I haven't said this lately..so... *I DO NOT OWN INU YASHA!* Ok. Nuf
said, on with the story!
Shippou pulled up to the house he owned, for when he wanted to stay near Tokyo. He had several houses like this, scattered all over the world. He owned places in France, England, America, China, Germany, Australia and South America. Shippou was fascinated by the modern world. He owned stock in many of Sesshoumaru's companies, and that gave him more than enough money to explore the world to his hearts content.
The maid came to great him at the door. She was a youki herself. She wore a white silk yukata, decorated with a flying crane pattern that draped elegantly around her, almost to the floor. She had mostly human features, although feet like a birds peeked out from under the white silk, and a patch of bright red feathers adorned her black hair, which was swept up, emphasizing her pointed ears. Youki were still around, but had learned to keep a low profile.
Stretching, Shippou let his illusion drop; his ears became pointy and his bushy tail once more appeared. Removing his leather boots and socks, he stretched his toes, and his human feet wavered and were replaced by almost dainty fox feet. Grinning, he wiggled his now furry toes. "Ah, that's much better."
Flexing her bird like toes, the maid gave a little shudder. "I don't know how you go around in shoes like that Shippou-sama."
"Oh, you get used to it after a while, though it feels really good to let my illusion drop after a long day," Shippou said. "I think would like to have tea in the rose garden tonight, oh and please bring two settings," he added.
The maid nodded and turned to go ready the tea.
Shippou shrugged off his leather jacket, leaving it on a chair in the entryway. It was warm out, and he wouldn't need it. The crushed rock path were raked every morning and afternoon, and Shippou left fox foot prints in the artful criss-cross pattern.
A small cast iron patio table was nestled in a small clearing ringed by rose bushes; a square table lantern was lit on the table, casting wavering light in all directions. Settling himself in one of the two seats he smiled. It was a fine night, the crickets chirped, and a few moths fluttered around the lantern, drawn by the weak light. The maid brought the tea out; Shippou sat sipping the warm brew, savoring the subtle jasmine flavor. After a few minuets his sharp nose caught a scent that was not the tea, the roses or the fresh cut grass, that the gardeners had recently mowed. He smiled, "I've been waiting for you Inu Yasha, come sit, I'll pour you some tea."
A very pissed off looking dog demon dropped out of a tree, landing silently on bare feet in the manicured grass, one knee touching the ground, and his hand held out to steady him. His ears had changed back into dog ears, and his fangs gleamed in the light from the lamp. He looked just like he had when Shippou had seen him last, except he was no longer wearing his fire rat kimono. Instead he had on a pair of old jeans, frayed around the ankles, and a black tee shirt. He stood up straight and demanded, "What does a youkai want with a human?"
Shippou smiled pouring tea into a small bowl, "Why the same thing as a hanyou of course."
Inu Yasha bristled.
Shippou was quite enjoying himself. He had almost forgotten how much fun it was to annoy Inu Yasha. He glanced at his ears, "I noticed that you didn't have those today. Did Sesshoumaru teach you how to hide your more salient features?"
"I should've known it," Inu Yasha sneered, "your working for Sesshoumaru."
"I'm not working for Sesshoumaru."
"Then how do you know him."
"You might say I grew up with Rin."
Inu Yasha snorted, "I don't believe you."
"You don't believe that I grew up with Rin?"
"I don't believe you aren't working for Grandfather."
Shippou shrugged, "Ok, you don't believe me," then took another sip of tea.
Inu Yasha looked surprised, "You're not denying it?"
"Why should I deny it? You've already made up your mind, and it doesn't matter to me one bit what you think." Shippou poured tea into the second cup, its delicate steam rising into the night air, "You can sit down you know, I haven't poisoned the tea or anything."
Inu Yasha snorted, but he did sit in the second chair, although he ignored the tea. They sat in silence for a few moments, Shippou taking small sips of tea, and Inu Yasha looking very grumpy, before Shippou spoke again, "Kagome means a lot to me, I don't want to see her get hurt again."
"What do you mean hurt again? Did an old boyfriend dump her or something?"
"Oh, she didn't have a boyfriend, not really. She did have someone she loved very much though. He loved her too, but didn't realize it until it was too late. He had another girl he cared for, besides Kagome, and he could never choose between the two."
Inu Yasha snorted. "He sound's like a baka."
