A/N: I hope you guys are liking this story so far, cause I know that I am!
This chapter gets interesting, and Kagome learns a little about the Shikkon
jewel. Not to mention, she learns who the 'mysterious apple boy' was. I'll
leave it at that! I can't spoil it too much! Just read and enjoy! Don't
forget to review! ^_^
Chapter 4: Of Money and People
Kagome raced happily through her family's fields. She was getting a small break from her hard work, and she would live it up to its fullest. One of her favorite things to do was swim, and that's exactly where she was heading.
"Ahh, a nice relaxing swim is just what I need to cool off." A sigh of relief escaped her mouth as her body slipped beneath the surface of the cold waters. The lapping water rose to her chin as she leaned against the bare surface of a rock. As she sat there, she began fiddling with the necklace her father had given her.
"So, you're the Shikkon no Tama, supposedly a powerful jewel wanted by many demons. If you're so great in power, then why hasn't a demon come after it yet?" "How can you be certain one hasn't already tried?" Her heart jumped to her throat as her face turned ghost white. Chills flowed down her back in continuous waves. Her hands began to shake as the mysterious voice filled her ears.
"You are the protector of the jewel, so people will try and steal it through you." "W-w-who's t-t-there?" She turned her head, glancing in all directions. However, no one was in sight. "Ok, whoever you are, come out and reveal yourself. You're starting to creep me out!" She placed the jewel in the palm of her hand and held it close, as if never letting go. "If you're a demon after the jewel, you may as well give up because I'm trained in the arts of archery! I'll take your butt down within seconds!" "There's no need to be forceful. I'm here to simply help you." Her eyes continued to scan the area, searching for any sign of life. Suddenly, the jewel in her hand began to glow a vibrant color, so bright that it nearly blinded her.
"Ok, what's going on here?" A small shriek came from her mouth as the jewel's light swallowed her whole. No longer was she in the cool water, relaxing and enjoying the refreshing air, but a beautiful, rosy light now surrounded her. "Where am I?"
"This is known as a priestess's orb, or a type of barrier only known to a priestess." Kagome's head slowly turned when she heard the cause of the voice. Standing only feet before her in a white, shimmering gown, was a beautiful young woman with hair as black as night itself, and grayish blue pools of eyes softer and gentler than a baby's. "W-w-who are you?" A calming smile rolled over her lips as she approached Kagome. "I am known as a mighty priestess, one with the gift to purify a demon's soul. The Shikkon no Tama, the jewel in which you hold in your hands, was created and born from the depths of my very soul. My name is Madoriko. I died centuries ago during a gruesome battle against a vile demon. The battle lasted for days and nights, a never-ending charade against a priestess who tried her very best to purify this demon's soul. But I was unable to, so I dug deep within; I reached into the far depths of my soul, and the Shikkon no Tama emerged." She took another step forward and placed two fingers upon Kagome's forehead. She slightly flinched; unaware of what was about to happen.
"There is no need to fear me. You are a part of the jewel, and that is why you are able to guard it." "I'm... part of the jewel?" "The jewel is made of four souls: friendship, love, courage, and wisdom. It may not seem clear to you yet, but you will understand some day." She removed her fingers and waved them in the air, a small glimmering streak of light following the tips of her fingers. "You are the spirit of love, and it is your soul duty to seek and find the other souls so the jewel can be purified. However, I guarantee you that the other souls will be people you least expect."
"I must find the other souls? But how?" "When you find a soul of the jewel, you will know. Something deep within your heart will tell you. Then, when the four souls are together, they will form niobi." "Niobi?" "Niobi means 'one'. When the souls are together, they will unite somehow, even in real life, and a bond that can never be broken will form, whether it be love or friendship." "Love or friendship... niobi. Why are you telling me all of this?" "If the jewel is not purified, it will become tainted with malice, and then the four souls would be thrown into eternal hell. The world would slowly fade, and every life would cease to exist. The planet itself would die, and no longer will life flourish. The only living things would be darkness itself, and evil. Demons would thrive on the impurities of the planet, and the soul of it all would relish the earth's demise." "The soul, and who is this?" "He goes by the name of Naraku, and he is the one who would lead the world into eternal oblivion."
