Kagome's prediction was correct. When Shippou came driving up to the
school yard, with her hanging of the back of his motorcycle, the rumor mill
went into overdrive. Whispers broke out in the school, moving like
wildfire.
"Did you hear that Kagome and Shippou are dateing?"
"I heard that he's the one who sent her the flowers."
"They've been an item for a long time, I heard Kagome say it yesterday."
"No, they met for the first time yesterday, and it was love at first sight."
The rumors followed Kagome around all day at school. Everywhere she went, she heard people whispering, and speculating about her and Shippou; in the hallways, hiding behind open locker doors and in the class rooms, mouths hidden by the back of hands and a well placed note books. Whenever she entered a class room, or passed groups of people in the halls, they would all get really quiet and watch her go by, only to go back into overdrive before she got out of ear shot.
She and Sango had just settled themselves on one of the out door picnic tables for lunch, when a group of girls walked over, stopping a few tables away from them. One of the girls broke off from the mob, and approached Kagome. Kagome eyed the girl as she un-wrapped her sandwich. She had on the normal school uniform, and her shoulder length, black hair was pulled back with a pink ribbon, "Excuse me Higurashi, but I. well we, "she said indicating the other girls, "were just wondering.. is Shippou your boyfriend?" The group of girls behind her all looked at Kagome, waiting for her answer.
"No, we are just very close friends," Kagome replied, taking a bit of her egg salad sandwich.
"Really," the wide eyed girl asked, "We heard that you and he were.well. having relations."
"Nope," Kagome said, "I'm not having relations with Shippou. We really are just good friends."
Inu Yasha, who had been sitting close by heard Kagome and snorted in disbelief. Kagome ignored him.
"So Shippou is free?"
"Yup, free as a bird."
"Thank you Higurashi," the girl said bowing, then turned and went back to her group of friends huddled close by, to report.
"I don't know Kagome," Sango said watching the girls walk away, "he bought you roses, gives you rides to school. He even has all your classes. He sounds like a boyfriend to me," Sango said.
Yeah, and he hugs her in her door yard, Inu Yasha silently added.
"Shippou and I are very good friends, but we aren't like that."
Inu Yasha snorted again.
"Is something wrong Yasha?" Kagome asked, looking over at the sulking boy.
"Wrong," He snapped, "Why would anything be wrong?" Then he got up and stalked away.
Miroku, who had just been coming over to join them, watched Inu Yasha as he made his way across the school yard. "What's wrong with him?" Miroku asked, indicating Inu Yasha.
"Wrong?" Kagome said, her eyes wide and innocent, "Why would anything be wrong?"
Sango looked at Kagome, her eye brow arched, "So that's how it is," she said.
Kagome and Sango burst out laughing.
Neither of them noticed Kikyou watching them from across the school yard. Her eyes narrowed as she watched Kagome look at Inu Yasha as he walked away.
Kagome let her breath out slowly and centered on her target. She pulled back on her bowstring. The world only held her and the target. She loosed the arrow.
"Wow, Kagome, you haven't lost your touch." Shippou said.
"Thanks Shippou. Actually it's a lot easier than it was.um. you know before."
He grinned, "You mean when the targets not trying to eat you?"
"Yeah, something like that."
Shippou watched Kagome shoot a few more arrows. The group of girls that had approached Kagome that day during lunch, arrived on the scene, but they didn't seem interested in watching Kagome shoot arrows. "Looks like you've got a fan club Shippou."
Shippou looked over his shoulder at the girls; they got quiet when they saw him glance their way. He grinned and waved at them, and they dissolved in to fits of giggles.
"It would really make their day if you went over to talk to them," Kagome said.
"Great idea Kagome," he said winking at her, "I just love the opportunity to make a pretty girl's day, especially when there's a whole bunch of them."
Kagome smiled as she watched Shippou walk over to the girls. It was good to see Shippou having such a good time. She turned her attention back to shooting arrows. It always made her feel calm; it was like meditation for her. Pulling back on the string she centered on the target, "Stay away from Yasha." A voice hissed in her ear. Pain flared in Kagome's shoulder. She released the arrow and it veered, hitting the 4th circle away from the center. A chill ran up Kagome's spine, but she fought off the feeling. Lowering her bow, she let all the air out of her lungs and breathed in slowly. Turning around she looked up at Kikyou. The girl was taller than her, and her face was inches away from Kagome's; her normally apathetic eyes shown with malice. "I've seen the way you look at him. I don't like it. You're not his type of girl."
Kagome took a step back from Kikyou. A million different responses swam around in her head. Fighting down anger, she took a quick glance around. No one seemed to be paying attention to them. Kagome answered in a low voice, "Yasha is a big boy. I think he can decide what kind of girl is his type.
"Stick to the motorcycle boy, life will be much easier for you, not to mention much safer," Kikyou's voice was very dangerous.
"Are you threatening me?"
"Let's just say that I would hate to see anything bad happen to you." Kikyou lifted her bow and with a deft motion knocked an arrow. Sighting down her arm, she aimed at the target Kagome had been shooting at, and released the arrow. The arrow hit the last arrow that Kagome had shoot, splitting it down the middle in a perfect shaft shot. Kikyou lowered her bow, and without looking at Kagome again, walked away.