Shippou laughed, "Oh he was." Then Shippou's eyes grew distant, "He meant a great deal to me as well. The other girl he cared for was very jealous of their love. I think she finally realized that he loved Kagome more than he had ever loved her, so she made it so Kagome could never have him. She killed him, while Kagome watched. Kagome had two other friends as well, she killed them too. She tried to kill me, and I'm sure she thought she had, but I survived. She could have killed Kagome, but she didn't. I remember lying there, unable to move or speak, and hearing her taunting Kagome. She didn't kill Kagome, because she wanted her to suffer. She took her friends and lover away from her and she wanted Kagome to live with that the rest of her life." A tear ran down Shippou's cheek, "Then Kagome left, she ran away. I vowed that if I ever found her again, I would do what I could to make her safe and happy."
Inu Yasha sat there stunned. He noticed that Kagome often looked sad. He often saw her staring off in the distance, as if her mind was a million miles away, but he never guessed anything like this. He shifted restlessly in his seat, "I.I didn't know."
"No one around here knows. I hope you keep this to yourself. I'm sure it's the last thing Kagome wants getting around school."
"Why did you tell me?"
"I told you because you need to know. If Kagome needs protecting, and I'm not around, someone needs to protect her."
"Why me?"
Shippou gave Inu Yasha a piercing look, "Would you trust anyone else to keep her safe? Even me?"
Inu Yasha looked uncomfortable for a moment; then changed the subject, "Why does she need protecting? What could possibly happen to her?" Inu Yasha asked. She's just a girl."
Shippou sighed, "I would have thought you would have realized it by now. Kagome is more than just a girl, she's special."
"How is she special?"
Shippou looked hard at Inu Yasha, "are you a youkai or not? I would expect humans to not pick up on it, but you have abilities that they don't."
Inu Yasha thought about it, maybe Shippou was right. There was something different about Kagome. There was something about her smell that he couldn't quite place. She also moved with a graceful power that he had never seen a human move with before.
"Anyway, it's getting late and I have to get up early tomorrow. I have school in the morning."
"School?" Inu Yasha looked confused.
"Yeah, I signed up today. You're looking at the newest student of Sitoto high."
"You go to school. Aren't you a bit too old to go to school? I know you're a full youki and all, and they tend to look young for just about ever, but if you did grow up with Rin you must be.." Inu Yasha paused for a moment, he knew Rin and his Grandfather were quite old, even though they didn't look it, but he had never stopped to think about exactly how old they actually were.
"Ah you're never too old to learn something new," Shippou said grinning, "Besides, My ID says I'm 17. So anyway, now that we're gonna be class mates, can I borrow your notes; I really need to catch up. By the way, your tea is getting cold."
Inu Yasha sweat dropped.
"Did you see the new guy?"
"Did you see his motorcycle?"
"He is sooo Kawaii!"
"I hope he doesn't have a girlfriend."
Shippou had started his first day of school, and he was attracting a lot of attention. Girls were doubling back in the halls to get a second look at him, passing him in giggling hoards. Even most of the guys thought he was pretty cool, with his leather jacket and sharp teeth.
"Shippou what are you doing here? And what on earth are you doing in a school uniform?" Kagome had heard about the new student, and she had come over to take a look for herself.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm a student. I've come to make myself a better and more learned person."
Kagome looked at her friend, a teasing look in her eyes, "Aren't you a little old to be going to high school?"
"Yah know Inu.I mean Yasha said the same thing. Why? Do I look that old?"
"You know you don't, but you have to be over 500," Kagome whispered.
"Really, I didn't think I looked a day over 300," Shippou teased. "Here check it out." He handed Kagome his driver's license.
"It says your 17."
"Yup. It's amazing what a little money can buy you." He winked at Kagome. "I felt the need to be around, just in case. Besides someone needs to keep an eye on our dear ol' Yasha." Shippou looked at his watch, "Hey we better get going; we don't want to be late for our first class."
"Our first class?"
"Yeah, didn't you know, I have every class you do? What a coincidence, huh."
Kagome laughed, "Yeah right, coincidence."
Shippou's motorcycle roared up to the Higurashi Shrine. "Do you want to come up for dinner? Mom always makes enough for an army."
Shippou propped the bike up on the kick stand. "Sure, I'd love that. I always wanted to see where you lived, but could never get through the well."
They walked up the steps together. Shippou stopped when he saw the god tree. He stood there, staring at it. "Is that the." he started to say, and then paused. The goshinboku, looked awesome standing by it's self in the middle of the neatly manicured lawn.