Kagome listened as the story was being told. She knew she had to guard the jewel with her life, and she had to find the souls. If the jewel were to fall into the wrong hands, her soul, along with the other three, would be tossed into the depths of hell. She didn't want to end life like that, so she would do everything in her power to find the souls and purify the jewel. "You can trust me Lady Madoriko." "I know I can. I will always be watching over, for my soul is the sacred jewel. I will be by your side; and if you need help, I will be there to guide you." A bright smile spread across her lips as the rosy colors around them began to fade. Before she left entirely, she approached Kagome once more. "I do believe you will need this, for an event today will happen that will change your life forever." She reached for Kagome's hand and placed in it a small satin bag full of money. "Oh dear, what am I suppose to do with an amount like this?" "You will see when the time comes. Please me dear, be safe." Her body vanished completely, leaving no sign of her presence behind.
Kagome watched in shock as the walls faded entirely. She was back in the stream, leaning against the same rock. Her hands were still wrapped around the jewel as her eyes gazed dead ahead, filled with utter confusion. "Freak me out! That was totally weird! Was it real though?" She glanced down at the jewel, trying to gaze within the rosy depths. "It's hard to believe, but it was real." As she began to remove herself from the waters, a woman's holler filled her ears.
"Lady Kagome! Lady Kagome! Please come here my child! Where are ye?" 'Granny Kaede, what's she doing here?' She quickly climbed out and dried herself of, placing the towel over her shoulders. "Lady Kaede, what ails you so?" The old woman raced up to her and grabbed her by the arms, gazing into her face as tears filled her aged eyes. "Please Lady Kagome, we must stop Lady Saio! She is selling Totosai in the market, and a man by the name of Sesshomaru has already wished to purchase him! We mustn't let him go, please, ye need to go help him!" "Sesshomaru?" 'Who's he? He must be someone pretty powerful if granny Kaede is this frightened. I must help him, I must get him back... but how?'
Confusion filled her face as she thought, trying to come up with a solution. Suddenly, it hit her. "I've got it! I'll buy him back! I have this money, and it should be more than plenty!" Kaede's eyes widened at the sight of the bag. "Child, where did ye get all of that?" "Oh, this? I received it from a lady named Madoriko." "Madoriko, but she passed away centuries ago during a battle with a demon." "And, she was also the person in which the jewel was born. She told a lot of valuable information. But there's no time to explain that now! I must go and save Totosai. Take care granny Kaede." She waved farewell and raced off, heading towards the village.
"Please my child, ye must hurry before it's too late! Time is not on our hands." Kaede looked towards the stream Kagome had been swimming in. 'Did she really speak to the legendary Madoriko? How would I know... that child is full of mysteries.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Koga! Koga! Where are you? I need your help, and fast!" Kagome raced into a hut, nearly slipping as she came to a halt. Her eyes scanned the room, searching for the wolf demon. "Koga... get your little wolf butt out here!" She watched as head appeared through a row of kimonos. "You rang?" "Look, I really need your help. Lady Saio is selling Totosai to someone really bad. I can't allow that to happen, so I'm going to stand in front of the people, and hopefully they'll give him back with this money." She raised her hand and displayed the satin pouch. "Ouch! It's so gorgeous it's blinding me! Where in the heck did you get that?!" "I have no time to explain, now tell me what to do!" He slightly growled, annoyed that she was bossing him around.
"Now look, first of all you certainly, and will not go out before them dressed like that. So, I'm going to give you something to wear." "You'd do that for me?" He gazed into her face and slightly blushed. "Uh...yeah." He quickly looked away and walked towards some of their finest kimonos. He flipped through some, and pulled out one he thought would suit her perfect. "This one will look great on you." "Wow... it's very pretty; simple, yet pretty."
