A flawlessly glittering night was settling over the inhabitants of
New York city. The empty city streets cooled their burning asphalt now
that the blaring midday sun had finally retired for the night. It seemed
that everyone was going to have a peaceful slumber. Except for the
occupants of one small apartment who were in for one hell of a night.
(A/n: heh heh heh.take that, writers block!!!!) Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyahsa already!
Destiny and Time Ch. Four : The Silver Spoon
Watching it all in slow motion, Kagome seemed to see but not comprehend what was happening around her. Opening her liquid gray eyes slowly, she winced immediately from what felt like a burning iron all around her neck. The lights overhead were glowing gently, silent witnesses to all that passed below. How did I get back into my apartment? Kagome wondered sluggishly, looking around the familiar settings she was currently in. Why do I feel so...exhausted? Thinking hard, Kagome's memory seemed to flow like a river straight through her brain. Flashes of a daring young man with a huge sword danced through her head, while glaring red eyes and a soft voice jeered at her from the shadows. "I was attacked.." Kagome murmured in disbelief. "And.he saved me.." A scream broke her solitary reverie as her hearing came exploding back to her.
In front of her stood the silver haired Inuyasha, poised and tense as a swirl of flames to his left cast a brilliant light on everything around the apartment. A newly transformed Kirara growled low, letting the rumble come from deep within her chest as she crouched on the hardwood floor. Instead of the tiny little fluff ball she was, a massive, lion-like youkai stood with flames licking it's paws. Her gleaming red eyes held within them the reflection of Miroku, who was standing to the right of Inuyasha. Holding a small bowl of steaming water within his hands, the robe-clad monk was watching the entire scene with a playful grin on his young face. Glancing over, Kagome watched as a very tired looking Sango still dressed in her Karate Gi, was poised and ready with her huge, specter of a boomerang held before her. Aiming carefully at Inuyahsa, Kagome watched as the situation escalated far beyond what she cared to see. Enough is enough! She thought quickly. Finding unknown strength coursing through her, Kagome shot to her feet, ignoring the wave of dizziness that threatened to consume her. Stepping quickly in front of the obviously pissed off Inuyasha, Kagome planted herself in the boomerang's path. With her soul alight, Kagome looked directly into Sango's blazing red eyes, and spoke as calmly as she would let herself.
"Stop, Sango. He's here with me, it's okay! Put that thing away before you get us all killed!" Hearing her voice ring around the now eerily silent room, Kagome surprised herself. Did I just say that? Kagome wondered. Standing firmly, Kagome watched as Sango reluctantly lowered her massive boomerang. Turning on a heel, she came face to face with a pair of misty golden eyes. Feeling her fire drain away, Kagome once again felt herself fall into those infinite golden pools. They seemed to be filled with anger, doubt, and confusion. Hardly noticing as Inuyasha lowered his fists, Kagome shook her head, and ripped herself out of his eyes. Get a hold of yourself, girl! Kagome mentally shook herself. Turning to look at the now sitting Kirara, Kagome smiled in wonder at the now massive cat. Walking slowly towards her, she reached out to smooth Kirara's ruffled creamy fur. Loving the feel of the silky strands between her fingers, Kaogme looked Kirara in the eyes. "Calm down, it's going to be okay." Kagome cooed with a gentle smile. Stroking her softly, Kagome watched with a new feeling of tiredness as the youkai closed it's glittering eyes, and began to shrink back down to her normal size. Turning slowly on the spot, Kagome walked in silence, and collapsed willingly onto the poufy couch below. Opening her eyes to the waiting silence, Kagome spoke slowly. "I think I have some explaining to do."
_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Miroku's POV
Settling lazily amongst the soft cushions of another couch, Miroku watched the scene around him unfold lazily. Rubbing the warmed gold of his faithful staff unconsciously, he couldn't help but smile as he watched the emotions that were passing across the faces of everyone in the room. Turning his violet eyes first to the newcomer, Inuyasha, Miroku observed him with mounting confidence in his thoughts. The man stood proudly, a scowl locked into his features as he crossed his arms with a so-called indifferent attitude. He's hiding something alright. Miroku thought silently. The aura about him is different, powerful yet guarded at all times. Letting his gaze fall to the sword hanging at the man's hip, Miroku felt another twinge of confusion. Who carries a sword around in this day and age? He wondered. Realizing that he was holding his staff again, Miroku allowed a slow smile to spread across his face. Then again, he countered. Who carries around a staff? Holding Inuyasha's glinting silver hair in his gaze for just another second, he turned to Kagome, who was walking slowly around the kitchen to his left.