Neither Kagome nor Kikyou noticed a pair of eyes watching them from across the school yard. Inu Yasha couldn't hear what they were saying, but there was obviously something wrong. Sitting down on a bench, he saw Kikyou shoot an arrow at the target Kagome had been shooting at, and then walk away. Something was defiantly up, and he was going to find out what it was.
Rubbing her shoulder, Kagome watched Kikyou take her place at the target the furthest down the line. Shaking her head to clear it, she tried to put Kikyou out of her mind. Focusing on the target in front of her, she took a breath in through her nose and held it for a moment finding her center. Then she slowly let it out through her mouth. She would not let Kikyou get to her. She reached back and drew an arrow from her quiver. Lifting her bow she knocked the arrow, and pulled back on the string in a smooth well practiced motion. She willed the target to fill her entire vision, and let the arrow loose. The arrow hit the right edge of the center circle. She reached back and drew another arrow. This time it hit almost dead center, only a little to the left. Kagome stopped for a moment and massaged her right shoulder. It felt a bit stiff, and was throwing her aim off a little.
Sango had just taken her place next to Kagome. They stood there shooting; the only noise was the soft muffled thud as arrows hit the straw stuffed targets. Most of Sango's arrows were hitting the white ring around the center circle. Miroku had joined Inu Yasha, and they lounged on the school benches, watching them practice. Shippou sat a little way off, chatting with the group of girls. Kagome looked down the line to where Kikyou was shooting. Her arrows were landing perfectly in the middle of the target.
Well, Kagome thought, Hell hadn't hurt her aim.
"Kagome, what's wrong?" Sango had stopped shooting and looked at her friend.
"Wrong? Nothings wrong, why do you ask?" Kagome asked a bit nervously, had Sango seen her looking at Kikyou?
"Well, your rubbing your shoulder like it hurts."
"Ah, this," Kagome said, "I hurt my shoulder a while ago, and it's a bit stiff."
"Really?" Sango asked, "How'd you hurt it?"
"Ah well." Kagome said; then glanced at her watch, "Hey it's almost time to go.
Miroku was walking over to them, "I was watching you shoot Kagome, you were great.
"Thanks," Kagome said blushing, "But I still have a long way to go."
"Keh," a voice snorted behind them, "I've seen better shooting from a one armed man."
Kagome sighed; Inu Yasha seemed to be in one of his funks again.
"Yasha!" Sango said, "What a mean thing to say."
"And very not true," Miroku added, staring at his friend in amazement.
"Whatever," Inu Yasha said, starting to walk toward Kikyou.
A long stretch limousine caught everyone's attention as it pulled up the curb. The driver got out and went around the side of the car, opening the door. A girl got out. She looked about 19 or 20 years old and was wearing a very elegant looking kimono. The kimono was white silk; painted with a red design across the left shoulder, a group of white ringed hexagons, nested three together, graced the collar. Delicate white flowers were cleverly added to the center of each hexagon. The ends of the long flowing sleeves were also painted red, and had two groups of the flower filled hexagons. The kimono was tied with a yellow sash, its ends tipped with a swirling blue pattern. Kagome wondered who this person could be; she looked over at her friends. Sango and Miroku looked curious, but Inu Yasha looked surprised, even shocked. Kagome looked back at the woman. Who could she be?
"Kagome?" The woman said tentatively as she walked toward them.
Kagome looked closer at the woman, and then her eyes got big. "Rin?" she said, "Is that you?"
The woman nodded and broke into a wide smile. Kagome dropped her bow and launched herself at the small woman. Both women stood there hugging each other laughing and crying at the same time.
"Sesshoumaru-sama told me you were here, but I just couldn't believe it. I had to come and see for myself. Can you come for a ride with me? We have sooo much to catch up on."
"Of course, practice is almost done anyway. Just let me get my things." Kagome ran back over to where Sango, Miroku and Inu Yasha were standing, "Hey, Shippou," she shouted over to where Shippou was, sitting among his bevy of girls, "you don't mind if Rin gives me a ride home, do you? I know you were waiting around to give me a ride and everything."
"Hey, not at all, have a great time."
"Thanks," she grabbed her bag and bow. She glanced at Inu Yasha and saw a look of pure horror on his face. Not being able to resist she added, "See yah later, Yasha," Then she was off, climbing into the limo with Rin, while the driver held the door open for them.
"That girl has got to be one of the most unusual and interesting people that I have ever met," Sango said, watching the limo pull away.
Miroku nodded.
"Rin, you have changed so much." Kagome said.
"And you Kagome, have not changed at all," Rin replied, "Tell me about the well. Sesshoumaru-sama said something about it, but I want to hear it from you."
Kagome told Rin all about the well. How she fell down it the first time. How she first met Inu Yasha. Why she suddenly disappeared when everyone died.
Rin listened intently, only nodding occasionally. "I always wondered what happened to you, I knew there was something special," she said after Kagome had finished her story. "And now you've found Inu Yasha again."
"He does not remember me," she said with a sigh.
