YAY! *streamers and balloons hanging from the ceiling* I'm celebrating my tenth chapter! Woot! We're going strong, yay. Come on everyone, join the festivities! *gives a pointy hat and a noise-maker to all of the readers* After the chapter, everyone gets Ramen and Cake!!!
Sorry it took me so long to update my glorious fans, but I hit a major writer's block for about a week. Then school started again and I was all like AHHHHHH!!! And then the writer's block was there and I was like AHHHHH! But now I'm revived (It's Friday after all!) and my block was chiseled into a mighty likeness of my role-model, Kouga! *gets teary eyed* Anywho, new chapter, yay! I'm afraid to say that it may take me a while to post now that I have school and junk, but I'll try my best ya'll! Oh! And stay tuned at the end of the chapter for I have a treat in store for you all!
Reminder:::: ( ) = Author's notes
Disclaimer: When you wish upon a star...maybe Inuyasha will magically become mine! But for now, it's not. *silently weeping*
Chapter 10:
Just This Once
Finally, I woke up to the smell of food once again! Oh, the glorious aroma of edible substances. My mouth waters in the mere thought. Miroku thought the same, so we both pulled on a shirt and bolted down the stairs. We fought with each other over who'd get into the kitchen first. I won, of course.
Kagome was piling a stack of pancakes onto Souta's plate. His eyes were huge and he was grinning evilly. But then again, it had been a week since he had his sister's cooking. I'd be the same way. I also happened to notice that the old man was watching me out of the corner of his eye, as he seemed prone to do even more now. I bristled a little, but he was Kagome's family. I don't want to get killed by the old guy just when I started getting soft on his grand-daughter. Don't even ask me to attempt an explanation, because there is none. I like the girl, I've known that for a while. Anything deeper then that...well, it'll be a while before I have enough mental processing brain cells to determine the depth of said feelings.
"Good morning Inuyasha," Kagome said with a pretty little smile, handing me a plate of breakfast food of my very own.
"'Morning," I replied before stuffing my face. She laughed and got something for Miroku as he sat in the chair next to mine at their table.
"Here you go Miroku," she said and his eyes sparkled at the food. How can one as for anything more when one is blessed with such people? A girl chef, a lecher more excited over food, a boy eating faster then me (and what a feat that is!) and that old man who glares at me.
We ate in silence, until there was a knock at the door. Kagome hopped up and ran through the kitchen. She then paused to skid across the tile floor in her socks. My ears twitched as I watched her, perfect ecstasy written into her features. "I've missed doing that!" she laughed at me with a smile as she opened the door for Sango. (Ok, let me just say that the whole skidding in socks thing is a habit of mine. It stems from my early envy of Tom Cruise in 'Risky Business'. There is a little sock-skidder in a us all I think, hehe)
"Good Morning Kagome, are you guys ready yet?" Sango asked with a chipper smile. She looked very well rested and relaxed. I also noticed a huge weapon of some sort slung over her back in the shape of a huge boomerang. My first thought was that it was a glider, but it looked solid, not fabric.
"Sango dear," Miroku asked nervously as she entered the kitchen. He eyed her weapon and I saw he was starting to sweat. "What's that thing you have?" Sango blinked and looked at the boomerang.
"You mean this?" Her face went from innocently confused to darkly sinister. "Are you afraid now Miroku?" He gulped; I gulped; Kagome laughed.
"Come on Sango, no threats at the breakfast table. I'm just cleaning up and then we can head out." She took our plates as she spoke, placing them in the sink to be washed. "Souta," she said, kissing the top of his head as she leaned over to grab his now empty plate. "Would you be the best brother ever and clean up for me?"
"You're leaving again huh?" he asked glumly, getting up and heading to the sink. She frowned.
"Yeah, I'm sorry little man. Until all of this stuff is over with, stuff like yesterday is gonna keep happening. I can't always be there to protect you." This drew from her a self-mocking laugh. "I can't even protect myself half the time." Sango looked sad at this, she looked toward Miroku and me, motioning for us to give them some privacy. Miroku and I followed her into the living room, but I still picked up their conversation with my extra-sensory-hearing, or ESH as I like to call it.
"You don't have to protect me Kag! I can take care of myself. Last night was an accident, they won't catch me off guard again. Just don't leave!" I winced, knowing I shouldn't listen, but unable to tune them out. He sounded like a lost child, which he was, and Kagome was his only lifeline, which she is.
"Souta, I have to go. Until this is over, you and Grandpa aren't safe with me around. I have to kill Naraku and do my duty." Duty...Feh! Fuck duty, I say. What the hell is duty compared to life? Souta took my thoughts and vocalized them.
"To hell with duty!" Then I heard a muffled cry and I knew Kagome was hugging him. There was the scraping of a chair so I knew the old man was up and to them as well.
"Souta, your sister is right. This is why she was given the Jewel and why everything that has happened, happened. This is your sister's destiny. It is yours and mine. There is nothing we can do." I heard his defeated voice. Maybe I was wrong when I yelled at him yesterday. He really did love his grandchildren, and I knew that as a fact when I heard his broken whisper. "It's out of our hands."
After a few minutes of silence, I heard Kagome speak. Her voice was thick with emotion, but it didn't break and she was trying very hard not to cry. "I promise you Souta, I 'will' come back." The 'will' was stressed in a desperate plea for him to understand. My heart broke for her, for her family. It was so wrong, but that's the way it was. Like the old man said, it was out of our hands.
I heard her pad out of the kitchen and up the stairs. The water in the kitchen ran as Souta and his grandfather started the dishes. A few minutes later, Kagome entered the room with a small smile on her face. "Ready everyone?"
Miroku and Sango smiled, nodding. I shrugged getting to my feet and fiddling with the hit of my sword. I've been thinking...Tetsusaiga...kickin' name for a transforming sword right? So I think that's what I'll call it.
"Come on," Sango said suddenly. "I know Kouga will be so happy to see us arrive." That drew a laugh of disbelief from Kagome and a snort from me. Yeah, that pussy ass wolf...(Ouch! Watch it dog-boy...) I can just imagine the look on his face when I come strolling into his den. I smirked.
"Then let's go before he gets pissed and storms the shrine," I commented, heading to the door.
"I'll be out in a second, I almost forgot!" Kagome said suddenly, running for the backyard of the shrine. Sango shrugged and went outside to wait. Miroku trailed after her like a lost puppy. His hands flexed in anticipation. I rolled my eyes and followed Kagome outside. I saw he duck into the small house in the center of the property, so I made to follow.
When I got within ten feet of the small building, it felt like I was hit in the chest with a steel battering ram. I flew back a few feet and landed on the ground, gasping for air. "HOLY SHIT!" I cursed, checking my chest for blood. There was none, but there was an echoing pain burning in my abdomen. Kagome ran out of the building, quiver strapped to her back, bow in hand, and the Shikon Jewel tied around her neck.
"Inuyasha! Are you alright?" she asked, kneeling next to me.
"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?" I shouted, pointing menacingly at the small house. She blinked at me.
"Did you try to follow me into the House?" she asked, both eyebrows raised. Suddenly I remembered her telling me about a powerful ward to keep out demons and such. I totally forgot about that. Shit, I was a baka. I felt heat rise in my face and sighed. She gave me a half smile, the corner of her mouth tweaking up. Kagome always had this air of innocence and purity around her, but that little smile she gave me made her seem really sexy. No lost child symptoms in her eyes, it was like before, when she was sparing with Sango, like when she was pulling rank on me in my apartment, like when she looked out over the city that night. No that candy-sweet girl who flirted with store clerks, not that cold Guardian who killed demons. I had a feeling that this was the REAL Kagome, the attitude driven girl who loved her family enough to defy prophecy, the one who had pinned Miroku to the wall with arrows, the sexy-smiling woman with a sarcastic comment in her eye.
"Earth to Inuyasha, are you still living?" she asked, waving a hand in front of my face.
"Huh? What?" was my oh-so-intelligent reply. She laughed and kept smiling that self-same smile that set me thinking in the first place. She put a hand on my arm, ready to pull me up, but I pulled her down instead.
I can't explain the adrenaline rush or pancake-high that made me do what I did, but I did it. She squeaked a little, falling back. I caught her, steadied her, then kissed her. Right there in the middle of her backyard, for the world (or at least her grandfather) to see. Never mind that I was just shocked by ancient magic. Never mind that Sango and Miroku were waiting in the front yard for us. Never mind that the corner of her bow was digging into my leg in a very uncomfortable way. I just kissed her.