The older but still faithful appliances were flaring back into life as Sango began preparing a stew for dinner. The dancing flames within the stovetop burners flowed with hues of blue and sparkling white as heat poured into the waiting pots above. Kagome seemed to be lost within her own thoughts as she walked trancelike about the kitchen. Pouring fresh tealeaves into a pan of already boiling water, her usually warm gray eyes were now clouded, and doubtful. I wonder what happened to her? Miroku wondered for what felt like the thousandth time. Her neck was marred horribly by welts that were already rapidly forming into vicious bruises. Her silent manner and fogged expression filled Miroku with more questions than he even felt like wondering about. She'll explain the situation in time. He thought confidently. Walking right past him, Sango stole Miroku's gaze next, and held it.
Sango slipped into her room, presumably to change out of the sweaty Karate gi that she was still wearing. Catching a glimpse of her eyes, Miroku smiled visibly. The burning blood red rings within her eyes were alight with curiosity and on guard. The presence of complete stranger in her apartment seemed to keep her on her toes. With her flowing black hair swung up into a messy ponytail high upon her head, and her curves smoothed and pronounced the silk gi, she looked like a goddess. She works too hard, Miroku thought surely. She manages her own dojo, and keeps house here. She needs a man around... Standing up and straightening out his robes, Miroku walked confidently towards the room Sango was currently in. Smiling broadly, he lingered innocently outside of her door. Maybe just a peek, he thought slyly.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Inuyasha's POV
Standing resolutely, Inuyasha was currently lost amidst his own thought as he considered the situation he was currently stuck in. His razor sharp eyes were set within the vapors of curling steam coming off the pot on the stove, without really seeing them at all...
FlashBack.... " I can sense the remnants of the Jewel of Four Souls' s power on you, Miko. Where is it?"
A Miko, huh? Inuyasha thought again. Why was that demon hunting Kagome? Flashes of Kagura's seething red eyes swam back to his mind's eye as he racked his brains relentlessly. I've seen those eyes somewhere else. Back when I was searching for the legendary jewel...With HER...Inuyasha felt anger coarse through him as memories of lifeless black eyes and her perfect figure flashed through his mind. It's been about four years now..since she betrayed me....Kikyo.............. A sharp tug at Inuyasha's sleeve jerked him back into reality as he turned to find Kagome at his side. Looking down at her, he scowled at the bowl of stew she was currently offering him. "Take it." Her soft voice implored gently. Looking into the bowl's contents, he eyed the chicken hungrily that was floating within the thick reddish broth. The smell assaulted his senses, begging him to take the food. Using all his might, he turned from the bowl, crossing his arms again with an indignant "Keh."
Though his stomach was protesting with all it's might at his decision, he was thanking himself. Her very appearance was turning Inuyasha's carefully compiled self upsidown. With every glance into her face, Kikyo's seething expression plagued his thoughts. With every breath, he could still hear her angry accusations. Her enraged screams that stilled the very wind with their fury. Kikyo, who's angelic calm and neutral manner made every living being envious of her exsistance. Kikyo, the woman he had ever loved, and the one woman who had betrayed him. Why was this new version of her haunting him again? Why was Kagome, a dead woman's double? Lost amidst his own dark thoughts, Inuyasha walked as though in a trance to sit down on the couch. "I need time to sort shit out," Inuyasha mumbled angrily. As he prepared to sit down, he felt a hand softer, smaller hand slip into his own. Jerking out of his thoughts at his sudden contact, Inuyasha looked up to find Kagome pulling his back to his feet again.
Pulling gently at him with one hand, while still balancing the soup in the other, Kagome lead Inuyasha over to the small kitchen table that Sango and Kagome used. Inuyasha didn't resist her, instead allowing himself to be steered into one of the cushioned seats.
Why am I letting this wench control me? Inuyasha pondered helplessly. As the bowl of steaming soup was placed before him again, Inuyasha looked up to find a weary Kagome handing him a shining silver spoon. As the lights above reflected off of the simple silver instrument, Inuyasha felt a pang of something he couldn't discern. It flooded through him unchecked, as if it had been waiting behind a damn within him all of his life. The shimmering, polished spoon before him was something more than just what Kagome was handing to him. But what? "Wha..?" Inuyasha said almost helplessly as he took it with a steady hand. Looking into her warm, melted steel eyes, Inuyasha found something within Kagome warm smile and glowing eyes that Kikyo never had. It was......
( *SMACK!!!!) "Hentai monk!!!!!!" Screamed Sango's voice.