"Oh, I think he does," Rin said smiling. "Inu Yasha has a very long memory. He may not realize it yet, but he does still love you."
Kagome looked out the window, the Japan country side slid past. A tear slid down her cheek. Rin handed Kagome a silk handkerchief. Kagome gave a watery smile of thanks. "I still love him too, but it seems Kikyou may have once again beaten me to him."
"Kikyou," Rin scoffed, "he does not love her." She leveled a look at Kagome, "If you want him, you better be ready to fight. And I want you to use every weapon that you have. Kikyou won't stand a chance." Her eyes softened, "Loving a man from this family is hard, I can tell you. Only a strong woman will do. You are a strong woman Kagome, stronger than Kikyou ever was, then or now."
Kagome hugged her, "Thank you Rin."
"So, what about you. How are you still..," Kagome broke off, her hand waved in a vague gesture.
Rin smiled, "You want to know how I am still alive, and why I look so young."
"Well, yeah, I guess so."
"I don't entirely understand it myself, when I was old enough to marry, Sesshoumaru-sama brought me to a village. Although I did not understand it then, he wanted me to have a normal life. A life I could not have, following him around. I stayed with the village elder. Eventually I fell in love with her cousin, Kado, and we married. He was a good man, and I had a good life with him. We had several children, and grand children. Eventually Kado died, and I missed him very much, but one of my daughters had stayed in the village, and I had her and my youngest granddaughter to fill my remaining days. I had not seen Sesshoumaru-sama since that day that he left me in the village, but there was not a day that went by that I did not think of him.
Rin paused for a moment, looking out of the window at the moving country side; "The day came when I was no longer able to rise from my bed. I was too weak, and too old. I knew that death was coming for me, and I did not fear it. I was ready to live my next life. I only wished that I could see him one last time. Then, as if wishing for it made it possible, he was there. He entered the hut, pushing aside the bamboo screen, and came to stand above my bed. He had not changed at all, not from the first moment that I had seen him when I was a very small child, to that moment many years later, when I was a very old and dying woman." She wiped a single tear from her eye. "He looked at me for a long moment, and then asked, 'Have you had a good life Rin.' And I told him 'Yes Sesshoumaru- sama, I have.' Then he asked, 'Have you any regrets.' And I told him, 'My only regret Sesshoumaru-sama is that I only get to see you one last time before I die. I regret this frail human body that makes it impossible to follow you again, to go on at least one more adventure."
"He looked at me a long moment, then said, 'Then I shall slay that human body.' He drew his sword, not the killing sword Toukijin, but the living sword, Tenseiga. He raised it above his shoulder and brought it down in one swing. The sword felt like a cold breeze cutting though a hot still day. I felt death fall away from me. Sesshoumaru-sama knelt down and gathered me in his arm, lifting me.
Kagome's breath caught in her throat, and she fought back tears.
"I reached my hand up to touch his hair, and I noticed that it was no longer old, I had the hand of a young woman again." I looked around the hut, and noticed a very old woman laying on the futon. It was me. Or it used to be me. When I looked up at Sesshoumaru-sama I asked, 'am I dead, Sesshoumaru-sama?" He said, 'No, Rin, you have been born." Rin stopped speaking and stared out of the window for a long moment.
Breaking the long silence Kagome asked, "So.are you still human?"
"I'm not sure. I guess I still am, I don't feel all that different, though I haven't aged since that day. I have been so happy to be able to be with Sesshoumaru-sama, I guess I never really thought about it."
Rin stopped talking for a few more moments, and then turned back to Kagome, "Now, you must promise to come and visit me," Rin said changing the subject, "I get so lonely with only Jaken as company."
Kagome laughed, "Jaken is still around?"
"Oh yes, and as nasty as ever."
Both woman laughed.
It was near sunset when Rin dropped Kagome off at her home. "You live here, in this shrine?" Rin asked Kagome, she had looked somewhat surprised when Kagome told her where she lived.
"Yes," Kagome said, "I know it's kinda weird, living in a shrine, but my family has been taking care of it for generations."
"Oh, I don't think it's funny at all. It is getting late, and Sesshoumaru-sama will be expecting me, but someday I would like very much to see your home." Rin looked a little distracted, her gaze traveling all the way up the steps toward the shrine it's self.
"I would love to show you my home; I know my grandfather and mother would be very pleased to meet you."
"Not, I think, as pleased as I would be to meet them."
Still puzzling over Rins last remark, she waved good bye until the limo was out of site, and then started to walk up the long flight of steps to her home. She was unaware of a pair of golden eyes watching her, from high in a tree.
There is something very odd about this woman, Inu Yasha thought, first she knows my real name; and then she greets Rin, who never leaves the mansion, like an old long lost friend. Well he was going to find out what the hell was going on. "Oi.Kagome."
Kagome spun around, half way up the stairs. She heard Inu Yasha, but where was he. She started slightly when he bounded from a near by tree and landed just in front of her. "I want to talk to you," he said.
Sighing to herself, she stepped around him and kept walking up the stairs. You think you would be used to him dropping down from the trees by now Kagome, she said to herself.
"Hey where you going, I said I want to talk to you."
