A/N: So, I gather that some of you were upset with my cliffie…sorry! Really. I will now attempt to answer some of the questions posed to me. I think I answered them in the individual responses, but I guess I should answer them here too in case other people had the questions too and just didn't review to ask them…
Benten is the Buddhist Goddess of rivers. She also eventually became the Goddess of love and music and such and is seen in a generally pleasant light. And, obviously, she is female. However, as I researched for a name, hers was the best one I could come up with. It just seemed to fit him, despite being a female name. It doesn't sound female to me. Anyway, that's how that came about.
The other question was about how Kagome would get out of the house without Inu hearing her. I think this chapter will answer that. If it doesn't, then please review and tell me and I'd be happy to try to explain it or maybe rewrite the chapter so it's clearer.
Oh, and there was the question about Shippou…where is he during my story. Basically, he's too young to put in here and as I told someone else in another response, Shippou represents to me an element of Kagome's character that I didn't want to deal with in this story…he represents someone who relies on her and who she needs to worry about when he's around, much like a child or a younger sibling. I didn't want to have her having to deal with that now. But, just because I don't want to anger the Shippou fans out there, I think I'm going to bring him back in a later chapter as a kind of cameo appearance. Oh, and the next story I think I'm going to work on will have plenty of Shippou as a kind of recompense. (He won't be the main character, sorry, but he will be in it quite a bit, I think.)
Okay, I think that's all. If any of you have any further questions, just review or email me and I'd be happy to try to answer them!
Disclaimer: sigh I've been trying to buy the Inuyasha movies but as of yet, have not succeeded, so I don't even own that. Well, I sorta own some of the episodes (I taped them, but they're back home not with me) Does that count? Waits. Crickets chirp. She shakes head No, I didn't think so.
Thanks: Wow. I got another big bunch of reviews this time and I reallyreallyreally appreciate it. I keep appreciating it all the more the more times it happens cause it means that it wasn't a fluke. In any case, I really want to thank everyone for taking time out of their lives to review!
AJaKe: Thanks for reviewing! I hope this is soon enough.
LilacRose: Oh, nooooo! I can't distract you from writing your stuff! That's a very bad thing! I've read your stuff! That just won't do at all! (Although, it's a very big compliment! ^_~.) You need to get back to writing your stuff…after you review again and let me know what you think of my reason for having Inuyasha not hear her. ^_^
Pruningshears: blushes Awww…a fic idol…sighs contently Thanks. smiles wryly Sorry about the cliffy. I felt it was the best way to end it. Review again and let me know what you think of the way she got out of the house and why Inu didn't hear her, why he wasn't there. I'm anxious to know what you think.
Niku: Sorry! So sorry about the cliffy! I didn't think it would affect people so much! Benten is the name of the Buddhist goddess of rivers. In the legend it's a she, but it was the name that I liked so I picked it for him. I think this chapter will answer where Inu sleeps. Review and let me know what you think of why Inu didn't hear her. ^_^
Eartha: Hiya, Eartha! How you doin'? This chapter is not going to fill in so many questions as you probably would've hoped, but the one after this will. I have most of that one written, so it will answer more questions about him. The couldn't move in sleep thing has indeed happened to me. It was very freaky, even though what happened in the dream wasn't that bad in itself, but just the fact that I couldn't move and I couldn't wake myself up really affected me. Probably why I put that in the chapt. Thanks for reviewing again! It really means a lot to me!
Moon Fairy: Breathtaking?! grins stupidly Gee…thank you. I'd never had my writing been called breathtaking before. As you can probably imagine, I'm worried again about this chapter I'm posting now. I think it might be overdone, but I couldn't help but write it this way. blushes Thank you so much for the support and the belief and the reviews. I'm dying to read what you think of this chapter. ^_~.
Me!: grins Interesting name…simple, yet to the point. ^___^. Thanks for reviewing. I hope to hear from you again!