Kagome came up beside him and put her arm around him, "Yes."
The large tree swayed slightly in the breeze. "It looks the same, everything else around here looks so different, but it looks exactly how I remembered it."
"It helps to remind me no matter how much things seem to change, that they really stay the same."
Shippou laughed, "Yeah, Miroku, Sango and Inu Yasha, sure haven't changed much."
"I just wonder how much Kikyou has changed."
Shippou looked shocked, "Kikyou, what do you mean?"
"You mean you didn't know?"
"Know? Know what?"
Kagome sighed, "Kikyou has been reincarnated, and she goes to school; the same school at the rest of us. The only time that I see her is usually archery practice, so I guess it's not all that strange that you haven't seen her, but I figured that Sesshoumaru would have let you know. He does know about her."
"Kikyou is here, but how.I mean..how?" Shippou looked shocked, surprised and worried. "I thought you were her reincarnation. How can she be here? With you?"
Kagome sighed, "I don't know."
"And did you say she was in the archery club?"
"Yeah."
"Oh, that is not good," Shippou said, and then lapsed into a worried silence.
She and Shippou stood there staring up at the goshinboku, both quite lost in their own thoughts, until Mrs. Higurashi called from the house, "Kagome, dear."
"Yes Mom," Kagome called back.
"Dinner is ready. Would your little friend like to join us?"
"Hey, I never turn down a home cooked meal," Shippou said, breaking out of his melancholy silence. Grinning he offered his arm to Kagome, "Shall we."
Kagome smiled at him and placed her hand in his arm, "Yes, lets." And they headed into the house arm in arm skipping.
"I feel like Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz," Kagome laughed.
"Hmmm... Your Dorothy, can I be the Scarecrow? I always loved the way he danced."
"Sure, but now we need a Tin Man and a Cowardly Lion."
"How about Sango for the Tin Man, and Miroku for the Cowardly Lion," Shippou said.
"That sounds good, but what about Inu Yasha?"
"Well, we still need a Toto."
. . . . . . . . . . . .
"I must say, Mrs. Higurashi; that was one of the best dinners I've had in a good long time."
"Why thank you Shippou that was very sweet of you to say."
Shippou smiled, "Do you think it'd be ok if I took Kagome out to go get some ice cream or something?"
"Well I don't see why not. Make sure to take a coat Kagome, it's going to get chilly when the sun goes down, call if you're going to be late."
"I will, thanks Mom." Grabbing her jacket, Kagome ran out the door with Shippou.
"I gotta admit Shippou," Kagome said snapping his helmet on, "riding your bike is a lot more fun than taking the bus."
"Then why don't I start giving you rides to school and back?"
Kagome looked surprised, "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'd feel better. Not only do you have the Shikon no Tama around your neck, but Kikyo is around too. It would make me feel a lot better to be able to keep an eye on you."
"I understand Shippou. I'd love to have you pick me up every morning." Then Kagome had a thought, "Um, Shippou, you know people are going to think we're dating if you give me rides all the time and stuff."
Shippou laughed, "You're probably right. Hmmm, how do you think a certain hanyou we know will react to that news?"
"Probably not very well."
"Well, then it might be just what he needs to get his act in gear. Maybe this time he won't wait until it's too late."
Kagome nodded, her eyes looked sad.
"Kagome, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring that up."
Kagome sniffed, "That's OK Shippou." Then she gave a brave, if watery smile, "We have a second chance don't we?"
"Yeah you do," Shippou said, pulling Kagome in for a hug.
Kagome hugged him back, then after a long moment pulled away, "Hey, didn't you promise me ice cream?"
"Yeah," Shippou said, mounting his bike, "climb on."
Neither of them saw a person watching them from up a tree. Inu Yasha hadn't been close enough to hear what they were saying, but he saw that hug. Snorting he bounded out of the tree and into the increasing twilight.
WHEEEEEEE! I'm having such a good time with this story. I found out AU means Alternate Universe. *See Review Thank Yous at end of Author Notes for credit* Hmmm.. I really wasn't going for an Alternate Universe, more of what might happen to end the series. I also was looking for ways to explain things that have as of yet gone unexplained in the series. I never really saw Kagome as a reincarnation of Kikyou, and why can only Kagome and Inu Yasha use the well. Stay tuned to find out what my theories are. I think you'll all like them. *Grin* I also want everyone to know that it may be a week or two before I update next. I have been going great guns, and have been doing some serious re-writing. I just want to make sure to have at least a semi-polished story before I post more chapters. I really don't want to have to back track because I wrote my self in to a corner I don't want to take chapters down in order to re-write them. But I am working as diligently as I can. This would be so much easier if my soon to be Ex-Husband had not taken the computer with him. *Sigh* Like I say in my profile, I don't miss him, but damn I miss the computer.