The kimono was red and white (identical to Kikyo's in the series); but instead of having red lines on the sleeves, there were a few detailed flowers, displaying grace. "Here, put this on, and I'll do your hair." "An almighty wolf demon, doing a girl's hair. Now that's something you don't see everyday." She smirked playfully as he handed her the kimono. "Eh... just put it on would ya! Sheesh. I do somethin' nice for her, but she still makes fun of me." "Don't you dare peek on me!" "Huh? Why in the world would I do a foolish and ridiculous thing like that? Are you insane woman!" "Just making sure." He walked away angrily, giving her privacy to dress.
"Ok, I'm done." Koga turned around as Kagome finished dressing. "About time, I was getting... whoa, whoa, whoa! What happened to the Kagome I knew? Is she still here?" Her cheeks went red as he commented her. "She's still here; now hurry up would ya! We don't have time." Koga removed a beautiful, ruby red, silk ribbon from a shelf. He moved behind her and began to mess with her hair. Within seconds, it was pulled back in a simple, yet elegant, loose ponytail. Two pieces of hair were left looser to slightly form around her face. "Now, one more touch and you will be ready."
He walked away and came back with a small, emerald green box. "What's in there?" "You'll see." He carefully removed the lid and pulled out a small necklace. Hanging on the necklace was a small ruby, about the size of a pebble. "Where did that come from?" "It was your mother's, and she told your father to give it to you, but he wanted me to give it to you as a birthday present on your sixteenth birthday." "Wow, it's beautiful. Thank you Koga." As soon as he put it on, she moved forward and gave him a quick hug. "Now, I've gotta go! Wish me luck!" ".....g-good l-luck...." He was quite stunned from the hug, but he liked it. He had a secret crush on her, and wouldn't tell a soul.
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"Would you people let me go! I want to go back home! I don't deserve this stupid crap." Totosai was throwing a fit as he was tossed into a large metal cage. "Were sorry sir, but-" "Don't call me sir! You will bow before me and call me Lord Totosai! Now, bow!" A look of anger and control spread across his face as he hit the bars of the cage. The guards just glowered and turned, resuming their positions. Each guard took a post of the cage and rose it, slowly walking away. "I can make this hard for you people!" Totosai smirked as he jumped up and down, making it a lot harder for them to carry it.
"Look you old geezer, we don't have time for you to be playing these games. We were given orders, and we will obey them. Now sit down before you answer to our Lord!" "Ooo... I'm horrified! Now let me go!" He jumped even harder, yelling at the top of his lungs. "Uwaaaa! Uwaaaa!! Eaaahhh!" He continued making several noises until one of the guards turned around. "Listen you, our Lord wants you to forge him a new sword, and he said he will have our throats if we did not return with you." "And who is this person?" "His name is Lord Sesshomaru, and he will live up to his word. Now, you will sit still and shut that trap of yours before-"
"Totosai! You're still here! Great!" Kagome appeared before the arguing men. "Kagome? Ah, Lady Kagome! What brings you here?" "I have come to set you free." "Look miss, I'm very sorry, but we can't allow that. We have strict orders to take this man to our Lord." "I'm sorry too, but you're going to have to tell Lord Sesshomaru that he won't be getting his man, because I have the money to pay for his freedom." She held out the satin pouch, slowly drawing the string so the money could be displayed. All the eyes around them gawked at the sight. "What money!" "Now, will you set him free?" One of the guards began to move forward, but was instantly stopped by another. "I ask that you forgive me, but nothing will grant this man his freedom." "But... we need him back! Give him to us! He's part of our family! How could you just take family away form someone?" Tears came to her eyes as she pounded the guard in the chest. Because of his armor, there was little affect.
Not too far away, a pair of amber eyes was watching all of the commotion. 'There's a way to get his freedom, and I'm the one to do it.' He smirked as he approached the people, his silver hair glimmering from the sun's rays.