Niamha: grins Thanks. Unfortunately, Puck (my muse) is anxious to end this fic cause he's already got ideas for the next one! (Oh, no! I'll never be rid of him!) ^___^. Thanks for reviewing!
RinoaOHeartilly: I'm just glad to hear from you. Your input is always welcome and appreciated. I happen to like writing descriptions, so the fact that you think it was good is like a salve on my worry. ^___^.
bluelily07: hey! Glad to hear from a new reviewer! (for 11) You cried? Oh, wow. That is a BIG compliment. Thanks! ^___^. (for 22) grins sheepishly Sorry! I hope you didn't choke! I'd hate to loose a reviewer that way! Puck, her muse, smacks her upside the head, Emania yelps and glares at Puck. What the hell was that for? Puck glares back You loose more reviewers that way…STOP IT. Emania does a fairly decent imitation of an Inu growl You're the freakin' muse! You're the one that is supposed to inspire me to write quicker! Puck thinks, then shrugs, turning. Well, whatever. If she choked it's still your fault. Emania sweatdrops
Micah17: Yo! Thanks! Shippou unfortunately is too young to go on this adventure and I couldn't think of a way to bring him into it. So, in my warped mind, he's with Kaede somewhere. I might bring him back in a later chapter, but if I do, it's probably going to be something like a cameo or something. Although, if you stay in touch with me (as an author) I'm thinking of writing a story wherein Shippou is going to be present an awful lot. (I think it's cause I feel so guilty for not having him in this one.) ~_~. Thanks for reviewing!
RavenShadow: Howdy. Thanks for taking the time to review. I hope you like what I ended up doing to get her out without Inu knowing. Review and let me know what ya think, will ya?
Mitchie: I hope this was soon enough! Thanks for reviewing!
bluefuzzyelf: grins sheepishly Sorry. Gomen. Perdon. Pardon. thinks, but can't remember how you say *sorry* in Italian, shrugs. Oh, well. I think you get the drift. Thank you for saying you think my story's great. Considering how insecure I tend to be every time I post a chapter (like this time! Arg!) it really helps me to be more at peace with what I write! Thanks so much and I hope you enjoy this chapter and I hope this chapter makes you as happy as your reviews make me! ^_^.
AgentScully: OMG, I laughed so hard with your review that I'm sure my neighbors must think I'm batty. I think writing and writing until the whole thing was done was kinda like, "the mind was willing, but the flesh was weak" type of thing. I got out of class today early and came home and just crashed until early afternoon. I really felt like a Vampire, but it's just that I was so tired I couldn't stand it anymore. I was so tired, I was cranky, and that's not a good thing (or so my friends who have to interact with me keep telling me!) Puck nods his head emphatically I agree! Emania sighs Anyway, on the up side, I do have a few chapters already worked out with at least some writing in each one. Mostly, it's this one I'm posting now and the one that comes after that I've got mostly done. Channels Billie Cristal from The Princess Bride "With all dead there's only one thing you can do…go through his pockets and look for loose change." Shakes it off Whoa. I hate it when that happens. ~_~. I'm sooo happy you got why Inu couldn't hear her! I was worried that people might start wondering too much and think my story was inconsistent. I explain it a little more in this chapter I'm posting now, which by the way, I'm not sure of at all. About your question…well, yeah, she's clothed now. I don't know how she got clothed, but in a later chapter I explain what she's wearing and hopefully, you all will see the significance of it. I didn't mention whether Sango or anyone dressed her in pjs but I guess it's possible. (Reyes! That's right! How could I forget such a name! I think I blocked it out of my memory. Did you notice, (or was it just me) that they almost tried having Doggett fall for Scully? It was like they were implying it, but it didn't fly. I did like the whole jealousy thing with Mulder in that one episode, but mostly, it was crap! I can't believe they would even consider such a thing! I will follow you in the rioting. It's a much better idea than my nasty letter, anyway. Dogcrap! Hehe! I like that.) Well, since winks were so prevalent in your review (which didn't bother me at all, I thought it was cute!) I'll end my response with one…just…well, just cause. ^_~.