Pinay935: A few people have mentioned that I haven't put in enough details. I really appreciate having people letting me know. I have been working on that. I am slowly learning how to add description, with out slowing down the pace of my story. Let me know what you think. Thanks for letting me know what AU means. It was really puzzling me.
Inu-ona: I really like how Shippou turned out too. I really gave a lot of thought on how he would be after he grew up.
Elianora: Thanks for the spelling lesson. ;~)
del_kaidin: Hope this is soon enough for you. :~D The next few chapters might not be out for a little while. I want to make sure they are really good before I post them.
Darkwolf: You are a hoot and a holler! I thought about the whole Dog vs Chocolate thing, but I decided this is Inu Yasha, I've seen him eat.. He can eat ANYTHING! Although curry really hurts his tongue. LOL! About how old Sesshoumaru looks, I thought that he would be so powerful, that if he said this strange new boy, that seemly appeared out of no where was his grandson, who would argue with him, no matter how young he looked, so I have him looking exactly like he does in the anime. No old wrinkled Sesshys for me!. LOL. I agree with you about the whole Kagome/Kikyou reincarnation thing. I really hope when the series continues that Kagome turns out NOT to be Kikyou's reincarnation. Anyway, in my little world, she's not. :~P AU= Alternate Universe. Thanks :~) Sorry to hear about your hand, hope they don't scar. How many episodes do you have? I want to see them kiss too. I always keep a roll of quarters around to make sure I have exact change to pay all tolls.
Trina: Thanks for reviewing twice. *dances with Trina*
starlight4u: ramble away. I love reviews.
Thanks again to all of you who reviewed! I love you ALL!
I also want to give a special, if little late thanks to: Lauri, Sen Taro- Taisensei, and AnimeGirl. Who have me on their favorite authors list. I feel so loved! *Gives all of them Hugs*
Nandelin
Shippou pulled up to the house he owned, for when he wanted to stay near Tokyo. He had several houses like this, scattered all over the world. He owned places in France, England, America, China, Germany, Australia and South America. Shippou was fascinated by the modern world. He owned stock in many of Sesshoumaru's companies, and that gave him more than enough money to explore the world to his hearts content.
The maid came to great him at the door. She was a youki herself. She wore a white silk yukata, decorated with a flying crane pattern that draped elegantly around her, almost to the floor. She had mostly human features, although feet like a birds peeked out from under the white silk, and a patch of bright red feathers adorned her black hair, which was swept up, emphasizing her pointed ears. Youki were still around, but had learned to keep a low profile.
Stretching, Shippou let his illusion drop; his ears became pointy and his bushy tail once more appeared. Removing his leather boots and socks, he stretched his toes, and his human feet wavered and were replaced by almost dainty fox feet. Grinning, he wiggled his now furry toes. "Ah, that's much better."
Flexing her bird like toes, the maid gave a little shudder. "I don't know how you go around in shoes like that Shippou-sama."
"Oh, you get used to it after a while, though it feels really good to let my illusion drop after a long day," Shippou said. "I think would like to have tea in the rose garden tonight, oh and please bring two settings," he added.
The maid nodded and turned to go ready the tea.
Shippou shrugged off his leather jacket, leaving it on a chair in the entryway. It was warm out, and he wouldn't need it. The crushed rock path were raked every morning and afternoon, and Shippou left fox foot prints in the artful criss-cross pattern.
A small cast iron patio table was nestled in a small clearing ringed by rose bushes; a square table lantern was lit on the table, casting wavering light in all directions. Settling himself in one of the two seats he smiled. It was a fine night, the crickets chirped, and a few moths fluttered around the lantern, drawn by the weak light. The maid brought the tea out; Shippou sat sipping the warm brew, savoring the subtle jasmine flavor. After a few minuets his sharp nose caught a scent that was not the tea, the roses or the fresh cut grass, that the gardeners had recently mowed. He smiled, "I've been waiting for you Inu Yasha, come sit, I'll pour you some tea."