"Please, give him back! Take me instead! He has family at home. Don't you cruel men understand?" Totosai watched from the cage, listening to her words. He felt like crying himself. He had no idea that they cared for him so much. "I beg you, take me instead!" "Look lady, I can't grant you-"
"Set him free." All eyes was directed to the cause of the voice. Standing on top of the cage was a man, but he wasn't a full man. He had dog- like ears, a claws like a dog's. His hair was silver like the moon, and his eyes were golden like the afternoon sun. 'You?' Kagome watched in shock as he did a flip in the air, landing winsomely on his feet.
"L-Lord Inuyasha! What brings you out here?" The guards carefully set the cage down and bowed on their knees. "Grant the lady's wish, and set the old geezer free. If she is willing to give her own life for him, then he must be important." "But my Lord, Lord Sesshomaru said-" "I don't care what he said. Do as I say, or I will punish you." "Uh... yes my Lord." The guards quickly rose to their feet and rushed to the cage, doing their best to undo the lock as fast as they could. "Here, your freedom sir." "That's..." As he jumped out, he bonked the leader of the guards on his head. "...Lord Totosai to you. Hmph." He quickly moved from the cage and was by Kagome's side. "It's so good to see you." He turned towards Inuyasha and slightly bowed. "Thank you my Lord for granting us our wishes. Let's be off!"
Kagome watched Inuyasha as he gazed at them. 'So, the mysterious apple boy is Inuyasha.' A weak smile formed over her face as Totosai grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her away. "Come on!" "Hehe, coming!" She glanced once more towards Inuyasha, and then followed the old man.
"Wait." Kagome came to a halt as she heard his voice. "Totosai, you go ahead. I'll be right there." She slowly turned around and was met by the deep golden gaze of Inuyasha. "Yes?" "Who are you? I have never seen you here before, and I'm suppose to know everyone, whether I want to or not." His eyes followed along her body, and suddenly stopped at her neck. A glistening, pink orb caught his eye. 'The Shikkon no Tama? But how does she have it?'
"Uh, excuse me, but my name is K... Lady Kagome." She didn't want him to know she was a servant, so she told a little lie. She realized he was gazing at her necklace, and slowly removed it, making sure only their eyes could see it. "I see this interests you. Its very beautiful, isn't it?" "Yes it is..." 'And powerful. My dreams of becoming a full-fledged demon could come true if I had this in my grip. I must figure out a way to get it.' "Lady Kagome, I am pleased to have met you. My name is Lord Inuyasha, and I am the Prince of the Western Lands." 'Prince? Oh dear, I lied to the Prince!' Her cheeks blushed red as she realized that. "Lady Kagome, it was nice talking to you, but I must go." "I guess, a prince probably has a lot of duties to attend to." "Sort of." He slowly turned away, his eyes still watching the jewel. 'I can use her to get to it.' "Maybe we'll meet again someday?" "Hm? Uh...maybe." She had no idea what was going on in his head, but something was going on in her heart.
"I'd like that very much." She smiled and began walking away. His eyes widened when he noticed the look in her eyes. "Uh, yeah." 'Once I have the jewel, my wish will come true.'
'Inuyasha, what a beautiful name. I do hope we meet again, very soon.' She placed her hand to her chest as she raced home, an image of the handsome hanyou deluging her mind.
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A/N: Was it good? I thought the part about the jewel was pretty interesting. I was watching that episode last night, so ideas came to my head. Hehe, I hope they were good! About Inuyasha and the jewel, don't worry. It's all the start of a fairytale romance! You'll like it!
The next chapter is called, "It Must Be Love." Sound interesting? I hope so! It's going to be great if it follows my plans!
One more thing before I go... do any of you like to role-play? My friend has an Inuyasha role-playing guild, and it's a blast! It's kinda addictive too! *hehe* If you're interested, e-mail me at: inuyashamoon@yahoo.com, and I'll give you the sight and any other information you'll need to know! You should join; it's really great! Until next time, Ja ne!