Whipping his head up, Inuyasha threw the feeling to the blackest corners of his mind as the sharp, slapping sound reverberated off of the walls. "What was that?" Inuyasha asked immediately, taking the spoon, and setting it down before him. Standing, he watched the monk fall out from inside the bedroom with swirling eyes, and a huge red hand print across his face. His unconscious figure twitched slightly on the hardwood floors beneath him as an angry Sango strode out of the bedroom as well. Her eyes were burning again, and she looked peeved indeed. Walking smoothly into the kitchen, Sango served herself some soup, and sat sown at the table, across from a speechless Inuyasha. Watching her, Inuyasha glanced up at Kagome. Kagome's face was smiling as she tried to stifle a giggle. He expression seemed knowing, so Inuyahsa asked again, finding a bite of impatience creep into his voice. "What was that all about?" Kagome leaned down to whisper into his ears. Stiffening, Inuyasha pulled back a bit. She was murmuring into the side of his face, where his ears should be. But they weren't. Unconsciously twitching his triangular ears under the woolen beanie, Inuyasha listened to her with raised caution. Her reaction to his half demon features would be the same as everyone else's. Fear.
"Miroku's sucha letch! He groupes every woman, but especially Sango. I think he likes her." Kagome murmured with a hint of amusement in her voice. Miroku is his name, huh? Inuyahsa thought, watching his mow stirring form upon the floor. "Feh," Inuyasha said indifferently. Hearing Kagome sit beside him, Inuyasha watched listened half heartedly at Kagome and Sango's Conversation as his own thoughts continued consuming him. Thinking hard, he tried to reclaim the strange feeling that had nearly overwhelmed him earlier. Why was it that made me feel so damn powerless? Inuaysha questioned himself angrily. It was dangerous. A second noise attracted his attentions as Miroku the monk took the fourth and final seat around the square kitchen table. The hand print still glowed red angrily upon his face, but he didn't seem to mind as he started up the conversation that everyone had been waiting for. "So tell us Kagome. Why is this stranger here? What happened?"
_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Later that night, after the whole story had been retold. (10:30ish) General POV
A ringing silence filled the air of the apartment which had previously been filled with two different accounts of a puzzling new story that had taken place earlier that night. Everyone at the table, including Inuyasha and Kagome themselves had listened with rapt attention. Even if they didn't show it. Looking around the table, you could find the expressions on each person's face different. Miroku, his slap mark now faded, was still. His violet eyes were closed gently as his handsome face was pulled into a peaceful expression. Clearly he was searching for an answer within himself. Sango, to his right was a different story. Her slender fingers were clasped together in front of her face as she adopted a brooding expression. Her eyes seemed to dully shine with occurring thoughts. Kagome's face was sagging defiantly. Her eyelids were drooping gently as if they were fighting against thousands of pounds to stay open. Her account of the story seemed to drain what energy she had left. To her right, Inuyasha sat silently. His smoldering golden eyes seemed to have extinguished themselves as his stony expression held the workings of a fierce inner battle within the confines of his mind. All around, despite their expressions, every single person was repeating what they had just heard inside of their minds. Puzzling at each twist and turn.
Sango was the first to break the deafening silence. Her calm voice rang like chimes through everyone's mind as she posed a question. " What is a Miko anyway? How could that woman possibly know that if Kagome is a Miko?" Everyone locked eyes onto the warrior as her eyes searched everyone else for answers. Miroku was the first to answer, reopening his swirling purple eyes as his rich voice poured into the air. " I have heard of the legendary Miko's throughout my studies. They are women endowed with supernatural powers of many sorts at birth. They usually do not know what they are until one of their abilities makes itself knows. They were reputed for their raging inner spirit, and completely pure souls. They are all but myth now. Miko's were indeed rare finds to begin with." He looked around the table at everyone as they absorbed the information, adding onto their own theories of what happened. Looking down onto the wooden surface of the table, Miroku spoke again absentmindedly. "But I have never heard of any Jewel of Four Souls." With this, Inuyasha's golden eyes sparked back to life. Without knowing quite why he trusted this knowledge to these strangers, he began to speak somewhat angrily.
"I know what the jewel is. I've heard of it throughout my journeys. The legendary jewel is said to grant the wishes of the holder. And if that holder should be a demon, then his power will increase by so fucking much that it's ridiculous." Inuyasha spoke angrily. " But it's never been mentioned where the jewel is located. It was hidden by a select cult of priests. No one has ever even..." With that Inuyasha trailed off. An angry gleam flashed through is eyes, and if you listened closely, a deep rumbling could be heard resonating through his chest. Everyone watched him closely, wondering what he wouldn't say. Realizing this, Inuyasha turned to Kagome quickly. "Why did she say that she detected the jewel's presence on you?" Kagome turned to him, and spoke as if in a trance. "What lies within....a force greater than a mortal's whim..evil emanates from it's core..glittering from last, the deception of lovers...Purity must come from within, and renew the fire again....Shikon No Tama...." Everyone's mouths seemed to hang open at her voice, and the riddle that hung mistly in the air. Suddenly, her eyes clicked open as life flooded into them. "Oh god, the artifact!" She choked out. Her entire being seemed to surge back to life as she began wildly looking at them. Trembling in desperation, Sango cried out as Kagome slumped down onto the table without warning. Her small motionless form ensued panic as Sango began shaking her, and Inuyasha leapt to his feet. "Kagome! Kagome, No!!! What's wrong?!?!" Sango cried.