At first she was frozen, I felt her whole body tense. The arms I still had a hold of went ridged, but after a few seconds past, she relaxed more and more. It was really just a testing kiss, something to see whether or not she'd pull away and freak out. But here I was kissing her, and here she was, kissing me back! The bow was dropped and she brought her arms up around my neck, pushing herself closer to me. Mind you, I was still sitting on the ground. She was leaning over me at a very perilous angle, so I did what any gentleman would do. I flipped her over so she sat on my lap, arms around her waist, expertly maneuvering it so that my mouth never left hers.
She made a small squeak of surprise when I did that, but she only pressed against me a little more. Oh yes, I may have been the one to start this, but the girl was far from pushing me away. In fact, I felt her tongue pressing against my lips and I couldn't believe it! To hell with sugary-sweetness, I say! Of course, I made her suffer a few seconds before I granted her request of access to my mouth, and after a few brutal seconds of her exploration, it was my turn. And, oh yes, I made her pay. I moved one hand from her waist up to the back of her head, running my fingers through that soft hair of hers. I felt her shiver and I was very pleased with myself. At least I was, until she started the same thing as me, running both of her hands through my hair. I could feel that smug smile of hers and I growled, making her pay some more. Well, I have only one thing to say, I could definitely get used to this! But of course, all good things must come to an end...dammit....(hehe, you know I couldn't resist torture!)
"Ahem," came a voice from behind us. It was like a bucket of ice water was just poured over us as we sprang apart. Kagome blushed from the roots of her hair to her neck. I was blushing slightly, but I didn't regret that little performance, not one iota. I set my sights on one not-to-happy Old Man Higurashi. The interrupter looked very pissed, hands on his hips and a scowl on his face. "I'm sorry to interrupt," he said, but I knew that was bullshit. He was more then happy to interrupt. "But Sango is waiting for you."
"Y-yes, of c-c-course G-grandpa," Kagome stuttered, getting up and grabbing her bow again. I got up too, dusting off my clothes and feeling cheated. She gave a respectful bow to him before heading off toward the front of the house at a trot. I gave a small wave and a smile to Old Man Higurashi, he only glared at me. It didn't take much for me to catch up to Kagome.
"Sorry," I muttered under my breath. She looked at me out of the corner of her eye.
"For what?" she asked.
"Your grandfather seeing us. I could tell he doesn't like the idea of you and me...behaving in such a way." She blushed again, head down so that her bangs blocked her eyes.
"So this isn't an apology for...you know..."
"For kissing you?" She nodded. I scoffed and gave her that surely-you-jest look. "I'm only sorry we got caught!" She looked up at me with a half-shocked half-hopeful expression. It made me want to kiss her again and it took every bit of my willpower to keep from pushing her against the wooden fence and doing just that. But no, we had things to do now. Once we got home...that was a different story. Oh yes, I pat myself on my back for my cleverness. I am one sly devil, aren't I?
"Finally!" Miroku groaned when we got to the street. "What the hell took you two so long?" Kagome blushed when she looked at me so I took to liberty of explaining.
"Kagome had to go get her bow and the Jewel from that little house-thingy in the yard. And me, being the wonderfully brilliant brain that I am, walked into the barrier and got a little sizzled." Miroku laughed and Sango smiled, but she was looking at Kagome with a questioning glance back and forth to me.
"Huh," she said with that I-know-something-is-up tone and her arms crossed.
"I'll tell you later," Kagome mumbled as we started down the street. I fell into step behind Miroku and we let the girls led. Even though they were ahead, I saw Kagome throw a glance my way and they both knew better then to talk. My ESH was too great to be denied.
It didn't take us long to walk to the Wolf Den. It was a large abandoned apartment complex that bordered the Heart of the City and the part of the cityscape they had claim on. When we got close, an arrow landed in the ground beside Kagome. "Who's coming to the Den?" a harsh voice shouted. Kagome looked up, shading her eyes.
"Kagome and Sango. Hi Dakuro," she said with a wave.
"Kagome! Sango! Welcome back!" he called with a wave and let us through. He shot a few shady glances at me and Miroku, but Kagome shrugged them off.
"They're with us, don't worry," she assured him, shooting me that half-smile of hers again. I could get used to that too. Very used to it.
Once inside the building, we saw wolf demons everywhere. The scent of wolves attacked my senses and my eyes watered with it, but I sneezed three times and was better. It seemed as though every wolf in the place was glaring at me, the dog. I gulped, something I do not do lightly. But then they turned from me and greeted Sango and Kagome with respectful words and bows.
"Sister Kagome, we're so happy to hear about your safe return," spoke one wolf. He leaned heavily on a crutch and had a large head of spiked hair. Kagome went to his side, placing a hand on his arm with a smile.
"How are you feeling Spike? Do you need anything?" He shook his head and smiled.
"Just happy that you're safe."
"I'm sorry about Patch. He was a good soldier, and a wonderful person." Spike's head lowered and Kagome squeezed his hand. It was a shared pain at the loss of a dear friend.
"Kouga's in his rooms. He's expecting you," he said, fighting tears and straightening. "Moon's Blessing, Sister." Kagome smiled ironically.
"Moon's Blessing Spike." The injured wolf was helped into a room by a few others and the rest of us took the stairs up to the top floor. Kouga, the leader, was the only one who lived on that particular floor of the complex. The second we reached the floor was the second my nose was assaulted by the scent of that little bitch again. (I would use harsher language, but this is Kouga *sigh* My idol, my role-model...Now when referring to Naraku you shall receive the full wrath of my list of obscenities! muhahaha!)
"Kagome, I knew you'd get here today," a glad voice came to us from across the room. "Come on in, I'll be done in a second."
"Hi Kouga," she said, heading into the huge floor-wide apartment. It was lavish, huge wall-length windows, plush couches and even a stone-carved statue in the center. Kouga lounged across one of the couches, two other wolves bowed on their knees. They spoke so low even I couldn't hear them. Shippou, the fox messenger for the Wolf Pack, leapt into Kagome's arms from where he had been perched on the arm rest of a couch. "Hi Shippou," she said while stroking him.
We waited until the two wolves got to their feet, bowed, then hurried from the room. Kouga swung his legs off the couch and got up, walking over to us. Kagome smiled and he returned it. "How was your visit with your family?"
"It was nice," Kagome said. I noticed her smiles were the innocent sugary ones when she looked at Kouga. They weren't the corner-lifts of irony and sex appeal like they were at me. The made me feel somewhat better. "Have you learned anything at all?" He frowned at her, looking somewhat uncertain. A mental battle was raged, and he relented the information.
"We discovered that Naraku has massed his army to spread out. Our territory is their first target. They figure if they can eliminate their strongest resistance, then the rest of the city will fall." Kagome looked grim.
"I figured as much...when do they plan on attacking?" He shook his head.
"I don't know, but it'll be soon. All of his forces are now fully gathered. It's only a matter of time." Both were looking grim. Sango and Miroku looked pensive. Was I the only one who wanted to go and bitch-slap Naraku? I mean, he's about to run amuck through the city...MY city. May I be damned to all seven hells if I let that happen.
"Then what are we doing here?" I suddenly blurted. All eyes flew to me. I gulped and looked to Kagome. "Go ahead, tell him your little plan, oh mistress of war." Kagome cocked an eyebrow at me, then looked back to Kouga to give an explanation.
"I think the smartest thing we could do it strike first, before he can come to us." Kouga looked interested, crossing his arms over his chest at looking at her with mildly impressed blue eyes. "If you could mass the Wolf Pack and your allies to make a strike, just long enough to hold off Naraku's forces, then we-" she paused to wave at me, Miroku, and Sango, "could get into the Heart of the City and kill that son of a bitch."
"Well if you're going in, then I'm coming with you," she stated simply. Kagome shook her head. "Yes!" he argued. "I'm not leaving you to be killed with just two humans and a...a... half-breed to protect you!" Something flashed in Kagome's eyes.
"Be care of what you say Kouga," she warned, but then the tone was lost and she just looked tired. "Kouga, listen, you are the leader of the Wolf Pack. Your obligation is to your people. I need someone I can trust to led the attack, someone I know that will get the job done." He looked torn, but I could tell something about Kouga. Although he was a brain-dead, wussy, whiny, annoying, bitchy, pussy wolf (try that 3xs fast!), he cared very much for his people and took being a leader very seriously.