~KittyBell~ (my nickname, don't ask. ^_^;;)
Chapter 4: Of Money and People
Kagome raced happily through her family's fields. She was getting a small break from her hard work, and she would live it up to its fullest. One of her favorite things to do was swim, and that's exactly where she was heading.
"Ahh, a nice relaxing swim is just what I need to cool off." A sigh of relief escaped her mouth as her body slipped beneath the surface of the cold waters. The lapping water rose to her chin as she leaned against the bare surface of a rock. As she sat there, she began fiddling with the necklace her father had given her.
"So, you're the Shikkon no Tama, supposedly a powerful jewel wanted by many demons. If you're so great in power, then why hasn't a demon come after it yet?" "How can you be certain one hasn't already tried?" Her heart jumped to her throat as her face turned ghost white. Chills flowed down her back in continuous waves. Her hands began to shake as the mysterious voice filled her ears.
"You are the protector of the jewel, so people will try and steal it through you." "W-w-who's t-t-there?" She turned her head, glancing in all directions. However, no one was in sight. "Ok, whoever you are, come out and reveal yourself. You're starting to creep me out!" She placed the jewel in the palm of her hand and held it close, as if never letting go. "If you're a demon after the jewel, you may as well give up because I'm trained in the arts of archery! I'll take your butt down within seconds!" "There's no need to be forceful. I'm here to simply help you." Her eyes continued to scan the area, searching for any sign of life. Suddenly, the jewel in her hand began to glow a vibrant color, so bright that it nearly blinded her.
"Ok, what's going on here?" A small shriek came from her mouth as the jewel's light swallowed her whole. No longer was she in the cool water, relaxing and enjoying the refreshing air, but a beautiful, rosy light now surrounded her. "Where am I?"
"This is known as a priestess's orb, or a type of barrier only known to a priestess." Kagome's head slowly turned when she heard the cause of the voice. Standing only feet before her in a white, shimmering gown, was a beautiful young woman with hair as black as night itself, and grayish blue pools of eyes softer and gentler than a baby's. "W-w-who are you?" A calming smile rolled over her lips as she approached Kagome. "I am known as a mighty priestess, one with the gift to purify a demon's soul. The Shikkon no Tama, the jewel in which you hold in your hands, was created and born from the depths of my very soul. My name is Madoriko. I died centuries ago during a gruesome battle against a vile demon. The battle lasted for days and nights, a never-ending charade against a priestess who tried her very best to purify this demon's soul. But I was unable to, so I dug deep within; I reached into the far depths of my soul, and the Shikkon no Tama emerged." She took another step forward and placed two fingers upon Kagome's forehead. She slightly flinched; unaware of what was about to happen.
"There is no need to fear me. You are a part of the jewel, and that is why you are able to guard it." "I'm... part of the jewel?" "The jewel is made of four souls: friendship, love, courage, and wisdom. It may not seem clear to you yet, but you will understand some day." She removed her fingers and waved them in the air, a small glimmering streak of light following the tips of her fingers. "You are the spirit of love, and it is your soul duty to seek and find the other souls so the jewel can be purified. However, I guarantee you that the other souls will be people you least expect."
"I must find the other souls? But how?" "When you find a soul of the jewel, you will know. Something deep within your heart will tell you. Then, when the four souls are together, they will form niobi." "Niobi?" "Niobi means 'one'. When the souls are together, they will unite somehow, even in real life, and a bond that can never be broken will form, whether it be love or friendship." "Love or friendship... niobi. Why are you telling me all of this?" "If the jewel is not purified, it will become tainted with malice, and then the four souls would be thrown into eternal hell. The world would slowly fade, and every life would cease to exist. The planet itself would die, and no longer will life flourish. The only living things would be darkness itself, and evil. Demons would thrive on the impurities of the planet, and the soul of it all would relish the earth's demise." "The soul, and who is this?" "He goes by the name of Naraku, and he is the one who would lead the world into eternal oblivion."