Evil Irish Eyes: VERY big grin I'm so glad you liked it. I'm really starting to get into shaky territory for me as a writer, anyway. I'm getting into all this kind of touch-feely stuff that I'm not used to writing but that it seems the situation calls for as just a natural conclusion of Kag and Inu's trip through this plot line. Anyway, this chapter that I'm posting now might be considered to end on another cliffie, and I'm very sorry to do that to you…again! I just needed to end it there to have the appropriate distribution between chapters. I'm very, very, very anxious to hear what both you AND Garlend have to say about this chapter though.
muffled munching distracts Emania from her thoughts. She turns to look at Puck, happily munching away on slightly blackened cookies. He smiles, swallowing. Thanks, Garlend…they're great. I don't even mind that they're slightly burned…they give them that extra…flavor. Emania laughs and Puck glares at her. WHAT?
Emania shrugs Nuthin'. Absolutely nuthin'…it's just…
Puck narrows his eyes What?
Emania grins I think I know why you're inspiring me to write like I'm writing now…all this touchy feely stuff… trails off to duck a flying cookie. She raises her hand to grab the second one he throws and catches it. She grins See? Only way I could get him to give me a cookie! she chews off a bite. Hey, Garlend! They're really pretty good…once you scrape off the blackened part…she pops the rest of it in her mouth I never met a cookie I didn't like. ^_~
Watches as Puck goes off, mumbling about people having no respect for his cookies… Anyway, Evil, thanks for the belief in me and thanks for reviewing and thanks for boosting my self-esteem. I always get so nervous when I write fluffy stuff…well, I get nervous when I write all kinds of stuff, I guess…but anyway, it means a lot to me that you review and think I'm good! ^_^ I don't think my response's making much sense…
Puck barks out a laugh That's the understatement of the year. turns to Garlend Thank you, Garlend for the wonderful cookies…since I can't cook
Emania barks out a laugh That's the understatement of the year…
Puck glares at her, and clearing his throat, continues Since I can't cook… glares at Emania, daring her to say something. Emania raises her eyebrows innocently. Puck sighs and pulls a basket with fresh fruit, ripe and still wet with dew I will have to settle for sending to you apricots and dewberries, purple grapes, green figs, and mulberries. he winks I didn't cook them, but I picked them myself from the places where they are best had around the world.
Emania raises an eyebrow. Fruit? You're sending her fruit?
Puck frowns. What's wrong with fruit?
Emania shrugs It's just…her eyes widen …not chocolate.
Puck sighs You're just bitter cause I didn't get them for you.
Emania grins Not really. If you'll go to Switzerland and get me Godiva chocolate, all is forgiven.
Puck sweatdrops I don't do chocolate.
Emania shrugs Well, he is one of the fae, I guess it makes sense…
Puck sighs, turning to Garlend. Anyway, Garlend, thank you again for the cookies.
Aw…Emania starts to coo, but stops when Puck glares at her. When he turns his back, she mouths "awww…." silently.
Anyway, thank you, both of you, for always being there. If I were as quick as Puck, I'd send out some fruit too, but as I'm not, I'll have to settle for sending out virtual Hershey's kisses.
Puck waves Bye!