A very pissed off looking dog demon dropped out of a tree, landing silently on bare feet in the manicured grass, one knee touching the ground, and his hand held out to steady him. His ears had changed back into dog ears, and his fangs gleamed in the light from the lamp. He looked just like he had when Shippou had seen him last, except he was no longer wearing his fire rat kimono. Instead he had on a pair of old jeans, frayed around the ankles, and a black tee shirt. He stood up straight and demanded, "What does a youkai want with a human?"
Shippou smiled pouring tea into a small bowl, "Why the same thing as a hanyou of course."
Inu Yasha bristled.
Shippou was quite enjoying himself. He had almost forgotten how much fun it was to annoy Inu Yasha. He glanced at his ears, "I noticed that you didn't have those today. Did Sesshoumaru teach you how to hide your more salient features?"
"I should've known it," Inu Yasha sneered, "your working for Sesshoumaru."
"I'm not working for Sesshoumaru."
"Then how do you know him."
"You might say I grew up with Rin."
Inu Yasha snorted, "I don't believe you."
"You don't believe that I grew up with Rin?"
"I don't believe you aren't working for Grandfather."
Shippou shrugged, "Ok, you don't believe me," then took another sip of tea.
Inu Yasha looked surprised, "You're not denying it?"
"Why should I deny it? You've already made up your mind, and it doesn't matter to me one bit what you think." Shippou poured tea into the second cup, its delicate steam rising into the night air, "You can sit down you know, I haven't poisoned the tea or anything."
Inu Yasha snorted, but he did sit in the second chair, although he ignored the tea. They sat in silence for a few moments, Shippou taking small sips of tea, and Inu Yasha looking very grumpy, before Shippou spoke again, "Kagome means a lot to me, I don't want to see her get hurt again."
"What do you mean hurt again? Did an old boyfriend dump her or something?"
"Oh, she didn't have a boyfriend, not really. She did have someone she loved very much though. He loved her too, but didn't realize it until it was too late. He had another girl he cared for, besides Kagome, and he could never choose between the two."
Inu Yasha snorted. "He sound's like a baka."
Shippou laughed, "Oh he was." Then Shippou's eyes grew distant, "He meant a great deal to me as well. The other girl he cared for was very jealous of their love. I think she finally realized that he loved Kagome more than he had ever loved her, so she made it so Kagome could never have him. She killed him, while Kagome watched. Kagome had two other friends as well, she killed them too. She tried to kill me, and I'm sure she thought she had, but I survived. She could have killed Kagome, but she didn't. I remember lying there, unable to move or speak, and hearing her taunting Kagome. She didn't kill Kagome, because she wanted her to suffer. She took her friends and lover away from her and she wanted Kagome to live with that the rest of her life." A tear ran down Shippou's cheek, "Then Kagome left, she ran away. I vowed that if I ever found her again, I would do what I could to make her safe and happy."
Inu Yasha sat there stunned. He noticed that Kagome often looked sad. He often saw her staring off in the distance, as if her mind was a million miles away, but he never guessed anything like this. He shifted restlessly in his seat, "I.I didn't know."
"No one around here knows. I hope you keep this to yourself. I'm sure it's the last thing Kagome wants getting around school."
"Why did you tell me?"
"I told you because you need to know. If Kagome needs protecting, and I'm not around, someone needs to protect her."
"Why me?"
Shippou gave Inu Yasha a piercing look, "Would you trust anyone else to keep her safe? Even me?"
Inu Yasha looked uncomfortable for a moment; then changed the subject, "Why does she need protecting? What could possibly happen to her?" Inu Yasha asked. She's just a girl."
Shippou sighed, "I would have thought you would have realized it by now. Kagome is more than just a girl, she's special."
"How is she special?"
Shippou looked hard at Inu Yasha, "are you a youkai or not? I would expect humans to not pick up on it, but you have abilities that they don't."
Inu Yasha thought about it, maybe Shippou was right. There was something different about Kagome. There was something about her smell that he couldn't quite place. She also moved with a graceful power that he had never seen a human move with before.
"Anyway, it's getting late and I have to get up early tomorrow. I have school in the morning."
"School?" Inu Yasha looked confused.
"Yeah, I signed up today. You're looking at the newest student of Sitoto high."
"You go to school. Aren't you a bit too old to go to school? I know you're a full youki and all, and they tend to look young for just about ever, but if you did grow up with Rin you must be.." Inu Yasha paused for a moment, he knew Rin and his Grandfather were quite old, even though they didn't look it, but he had never stopped to think about exactly how old they actually were.