Kagome listened as the story was being told. She knew she had to guard the jewel with her life, and she had to find the souls. If the jewel were to fall into the wrong hands, her soul, along with the other three, would be tossed into the depths of hell. She didn't want to end life like that, so she would do everything in her power to find the souls and purify the jewel. "You can trust me Lady Madoriko." "I know I can. I will always be watching over, for my soul is the sacred jewel. I will be by your side; and if you need help, I will be there to guide you." A bright smile spread across her lips as the rosy colors around them began to fade. Before she left entirely, she approached Kagome once more. "I do believe you will need this, for an event today will happen that will change your life forever." She reached for Kagome's hand and placed in it a small satin bag full of money. "Oh dear, what am I suppose to do with an amount like this?" "You will see when the time comes. Please me dear, be safe." Her body vanished completely, leaving no sign of her presence behind.
Kagome watched in shock as the walls faded entirely. She was back in the stream, leaning against the same rock. Her hands were still wrapped around the jewel as her eyes gazed dead ahead, filled with utter confusion. "Freak me out! That was totally weird! Was it real though?" She glanced down at the jewel, trying to gaze within the rosy depths. "It's hard to believe, but it was real." As she began to remove herself from the waters, a woman's holler filled her ears.
"Lady Kagome! Lady Kagome! Please come here my child! Where are ye?" 'Granny Kaede, what's she doing here?' She quickly climbed out and dried herself of, placing the towel over her shoulders. "Lady Kaede, what ails you so?" The old woman raced up to her and grabbed her by the arms, gazing into her face as tears filled her aged eyes. "Please Lady Kagome, we must stop Lady Saio! She is selling Totosai in the market, and a man by the name of Sesshomaru has already wished to purchase him! We mustn't let him go, please, ye need to go help him!" "Sesshomaru?" 'Who's he? He must be someone pretty powerful if granny Kaede is this frightened. I must help him, I must get him back... but how?'
Confusion filled her face as she thought, trying to come up with a solution. Suddenly, it hit her. "I've got it! I'll buy him back! I have this money, and it should be more than plenty!" Kaede's eyes widened at the sight of the bag. "Child, where did ye get all of that?" "Oh, this? I received it from a lady named Madoriko." "Madoriko, but she passed away centuries ago during a battle with a demon." "And, she was also the person in which the jewel was born. She told a lot of valuable information. But there's no time to explain that now! I must go and save Totosai. Take care granny Kaede." She waved farewell and raced off, heading towards the village.
"Please my child, ye must hurry before it's too late! Time is not on our hands." Kaede looked towards the stream Kagome had been swimming in. 'Did she really speak to the legendary Madoriko? How would I know... that child is full of mysteries.'
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"Koga! Koga! Where are you? I need your help, and fast!" Kagome raced into a hut, nearly slipping as she came to a halt. Her eyes scanned the room, searching for the wolf demon. "Koga... get your little wolf butt out here!" She watched as head appeared through a row of kimonos. "You rang?" "Look, I really need your help. Lady Saio is selling Totosai to someone really bad. I can't allow that to happen, so I'm going to stand in front of the people, and hopefully they'll give him back with this money." She raised her hand and displayed the satin pouch. "Ouch! It's so gorgeous it's blinding me! Where in the heck did you get that?!" "I have no time to explain, now tell me what to do!" He slightly growled, annoyed that she was bossing him around.
"Now look, first of all you certainly, and will not go out before them dressed like that. So, I'm going to give you something to wear." "You'd do that for me?" He gazed into her face and slightly blushed. "Uh...yeah." He quickly looked away and walked towards some of their finest kimonos. He flipped through some, and pulled out one he thought would suit her perfect. "This one will look great on you." "Wow... it's very pretty; simple, yet pretty."