Aeyikie: Oops…sorry! I hope this is quick enough for an update. I know it's short again, and I'm sorry for it, but I think the next chapter's gonna be longer…I'm almost positive! And I've got the next two chapter mostly written down…mostly…
Mr. Bilbo?! Okay, I've heard it all. I'd love to see what you'd do with a character like Kagura. I think she's got potential. (Kagura, I mean) It's like she can be three dimensional and not just evil, you know. About Inu saying "My Kikyo…" growls He's an idiot. After everything, he's an idiot…there's no accounting for taste. Anyway, thanks for reviewing and I'm glad you like! Review again and tell me how you feel about this chapter, will ya? ^_~ (oh, and you think your school's evil? I have to go to this 4 hour thing as 1/8 of a requirement for me to graduate. On a Saturday! From 9 to 12. Now THAT'S evil.) ~_~
Elventeen: Hey there! Good to hear from you again! I was afraid I had lost you somewhere along the way! Your too sweet to say that you'll be sorry when the story's ended. I will be too in a strange way. I've enjoyed my time in this little plot line and I know that after I'm done I'll think of other things I could've done, but…sigh Puck, my muse, is anxious to get on to the other stories he's been buzzing around me for a while now. Thanks for reviewing! I hope you were "good" busy and not "bad" busy! ^_~.
Chapter 22: What Can You Lose?
"Once the words are spoken, / Something may be broken. / Still, you love her. / What can you lose? / But what if she goes? / At least now, you have part of her. / What if she had to choose?"
-What Can You Lose? Madonna
Despite himself, Inuyasha could still feel the ghost of Kagome's lips on his, like they say people who lose an arm or a leg can still feel as if it were there. He cursed under his breath and turned over on the bed, telling himself for the umpteenth time to get to sleep. He didn't really need to sleep yet, but he figured it would be better than lying awake in a quiet house…thinking…about Kagome…
Normally, when he didn't need to sleep he could quiet his mind by…
His eyes opened wide at the realization…
…by watching Kagome.
How long had he loved her, he wondered? There had always been something…a feeling of protectiveness, surely, an attraction…but he had attributed that to the lingering feeling for Kikyo and Kagome's resemblance to her, but…that wasn't the case anymore, was it? It hadn't been the case for a long time now, actually.
He forced his eyes closed and sighed when he saw Kagome's face in the darkness of his closed lids. 'She doesn't even look like Kikyo,' he thought. 'How could I have ever thought she did?' Kikyo never had that twinkle in her eye when she laughed. Kikyo had never had that way of crinkling her nose when she thought and were Kikyo's eyes ever that exact shade of brown? Her hair as silky? And Kagome's fire, her passion, was unmatched by anyone he had ever met. He chuckled to himself…sometimes it was worth a sit or two just to see that fire…
The smile slowly faded into a frown.
'Damn,' he thought. He really had it bad.
'So, what are you going to do about it?' he asked himself. He couldn't keep on like this indefinitely. He either had to forget her or tell her. But how could he forget her when the only time he could still his mind from thinking about her was when he was looking at her?
'Maybe he should just confront her about it?' he thought. Tell her how he felt, how he couldn't think of a time when she wouldn't be in his life. Maybe if he made her see how important she was to him, she might be more careful with her own life. She might not do stupid things like run off on her own if he could get how much she meant to him through her stubborn head?
'Maybe it shows?' he thought. It took him awhile to realize it, but certainly Kagome must have seen it? Surely, she's had clues? He went from panic to hope in five seconds flat and then back again just as fast.
Maybe she felt the same? A strange light feeling washed over him. She did kiss him first, after all…
Yeah, just to distract you…
His heart fell back into his chest as if thrown from atop that monstrosity of a building Kagome had gone for her spa. He refrained from growling so as not to wake the softly snoring monk. He hated that voice. Mostly, because it was probably right, and he hated smart asses, even if it was his own damn voice. Still, he wasn't one to run away from anything that scared him…besides, who said he was scared? He wasn't scared of demons, his brother, Naraku…nothing…
…except loosing Kagome…
He could admit that now. The thought of loosing her was like ice in his veins.
Kagome. Maybe he should tell her? It was only Kagome, after all.
He knew Kagome.
What did he have to lose?
She could leave you. She could stay here in her time forever and never go back. She could decide she couldn't deal with an enamored half breed and demons out for her blood…
'Shut it,' he told the voice in his head warningly. 'I'm not going to hear it.'