Inuyasha seemed to be unsure of what to do, so he remained on his feet, motionless. Miroku clamed Sango down, telling her that Kagome was fine, simply in a faint state. "She has had to much for one day. If indeed she is a Miko, than using her powers for the first time must have exhausted her!" Pulling Kagome's limp form from Sango, Miroku looked to Inuyasha questioningly. " will you help me?" He asked calmly. Without a second's hesitation, Inuyahsa scooped Kagome into his arms. And followed Miroku into her bedroom.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Inuyasha's POV
Laying Kagome gently upon her own bed, Inuyasha blinked even against the soft lighting. Her pastel room was small, but spacious. Kagome's bed seemed huge for her solitary figure as Inuyasha watched her now peaceful expression. Her eternally black tresses were swept about her, splayed flowingly like a gleaming ebony halo. As Miroku covered her with an old patchwork quilt, Inuyasha felt his mind reeling. Her last words had thrown the entire puzzle together within seconds as his mind went into overload. Watching her falling figure had pierced him with his last images of Kikyo, rendering him frozen. Now as the situation had calmed, he followed Miroku out of her room mutely. He sensed her life force intact, and that was all that he needed to know.
The artifact Kagome was working on at the museum contained the Shikon Jewel, and now someone was after her life in their quest to find it. Walking back out into the main room, Inuyasha found himself suddenly face to face with the fierce Sango. Her unnerving stare swept him to the soul as he waited with slight irritation at her proximity to him. She spoke slowly, as if trying extra hard to find the meaning of her own words. " Inuyasha, I don't know you. I don't know your past, or your personality. All I know, is that you saved the life if my best friend without reason. And for that, you have..." She broke off here, seeming to have difficulty with her next words. Her red eyes flashed as she spoke them carefully. "My full trust." Miroku agreed immediately, flashing Inuyasha a meaningful smile. Inuyasha felt rooted to the spot as her words echoed through his now painfully empty mind. She, she trusts me? He gathered slowly. Without even knowing me? Without even caring that I just met her? He thought incredulously. Standing numbly, he managed to nod quietly. Hearing something from Miroku about turning in for the night, he watched silently as the mink swished away toting his jingling staff. Sango watched him to, but then turned back to Inuyasha. "It is late, so I am going to ask you to stay with us for the night. Please let it be my thanks to you." She said simply, turning from his and walking towards a closet. Opening the door, the slender young woman pulled out some blankets, and began preparing a bed upon one of the squishy couches. Glancing at Sango quietly, he managed to mumble, "Whatever." Standing up from her duties, Sango flashed him a wary smile. "Good night then." Walking over to another door, Sango paused. Turning to face the open apartment behind her, she whistled shortly. Inuyasha felt puzzled by this action, but watched in amazement as a the small youkai that had transformed before came skittering across the polished floor. With a tiny mew, the fire neko leapt onto Sango's shoulder. Sango smiled at this, then turned back to her open bedroom. Speaking as she walked away, Inuyahsa listened closely. "If you're hungry, there's the soup on the table you never touched."
With a sharp click, she closed her door behind her, and Inuyasha was left alone. Looking around the apartment, Inuyasha vaguely wondered why the hell he was staying here. A sudden yawn overtook him, and he walked slowly about to try and find the light switches for the overhead lights. It didn't matter, what the hell. It was late anyway, and staying wouldn't hurt. He felt his eyes beginning to sag slightly, as his thoughts turned back to Kagome. Growling again at her constant presence, Inuyasha found the switches. Reaching up to flick one aimlessly, his eyes spotted the table. The circle where he had just spent hours with strangers, pondering the answer to a mystery that had now somehow involved them all. His eyes found the bowl of now stone cold soup. But a gleam of silver caught his eagle sharp vision. Laying innocently, alone against the rays of light, lay the silver spoon. Staring fixedly at it's glitteringly simple shape, Inuyasha couldn't help the smile that was creeping across his face. Flicking the lights of quickly, he watched the moonlight take in it's silver form. As images of glowing warm steel eyes and Sango's voice giving him her trust rang across his very soul, Inuyasha came just that closer to finding the meaning of the warm feeling that was once again sweeping him away into he starry night.