With a sigh of defeat, he relented. "Alright, I'll stay to fight." He pressed the heel of his hand into his eyes. Then went back to one of the couches, slumping over tiredly.
"You should send out runners to the other gangs," Miroku commented. "Gather then here, to the Den so that you can organize some sort of attack plan." Kouga nodded.
"That will take at least a day, to get messages to all of them," Sango said with a nod. "Then another day to strategize. If Naraku hasn't planned any attacks within the next two or three days, we'll be alright."
"For now," Kagome said. "But the sooner we're ready the better. If it's true that no runners can get inside, and we can't know when Naraku plans to attack, then we'll have no choice." We all nodded, knowing the truth. In three days, we'll be at war, for the sake of the city and for the sake of ourselves.
"Well, I'll get started," Kouga commented, breaking the deafening silence. "Shippou," he called. The fox appeared on Kagome's shoulder. "I need you to get the two other boys ready. I want you to get a message to the leaders of the Ravens, the Death Dealers, and the Foxes tonight!" Shippou nodded, running off to find two other boys to deliver the messages. "You should go," Kouga said in a low voice. "The Den is not safe for you right now, and there is a lot to be done. You should rest for your part of this little battle."
Kagome nodded, giving a tired smile. "Thanks Kouga, keep us up on everything. When you plan for the attack, send Shippou. I want to be present at the time." He nodded, taking her arm as they walked to the door. I repressed the urge to pound him, but couldn't stop a small growl of annoyance.
Finally, he let go of her and the four of us were on our way home. It was nice when I was outside, and was able to breath once more. Yes, that was a nice treat. Kirara was waiting for us, wagging her tails. "Hi Kirara," Sango said petting the cat. The said cat transformed so Miroku and Sango could hop on. I turned to Kagome. She smiled, a small blush on her face as she climbed on my back once more. She was a comfortable weight on my back, warm and soft.
"We'll meet you at the house," Miroku called as Kirara took off. I went slower, purposely this time. If anyone asked, I could blame fatigue. Truth: I enjoyed it too much. Truth: I enjoyed it VERY much. I also wanted to get away from my thoughts for a while. Thinking too much on everything that I had unwittingly walked into made my head hurt in ways I never knew possible. For the life of me, I could not understand why I was still here. I mean, I've done a few nice-guy things in the past, but I never got too involved. That was the rule of survival, never get involved! Yet here I was, knee deep in demons and magic and hell. All because I couldn't get the smile of that girl out of my fucking head.
It was all Kagome's fault! She had to get attacked in the same alleyway I was passing at the exact moment I was passing it. She had to be brave and not even beg for help. Then she had to cook me Ramen. Dammit, it was really the Ramen that drew me in, that made me want her to stay. But I knew that was a lie. I knew that I wanted her to stay because of her. That sadness in her eyes, the little half-smiles she flashed at me, the way she touched my ears. But more then anything, the way she tasted when I kissed her. The one thing I'd been thinking of all week, the one thing I should never have done. I kissed her and now all those deep, dark feelings I could keep in the farther reaches of my brain came popping out to haunt me in the form of a little voice.
Didn't she say something about having a little voice? Telling her to keep fighting because it was her destiny. Well, my little voice was telling me to keep fighting too. But it was telling me to fight for her, because in some far off corner of my heart I knew I was falling. And that was a dangerous thing to do in a city where things never last. Falling in love was something I vowed never to do. All it took was this one girl who still kept me guessing at what was really going on in her head. This one girl with the weight of a city on her shoulders. All it took was that first smile I got from her, the night I rescued her from the gang. One smile, and I was hopelessly lost.
"Inuyasha?" she said into my ear, snapping me out of those thoughts.
"Hmm?" I asked.
"We're home." I nodded, not thinking it strange at all that she referred to my home as hers. She as now more a part of my place then the tv. And once she was gone, it would never be the same. But that was a direction in thought I would not go. I had too many other thoughts to think of, and the fact that she was here, she was still with me.
I let her down and we went inside. Sango and Miroku were in the kitchen, talking about something or other. It involved something to do with a large pointy object an a part of Miroku's anatomy if he ever groped another girl. I snorted, ignoring them totally after that. Lover's quarrels were not my specialties, at least when they didn't involve me. Kagome seemed to agree, sitting on my bed neck to me. She looked really tired, her eyes older then she was. I put an arm around her, pulling her closer to me. Kagome rested her head on my shoulders. We both sighed together. Sango and Miroku were as oblivious to us as we were to them. At least, we were until Sango came over.
"And what's going on here?" she asked, but no one had the energy for arguments or sarcasm. Sango just smiled a little and tweaked Kagome's nose. "You're a brave one, that's for sure. I don't know what those gangs are going to do when you waltz into their meeting."
"I do," I said. "They start wailing for their mommies like the jack-asses they are. But they'll put up with it because despite their dislike of us, they hate Naraku more. They'll fight to over-throw him. That's the important thing." I got nods from everyone.
"Do you think Naraku knows what we're planning?" Miroku spoke up. "He knows many things, there could be ways to find out." I nodded. "If he does, he could strike before we even get together."
"It's a chance we have to take," Kagome said. "We have no other choice." Then she got up with a frustrated and angry sigh. "This is so 'unfair'! This is MY fight, my 'destiny'." The word was tinged with contempt. I flinched hearing it come from her. Kagome, despite her hope and her optimism, was very bitter inside. "No one should have to get in the way. It's unfair of me to ask you to risk your lives. It's unfair of me to risk the gangs' lives! This whole thing is stupid! It's wrong and it's stupid! And it's my fault because I can't just do it by myself!" Sango was frozen in horror, caught between going to her friend and the fear of being thrown away. Miroku gripped Sango's shoulders, pulling her away.
"You can't help her right now," I heard him say. "She needs to let it out." And let it out she did.
"I were stronger I could, if I wasn't young I could. If I had trained harder when I was smaller, if my parents weren't coming to get me from school they wouldn't have died and I wouldn't have to do this!" She ranted on and on, stomping on the floor as she ranted, tears streaming from her eyes. "THIS ISN'T FAIR!!!!"
That's when I snapped. I just couldn't watch her do this to herself. "Kagome, stop it!" I called to her, grabbing hold of both of her arms. She struggled against me, pulling and tugging and screaming.
"Don't touch me! Don't touch me!" I let her go and she backed into a corner, hands pressed against the wall and her face covered by her hair. She was truly breaking down now. The force of everything that had happened, of what was happening now, of what had to be done... It was too much for her. I looked to Sango and Miroku. They both looked scared. I know I had to help Kagome, but I knew i had to do it alone.
"Guys," I said quietly, getting their attention. They both looked up at me, dazed. "I think you should leave." I kept my voice even, calmer then I felt. Sango shook her head.
"N-n-no! I c-can't just l-leave her l-like this!" she stuttered, tears falling from her own eyes. "I'm her b-best friend. S-she needs me." I shook my head.
"You can't help her Sango, not now." She looked angry at me.
"How do you know?"
Miroku came up behind her, taking hold of her shoulders and moving her toward the door. "Believe me Sango, Inuyasha knows." She cast a glance back at me, then at Kagome. She was still huddled in her corner, arms grasping at the walls, sobbing openly. Then Miroku led her out. "You can stay the night at my place," I heard him say. "And i promise, no groping." (Yay! Sango and Miroku romance!)
I turned away from the door and the waning sun, and back to the girl huddled in the corner of my room, shivering uncontrollably and crying her heart out. I walked toward her slowly, not wanting to frighten her. She knew I was coming, I saw her tense as I got closer. She huddled closer in on herself, pressing her face into her knees.
"Kagome," I said quietly, reaching out my hand to briefly touch her arm. She flinched away, a muffled cry came to my ears. I kneeled down next to her, placing a hand on th back of her head. "Kagome, come on, you have to stop now. This won't help anything, you know that." She only shuddered harder. I just couldn't watch it. She looked so small and so fragile. It was like this whole world was out to get her. Just like it was out to get me. But I couldn't stand the idea of that happening to such a girl. No, that was definately something that I would not stand for.