Don't be stupid, the voice admonished. At least now, you have part of her…
What if she had to choose?
+~+~+
Inuyasha started awake, all his senses on immediate alert. When had he fallen asleep? He didn't remember falling asleep. He remembered thinking about Kagome, and then…nothing.
He growled low in his throat. He didn't like this. Something didn't feel right.
Something woke him. He sat perfectly still, listening with all his senses but there was nothing. No strange scent in the air, no cries of alarm on the wind…nothing except silence and the hum of what Kagome had long ago called an air conditioner (although why the air would need conditioning he'd never understand.) Even Mirouku had stopped snoring.
He sat still for what seemed like ages, trying to gauge what had woken him, what had alerted him…he still felt like something was wrong, like something wasn't right…he could smell…nothing.
He sat bolt upright.
Kagome was gone.
+~+~+
Sango awoke seconds before Inuyasha's hand reached her shoulder. She braced for attack before realizing who it was.
"What is it?" she asked, instantly awake.
"Where's Kagome?"
Sango turned to see Kagome's bed empty, the sheets tousled. "I thought…"
"You didn't hear anything?"
"No," Sango answered surely.
"Then either a spell was put over us or…"
"It was not a spell," Mirouku spoke from the door, his appearance tousled from sleep but his eyes sharp and awake. He motioned to the wards. "They would have warded it off and woken me." Mirouku looked at the empty bed. "The lady Kagome must have walked out on her own."
"Perhaps she is still in the house…" Sango offered half-heartedly.
"Then I would be able to smell her, wouldn't I?" Inuyasha asked brusquely. He could smell the sweat on her sheets…she must have had a nightmare…he could smell the remnants of her in the room, but he couldn't smell her anywhere else…it was as if she were hidden from him…as if someone placed a spell…
He turned to Mirouku. "Monk," he called. "Do you sense magic?"
"My wards…"
"Fuck your wards, monk," Inuyasha growled. "Someone made me fall asleep so that I wouldn't sense it when she left and is still hiding her from me as we speak, there has to be magic doing this!"
Mirouku turned to where his wards decorated the window and felt out to them with his own spirit. He could feel no tampering of them, but there was magic, he could feel the remnants of it like an almost invisible fingerprint. His eyes widened in surprise. He turned to Inuyasha. "It is Kagome's magic."
Inuyasha growled. "You mean to say she made me fall asleep?"
Mirouku shook his head. "No, it is mixed with something else, but it was Kagome's magic that helped her out of the room without us sensing or hearing her and it is Kagome's own magic that is blocking you from sensing her."
Inuyasha felt a pull toward the window and he bounded over to it, cursing under his breath at the sight. There was an ethereal glow seeming to burst from every crevice of the wellhouse, illuminating the night…the well was glowing…but fading.
"She went back?" Sango asked, seeing where Inuyasha was staring.
"She was called back," Mirouku answered.
Inuyasha had already jumped out the window and was almost at the well house. Mirouku and Sango ran to catch up to him.
+~+~
A/N: So? What'd you guys think? Sorry it's kinda another cliffie, but I actually wrote out a few scenes from this chapter and the next two ones without knowing what order I wanted to put them in and when I decided the order, well, it came out that for chapter distribution purposes, I had to end this chapter where I did. Sorry! If everything goes as planned I should have another update up by this coming week, so I hope I don't have any other people choking or choking me! ^_^.
Okay, okay. I know Inu was a little OOC here. But, hopefully, I've written the plot well enough that although it does seem OOC for the series, it doesn't seem all that OOC for my storyline. In other words, according to what's happened to them in my story, it doesn't seem out of character for him to react the way he did. Hopefully? No? Yes?
So, I would really love it if I could get some more reviews as to what you guys think about the reason why Inu didn't hear Kagome leave the house. Yes?
Reviews welcome, encouraged, cherished, and appreciated. ^_~