"I bet you do," she said, and kept walking. Sweetness and light had never gotten Inu Yasha's attention. Maybe a good fight would.
"Hey bitch. Look at me when I'm speaking to you."
She whirled around, "my name is not bitch. It's Kagome. Ka..Go.Me."
Recognition flashed in Inu Yasha's eyes. He had seen this before, but just as fast as it had come, the memory disappeared. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever." He fixed her with a piercing gaze. "How do you know Rin, she hasn't left the mansion grounds, since I can remember."
Kagome ignored him, and kept climbing the steps.
"I asked you a question,"
Kagome whirled around, her eye's narrowed, "Maybe I don't feel like answering it."
He stepped up close to Kagome, and stood over her. His nose almost touching her forehead, he growled slightly, and bristled. How dare she defy him like that?
Kagome closed her eyes and breathed in. He still smelled the same. He still smelled like her Inu Yasha; like the forest and the wind. Even his growl was familiar and comforting. She looked up at him, her eyes now wistful. "Are you trying to frighten me?" she asked. A small smile played on her lips.
"I don't frighten you?" Inu Yasha said; he looked uncertain and a little off balance. He was not used to people reacting to him like this. Usually when he was mad, people got out of the way. The only person who didn't was his grandfather.
Pressing her advantage Kagome stood on tip toe, her mouth coming very close to his. Her breath caressed his skin, "No, Inu Yasha. You do not frighten me."
Startled Inu Yasha took a step back.
"Though," she continued in a low voice, "I think I may frighten you." The she turned on her heel and continued up the steps. She called back over her shoulder, "About Rin..you might say, I'm an old family friend. A very old family friend."
Inu Yasha watched Kagome disappear inside the gate. What the hell just happened? Scowling he leapt back into the trees, and silently moved closer to her home. What a weird place to live. Maybe that's why the girl was so odd; she lived in an old shrine. Him? Scared of her? Inu Yasha snorted, that was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard. He skirted along the edge of the lawn being careful to stay concealed. This place looked familiar; though he was sure he had never been here before. There was a very large tree in the front yard. Inu Yasha looked at the tree. There was something about it; he went up for a closer look. Then he heard a door open. Jumping for cover, he looked around and saw Kagome. She was coming out of her house, carrying something. She entered what looked like an old side building, and then came out a few minuets later, going back into the house. A light clicked on upstairs and Inu Yasha saw her outline in the window. He looked up, feeling like he had done this countless times before. He watched her brush her hair for several minuets. Then, sure that she was not coming back down again, went to go see what she was doing in the side building.
He peaked into the door and saw an old well. That was strange. Next to the well was incense, its smoke curling silently to the ceiling. Walking down the wooden stairs, he looked closer at the well. It was just an ordinary old well, probably dry. Sniffing the air he could smell not only incense, but Kagome as well, and another scent, very, very faint. It was his scent. How in the world had his scent gotten into this dusty well house? He peered into the dark well, almost expecting it to tell him it's secret. The well stayed silent.
"Hello. Is anyone out there?" A voice from the house called. It was Kagome.
Inu Yasha bounded back up the steps, and leapt away into the night.
Kagome looked out the door. She thought she saw something with white hair bound away. Smiling to herself she closed the door. Maybe Rin was right. Maybe Inu Yasha did have a long memory. The Shikon no Tama glowed a soft pink around her neck.
So, what does everyone think? I'm wondering if I should have waited a while before posting this next chapter. I have re-written it several times, and I'm still not entirely sure I'm happy with it. I am also currently writing a one shot about Rin and Sesshoumaru. It goes in depth in what happened between Rin and Sesshoumaru. I was going to post it when I posted this chapter, but it may be another week or so before I finish it, and I figured people wouldn't want to wait that long to get this update. Thanks for all the reviews guys. It's the reviews that make me want to post more chapters. The more I get, the more likely I will be to get the next chapter out sooner. So keep telling me what you think!
Lavande: I'm glad you're enjoying my story. I'm having a really great time writing it.
IandKfan: More is on the way!
del_kaidin: Yes you may have more! Joins in Happy dance!
amelle: It's sooo much fun to piss Inuyasha off. :~p
InuYasha's reincarnate: LOL: Sorry I missed giving you credit in my last chapter. I posted it right before I got you review for chapter 4. I'm writing away!
Jess: Up is keep! ;~D
GeshronTyler: My next chapter will give a lot more info on why Kagome and Kikyou are not reincarnations. And you just wait to see what kind of evil youkai show up. *evil laugh*
Silver Dragon 2488: I'm gonna get my own computer sooner or later. I do wish I had my own right now though. Right now I manage to write little bits here and there while I work. I'm worried that I'm not gonna get updates out as fast as I would like to. But my stupid ex can keep his computer... I got the house. ;~)
Kazumi: I hope my story keeps getting better and better. :~D
Savishi-sama: Here's some more!
Darkwolf: Shippou has money, because he owns stock in many of Sesshoumaru's companies. I did mention that in the very beginning of chapter 5. Do you think I should re-emphasize it? I love your long re- views. They always make me laugh.
silverstarlight: some things really don't change, do they.