"Ah you're never too old to learn something new," Shippou said grinning, "Besides, My ID says I'm 17. So anyway, now that we're gonna be class mates, can I borrow your notes; I really need to catch up. By the way, your tea is getting cold."
Inu Yasha sweat dropped.
"Did you see the new guy?"
"Did you see his motorcycle?"
"He is sooo Kawaii!"
"I hope he doesn't have a girlfriend."
Shippou had started his first day of school, and he was attracting a lot of attention. Girls were doubling back in the halls to get a second look at him, passing him in giggling hoards. Even most of the guys thought he was pretty cool, with his leather jacket and sharp teeth.
"Shippou what are you doing here? And what on earth are you doing in a school uniform?" Kagome had heard about the new student, and she had come over to take a look for herself.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm a student. I've come to make myself a better and more learned person."
Kagome looked at her friend, a teasing look in her eyes, "Aren't you a little old to be going to high school?"
"Yah know Inu.I mean Yasha said the same thing. Why? Do I look that old?"
"You know you don't, but you have to be over 500," Kagome whispered.
"Really, I didn't think I looked a day over 300," Shippou teased. "Here check it out." He handed Kagome his driver's license.
"It says your 17."
"Yup. It's amazing what a little money can buy you." He winked at Kagome. "I felt the need to be around, just in case. Besides someone needs to keep an eye on our dear ol' Yasha." Shippou looked at his watch, "Hey we better get going; we don't want to be late for our first class."
"Our first class?"
"Yeah, didn't you know, I have every class you do? What a coincidence, huh."
Kagome laughed, "Yeah right, coincidence."
Shippou's motorcycle roared up to the Higurashi Shrine. "Do you want to come up for dinner? Mom always makes enough for an army."
Shippou propped the bike up on the kick stand. "Sure, I'd love that. I always wanted to see where you lived, but could never get through the well."
They walked up the steps together. Shippou stopped when he saw the god tree. He stood there, staring at it. "Is that the." he started to say, and then paused. The goshinboku, looked awesome standing by it's self in the middle of the neatly manicured lawn.
Kagome came up beside him and put her arm around him, "Yes."
The large tree swayed slightly in the breeze. "It looks the same, everything else around here looks so different, but it looks exactly how I remembered it."
"It helps to remind me no matter how much things seem to change, that they really stay the same."
Shippou laughed, "Yeah, Miroku, Sango and Inu Yasha, sure haven't changed much."
"I just wonder how much Kikyou has changed."
Shippou looked shocked, "Kikyou, what do you mean?"
"You mean you didn't know?"
"Know? Know what?"
Kagome sighed, "Kikyou has been reincarnated, and she goes to school; the same school at the rest of us. The only time that I see her is usually archery practice, so I guess it's not all that strange that you haven't seen her, but I figured that Sesshoumaru would have let you know. He does know about her."
"Kikyou is here, but how.I mean..how?" Shippou looked shocked, surprised and worried. "I thought you were her reincarnation. How can she be here? With you?"
Kagome sighed, "I don't know."
"And did you say she was in the archery club?"
"Yeah."
"Oh, that is not good," Shippou said, and then lapsed into a worried silence.
She and Shippou stood there staring up at the goshinboku, both quite lost in their own thoughts, until Mrs. Higurashi called from the house, "Kagome, dear."
"Yes Mom," Kagome called back.
"Dinner is ready. Would your little friend like to join us?"
"Hey, I never turn down a home cooked meal," Shippou said, breaking out of his melancholy silence. Grinning he offered his arm to Kagome, "Shall we."
Kagome smiled at him and placed her hand in his arm, "Yes, lets." And they headed into the house arm in arm skipping.
"I feel like Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz," Kagome laughed.
"Hmmm... Your Dorothy, can I be the Scarecrow? I always loved the way he danced."
"Sure, but now we need a Tin Man and a Cowardly Lion."
"How about Sango for the Tin Man, and Miroku for the Cowardly Lion," Shippou said.
"That sounds good, but what about Inu Yasha?"
"Well, we still need a Toto."
. . . . . . . . . . . .
"I must say, Mrs. Higurashi; that was one of the best dinners I've had in a good long time."
"Why thank you Shippou that was very sweet of you to say."
Shippou smiled, "Do you think it'd be ok if I took Kagome out to go get some ice cream or something?"