Author's Note: Holy crap that was long! I feel slightly better now though, after having sucha crummy day today. I hope everyone liked this chappie. But now I gotta go. Please review! Please? I love you all, bye!
(A/n: heh heh heh.take that, writers block!!!!) Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyahsa already!
Destiny and Time Ch. Four : The Silver Spoon
Watching it all in slow motion, Kagome seemed to see but not comprehend what was happening around her. Opening her liquid gray eyes slowly, she winced immediately from what felt like a burning iron all around her neck. The lights overhead were glowing gently, silent witnesses to all that passed below. How did I get back into my apartment? Kagome wondered sluggishly, looking around the familiar settings she was currently in. Why do I feel so...exhausted? Thinking hard, Kagome's memory seemed to flow like a river straight through her brain. Flashes of a daring young man with a huge sword danced through her head, while glaring red eyes and a soft voice jeered at her from the shadows. "I was attacked.." Kagome murmured in disbelief. "And.he saved me.." A scream broke her solitary reverie as her hearing came exploding back to her.
In front of her stood the silver haired Inuyasha, poised and tense as a swirl of flames to his left cast a brilliant light on everything around the apartment. A newly transformed Kirara growled low, letting the rumble come from deep within her chest as she crouched on the hardwood floor. Instead of the tiny little fluff ball she was, a massive, lion-like youkai stood with flames licking it's paws. Her gleaming red eyes held within them the reflection of Miroku, who was standing to the right of Inuyasha. Holding a small bowl of steaming water within his hands, the robe-clad monk was watching the entire scene with a playful grin on his young face. Glancing over, Kagome watched as a very tired looking Sango still dressed in her Karate Gi, was poised and ready with her huge, specter of a boomerang held before her. Aiming carefully at Inuyahsa, Kagome watched as the situation escalated far beyond what she cared to see. Enough is enough! She thought quickly. Finding unknown strength coursing through her, Kagome shot to her feet, ignoring the wave of dizziness that threatened to consume her. Stepping quickly in front of the obviously pissed off Inuyasha, Kagome planted herself in the boomerang's path. With her soul alight, Kagome looked directly into Sango's blazing red eyes, and spoke as calmly as she would let herself.
"Stop, Sango. He's here with me, it's okay! Put that thing away before you get us all killed!" Hearing her voice ring around the now eerily silent room, Kagome surprised herself. Did I just say that? Kagome wondered. Standing firmly, Kagome watched as Sango reluctantly lowered her massive boomerang. Turning on a heel, she came face to face with a pair of misty golden eyes. Feeling her fire drain away, Kagome once again felt herself fall into those infinite golden pools. They seemed to be filled with anger, doubt, and confusion. Hardly noticing as Inuyasha lowered his fists, Kagome shook her head, and ripped herself out of his eyes. Get a hold of yourself, girl! Kagome mentally shook herself. Turning to look at the now sitting Kirara, Kagome smiled in wonder at the now massive cat. Walking slowly towards her, she reached out to smooth Kirara's ruffled creamy fur. Loving the feel of the silky strands between her fingers, Kaogme looked Kirara in the eyes. "Calm down, it's going to be okay." Kagome cooed with a gentle smile. Stroking her softly, Kagome watched with a new feeling of tiredness as the youkai closed it's glittering eyes, and began to shrink back down to her normal size. Turning slowly on the spot, Kagome walked in silence, and collapsed willingly onto the poufy couch below. Opening her eyes to the waiting silence, Kagome spoke slowly. "I think I have some explaining to do."
_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Miroku's POV
Settling lazily amongst the soft cushions of another couch, Miroku watched the scene around him unfold lazily. Rubbing the warmed gold of his faithful staff unconsciously, he couldn't help but smile as he watched the emotions that were passing across the faces of everyone in the room. Turning his violet eyes first to the newcomer, Inuyasha, Miroku observed him with mounting confidence in his thoughts. The man stood proudly, a scowl locked into his features as he crossed his arms with a so-called indifferent attitude. He's hiding something alright. Miroku thought silently. The aura about him is different, powerful yet guarded at all times. Letting his gaze fall to the sword hanging at the man's hip, Miroku felt another twinge of confusion. Who carries a sword around in this day and age? He wondered. Realizing that he was holding his staff again, Miroku allowed a slow smile to spread across his face. Then again, he countered. Who carries around a staff? Holding Inuyasha's glinting silver hair in his gaze for just another second, he turned to Kagome, who was walking slowly around the kitchen to his left.