Savishii-sama: MORE!
Thanks again everyone. Nandelin.
"Did you hear that Kagome and Shippou are dateing?"
"I heard that he's the one who sent her the flowers."
"They've been an item for a long time, I heard Kagome say it yesterday."
"No, they met for the first time yesterday, and it was love at first sight."
The rumors followed Kagome around all day at school. Everywhere she went, she heard people whispering, and speculating about her and Shippou; in the hallways, hiding behind open locker doors and in the class rooms, mouths hidden by the back of hands and a well placed note books. Whenever she entered a class room, or passed groups of people in the halls, they would all get really quiet and watch her go by, only to go back into overdrive before she got out of ear shot.
She and Sango had just settled themselves on one of the out door picnic tables for lunch, when a group of girls walked over, stopping a few tables away from them. One of the girls broke off from the mob, and approached Kagome. Kagome eyed the girl as she un-wrapped her sandwich. She had on the normal school uniform, and her shoulder length, black hair was pulled back with a pink ribbon, "Excuse me Higurashi, but I. well we, "she said indicating the other girls, "were just wondering.. is Shippou your boyfriend?" The group of girls behind her all looked at Kagome, waiting for her answer.
"No, we are just very close friends," Kagome replied, taking a bit of her egg salad sandwich.
"Really," the wide eyed girl asked, "We heard that you and he were.well. having relations."
"Nope," Kagome said, "I'm not having relations with Shippou. We really are just good friends."
Inu Yasha, who had been sitting close by heard Kagome and snorted in disbelief. Kagome ignored him.
"So Shippou is free?"
"Yup, free as a bird."
"Thank you Higurashi," the girl said bowing, then turned and went back to her group of friends huddled close by, to report.
"I don't know Kagome," Sango said watching the girls walk away, "he bought you roses, gives you rides to school. He even has all your classes. He sounds like a boyfriend to me," Sango said.
Yeah, and he hugs her in her door yard, Inu Yasha silently added.
"Shippou and I are very good friends, but we aren't like that."
Inu Yasha snorted again.
"Is something wrong Yasha?" Kagome asked, looking over at the sulking boy.
"Wrong," He snapped, "Why would anything be wrong?" Then he got up and stalked away.
Miroku, who had just been coming over to join them, watched Inu Yasha as he made his way across the school yard. "What's wrong with him?" Miroku asked, indicating Inu Yasha.
"Wrong?" Kagome said, her eyes wide and innocent, "Why would anything be wrong?"
Sango looked at Kagome, her eye brow arched, "So that's how it is," she said.
Kagome and Sango burst out laughing.
Neither of them noticed Kikyou watching them from across the school yard. Her eyes narrowed as she watched Kagome look at Inu Yasha as he walked away.
Kagome let her breath out slowly and centered on her target. She pulled back on her bowstring. The world only held her and the target. She loosed the arrow.
"Wow, Kagome, you haven't lost your touch." Shippou said.
"Thanks Shippou. Actually it's a lot easier than it was.um. you know before."
He grinned, "You mean when the targets not trying to eat you?"
"Yeah, something like that."
Shippou watched Kagome shoot a few more arrows. The group of girls that had approached Kagome that day during lunch, arrived on the scene, but they didn't seem interested in watching Kagome shoot arrows. "Looks like you've got a fan club Shippou."
Shippou looked over his shoulder at the girls; they got quiet when they saw him glance their way. He grinned and waved at them, and they dissolved in to fits of giggles.
"It would really make their day if you went over to talk to them," Kagome said.
"Great idea Kagome," he said winking at her, "I just love the opportunity to make a pretty girl's day, especially when there's a whole bunch of them."
Kagome smiled as she watched Shippou walk over to the girls. It was good to see Shippou having such a good time. She turned her attention back to shooting arrows. It always made her feel calm; it was like meditation for her. Pulling back on the string she centered on the target, "Stay away from Yasha." A voice hissed in her ear. Pain flared in Kagome's shoulder. She released the arrow and it veered, hitting the 4th circle away from the center. A chill ran up Kagome's spine, but she fought off the feeling. Lowering her bow, she let all the air out of her lungs and breathed in slowly. Turning around she looked up at Kikyou. The girl was taller than her, and her face was inches away from Kagome's; her normally apathetic eyes shown with malice. "I've seen the way you look at him. I don't like it. You're not his type of girl."
Kagome took a step back from Kikyou. A million different responses swam around in her head. Fighting down anger, she took a quick glance around. No one seemed to be paying attention to them. Kagome answered in a low voice, "Yasha is a big boy. I think he can decide what kind of girl is his type.
"Stick to the motorcycle boy, life will be much easier for you, not to mention much safer," Kikyou's voice was very dangerous.
"Are you threatening me?"
"Let's just say that I would hate to see anything bad happen to you." Kikyou lifted her bow and with a deft motion knocked an arrow. Sighting down her arm, she aimed at the target Kagome had been shooting at, and released the arrow. The arrow hit the last arrow that Kagome had shoot, splitting it down the middle in a perfect shaft shot. Kikyou lowered her bow, and without looking at Kagome again, walked away.