"Well I don't see why not. Make sure to take a coat Kagome, it's going to get chilly when the sun goes down, call if you're going to be late."
"I will, thanks Mom." Grabbing her jacket, Kagome ran out the door with Shippou.
"I gotta admit Shippou," Kagome said snapping his helmet on, "riding your bike is a lot more fun than taking the bus."
"Then why don't I start giving you rides to school and back?"
Kagome looked surprised, "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'd feel better. Not only do you have the Shikon no Tama around your neck, but Kikyo is around too. It would make me feel a lot better to be able to keep an eye on you."
"I understand Shippou. I'd love to have you pick me up every morning." Then Kagome had a thought, "Um, Shippou, you know people are going to think we're dating if you give me rides all the time and stuff."
Shippou laughed, "You're probably right. Hmmm, how do you think a certain hanyou we know will react to that news?"
"Probably not very well."
"Well, then it might be just what he needs to get his act in gear. Maybe this time he won't wait until it's too late."
Kagome nodded, her eyes looked sad.
"Kagome, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring that up."
Kagome sniffed, "That's OK Shippou." Then she gave a brave, if watery smile, "We have a second chance don't we?"
"Yeah you do," Shippou said, pulling Kagome in for a hug.
Kagome hugged him back, then after a long moment pulled away, "Hey, didn't you promise me ice cream?"
"Yeah," Shippou said, mounting his bike, "climb on."
Neither of them saw a person watching them from up a tree. Inu Yasha hadn't been close enough to hear what they were saying, but he saw that hug. Snorting he bounded out of the tree and into the increasing twilight.
WHEEEEEEE! I'm having such a good time with this story. I found out AU means Alternate Universe. *See Review Thank Yous at end of Author Notes for credit* Hmmm.. I really wasn't going for an Alternate Universe, more of what might happen to end the series. I also was looking for ways to explain things that have as of yet gone unexplained in the series. I never really saw Kagome as a reincarnation of Kikyou, and why can only Kagome and Inu Yasha use the well. Stay tuned to find out what my theories are. I think you'll all like them. *Grin* I also want everyone to know that it may be a week or two before I update next. I have been going great guns, and have been doing some serious re-writing. I just want to make sure to have at least a semi-polished story before I post more chapters. I really don't want to have to back track because I wrote my self in to a corner I don't want to take chapters down in order to re-write them. But I am working as diligently as I can. This would be so much easier if my soon to be Ex-Husband had not taken the computer with him. *Sigh* Like I say in my profile, I don't miss him, but damn I miss the computer.
Pinay935: A few people have mentioned that I haven't put in enough details. I really appreciate having people letting me know. I have been working on that. I am slowly learning how to add description, with out slowing down the pace of my story. Let me know what you think. Thanks for letting me know what AU means. It was really puzzling me.
Inu-ona: I really like how Shippou turned out too. I really gave a lot of thought on how he would be after he grew up.
Elianora: Thanks for the spelling lesson. ;~)
del_kaidin: Hope this is soon enough for you. :~D The next few chapters might not be out for a little while. I want to make sure they are really good before I post them.
Darkwolf: You are a hoot and a holler! I thought about the whole Dog vs Chocolate thing, but I decided this is Inu Yasha, I've seen him eat.. He can eat ANYTHING! Although curry really hurts his tongue. LOL! About how old Sesshoumaru looks, I thought that he would be so powerful, that if he said this strange new boy, that seemly appeared out of no where was his grandson, who would argue with him, no matter how young he looked, so I have him looking exactly like he does in the anime. No old wrinkled Sesshys for me!. LOL. I agree with you about the whole Kagome/Kikyou reincarnation thing. I really hope when the series continues that Kagome turns out NOT to be Kikyou's reincarnation. Anyway, in my little world, she's not. :~P AU= Alternate Universe. Thanks :~) Sorry to hear about your hand, hope they don't scar. How many episodes do you have? I want to see them kiss too. I always keep a roll of quarters around to make sure I have exact change to pay all tolls.
Trina: Thanks for reviewing twice. *dances with Trina*
starlight4u: ramble away. I love reviews.
Thanks again to all of you who reviewed! I love you ALL!
I also want to give a special, if little late thanks to: Lauri, Sen Taro- Taisensei, and AnimeGirl. Who have me on their favorite authors list. I feel so loved! *Gives all of them Hugs*
Nandelin