And so, knight-in-shining-armor that I am, I put my arms around the crying ball of girl and hugged her to me. I ran my hands threw her hair and rubbed her back. "It's okay Kagome, really. It's okay. You can cry, you can scream, you can fight all you want. The world isn't fair. It never has been, it never will be. That's not your fault. What happens to us is 'not your fault'." She shifted a little, curling slightly, enough to press her face into my chest. The scent of her hair and her tears swirled in my brain and I just sighed, resting my forehead on top of hers. "I don't believe in all this destiny shit," I began. I don't know why I was saying this, but it just felt like now was the time to say it. "I believe that we are all set on a path, or at least, we all have a destination. But it's up to us whether we get there or not. It's the choices we make that make us who we are and where we belong." (I believe in this truth above all else, speaking from experience.) She shifted a little more, but refused to look up at me. "So you see, whether you ask anything of anyone or not, we will follow you. Your brother and grandfather love you more then life. They would die to protect you, as I know you would do to protect them. Sango and her family, bound my obligation would protect you till death, but Sango herself loves you more then blood."
Blood pumped in my ears as I went on, not really sure why. Something took hold of me, some divine intervention that forced me to speak on and to help his girl bare this burden that was so unfairly put on her shoulders by whatever fucked up fate had PMS that day.
"Miroku would do anything to protect Sango, you know young love. He'd protect you too, a friend who means a lot to him. You have the wolf-boy too," I growled that part out. "And you have me." I felt her tense but I pressed on, hugging her tighter. "Whether you ask me or not, I'd follow you. I'd protect you with my life. I wouldn't care if you yelled at me to leave, I'd still follow you. I'm your dog Kagome, to do with as you please, but I'm not leaving this place, your side. You can't be rid of me."
I let out a small breath. I didn't give away the biggest secret, the one that I knew now more then ever. But it was hell to admit. And it would be hell to say, even now. She liked me, I knew that, but deeper feelings were not to be exposed if they had been one sided. I was too protective of myself, for now anyway.
Kagome shifted in my arms. I smelled the fresh tears that were falling now, but they were softer. Not the tidal wave she let loose when she had finally broken down. I felt her arms come around me as she uncurled, but still held on to me. I finally forced her to look up and meet my gaze. Her dark, dark eyes were shimmering with tears still unshed despite the fact that her eyes were still red. There was a dazed look in them, an almost wild panic. She looked so desperate to believe me, so hopeful and lost, but at the same time, she knew exactly where she was and what was happening. Kagome was the strongest person I had ever seen. But even the strong fall. Any other person would have fallen long before this. I couldn't bear the look in her eyes as she seemed to look right into my very soul and see all the secrets I was trying to hide. Without a word, she just tightened her arms around me some more and curled around me, needing the contact.
I held her tightly to me, praying to any deity I ever heard of, praying that this girl would be safe. There was so much good in her. She didn't deserve this horror. Kagome was worth so much more then this. I, a half-demon who took pride in the hatred of the Creator, would have gladly eaten all my pride to know that everything would work out for her. Just this once, couldn't the universe align? Just this once, couldn't things go the right way for me, for us? Just once, once in all my life, once in all the lives in all this city, could we have a happy ending? Not for me, I wasn't worth it. For this girl, who cared so much and got so little. Just this once...
Muhahahah! I know, I know, it's sappy. This chapter had absolutely no action and I beg forgiveness. I disappear for a while and when I reappear I 'poof' you this??? *sigh* I know the injustice my darling fans, but you see, I'm getting into the final ends with this story. It's in the senior stages. The final act, if you will. Though not really...The next chapter will deal with the meetings of the 'Loyal Gangs' as I have dubbed them, as they try and come to a decision of what to do to counterattack Naraku's forces. Then we have the actual war beginning. That's probably going to span two or three chapters. Then the climactic finale! (Which I already have planned out and will be done in the third person because it'll be too hard to explain in Inuyasha-mode) And an epilogue if I feel like it. Probably will be an epilogue though *sigh*
Alright! Fans, I have a glorious treat for you today! Since I have the rest of SAC ( hehe sac...Surviving A City) played out in my head, ready for the typing...when I get the time...I've brainstormed a few ideas for my next projects! *nods enthusiastically!* And I would really, really love some input from you, my fan base! I'll give a summary of the story basically, tell me what you think.
Fic #1: This is actually a Rurouni Kenshin fanfic that I've been storming for about three weeks now. If you guys don't like RK, then just skip this. The other two are Inuyasha ideas. But if you like Kenshin, then stay tuned! Ok, the fic basically surrounds Sojiro, whom I have officially dubbed the coolest teenaged-villain ever! He...*cough* basically gets his ass kicked pretty bad, you know, shot twice and thrown from a bridge into fridged, rocky water...*laughs evilly* but he's rescued, as if there was any doubt. By the coolest female character I have invented for FanFiction. Akio *cheers* She's basically Sojiro in female form, with a few different problems. A village outcast for reasons I shalln't disclose. This fic spans two parts, the first part is in the village itself when Akio rescues Sojiro from almost certain death. The second part is when the pair of them become wandering swordsmen...or rather swordsman and swordswoman. That's when they meet up with the K-man and the crew. The whole thing is sketchy since I'm only in the beginning phases with part 1.
Fic #2: Fic Numero dos, is an Inuyasha story. It is an AU of course because I really don't like writing fanfics that are a branch off from the actually story line. Alternate Universes give me free-range, muhahah. To be as weird and flaky as I want. And since I love it when women get to be kick ass, Kagome is as kick-ass as they come. The story takes place back in the feudal days, but there is no time traveling or stuff. Kagome is a born and raised feudal babe, along with Sango and the rest. Kagome is one of what is known as Demon Assassins. They are an elite group of humans with mystical powers that are trained in the deadly arts. Although Exterminators (such as Sango and her family) are also part of the village, its the Assassins that make them famous. Kagome is the strongest of them all, with powers the rival the head of the village and fighting skills that surpass even Sango. She was bred for greatness in her village, seen as a savior of her people. But, that never works, or course. So one day, she gets contracted by Lord Naraku (hint, hint) to kill off a mysterious demon that keeps attacking his lands and people. Of course, everyone's favorite assassin hurries on over there, and is thrown in the middle of some heavy stuff between and evil lord and everyone's favorite half-demon (yay!) Anywho, Kagome gets into a fierce battle with a demon and is injured (I have this thing where people get thrown into rivers a lot...I don't know why) When she wakes up, Kagome can't remember anything about who she is or what she knows. She's rescued by none other then the half-demon she was contracted to kill, though. But now, she has to regain her memory before anything happens to her village, or her for that matter, after she royally dissed Naraku. This one is guaranteed a lot of action once I get into the thick of it all.
Fic #3: This is another AU Inuyasha. This one, however, takes place in present day. Like in Surviving a City, demons and humans co-exist with one another and everyone knows it. Unlike in Fic #2, there is no Kikyo in this story. As I have mentioned, I do not like her and she scares me...I'd never post if I had to deal with her too much...Anywho...This story basically revolves around Kagome and her family, a strong miko bloodline who have protected the human race for countless generations. But it all changes when Kagome's father was murdered when she was a child. After that, her mother sought nothing but revenge against the demon who slew him. This leads Kagome into a bitter war between her mother and a powerful demon family, because Kag's mommy got her revenge. It's a bitter war that lasts for many years. But when Kagome is seventeen, her mother is badly wounded by the demons and left defenseless, placing the heavy burden of upholding the family honor by slaying the demon family. (If you haven't figured it out yet, the demon family is Inuyasha's *snickers* I love playing God) So Kagome, although well trained and powerful, is thrust into the middle of a war she wanted no part of. She has to go undercover, get close to those she will eventually have to eliminate. This means an assumed Identity and a new life, so she can observe. But all turns to chaos when she sees that the family she must destroy is really no different then her own. It's full of action, romance, drama, suspense, and flights of fancy!...well ok, maybe it's not all of that, but you know what I mean, right?
Thanks for listening to me rant, yay! I'd really, really, really appreciate some feedback on these ideas, so review! Oh, and a few fan-notes I'd like to share. *ahem* For the review who-shall-remain-nameless, thanks for the pick up on my frequent grammar errors. I just want to say that...well...I'm not perfect, never have been, never will be. Simple right? I suck and grammar and spelling, lucky spell check helps me there. As for the grammar, bear with me. I have no editor to read my crud and although I love reviews and constructive criticism...people yelling at my grammar only succeeds in annoying me and I take longer to write. Forgive me! But that's just the way I am. Until next time!