Neither Kagome nor Kikyou noticed a pair of eyes watching them from across the school yard. Inu Yasha couldn't hear what they were saying, but there was obviously something wrong. Sitting down on a bench, he saw Kikyou shoot an arrow at the target Kagome had been shooting at, and then walk away. Something was defiantly up, and he was going to find out what it was.
Rubbing her shoulder, Kagome watched Kikyou take her place at the target the furthest down the line. Shaking her head to clear it, she tried to put Kikyou out of her mind. Focusing on the target in front of her, she took a breath in through her nose and held it for a moment finding her center. Then she slowly let it out through her mouth. She would not let Kikyou get to her. She reached back and drew an arrow from her quiver. Lifting her bow she knocked the arrow, and pulled back on the string in a smooth well practiced motion. She willed the target to fill her entire vision, and let the arrow loose. The arrow hit the right edge of the center circle. She reached back and drew another arrow. This time it hit almost dead center, only a little to the left. Kagome stopped for a moment and massaged her right shoulder. It felt a bit stiff, and was throwing her aim off a little.
Sango had just taken her place next to Kagome. They stood there shooting; the only noise was the soft muffled thud as arrows hit the straw stuffed targets. Most of Sango's arrows were hitting the white ring around the center circle. Miroku had joined Inu Yasha, and they lounged on the school benches, watching them practice. Shippou sat a little way off, chatting with the group of girls. Kagome looked down the line to where Kikyou was shooting. Her arrows were landing perfectly in the middle of the target.
Well, Kagome thought, Hell hadn't hurt her aim.
"Kagome, what's wrong?" Sango had stopped shooting and looked at her friend.
"Wrong? Nothings wrong, why do you ask?" Kagome asked a bit nervously, had Sango seen her looking at Kikyou?
"Well, your rubbing your shoulder like it hurts."
"Ah, this," Kagome said, "I hurt my shoulder a while ago, and it's a bit stiff."
"Really?" Sango asked, "How'd you hurt it?"
"Ah well." Kagome said; then glanced at her watch, "Hey it's almost time to go.
Miroku was walking over to them, "I was watching you shoot Kagome, you were great.
"Thanks," Kagome said blushing, "But I still have a long way to go."
"Keh," a voice snorted behind them, "I've seen better shooting from a one armed man."
Kagome sighed; Inu Yasha seemed to be in one of his funks again.
"Yasha!" Sango said, "What a mean thing to say."
"And very not true," Miroku added, staring at his friend in amazement.
"Whatever," Inu Yasha said, starting to walk toward Kikyou.
A long stretch limousine caught everyone's attention as it pulled up the curb. The driver got out and went around the side of the car, opening the door. A girl got out. She looked about 19 or 20 years old and was wearing a very elegant looking kimono. The kimono was white silk; painted with a red design across the left shoulder, a group of white ringed hexagons, nested three together, graced the collar. Delicate white flowers were cleverly added to the center of each hexagon. The ends of the long flowing sleeves were also painted red, and had two groups of the flower filled hexagons. The kimono was tied with a yellow sash, its ends tipped with a swirling blue pattern. Kagome wondered who this person could be; she looked over at her friends. Sango and Miroku looked curious, but Inu Yasha looked surprised, even shocked. Kagome looked back at the woman. Who could she be?
"Kagome?" The woman said tentatively as she walked toward them.
Kagome looked closer at the woman, and then her eyes got big. "Rin?" she said, "Is that you?"
The woman nodded and broke into a wide smile. Kagome dropped her bow and launched herself at the small woman. Both women stood there hugging each other laughing and crying at the same time.
"Sesshoumaru-sama told me you were here, but I just couldn't believe it. I had to come and see for myself. Can you come for a ride with me? We have sooo much to catch up on."
"Of course, practice is almost done anyway. Just let me get my things." Kagome ran back over to where Sango, Miroku and Inu Yasha were standing, "Hey, Shippou," she shouted over to where Shippou was, sitting among his bevy of girls, "you don't mind if Rin gives me a ride home, do you? I know you were waiting around to give me a ride and everything."
"Hey, not at all, have a great time."
"Thanks," she grabbed her bag and bow. She glanced at Inu Yasha and saw a look of pure horror on his face. Not being able to resist she added, "See yah later, Yasha," Then she was off, climbing into the limo with Rin, while the driver held the door open for them.
"That girl has got to be one of the most unusual and interesting people that I have ever met," Sango said, watching the limo pull away.
Miroku nodded.
"Rin, you have changed so much." Kagome said.
"And you Kagome, have not changed at all," Rin replied, "Tell me about the well. Sesshoumaru-sama said something about it, but I want to hear it from you."
Kagome told Rin all about the well. How she fell down it the first time. How she first met Inu Yasha. Why she suddenly disappeared when everyone died.
Rin listened intently, only nodding occasionally. "I always wondered what happened to you, I knew there was something special," she said after Kagome had finished her story. "And now you've found Inu Yasha again."
"He does not remember me," she said with a sigh.
"Oh, I think he does," Rin said smiling. "Inu Yasha has a very long memory. He may not realize it yet, but he does still love you."