The kimono was red and white (identical to Kikyo's in the series); but instead of having red lines on the sleeves, there were a few detailed flowers, displaying grace. "Here, put this on, and I'll do your hair." "An almighty wolf demon, doing a girl's hair. Now that's something you don't see everyday." She smirked playfully as he handed her the kimono. "Eh... just put it on would ya! Sheesh. I do somethin' nice for her, but she still makes fun of me." "Don't you dare peek on me!" "Huh? Why in the world would I do a foolish and ridiculous thing like that? Are you insane woman!" "Just making sure." He walked away angrily, giving her privacy to dress.
"Ok, I'm done." Koga turned around as Kagome finished dressing. "About time, I was getting... whoa, whoa, whoa! What happened to the Kagome I knew? Is she still here?" Her cheeks went red as he commented her. "She's still here; now hurry up would ya! We don't have time." Koga removed a beautiful, ruby red, silk ribbon from a shelf. He moved behind her and began to mess with her hair. Within seconds, it was pulled back in a simple, yet elegant, loose ponytail. Two pieces of hair were left looser to slightly form around her face. "Now, one more touch and you will be ready."
He walked away and came back with a small, emerald green box. "What's in there?" "You'll see." He carefully removed the lid and pulled out a small necklace. Hanging on the necklace was a small ruby, about the size of a pebble. "Where did that come from?" "It was your mother's, and she told your father to give it to you, but he wanted me to give it to you as a birthday present on your sixteenth birthday." "Wow, it's beautiful. Thank you Koga." As soon as he put it on, she moved forward and gave him a quick hug. "Now, I've gotta go! Wish me luck!" ".....g-good l-luck...." He was quite stunned from the hug, but he liked it. He had a secret crush on her, and wouldn't tell a soul.
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"Would you people let me go! I want to go back home! I don't deserve this stupid crap." Totosai was throwing a fit as he was tossed into a large metal cage. "Were sorry sir, but-" "Don't call me sir! You will bow before me and call me Lord Totosai! Now, bow!" A look of anger and control spread across his face as he hit the bars of the cage. The guards just glowered and turned, resuming their positions. Each guard took a post of the cage and rose it, slowly walking away. "I can make this hard for you people!" Totosai smirked as he jumped up and down, making it a lot harder for them to carry it.
"Look you old geezer, we don't have time for you to be playing these games. We were given orders, and we will obey them. Now sit down before you answer to our Lord!" "Ooo... I'm horrified! Now let me go!" He jumped even harder, yelling at the top of his lungs. "Uwaaaa! Uwaaaa!! Eaaahhh!" He continued making several noises until one of the guards turned around. "Listen you, our Lord wants you to forge him a new sword, and he said he will have our throats if we did not return with you." "And who is this person?" "His name is Lord Sesshomaru, and he will live up to his word. Now, you will sit still and shut that trap of yours before-"
"Totosai! You're still here! Great!" Kagome appeared before the arguing men. "Kagome? Ah, Lady Kagome! What brings you here?" "I have come to set you free." "Look miss, I'm very sorry, but we can't allow that. We have strict orders to take this man to our Lord." "I'm sorry too, but you're going to have to tell Lord Sesshomaru that he won't be getting his man, because I have the money to pay for his freedom." She held out the satin pouch, slowly drawing the string so the money could be displayed. All the eyes around them gawked at the sight. "What money!" "Now, will you set him free?" One of the guards began to move forward, but was instantly stopped by another. "I ask that you forgive me, but nothing will grant this man his freedom." "But... we need him back! Give him to us! He's part of our family! How could you just take family away form someone?" Tears came to her eyes as she pounded the guard in the chest. Because of his armor, there was little affect.
Not too far away, a pair of amber eyes was watching all of the commotion. 'There's a way to get his freedom, and I'm the one to do it.' He smirked as he approached the people, his silver hair glimmering from the sun's rays.