The older but still faithful appliances were flaring back into life as Sango began preparing a stew for dinner. The dancing flames within the stovetop burners flowed with hues of blue and sparkling white as heat poured into the waiting pots above. Kagome seemed to be lost within her own thoughts as she walked trancelike about the kitchen. Pouring fresh tealeaves into a pan of already boiling water, her usually warm gray eyes were now clouded, and doubtful. I wonder what happened to her? Miroku wondered for what felt like the thousandth time. Her neck was marred horribly by welts that were already rapidly forming into vicious bruises. Her silent manner and fogged expression filled Miroku with more questions than he even felt like wondering about. She'll explain the situation in time. He thought confidently. Walking right past him, Sango stole Miroku's gaze next, and held it.
Sango slipped into her room, presumably to change out of the sweaty Karate gi that she was still wearing. Catching a glimpse of her eyes, Miroku smiled visibly. The burning blood red rings within her eyes were alight with curiosity and on guard. The presence of complete stranger in her apartment seemed to keep her on her toes. With her flowing black hair swung up into a messy ponytail high upon her head, and her curves smoothed and pronounced the silk gi, she looked like a goddess. She works too hard, Miroku thought surely. She manages her own dojo, and keeps house here. She needs a man around... Standing up and straightening out his robes, Miroku walked confidently towards the room Sango was currently in. Smiling broadly, he lingered innocently outside of her door. Maybe just a peek, he thought slyly.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Inuyasha's POV
Standing resolutely, Inuyasha was currently lost amidst his own thought as he considered the situation he was currently stuck in. His razor sharp eyes were set within the vapors of curling steam coming off the pot on the stove, without really seeing them at all...
FlashBack.... " I can sense the remnants of the Jewel of Four Souls' s power on you, Miko. Where is it?"
A Miko, huh? Inuyasha thought again. Why was that demon hunting Kagome? Flashes of Kagura's seething red eyes swam back to his mind's eye as he racked his brains relentlessly. I've seen those eyes somewhere else. Back when I was searching for the legendary jewel...With HER...Inuyasha felt anger coarse through him as memories of lifeless black eyes and her perfect figure flashed through his mind. It's been about four years now..since she betrayed me....Kikyo.............. A sharp tug at Inuyasha's sleeve jerked him back into reality as he turned to find Kagome at his side. Looking down at her, he scowled at the bowl of stew she was currently offering him. "Take it." Her soft voice implored gently. Looking into the bowl's contents, he eyed the chicken hungrily that was floating within the thick reddish broth. The smell assaulted his senses, begging him to take the food. Using all his might, he turned from the bowl, crossing his arms again with an indignant "Keh."
Though his stomach was protesting with all it's might at his decision, he was thanking himself. Her very appearance was turning Inuyasha's carefully compiled self upsidown. With every glance into her face, Kikyo's seething expression plagued his thoughts. With every breath, he could still hear her angry accusations. Her enraged screams that stilled the very wind with their fury. Kikyo, who's angelic calm and neutral manner made every living being envious of her exsistance. Kikyo, the woman he had ever loved, and the one woman who had betrayed him. Why was this new version of her haunting him again? Why was Kagome, a dead woman's double? Lost amidst his own dark thoughts, Inuyasha walked as though in a trance to sit down on the couch. "I need time to sort shit out," Inuyasha mumbled angrily. As he prepared to sit down, he felt a hand softer, smaller hand slip into his own. Jerking out of his thoughts at his sudden contact, Inuyasha looked up to find Kagome pulling his back to his feet again.
Pulling gently at him with one hand, while still balancing the soup in the other, Kagome lead Inuyasha over to the small kitchen table that Sango and Kagome used. Inuyasha didn't resist her, instead allowing himself to be steered into one of the cushioned seats.
Why am I letting this wench control me? Inuyasha pondered helplessly. As the bowl of steaming soup was placed before him again, Inuyasha looked up to find a weary Kagome handing him a shining silver spoon. As the lights above reflected off of the simple silver instrument, Inuyasha felt a pang of something he couldn't discern. It flooded through him unchecked, as if it had been waiting behind a damn within him all of his life. The shimmering, polished spoon before him was something more than just what Kagome was handing to him. But what? "Wha..?" Inuyasha said almost helplessly as he took it with a steady hand. Looking into her warm, melted steel eyes, Inuyasha found something within Kagome warm smile and glowing eyes that Kikyo never had. It was......
( *SMACK!!!!) "Hentai monk!!!!!!" Screamed Sango's voice.