Kagome looked out the window, the Japan country side slid past. A tear slid down her cheek. Rin handed Kagome a silk handkerchief. Kagome gave a watery smile of thanks. "I still love him too, but it seems Kikyou may have once again beaten me to him."
"Kikyou," Rin scoffed, "he does not love her." She leveled a look at Kagome, "If you want him, you better be ready to fight. And I want you to use every weapon that you have. Kikyou won't stand a chance." Her eyes softened, "Loving a man from this family is hard, I can tell you. Only a strong woman will do. You are a strong woman Kagome, stronger than Kikyou ever was, then or now."
Kagome hugged her, "Thank you Rin."
"So, what about you. How are you still..," Kagome broke off, her hand waved in a vague gesture.
Rin smiled, "You want to know how I am still alive, and why I look so young."
"Well, yeah, I guess so."
"I don't entirely understand it myself, when I was old enough to marry, Sesshoumaru-sama brought me to a village. Although I did not understand it then, he wanted me to have a normal life. A life I could not have, following him around. I stayed with the village elder. Eventually I fell in love with her cousin, Kado, and we married. He was a good man, and I had a good life with him. We had several children, and grand children. Eventually Kado died, and I missed him very much, but one of my daughters had stayed in the village, and I had her and my youngest granddaughter to fill my remaining days. I had not seen Sesshoumaru-sama since that day that he left me in the village, but there was not a day that went by that I did not think of him.
Rin paused for a moment, looking out of the window at the moving country side; "The day came when I was no longer able to rise from my bed. I was too weak, and too old. I knew that death was coming for me, and I did not fear it. I was ready to live my next life. I only wished that I could see him one last time. Then, as if wishing for it made it possible, he was there. He entered the hut, pushing aside the bamboo screen, and came to stand above my bed. He had not changed at all, not from the first moment that I had seen him when I was a very small child, to that moment many years later, when I was a very old and dying woman." She wiped a single tear from her eye. "He looked at me for a long moment, and then asked, 'Have you had a good life Rin.' And I told him 'Yes Sesshoumaru- sama, I have.' Then he asked, 'Have you any regrets.' And I told him, 'My only regret Sesshoumaru-sama is that I only get to see you one last time before I die. I regret this frail human body that makes it impossible to follow you again, to go on at least one more adventure."
"He looked at me a long moment, then said, 'Then I shall slay that human body.' He drew his sword, not the killing sword Toukijin, but the living sword, Tenseiga. He raised it above his shoulder and brought it down in one swing. The sword felt like a cold breeze cutting though a hot still day. I felt death fall away from me. Sesshoumaru-sama knelt down and gathered me in his arm, lifting me.
Kagome's breath caught in her throat, and she fought back tears.
"I reached my hand up to touch his hair, and I noticed that it was no longer old, I had the hand of a young woman again." I looked around the hut, and noticed a very old woman laying on the futon. It was me. Or it used to be me. When I looked up at Sesshoumaru-sama I asked, 'am I dead, Sesshoumaru-sama?" He said, 'No, Rin, you have been born." Rin stopped speaking and stared out of the window for a long moment.
Breaking the long silence Kagome asked, "So.are you still human?"
"I'm not sure. I guess I still am, I don't feel all that different, though I haven't aged since that day. I have been so happy to be able to be with Sesshoumaru-sama, I guess I never really thought about it."
Rin stopped talking for a few more moments, and then turned back to Kagome, "Now, you must promise to come and visit me," Rin said changing the subject, "I get so lonely with only Jaken as company."
Kagome laughed, "Jaken is still around?"
"Oh yes, and as nasty as ever."
Both woman laughed.
It was near sunset when Rin dropped Kagome off at her home. "You live here, in this shrine?" Rin asked Kagome, she had looked somewhat surprised when Kagome told her where she lived.
"Yes," Kagome said, "I know it's kinda weird, living in a shrine, but my family has been taking care of it for generations."
"Oh, I don't think it's funny at all. It is getting late, and Sesshoumaru-sama will be expecting me, but someday I would like very much to see your home." Rin looked a little distracted, her gaze traveling all the way up the steps toward the shrine it's self.
"I would love to show you my home; I know my grandfather and mother would be very pleased to meet you."
"Not, I think, as pleased as I would be to meet them."
Still puzzling over Rins last remark, she waved good bye until the limo was out of site, and then started to walk up the long flight of steps to her home. She was unaware of a pair of golden eyes watching her, from high in a tree.
There is something very odd about this woman, Inu Yasha thought, first she knows my real name; and then she greets Rin, who never leaves the mansion, like an old long lost friend. Well he was going to find out what the hell was going on. "Oi.Kagome."
Kagome spun around, half way up the stairs. She heard Inu Yasha, but where was he. She started slightly when he bounded from a near by tree and landed just in front of her. "I want to talk to you," he said.
Sighing to herself, she stepped around him and kept walking up the stairs. You think you would be used to him dropping down from the trees by now Kagome, she said to herself.
"Hey where you going, I said I want to talk to you."
"I bet you do," she said, and kept walking. Sweetness and light had never gotten Inu Yasha's attention. Maybe a good fight would.
