salmon trying to swim upstream.

**meanwhile**

Another painful grunt came out of Inuyasha. His clothes were shredded and doused with blood. 5 guys were kicking and punching him. Kagome was his only thought. His only hope. Then Kikyou walked up. "How dare you bloody him up before I get a chance with him!" Kouga stopped the rest of the guys. Inuyasha stood up and leaned against the wall. Kikyou slowly walked up to him. She licked her finger to wipe the blood off the corners of his bleeding mouth. "You are still gorgeous, even when all beaten up." She cooed. He was nervous and froze. She played with his hair then stared to kiss on his neck. There was a mixture of chuckles and "ack! Ewww!" Among the members of the gang. She kissed him all over the face, then as she was about to kiss his lips, he bore his teeth and started to growl. She said in a smooth, sexy voice, "You don't have to be so cold!" Inuyasha growled louder, "What is it, Inuyasha? Are you in love with Kagome? Is that it?" Inuyasha stopped growling. He thought 'Is that it? Am I in love with Kagome? I lo.' Kouga then yelled, "I won't let a freak like you get near my woman!" Then he really began to violently hit him. Inuyasha fell on the ground and again took his punches, which now were harder until, "Inuyasha? Inuyasha?" He heard Kagome yelling for him. "Kagome." He whispered. Kouga kicked him. "I don't want her name said from your dirty mouth, Demon!" Finally Kagome found them. She looked in horror as Inuyasha was in a ball on the ground in a pool of his own blood. Then she saw Kouga and Kikyou. "You!" She yelled, more like screamed. Kouga walked up to her. She pushed him. "You bastard! How dare you!" "Kagome! My Love! He's part." "I'm full aware of what he is! And do you know what? I don't care!" Inuyasha couldn't believe what he was hearing, still after how many times she has done it within these last 6 days. Kagome tried to run to Inuyasha's side, but Kouga stopped her and made her face him, "Are you telling me you rather be with this monster than me?!" "He's not a monster! You ARE! I don't ever want to see you again. Leave me and my friends and family alone!" "Kagome?" Kouga looked hurt. Kagome got in his face, "What? You thought that If you killed Inuyasha I'd run to you with open arms?! Get away from me!" She spit on him and ran towards Inuyasha, but not without noticing lipstick marks all over him. "Kikyou." She walked straight to her and slapped her. "You got me away from Inuyasha so they could beat him up? Why?" Kikyou felt her cheek. "I don't have to justify myself to you!" "All of you! Leave! Leave now!" Everyone followed as she said.

She stood and stared at Inuyasha, "Kagome?" He whispered. She looked at his battered and battered body that was curled up on the ground. "I'm so sorry! She mouthed, but her voice was taken over by sobs. She fell on her knees and buried her face in her hands. Inuyasha slowly crawled up to her. "It's my fault! It's all my fault! I promised that I wouldn't leave you! I shou." ".Shhh, It's not your fault. You didn't know." He hoarsely whispered. He took one of her wrists and wrapped her arm around him. At first she felt funny. He too didn't know if he should do it, but she wrapped her arms around him and he wrapped his arms around her. "Are you going to be okay?" Kagome asked. "I'm not like a human. By Monday, you won't even be able to tell that anything happened, so please don't be sad. She thought, 'What? I heard pain in his voice! Not physical pain, but.but. Is he in pain from seeing me cry?' She drew herself out to look into his eyes. He was sad! She looked deep into his eyes. She could almost feel all the pain, fear, loneliness, and anguish he's ever felt. He got nervous and helped her up, "Come on, let's go before Mama gets worried," But Kagome ended having to help him walk. "I'll treat your wounds when we get home." She whispered But all that was on his mind was how Kagome came to his rescue, told Kouga off and slapped Kikyou. He looked at her and smiled. She looked at him and blushed. "Why are you looking at me like that?" He looked ahead and said, "I know this sounds really sappy, maybe even stupid, But I thank you for being my friend," "That's not sappy, nor stupid, and I'm very glad having you as a friend!

They sat on his bed. Inuyasha sat in sleeping shorts while Kagome was tending to his wounds. She looked over at his torn outfit on the couch. "I told Jii-chan I'd stitch it. If I do a good enough job I won't have to pay for i." "ITA!" Inuyasha winced as Kagome sprayed some disinfectant on his cheek "Oh! I'm so sorry! Here" Then she gently blew on it. Inuyasha felt shivers up his spine. "Is that better?" "Hai, Arigato" (A/N: Yes, Thank you).She moved down to his chest and stomach. "I'd be easier if you lay down," She said as she got more stuff out of the first aid kit. When she turned around, she saw his staring at her, but he didn't look away. She smiled warmly and continued to tend to his wounds. She couldn't help but to notice his hard, defined abs and chest. He stared at her until he asked, "Why do you do that for me?" "What?" His eyes got soft, but his eyebrows came down a bit, "Defend me. Not once have you not come to my rescue. Not once have you shied away or denied being my friend. How can you be like that? Aren't you afraid?" She smiled at him as she rubbed some hydrogen Peroxide on his chest. He cringed his teeth as it began to bubble, "Well, I'm just like that, I guess. I can't stand it when someone thinks of someone in a different way then the truth. But you also are someone special too me. I knew you were special the first time I met you." It seemed she forgot he was even there as she rambled on, "I refuse to deny my friendship with you because you are my friend and if people don't like it, I don't care. As for being afraid, I'm more afraid for you then me. Next time Kouga wants to fight you, please don't let him. Please defend yourself! I saw you on the ground in your blood and I was scared! If an ordinary human lost that much blood, they'd be dead," A tear ran down her face when she had a quick flashback, ". I. don't want to loose you." Then she froze as she said that last part. She almost felt more tears come. She was afraid of loosing him. But, why? Even just thinking about loosing him hurt and her heart would fall into her stomach. She looked at him. He looked so happy and warm. His eyes were different than earlier. His eyes reveal so much. "I'm off to bed now," She said as she put the first Aid kit back together. As she was about to leave, He grabbed her wrist and pulled her back to sit on the edge of the bed. She looked surprised and looked at him. "Aren't you going to brush my hair?" He asked with a big smile. She smiled. "Yes,"

Well. That's it for Chapter 7! Sorry for the late update. Like I said, my sister and best friend were here from Tuesday till this morning (Saturday). And in the beginning few paragraphs it sounds kind of funny to me because I let my sister edit it, but like before, my updates should be fairly quick again!

Next chapter: Man of the New Moon!