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~
Sorry it took me so long to update my glorious fans, but I hit a major writer's block for about a week. Then school started again and I was all like AHHHHHH!!! And then the writer's block was there and I was like AHHHHH! But now I'm revived (It's Friday after all!) and my block was chiseled into a mighty likeness of my role-model, Kouga! *gets teary eyed* Anywho, new chapter, yay! I'm afraid to say that it may take me a while to post now that I have school and junk, but I'll try my best ya'll! Oh! And stay tuned at the end of the chapter for I have a treat in store for you all!
Reminder:::: ( ) = Author's notes
Disclaimer: When you wish upon a star...maybe Inuyasha will magically become mine! But for now, it's not. *silently weeping*
Chapter 10:
Just This Once
Finally, I woke up to the smell of food once again! Oh, the glorious aroma of edible substances. My mouth waters in the mere thought. Miroku thought the same, so we both pulled on a shirt and bolted down the stairs. We fought with each other over who'd get into the kitchen first. I won, of course.
Kagome was piling a stack of pancakes onto Souta's plate. His eyes were huge and he was grinning evilly. But then again, it had been a week since he had his sister's cooking. I'd be the same way. I also happened to notice that the old man was watching me out of the corner of his eye, as he seemed prone to do even more now. I bristled a little, but he was Kagome's family. I don't want to get killed by the old guy just when I started getting soft on his grand-daughter. Don't even ask me to attempt an explanation, because there is none. I like the girl, I've known that for a while. Anything deeper then that...well, it'll be a while before I have enough mental processing brain cells to determine the depth of said feelings.
"Good morning Inuyasha," Kagome said with a pretty little smile, handing me a plate of breakfast food of my very own.
"'Morning," I replied before stuffing my face. She laughed and got something for Miroku as he sat in the chair next to mine at their table.
"Here you go Miroku," she said and his eyes sparkled at the food. How can one as for anything more when one is blessed with such people? A girl chef, a lecher more excited over food, a boy eating faster then me (and what a feat that is!) and that old man who glares at me.
We ate in silence, until there was a knock at the door. Kagome hopped up and ran through the kitchen. She then paused to skid across the tile floor in her socks. My ears twitched as I watched her, perfect ecstasy written into her features. "I've missed doing that!" she laughed at me with a smile as she opened the door for Sango. (Ok, let me just say that the whole skidding in socks thing is a habit of mine. It stems from my early envy of Tom Cruise in 'Risky Business'. There is a little sock-skidder in a us all I think, hehe)
"Good Morning Kagome, are you guys ready yet?" Sango asked with a chipper smile. She looked very well rested and relaxed. I also noticed a huge weapon of some sort slung over her back in the shape of a huge boomerang. My first thought was that it was a glider, but it looked solid, not fabric.
"Sango dear," Miroku asked nervously as she entered the kitchen. He eyed her weapon and I saw he was starting to sweat. "What's that thing you have?" Sango blinked and looked at the boomerang.
"You mean this?" Her face went from innocently confused to darkly sinister. "Are you afraid now Miroku?" He gulped; I gulped; Kagome laughed.
"Come on Sango, no threats at the breakfast table. I'm just cleaning up and then we can head out." She took our plates as she spoke, placing them in the sink to be washed. "Souta," she said, kissing the top of his head as she leaned over to grab his now empty plate. "Would you be the best brother ever and clean up for me?"
"You're leaving again huh?" he asked glumly, getting up and heading to the sink. She frowned.
"Yeah, I'm sorry little man. Until all of this stuff is over with, stuff like yesterday is gonna keep happening. I can't always be there to protect you." This drew from her a self-mocking laugh. "I can't even protect myself half the time." Sango looked sad at this, she looked toward Miroku and me, motioning for us to give them some privacy. Miroku and I followed her into the living room, but I still picked up their conversation with my extra-sensory-hearing, or ESH as I like to call it.
"You don't have to protect me Kag! I can take care of myself. Last night was an accident, they won't catch me off guard again. Just don't leave!" I winced, knowing I shouldn't listen, but unable to tune them out. He sounded like a lost child, which he was, and Kagome was his only lifeline, which she is.
"Souta, I have to go. Until this is over, you and Grandpa aren't safe with me around. I have to kill Naraku and do my duty." Duty...Feh! Fuck duty, I say. What the hell is duty compared to life? Souta took my thoughts and vocalized them.
"To hell with duty!" Then I heard a muffled cry and I knew Kagome was hugging him. There was the scraping of a chair so I knew the old man was up and to them as well.
"Souta, your sister is right. This is why she was given the Jewel and why everything that has happened, happened. This is your sister's destiny. It is yours and mine. There is nothing we can do." I heard his defeated voice. Maybe I was wrong when I yelled at him yesterday. He really did love his grandchildren, and I knew that as a fact when I heard his broken whisper. "It's out of our hands."
After a few minutes of silence, I heard Kagome speak. Her voice was thick with emotion, but it didn't break and she was trying very hard not to cry. "I promise you Souta, I 'will' come back." The 'will' was stressed in a desperate plea for him to understand. My heart broke for her, for her family. It was so wrong, but that's the way it was. Like the old man said, it was out of our hands.
I heard her pad out of the kitchen and up the stairs. The water in the kitchen ran as Souta and his grandfather started the dishes. A few minutes later, Kagome entered the room with a small smile on her face. "Ready everyone?"
Miroku and Sango smiled, nodding. I shrugged getting to my feet and fiddling with the hit of my sword. I've been thinking...Tetsusaiga...kickin' name for a transforming sword right? So I think that's what I'll call it.
"Come on," Sango said suddenly. "I know Kouga will be so happy to see us arrive." That drew a laugh of disbelief from Kagome and a snort from me. Yeah, that pussy ass wolf...(Ouch! Watch it dog-boy...) I can just imagine the look on his face when I come strolling into his den. I smirked.
"Then let's go before he gets pissed and storms the shrine," I commented, heading to the door.
"I'll be out in a second, I almost forgot!" Kagome said suddenly, running for the backyard of the shrine. Sango shrugged and went outside to wait. Miroku trailed after her like a lost puppy. His hands flexed in anticipation. I rolled my eyes and followed Kagome outside. I saw he duck into the small house in the center of the property, so I made to follow.
When I got within ten feet of the small building, it felt like I was hit in the chest with a steel battering ram. I flew back a few feet and landed on the ground, gasping for air. "HOLY SHIT!" I cursed, checking my chest for blood. There was none, but there was an echoing pain burning in my abdomen. Kagome ran out of the building, quiver strapped to her back, bow in hand, and the Shikon Jewel tied around her neck.
"Inuyasha! Are you alright?" she asked, kneeling next to me.
"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?" I shouted, pointing menacingly at the small house. She blinked at me.
"Did you try to follow me into the House?" she asked, both eyebrows raised. Suddenly I remembered her telling me about a powerful ward to keep out demons and such. I totally forgot about that. Shit, I was a baka. I felt heat rise in my face and sighed. She gave me a half smile, the corner of her mouth tweaking up. Kagome always had this air of innocence and purity around her, but that little smile she gave me made her seem really sexy. No lost child symptoms in her eyes, it was like before, when she was sparing with Sango, like when she was pulling rank on me in my apartment, like when she looked out over the city that night. No that candy-sweet girl who flirted with store clerks, not that cold Guardian who killed demons. I had a feeling that this was the REAL Kagome, the attitude driven girl who loved her family enough to defy prophecy, the one who had pinned Miroku to the wall with arrows, the sexy-smiling woman with a sarcastic comment in her eye.
"Earth to Inuyasha, are you still living?" she asked, waving a hand in front of my face.
"Huh? What?" was my oh-so-intelligent reply. She laughed and kept smiling that self-same smile that set me thinking in the first place. She put a hand on my arm, ready to pull me up, but I pulled her down instead.
I can't explain the adrenaline rush or pancake-high that made me do what I did, but I did it. She squeaked a little, falling back. I caught her, steadied her, then kissed her. Right there in the middle of her backyard, for the world (or at least her grandfather) to see. Never mind that I was just shocked by ancient magic. Never mind that Sango and Miroku were waiting in the front yard for us. Never mind that the corner of her bow was digging into my leg in a very uncomfortable way. I just kissed her.