Whipping his head up, Inuyasha threw the feeling to the blackest corners of his mind as the sharp, slapping sound reverberated off of the walls. "What was that?" Inuyasha asked immediately, taking the spoon, and setting it down before him. Standing, he watched the monk fall out from inside the bedroom with swirling eyes, and a huge red hand print across his face. His unconscious figure twitched slightly on the hardwood floors beneath him as an angry Sango strode out of the bedroom as well. Her eyes were burning again, and she looked peeved indeed. Walking smoothly into the kitchen, Sango served herself some soup, and sat sown at the table, across from a speechless Inuyasha. Watching her, Inuyasha glanced up at Kagome. Kagome's face was smiling as she tried to stifle a giggle. He expression seemed knowing, so Inuyahsa asked again, finding a bite of impatience creep into his voice. "What was that all about?" Kagome leaned down to whisper into his ears. Stiffening, Inuyasha pulled back a bit. She was murmuring into the side of his face, where his ears should be. But they weren't. Unconsciously twitching his triangular ears under the woolen beanie, Inuyasha listened to her with raised caution. Her reaction to his half demon features would be the same as everyone else's. Fear.
"Miroku's sucha letch! He groupes every woman, but especially Sango. I think he likes her." Kagome murmured with a hint of amusement in her voice. Miroku is his name, huh? Inuyahsa thought, watching his mow stirring form upon the floor. "Feh," Inuyasha said indifferently. Hearing Kagome sit beside him, Inuyasha watched listened half heartedly at Kagome and Sango's Conversation as his own thoughts continued consuming him. Thinking hard, he tried to reclaim the strange feeling that had nearly overwhelmed him earlier. Why was it that made me feel so damn powerless? Inuaysha questioned himself angrily. It was dangerous. A second noise attracted his attentions as Miroku the monk took the fourth and final seat around the square kitchen table. The hand print still glowed red angrily upon his face, but he didn't seem to mind as he started up the conversation that everyone had been waiting for. "So tell us Kagome. Why is this stranger here? What happened?"
_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Later that night, after the whole story had been retold. (10:30ish) General POV
A ringing silence filled the air of the apartment which had previously been filled with two different accounts of a puzzling new story that had taken place earlier that night. Everyone at the table, including Inuyasha and Kagome themselves had listened with rapt attention. Even if they didn't show it. Looking around the table, you could find the expressions on each person's face different. Miroku, his slap mark now faded, was still. His violet eyes were closed gently as his handsome face was pulled into a peaceful expression. Clearly he was searching for an answer within himself. Sango, to his right was a different story. Her slender fingers were clasped together in front of her face as she adopted a brooding expression. Her eyes seemed to dully shine with occurring thoughts. Kagome's face was sagging defiantly. Her eyelids were drooping gently as if they were fighting against thousands of pounds to stay open. Her account of the story seemed to drain what energy she had left. To her right, Inuyasha sat silently. His smoldering golden eyes seemed to have extinguished themselves as his stony expression held the workings of a fierce inner battle within the confines of his mind. All around, despite their expressions, every single person was repeating what they had just heard inside of their minds. Puzzling at each twist and turn.
Sango was the first to break the deafening silence. Her calm voice rang like chimes through everyone's mind as she posed a question. " What is a Miko anyway? How could that woman possibly know that if Kagome is a Miko?" Everyone locked eyes onto the warrior as her eyes searched everyone else for answers. Miroku was the first to answer, reopening his swirling purple eyes as his rich voice poured into the air. " I have heard of the legendary Miko's throughout my studies. They are women endowed with supernatural powers of many sorts at birth. They usually do not know what they are until one of their abilities makes itself knows. They were reputed for their raging inner spirit, and completely pure souls. They are all but myth now. Miko's were indeed rare finds to begin with." He looked around the table at everyone as they absorbed the information, adding onto their own theories of what happened. Looking down onto the wooden surface of the table, Miroku spoke again absentmindedly. "But I have never heard of any Jewel of Four Souls." With this, Inuyasha's golden eyes sparked back to life. Without knowing quite why he trusted this knowledge to these strangers, he began to speak somewhat angrily.
"I know what the jewel is. I've heard of it throughout my journeys. The legendary jewel is said to grant the wishes of the holder. And if that holder should be a demon, then his power will increase by so fucking much that it's ridiculous." Inuyasha spoke angrily. " But it's never been mentioned where the jewel is located. It was hidden by a select cult of priests. No one has ever even..." With that Inuyasha trailed off. An angry gleam flashed through is eyes, and if you listened closely, a deep rumbling could be heard resonating through his chest. Everyone watched him closely, wondering what he wouldn't say. Realizing this, Inuyasha turned to Kagome quickly. "Why did she say that she detected the jewel's presence on you?" Kagome turned to him, and spoke as if in a trance. "What lies within....a force greater than a mortal's whim..evil emanates from it's core..glittering from last, the deception of lovers...Purity must come from within, and renew the fire again....Shikon No Tama...." Everyone's mouths seemed to hang open at her voice, and the riddle that hung mistly in the air. Suddenly, her eyes clicked open as life flooded into them. "Oh god, the artifact!" She choked out. Her entire being seemed to surge back to life as she began wildly looking at them. Trembling in desperation, Sango cried out as Kagome slumped down onto the table without warning. Her small motionless form ensued panic as Sango began shaking her, and Inuyasha leapt to his feet. "Kagome! Kagome, No!!! What's wrong?!?!" Sango cried.