"Please, give him back! Take me instead! He has family at home. Don't you cruel men understand?" Totosai watched from the cage, listening to her words. He felt like crying himself. He had no idea that they cared for him so much. "I beg you, take me instead!" "Look lady, I can't grant you-"
"Set him free." All eyes was directed to the cause of the voice. Standing on top of the cage was a man, but he wasn't a full man. He had dog- like ears, a claws like a dog's. His hair was silver like the moon, and his eyes were golden like the afternoon sun. 'You?' Kagome watched in shock as he did a flip in the air, landing winsomely on his feet.
"L-Lord Inuyasha! What brings you out here?" The guards carefully set the cage down and bowed on their knees. "Grant the lady's wish, and set the old geezer free. If she is willing to give her own life for him, then he must be important." "But my Lord, Lord Sesshomaru said-" "I don't care what he said. Do as I say, or I will punish you." "Uh... yes my Lord." The guards quickly rose to their feet and rushed to the cage, doing their best to undo the lock as fast as they could. "Here, your freedom sir." "That's..." As he jumped out, he bonked the leader of the guards on his head. "...Lord Totosai to you. Hmph." He quickly moved from the cage and was by Kagome's side. "It's so good to see you." He turned towards Inuyasha and slightly bowed. "Thank you my Lord for granting us our wishes. Let's be off!"
Kagome watched Inuyasha as he gazed at them. 'So, the mysterious apple boy is Inuyasha.' A weak smile formed over her face as Totosai grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her away. "Come on!" "Hehe, coming!" She glanced once more towards Inuyasha, and then followed the old man.
"Wait." Kagome came to a halt as she heard his voice. "Totosai, you go ahead. I'll be right there." She slowly turned around and was met by the deep golden gaze of Inuyasha. "Yes?" "Who are you? I have never seen you here before, and I'm suppose to know everyone, whether I want to or not." His eyes followed along her body, and suddenly stopped at her neck. A glistening, pink orb caught his eye. 'The Shikkon no Tama? But how does she have it?'
"Uh, excuse me, but my name is K... Lady Kagome." She didn't want him to know she was a servant, so she told a little lie. She realized he was gazing at her necklace, and slowly removed it, making sure only their eyes could see it. "I see this interests you. Its very beautiful, isn't it?" "Yes it is..." 'And powerful. My dreams of becoming a full-fledged demon could come true if I had this in my grip. I must figure out a way to get it.' "Lady Kagome, I am pleased to have met you. My name is Lord Inuyasha, and I am the Prince of the Western Lands." 'Prince? Oh dear, I lied to the Prince!' Her cheeks blushed red as she realized that. "Lady Kagome, it was nice talking to you, but I must go." "I guess, a prince probably has a lot of duties to attend to." "Sort of." He slowly turned away, his eyes still watching the jewel. 'I can use her to get to it.' "Maybe we'll meet again someday?" "Hm? Uh...maybe." She had no idea what was going on in his head, but something was going on in her heart.
"I'd like that very much." She smiled and began walking away. His eyes widened when he noticed the look in her eyes. "Uh, yeah." 'Once I have the jewel, my wish will come true.'
'Inuyasha, what a beautiful name. I do hope we meet again, very soon.' She placed her hand to her chest as she raced home, an image of the handsome hanyou deluging her mind.
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A/N: Was it good? I thought the part about the jewel was pretty interesting. I was watching that episode last night, so ideas came to my head. Hehe, I hope they were good! About Inuyasha and the jewel, don't worry. It's all the start of a fairytale romance! You'll like it!
The next chapter is called, "It Must Be Love." Sound interesting? I hope so! It's going to be great if it follows my plans!
One more thing before I go... do any of you like to role-play? My friend has an Inuyasha role-playing guild, and it's a blast! It's kinda addictive too! *hehe* If you're interested, e-mail me at: inuyashamoon@yahoo.com, and I'll give you the sight and any other information you'll need to know! You should join; it's really great! Until next time, Ja ne!
~KittyBell~ (my nickname, don't ask. ^_^;;)