At first she was frozen, I felt her whole body tense. The arms I still had a hold of went ridged, but after a few seconds past, she relaxed more and more. It was really just a testing kiss, something to see whether or not she'd pull away and freak out. But here I was kissing her, and here she was, kissing me back! The bow was dropped and she brought her arms up around my neck, pushing herself closer to me. Mind you, I was still sitting on the ground. She was leaning over me at a very perilous angle, so I did what any gentleman would do. I flipped her over so she sat on my lap, arms around her waist, expertly maneuvering it so that my mouth never left hers.
She made a small squeak of surprise when I did that, but she only pressed against me a little more. Oh yes, I may have been the one to start this, but the girl was far from pushing me away. In fact, I felt her tongue pressing against my lips and I couldn't believe it! To hell with sugary-sweetness, I say! Of course, I made her suffer a few seconds before I granted her request of access to my mouth, and after a few brutal seconds of her exploration, it was my turn. And, oh yes, I made her pay. I moved one hand from her waist up to the back of her head, running my fingers through that soft hair of hers. I felt her shiver and I was very pleased with myself. At least I was, until she started the same thing as me, running both of her hands through my hair. I could feel that smug smile of hers and I growled, making her pay some more. Well, I have only one thing to say, I could definitely get used to this! But of course, all good things must come to an end...dammit....(hehe, you know I couldn't resist torture!)
"Ahem," came a voice from behind us. It was like a bucket of ice water was just poured over us as we sprang apart. Kagome blushed from the roots of her hair to her neck. I was blushing slightly, but I didn't regret that little performance, not one iota. I set my sights on one not-to-happy Old Man Higurashi. The interrupter looked very pissed, hands on his hips and a scowl on his face. "I'm sorry to interrupt," he said, but I knew that was bullshit. He was more then happy to interrupt. "But Sango is waiting for you."
"Y-yes, of c-c-course G-grandpa," Kagome stuttered, getting up and grabbing her bow again. I got up too, dusting off my clothes and feeling cheated. She gave a respectful bow to him before heading off toward the front of the house at a trot. I gave a small wave and a smile to Old Man Higurashi, he only glared at me. It didn't take much for me to catch up to Kagome.
"Sorry," I muttered under my breath. She looked at me out of the corner of her eye.
"For what?" she asked.
"Your grandfather seeing us. I could tell he doesn't like the idea of you and me...behaving in such a way." She blushed again, head down so that her bangs blocked her eyes.
"So this isn't an apology for...you know..."
"For kissing you?" She nodded. I scoffed and gave her that surely-you-jest look. "I'm only sorry we got caught!" She looked up at me with a half-shocked half-hopeful expression. It made me want to kiss her again and it took every bit of my willpower to keep from pushing her against the wooden fence and doing just that. But no, we had things to do now. Once we got home...that was a different story. Oh yes, I pat myself on my back for my cleverness. I am one sly devil, aren't I?
"Finally!" Miroku groaned when we got to the street. "What the hell took you two so long?" Kagome blushed when she looked at me so I took to liberty of explaining.
"Kagome had to go get her bow and the Jewel from that little house-thingy in the yard. And me, being the wonderfully brilliant brain that I am, walked into the barrier and got a little sizzled." Miroku laughed and Sango smiled, but she was looking at Kagome with a questioning glance back and forth to me.
"Huh," she said with that I-know-something-is-up tone and her arms crossed.
"I'll tell you later," Kagome mumbled as we started down the street. I fell into step behind Miroku and we let the girls led. Even though they were ahead, I saw Kagome throw a glance my way and they both knew better then to talk. My ESH was too great to be denied.
It didn't take us long to walk to the Wolf Den. It was a large abandoned apartment complex that bordered the Heart of the City and the part of the cityscape they had claim on. When we got close, an arrow landed in the ground beside Kagome. "Who's coming to the Den?" a harsh voice shouted. Kagome looked up, shading her eyes.
"Kagome and Sango. Hi Dakuro," she said with a wave.
"Kagome! Sango! Welcome back!" he called with a wave and let us through. He shot a few shady glances at me and Miroku, but Kagome shrugged them off.
"They're with us, don't worry," she assured him, shooting me that half-smile of hers again. I could get used to that too. Very used to it.
Once inside the building, we saw wolf demons everywhere. The scent of wolves attacked my senses and my eyes watered with it, but I sneezed three times and was better. It seemed as though every wolf in the place was glaring at me, the dog. I gulped, something I do not do lightly. But then they turned from me and greeted Sango and Kagome with respectful words and bows.
"Sister Kagome, we're so happy to hear about your safe return," spoke one wolf. He leaned heavily on a crutch and had a large head of spiked hair. Kagome went to his side, placing a hand on his arm with a smile.
"How are you feeling Spike? Do you need anything?" He shook his head and smiled.
"Just happy that you're safe."
"I'm sorry about Patch. He was a good soldier, and a wonderful person." Spike's head lowered and Kagome squeezed his hand. It was a shared pain at the loss of a dear friend.
"Kouga's in his rooms. He's expecting you," he said, fighting tears and straightening. "Moon's Blessing, Sister." Kagome smiled ironically.
"Moon's Blessing Spike." The injured wolf was helped into a room by a few others and the rest of us took the stairs up to the top floor. Kouga, the leader, was the only one who lived on that particular floor of the complex. The second we reached the floor was the second my nose was assaulted by the scent of that little bitch again. (I would use harsher language, but this is Kouga *sigh* My idol, my role-model...Now when referring to Naraku you shall receive the full wrath of my list of obscenities! muhahaha!)
"Kagome, I knew you'd get here today," a glad voice came to us from across the room. "Come on in, I'll be done in a second."
"Hi Kouga," she said, heading into the huge floor-wide apartment. It was lavish, huge wall-length windows, plush couches and even a stone-carved statue in the center. Kouga lounged across one of the couches, two other wolves bowed on their knees. They spoke so low even I couldn't hear them. Shippou, the fox messenger for the Wolf Pack, leapt into Kagome's arms from where he had been perched on the arm rest of a couch. "Hi Shippou," she said while stroking him.
We waited until the two wolves got to their feet, bowed, then hurried from the room. Kouga swung his legs off the couch and got up, walking over to us. Kagome smiled and he returned it. "How was your visit with your family?"
"It was nice," Kagome said. I noticed her smiles were the innocent sugary ones when she looked at Kouga. They weren't the corner-lifts of irony and sex appeal like they were at me. The made me feel somewhat better. "Have you learned anything at all?" He frowned at her, looking somewhat uncertain. A mental battle was raged, and he relented the information.
"We discovered that Naraku has massed his army to spread out. Our territory is their first target. They figure if they can eliminate their strongest resistance, then the rest of the city will fall." Kagome looked grim.
"I figured as much...when do they plan on attacking?" He shook his head.
"I don't know, but it'll be soon. All of his forces are now fully gathered. It's only a matter of time." Both were looking grim. Sango and Miroku looked pensive. Was I the only one who wanted to go and bitch-slap Naraku? I mean, he's about to run amuck through the city...MY city. May I be damned to all seven hells if I let that happen.
"Then what are we doing here?" I suddenly blurted. All eyes flew to me. I gulped and looked to Kagome. "Go ahead, tell him your little plan, oh mistress of war." Kagome cocked an eyebrow at me, then looked back to Kouga to give an explanation.
"I think the smartest thing we could do it strike first, before he can come to us." Kouga looked interested, crossing his arms over his chest at looking at her with mildly impressed blue eyes. "If you could mass the Wolf Pack and your allies to make a strike, just long enough to hold off Naraku's forces, then we-" she paused to wave at me, Miroku, and Sango, "could get into the Heart of the City and kill that son of a bitch."
"Well if you're going in, then I'm coming with you," she stated simply. Kagome shook her head. "Yes!" he argued. "I'm not leaving you to be killed with just two humans and a...a... half-breed to protect you!" Something flashed in Kagome's eyes.
"Be care of what you say Kouga," she warned, but then the tone was lost and she just looked tired. "Kouga, listen, you are the leader of the Wolf Pack. Your obligation is to your people. I need someone I can trust to led the attack, someone I know that will get the job done." He looked torn, but I could tell something about Kouga. Although he was a brain-dead, wussy, whiny, annoying, bitchy, pussy wolf (try that 3xs fast!), he cared very much for his people and took being a leader very seriously.