Inuyasha seemed to be unsure of what to do, so he remained on his feet, motionless. Miroku clamed Sango down, telling her that Kagome was fine, simply in a faint state. "She has had to much for one day. If indeed she is a Miko, than using her powers for the first time must have exhausted her!" Pulling Kagome's limp form from Sango, Miroku looked to Inuyasha questioningly. " will you help me?" He asked calmly. Without a second's hesitation, Inuyahsa scooped Kagome into his arms. And followed Miroku into her bedroom.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Inuyasha's POV
Laying Kagome gently upon her own bed, Inuyasha blinked even against the soft lighting. Her pastel room was small, but spacious. Kagome's bed seemed huge for her solitary figure as Inuyasha watched her now peaceful expression. Her eternally black tresses were swept about her, splayed flowingly like a gleaming ebony halo. As Miroku covered her with an old patchwork quilt, Inuyasha felt his mind reeling. Her last words had thrown the entire puzzle together within seconds as his mind went into overload. Watching her falling figure had pierced him with his last images of Kikyo, rendering him frozen. Now as the situation had calmed, he followed Miroku out of her room mutely. He sensed her life force intact, and that was all that he needed to know.
The artifact Kagome was working on at the museum contained the Shikon Jewel, and now someone was after her life in their quest to find it. Walking back out into the main room, Inuyasha found himself suddenly face to face with the fierce Sango. Her unnerving stare swept him to the soul as he waited with slight irritation at her proximity to him. She spoke slowly, as if trying extra hard to find the meaning of her own words. " Inuyasha, I don't know you. I don't know your past, or your personality. All I know, is that you saved the life if my best friend without reason. And for that, you have..." She broke off here, seeming to have difficulty with her next words. Her red eyes flashed as she spoke them carefully. "My full trust." Miroku agreed immediately, flashing Inuyasha a meaningful smile. Inuyasha felt rooted to the spot as her words echoed through his now painfully empty mind. She, she trusts me? He gathered slowly. Without even knowing me? Without even caring that I just met her? He thought incredulously. Standing numbly, he managed to nod quietly. Hearing something from Miroku about turning in for the night, he watched silently as the mink swished away toting his jingling staff. Sango watched him to, but then turned back to Inuyasha. "It is late, so I am going to ask you to stay with us for the night. Please let it be my thanks to you." She said simply, turning from his and walking towards a closet. Opening the door, the slender young woman pulled out some blankets, and began preparing a bed upon one of the squishy couches. Glancing at Sango quietly, he managed to mumble, "Whatever." Standing up from her duties, Sango flashed him a wary smile. "Good night then." Walking over to another door, Sango paused. Turning to face the open apartment behind her, she whistled shortly. Inuyasha felt puzzled by this action, but watched in amazement as a the small youkai that had transformed before came skittering across the polished floor. With a tiny mew, the fire neko leapt onto Sango's shoulder. Sango smiled at this, then turned back to her open bedroom. Speaking as she walked away, Inuyahsa listened closely. "If you're hungry, there's the soup on the table you never touched."
With a sharp click, she closed her door behind her, and Inuyasha was left alone. Looking around the apartment, Inuyasha vaguely wondered why the hell he was staying here. A sudden yawn overtook him, and he walked slowly about to try and find the light switches for the overhead lights. It didn't matter, what the hell. It was late anyway, and staying wouldn't hurt. He felt his eyes beginning to sag slightly, as his thoughts turned back to Kagome. Growling again at her constant presence, Inuyasha found the switches. Reaching up to flick one aimlessly, his eyes spotted the table. The circle where he had just spent hours with strangers, pondering the answer to a mystery that had now somehow involved them all. His eyes found the bowl of now stone cold soup. But a gleam of silver caught his eagle sharp vision. Laying innocently, alone against the rays of light, lay the silver spoon. Staring fixedly at it's glitteringly simple shape, Inuyasha couldn't help the smile that was creeping across his face. Flicking the lights of quickly, he watched the moonlight take in it's silver form. As images of glowing warm steel eyes and Sango's voice giving him her trust rang across his very soul, Inuyasha came just that closer to finding the meaning of the warm feeling that was once again sweeping him away into he starry night.
Author's Note: Holy crap that was long! I feel slightly better now though, after having sucha crummy day today. I hope everyone liked this chappie. But now I gotta go. Please review! Please? I love you all, bye!