"Hey bitch. Look at me when I'm speaking to you."
She whirled around, "my name is not bitch. It's Kagome. Ka..Go.Me."
Recognition flashed in Inu Yasha's eyes. He had seen this before, but just as fast as it had come, the memory disappeared. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever." He fixed her with a piercing gaze. "How do you know Rin, she hasn't left the mansion grounds, since I can remember."
Kagome ignored him, and kept climbing the steps.
"I asked you a question,"
Kagome whirled around, her eye's narrowed, "Maybe I don't feel like answering it."
He stepped up close to Kagome, and stood over her. His nose almost touching her forehead, he growled slightly, and bristled. How dare she defy him like that?
Kagome closed her eyes and breathed in. He still smelled the same. He still smelled like her Inu Yasha; like the forest and the wind. Even his growl was familiar and comforting. She looked up at him, her eyes now wistful. "Are you trying to frighten me?" she asked. A small smile played on her lips.
"I don't frighten you?" Inu Yasha said; he looked uncertain and a little off balance. He was not used to people reacting to him like this. Usually when he was mad, people got out of the way. The only person who didn't was his grandfather.
Pressing her advantage Kagome stood on tip toe, her mouth coming very close to his. Her breath caressed his skin, "No, Inu Yasha. You do not frighten me."
Startled Inu Yasha took a step back.
"Though," she continued in a low voice, "I think I may frighten you." The she turned on her heel and continued up the steps. She called back over her shoulder, "About Rin..you might say, I'm an old family friend. A very old family friend."
Inu Yasha watched Kagome disappear inside the gate. What the hell just happened? Scowling he leapt back into the trees, and silently moved closer to her home. What a weird place to live. Maybe that's why the girl was so odd; she lived in an old shrine. Him? Scared of her? Inu Yasha snorted, that was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard. He skirted along the edge of the lawn being careful to stay concealed. This place looked familiar; though he was sure he had never been here before. There was a very large tree in the front yard. Inu Yasha looked at the tree. There was something about it; he went up for a closer look. Then he heard a door open. Jumping for cover, he looked around and saw Kagome. She was coming out of her house, carrying something. She entered what looked like an old side building, and then came out a few minuets later, going back into the house. A light clicked on upstairs and Inu Yasha saw her outline in the window. He looked up, feeling like he had done this countless times before. He watched her brush her hair for several minuets. Then, sure that she was not coming back down again, went to go see what she was doing in the side building.
He peaked into the door and saw an old well. That was strange. Next to the well was incense, its smoke curling silently to the ceiling. Walking down the wooden stairs, he looked closer at the well. It was just an ordinary old well, probably dry. Sniffing the air he could smell not only incense, but Kagome as well, and another scent, very, very faint. It was his scent. How in the world had his scent gotten into this dusty well house? He peered into the dark well, almost expecting it to tell him it's secret. The well stayed silent.
"Hello. Is anyone out there?" A voice from the house called. It was Kagome.
Inu Yasha bounded back up the steps, and leapt away into the night.
Kagome looked out the door. She thought she saw something with white hair bound away. Smiling to herself she closed the door. Maybe Rin was right. Maybe Inu Yasha did have a long memory. The Shikon no Tama glowed a soft pink around her neck.
So, what does everyone think? I'm wondering if I should have waited a while before posting this next chapter. I have re-written it several times, and I'm still not entirely sure I'm happy with it. I am also currently writing a one shot about Rin and Sesshoumaru. It goes in depth in what happened between Rin and Sesshoumaru. I was going to post it when I posted this chapter, but it may be another week or so before I finish it, and I figured people wouldn't want to wait that long to get this update. Thanks for all the reviews guys. It's the reviews that make me want to post more chapters. The more I get, the more likely I will be to get the next chapter out sooner. So keep telling me what you think!
Lavande: I'm glad you're enjoying my story. I'm having a really great time writing it.
IandKfan: More is on the way!
del_kaidin: Yes you may have more! Joins in Happy dance!
amelle: It's sooo much fun to piss Inuyasha off. :~p
InuYasha's reincarnate: LOL: Sorry I missed giving you credit in my last chapter. I posted it right before I got you review for chapter 4. I'm writing away!
Jess: Up is keep! ;~D
GeshronTyler: My next chapter will give a lot more info on why Kagome and Kikyou are not reincarnations. And you just wait to see what kind of evil youkai show up. *evil laugh*
Silver Dragon 2488: I'm gonna get my own computer sooner or later. I do wish I had my own right now though. Right now I manage to write little bits here and there while I work. I'm worried that I'm not gonna get updates out as fast as I would like to. But my stupid ex can keep his computer... I got the house. ;~)
Kazumi: I hope my story keeps getting better and better. :~D
Savishi-sama: Here's some more!
Darkwolf: Shippou has money, because he owns stock in many of Sesshoumaru's companies. I did mention that in the very beginning of chapter 5. Do you think I should re-emphasize it? I love your long re- views. They always make me laugh.
silverstarlight: some things really don't change, do they.
Savishii-sama: MORE!
Thanks again everyone. Nandelin.