With a sigh of defeat, he relented. "Alright, I'll stay to fight." He pressed the heel of his hand into his eyes. Then went back to one of the couches, slumping over tiredly.
"You should send out runners to the other gangs," Miroku commented. "Gather then here, to the Den so that you can organize some sort of attack plan." Kouga nodded.
"That will take at least a day, to get messages to all of them," Sango said with a nod. "Then another day to strategize. If Naraku hasn't planned any attacks within the next two or three days, we'll be alright."
"For now," Kagome said. "But the sooner we're ready the better. If it's true that no runners can get inside, and we can't know when Naraku plans to attack, then we'll have no choice." We all nodded, knowing the truth. In three days, we'll be at war, for the sake of the city and for the sake of ourselves.
"Well, I'll get started," Kouga commented, breaking the deafening silence. "Shippou," he called. The fox appeared on Kagome's shoulder. "I need you to get the two other boys ready. I want you to get a message to the leaders of the Ravens, the Death Dealers, and the Foxes tonight!" Shippou nodded, running off to find two other boys to deliver the messages. "You should go," Kouga said in a low voice. "The Den is not safe for you right now, and there is a lot to be done. You should rest for your part of this little battle."
Kagome nodded, giving a tired smile. "Thanks Kouga, keep us up on everything. When you plan for the attack, send Shippou. I want to be present at the time." He nodded, taking her arm as they walked to the door. I repressed the urge to pound him, but couldn't stop a small growl of annoyance.
Finally, he let go of her and the four of us were on our way home. It was nice when I was outside, and was able to breath once more. Yes, that was a nice treat. Kirara was waiting for us, wagging her tails. "Hi Kirara," Sango said petting the cat. The said cat transformed so Miroku and Sango could hop on. I turned to Kagome. She smiled, a small blush on her face as she climbed on my back once more. She was a comfortable weight on my back, warm and soft.
"We'll meet you at the house," Miroku called as Kirara took off. I went slower, purposely this time. If anyone asked, I could blame fatigue. Truth: I enjoyed it too much. Truth: I enjoyed it VERY much. I also wanted to get away from my thoughts for a while. Thinking too much on everything that I had unwittingly walked into made my head hurt in ways I never knew possible. For the life of me, I could not understand why I was still here. I mean, I've done a few nice-guy things in the past, but I never got too involved. That was the rule of survival, never get involved! Yet here I was, knee deep in demons and magic and hell. All because I couldn't get the smile of that girl out of my fucking head.
It was all Kagome's fault! She had to get attacked in the same alleyway I was passing at the exact moment I was passing it. She had to be brave and not even beg for help. Then she had to cook me Ramen. Dammit, it was really the Ramen that drew me in, that made me want her to stay. But I knew that was a lie. I knew that I wanted her to stay because of her. That sadness in her eyes, the little half-smiles she flashed at me, the way she touched my ears. But more then anything, the way she tasted when I kissed her. The one thing I'd been thinking of all week, the one thing I should never have done. I kissed her and now all those deep, dark feelings I could keep in the farther reaches of my brain came popping out to haunt me in the form of a little voice.
Didn't she say something about having a little voice? Telling her to keep fighting because it was her destiny. Well, my little voice was telling me to keep fighting too. But it was telling me to fight for her, because in some far off corner of my heart I knew I was falling. And that was a dangerous thing to do in a city where things never last. Falling in love was something I vowed never to do. All it took was this one girl who still kept me guessing at what was really going on in her head. This one girl with the weight of a city on her shoulders. All it took was that first smile I got from her, the night I rescued her from the gang. One smile, and I was hopelessly lost.
"Inuyasha?" she said into my ear, snapping me out of those thoughts.
"Hmm?" I asked.
"We're home." I nodded, not thinking it strange at all that she referred to my home as hers. She as now more a part of my place then the tv. And once she was gone, it would never be the same. But that was a direction in thought I would not go. I had too many other thoughts to think of, and the fact that she was here, she was still with me.
I let her down and we went inside. Sango and Miroku were in the kitchen, talking about something or other. It involved something to do with a large pointy object an a part of Miroku's anatomy if he ever groped another girl. I snorted, ignoring them totally after that. Lover's quarrels were not my specialties, at least when they didn't involve me. Kagome seemed to agree, sitting on my bed neck to me. She looked really tired, her eyes older then she was. I put an arm around her, pulling her closer to me. Kagome rested her head on my shoulders. We both sighed together. Sango and Miroku were as oblivious to us as we were to them. At least, we were until Sango came over.
"And what's going on here?" she asked, but no one had the energy for arguments or sarcasm. Sango just smiled a little and tweaked Kagome's nose. "You're a brave one, that's for sure. I don't know what those gangs are going to do when you waltz into their meeting."
"I do," I said. "They start wailing for their mommies like the jack-asses they are. But they'll put up with it because despite their dislike of us, they hate Naraku more. They'll fight to over-throw him. That's the important thing." I got nods from everyone.
"Do you think Naraku knows what we're planning?" Miroku spoke up. "He knows many things, there could be ways to find out." I nodded. "If he does, he could strike before we even get together."
"It's a chance we have to take," Kagome said. "We have no other choice." Then she got up with a frustrated and angry sigh. "This is so 'unfair'! This is MY fight, my 'destiny'." The word was tinged with contempt. I flinched hearing it come from her. Kagome, despite her hope and her optimism, was very bitter inside. "No one should have to get in the way. It's unfair of me to ask you to risk your lives. It's unfair of me to risk the gangs' lives! This whole thing is stupid! It's wrong and it's stupid! And it's my fault because I can't just do it by myself!" Sango was frozen in horror, caught between going to her friend and the fear of being thrown away. Miroku gripped Sango's shoulders, pulling her away.
"You can't help her right now," I heard him say. "She needs to let it out." And let it out she did.
"I were stronger I could, if I wasn't young I could. If I had trained harder when I was smaller, if my parents weren't coming to get me from school they wouldn't have died and I wouldn't have to do this!" She ranted on and on, stomping on the floor as she ranted, tears streaming from her eyes. "THIS ISN'T FAIR!!!!"
That's when I snapped. I just couldn't watch her do this to herself. "Kagome, stop it!" I called to her, grabbing hold of both of her arms. She struggled against me, pulling and tugging and screaming.
"Don't touch me! Don't touch me!" I let her go and she backed into a corner, hands pressed against the wall and her face covered by her hair. She was truly breaking down now. The force of everything that had happened, of what was happening now, of what had to be done... It was too much for her. I looked to Sango and Miroku. They both looked scared. I know I had to help Kagome, but I knew i had to do it alone.
"Guys," I said quietly, getting their attention. They both looked up at me, dazed. "I think you should leave." I kept my voice even, calmer then I felt. Sango shook her head.
"N-n-no! I c-can't just l-leave her l-like this!" she stuttered, tears falling from her own eyes. "I'm her b-best friend. S-she needs me." I shook my head.
"You can't help her Sango, not now." She looked angry at me.
"How do you know?"
Miroku came up behind her, taking hold of her shoulders and moving her toward the door. "Believe me Sango, Inuyasha knows." She cast a glance back at me, then at Kagome. She was still huddled in her corner, arms grasping at the walls, sobbing openly. Then Miroku led her out. "You can stay the night at my place," I heard him say. "And i promise, no groping." (Yay! Sango and Miroku romance!)
I turned away from the door and the waning sun, and back to the girl huddled in the corner of my room, shivering uncontrollably and crying her heart out. I walked toward her slowly, not wanting to frighten her. She knew I was coming, I saw her tense as I got closer. She huddled closer in on herself, pressing her face into her knees.
"Kagome," I said quietly, reaching out my hand to briefly touch her arm. She flinched away, a muffled cry came to my ears. I kneeled down next to her, placing a hand on th back of her head. "Kagome, come on, you have to stop now. This won't help anything, you know that." She only shuddered harder. I just couldn't watch it. She looked so small and so fragile. It was like this whole world was out to get her. Just like it was out to get me. But I couldn't stand the idea of that happening to such a girl. No, that was definately something that I would not stand for.
And so, knight-in-shining-armor that I am, I put my arms around the crying ball of girl and hugged her to me. I ran my hands threw her hair and rubbed her back. "It's okay Kagome, really. It's okay. You can cry, you can scream, you can fight all you want. The world isn't fair. It never has been, it never will be. That's not your fault. What happens to us is 'not your fault'." She shifted a little, curling slightly, enough to press her face into my chest. The scent of her hair and her tears swirled in my brain and I just sighed, resting my forehead on top of hers. "I don't believe in all this destiny shit," I began. I don't know why I was saying this, but it just felt like now was the time to say it. "I believe that we are all set on a path, or at least, we all have a destination. But it's up to us whether we get there or not. It's the choices we make that make us who we are and where we belong." (I believe in this truth above all else, speaking from experience.) She shifted a little more, but refused to look up at me. "So you see, whether you ask anything of anyone or not, we will follow you. Your brother and grandfather love you more then life. They would die to protect you, as I know you would do to protect them. Sango and her family, bound my obligation would protect you till death, but Sango herself loves you more then blood."
Blood pumped in my ears as I went on, not really sure why. Something took hold of me, some divine intervention that forced me to speak on and to help his girl bare this burden that was so unfairly put on her shoulders by whatever fucked up fate had PMS that day.
"Miroku would do anything to protect Sango, you know young love. He'd protect you too, a friend who means a lot to him. You have the wolf-boy too," I growled that part out. "And you have me." I felt her tense but I pressed on, hugging her tighter. "Whether you ask me or not, I'd follow you. I'd protect you with my life. I wouldn't care if you yelled at me to leave, I'd still follow you. I'm your dog Kagome, to do with as you please, but I'm not leaving this place, your side. You can't be rid of me."
I let out a small breath. I didn't give away the biggest secret, the one that I knew now more then ever. But it was hell to admit. And it would be hell to say, even now. She liked me, I knew that, but deeper feelings were not to be exposed if they had been one sided. I was too protective of myself, for now anyway.
Kagome shifted in my arms. I smelled the fresh tears that were falling now, but they were softer. Not the tidal wave she let loose when she had finally broken down. I felt her arms come around me as she uncurled, but still held on to me. I finally forced her to look up and meet my gaze. Her dark, dark eyes were shimmering with tears still unshed despite the fact that her eyes were still red. There was a dazed look in them, an almost wild panic. She looked so desperate to believe me, so hopeful and lost, but at the same time, she knew exactly where she was and what was happening. Kagome was the strongest person I had ever seen. But even the strong fall. Any other person would have fallen long before this. I couldn't bear the look in her eyes as she seemed to look right into my very soul and see all the secrets I was trying to hide. Without a word, she just tightened her arms around me some more and curled around me, needing the contact.
I held her tightly to me, praying to any deity I ever heard of, praying that this girl would be safe. There was so much good in her. She didn't deserve this horror. Kagome was worth so much more then this. I, a half-demon who took pride in the hatred of the Creator, would have gladly eaten all my pride to know that everything would work out for her. Just this once, couldn't the universe align? Just this once, couldn't things go the right way for me, for us? Just once, once in all my life, once in all the lives in all this city, could we have a happy ending? Not for me, I wasn't worth it. For this girl, who cared so much and got so little. Just this once...
Muhahahah! I know, I know, it's sappy. This chapter had absolutely no action and I beg forgiveness. I disappear for a while and when I reappear I 'poof' you this??? *sigh* I know the injustice my darling fans, but you see, I'm getting into the final ends with this story. It's in the senior stages. The final act, if you will. Though not really...The next chapter will deal with the meetings of the 'Loyal Gangs' as I have dubbed them, as they try and come to a decision of what to do to counterattack Naraku's forces. Then we have the actual war beginning. That's probably going to span two or three chapters. Then the climactic finale! (Which I already have planned out and will be done in the third person because it'll be too hard to explain in Inuyasha-mode) And an epilogue if I feel like it. Probably will be an epilogue though *sigh*
Alright! Fans, I have a glorious treat for you today! Since I have the rest of SAC ( hehe sac...Surviving A City) played out in my head, ready for the typing...when I get the time...I've brainstormed a few ideas for my next projects! *nods enthusiastically!* And I would really, really love some input from you, my fan base! I'll give a summary of the story basically, tell me what you think.
Fic #1: This is actually a Rurouni Kenshin fanfic that I've been storming for about three weeks now. If you guys don't like RK, then just skip this. The other two are Inuyasha ideas. But if you like Kenshin, then stay tuned! Ok, the fic basically surrounds Sojiro, whom I have officially dubbed the coolest teenaged-villain ever! He...*cough* basically gets his ass kicked pretty bad, you know, shot twice and thrown from a bridge into fridged, rocky water...*laughs evilly* but he's rescued, as if there was any doubt. By the coolest female character I have invented for FanFiction. Akio *cheers* She's basically Sojiro in female form, with a few different problems. A village outcast for reasons I shalln't disclose. This fic spans two parts, the first part is in the village itself when Akio rescues Sojiro from almost certain death. The second part is when the pair of them become wandering swordsmen...or rather swordsman and swordswoman. That's when they meet up with the K-man and the crew. The whole thing is sketchy since I'm only in the beginning phases with part 1.
Fic #2: Fic Numero dos, is an Inuyasha story. It is an AU of course because I really don't like writing fanfics that are a branch off from the actually story line. Alternate Universes give me free-range, muhahah. To be as weird and flaky as I want. And since I love it when women get to be kick ass, Kagome is as kick-ass as they come. The story takes place back in the feudal days, but there is no time traveling or stuff. Kagome is a born and raised feudal babe, along with Sango and the rest. Kagome is one of what is known as Demon Assassins. They are an elite group of humans with mystical powers that are trained in the deadly arts. Although Exterminators (such as Sango and her family) are also part of the village, its the Assassins that make them famous. Kagome is the strongest of them all, with powers the rival the head of the village and fighting skills that surpass even Sango. She was bred for greatness in her village, seen as a savior of her people. But, that never works, or course. So one day, she gets contracted by Lord Naraku (hint, hint) to kill off a mysterious demon that keeps attacking his lands and people. Of course, everyone's favorite assassin hurries on over there, and is thrown in the middle of some heavy stuff between and evil lord and everyone's favorite half-demon (yay!) Anywho, Kagome gets into a fierce battle with a demon and is injured (I have this thing where people get thrown into rivers a lot...I don't know why) When she wakes up, Kagome can't remember anything about who she is or what she knows. She's rescued by none other then the half-demon she was contracted to kill, though. But now, she has to regain her memory before anything happens to her village, or her for that matter, after she royally dissed Naraku. This one is guaranteed a lot of action once I get into the thick of it all.
Fic #3: This is another AU Inuyasha. This one, however, takes place in present day. Like in Surviving a City, demons and humans co-exist with one another and everyone knows it. Unlike in Fic #2, there is no Kikyo in this story. As I have mentioned, I do not like her and she scares me...I'd never post if I had to deal with her too much...Anywho...This story basically revolves around Kagome and her family, a strong miko bloodline who have protected the human race for countless generations. But it all changes when Kagome's father was murdered when she was a child. After that, her mother sought nothing but revenge against the demon who slew him. This leads Kagome into a bitter war between her mother and a powerful demon family, because Kag's mommy got her revenge. It's a bitter war that lasts for many years. But when Kagome is seventeen, her mother is badly wounded by the demons and left defenseless, placing the heavy burden of upholding the family honor by slaying the demon family. (If you haven't figured it out yet, the demon family is Inuyasha's *snickers* I love playing God) So Kagome, although well trained and powerful, is thrust into the middle of a war she wanted no part of. She has to go undercover, get close to those she will eventually have to eliminate. This means an assumed Identity and a new life, so she can observe. But all turns to chaos when she sees that the family she must destroy is really no different then her own. It's full of action, romance, drama, suspense, and flights of fancy!...well ok, maybe it's not all of that, but you know what I mean, right?
Thanks for listening to me rant, yay! I'd really, really, really appreciate some feedback on these ideas, so review! Oh, and a few fan-notes I'd like to share. *ahem* For the review who-shall-remain-nameless, thanks for the pick up on my frequent grammar errors. I just want to say that...well...I'm not perfect, never have been, never will be. Simple right? I suck and grammar and spelling, lucky spell check helps me there. As for the grammar, bear with me. I have no editor to read my crud and although I love reviews and constructive criticism...people yelling at my grammar only succeeds in annoying me and I take longer to write. Forgive me! But that's just the way I am. Until next time!
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~