Hello peoples! Actually, chapter 3 was supposed to be Dance of the Demons, but I ended up having Kagome run away from Inuyasha instead, so I had to change that.... Well, you know that I don't own anything. I only own a few *scoffs* fine, not a few manga books and one *note: the ONE* Inuyasha DVD (but I know the entire story up to volume 34!) and Gee-gee (an old torn up baby blanket that I've had since before I was born (I was 2 weeks late) and a few hair elastics. Yup, my parents own everything else, but then again, what can you expect? I'm not even 13 yet! *grumble* My 8-year old sister has her own computer and I don't. Ok, time for review responses!
gatogirl1: I also used to lose interest in long stories too, but I started writing an original story back in 7th grade (to be more specific, the February before this school year) and I forced myself to write before I realized that I really wanted to have a lot of stuff in it and it HAD to be long. After that, I started to write long stories without losing interest unless I really hadn't any interest to begin with. Kagome's the same age as in the series, 15, and Inuyasha's about 17. I don't really hear him cussing a lot in the anime either, unless they're in the middle of a battle and he's really mad and I don't wanna overdo it 'cause people don't swear THAT much in real life unless they're my age. (I think. That would be around 12-14 or something.) I'm having a little trouble putting Miroku and Sango into the fic because in the original fairy tale, the girl didn't have any good friends because she was really poor and had to work a lot. I didn't wanna keep those two out of it, so I just sort of stuck them in there. I'll be looking forward to another review from you!
ladyofthedragons1: Yeah, I'm changing it to PG-13 just in case, but like I said to gatogirl1, it's pretty unlikely that I'll get carried away 'cause I generally don't like to swear. I pretty much do it as often as Miroku does, and that's only when I'm really really pissed.
katy: You reviewed me again! *glomp* Last chapter was supposed to be this chapter, but I already said that in my AN, so you probably already know. Can I ask you to do one thing? Can you give me a slightly longer review so I can get to know you if just a little? You can be totally random and not comment on my fic at all 'cause that's what I do when I review people. You don't have to, but I'd like it if you did.
Chapter 4
Dance of the Demons
(It was gonna be Dance of the Youkai, but it sounds better with the alliteration.)
Hojou sat on a rock wearily and rubbed his feet. Though a rather wealthy merchant, he still preferred to travel by himself at times. He didn't want to endanger anyone's health. He looked up to observe his surroundings and let out a breath of relief when he spotted a quaint little town. It was tucked in-between forest trees on one side and a running blue stream curving its way until it turned and disappeared in the green leaves of the forest. The side facing him was open and seemed inviting to any tired traveler looking for a place to stay. Hojou hauled himself up and dragged him self towards the town.
Sango and Kagome sat together in Kagome's room as the two talked and spun happily. Kagome and Kikyo were constantly working and never had any time to rest, so Sango spent her free time helping the widow and orphan with their chores.
"So then he gropes me and has this serious look on his face," Sango described,
"Right after I slap him, he always says something like, 'It was worth it' or anything remotely similar to that. Of course, then he sees some other girl and runs off and gropes her. Then I have to apologize for him and smack him around a bit."
"Oh?" Kagome raised an eyebrow and smirked, "You do realize that you like him."
"K-Kagome!" Sango cried, tangling the threads, "I-I d-don't l-l-like MIROKU!" the poor string was a huge array of knots (I'm probably getting this all wrong, but I've never spun before), "He's a letch and a pervert!"
"Oh please," Kagome rolled her eyes, "You know you like him, even if he's a letch. Besides, he's just hitting on you and other girls 'cause he just doesn't know how to approach you a different way."
Sango was heated enough to supply the town with a year's worth of heat before she answered smugly, "And I suppose that his grandfather and father didn't know how to approach their wives either?"
Kagome stopped to think about that for a while before answering casually, "Yeah, I guess it's possible."
Sango sighed. She knew that she was stronger physically, but Kagome normally was the girl who won the verbal fights. Oh well, she DID like Miroku, she just didn't want to admit it...yet. (Yes, I know, stupid argument, but I'm really bad at arguments too.)
Miroku came in that minute and sat down in a chair with the girls.
"Hey, didn't your mother ever teach you how to knock?" Kagome asked.
"Let me think," Miroku feigned deep thought before answering, "Yes, I believe she did, but I'm practically your brother. I thought I was part of your family."
Kagome raised an eyebrow but laughed anyway. "As long as you keep your hands to yourself..." she didn't fail to notice the hand inching slowly towards Sango, "you're welcome to come in."
"Thank you, Kagome," Miroku bowed and sat down again.
"Hey," Sango tossed some cards and wool at him, "just 'cause you're allowed in the house doesn't mean that you can slack off. Do something useful and card the wool."
"Gladly, my dear Sango," he responded and set about carding the wool. They worked in silence for a while, just enjoying the company of the others (that's harder than it sounds) when there was a knock on the door. Kagome got up from her seat to answer the door.
Standing on the doorstep was a man wearing not so humble clothes with sandy hair and green eyes (correct me if I got that wrong). "May I help you?" Kagome asked politely.
"Yes please," the man answered, "My name is Hojou and if you could spare a little food for a weary traveler, I'll be very grateful."
"Sure," Kagome opened the door wider, "Come in and sit down. Let me tell my stepmother and friends." With that, she left. Not long after, the five could be seen seated around a small table, sharing a few snacks except Hojou who was eating quite a bit.
After the "meal" Kagome, Sango, and Miroku got up to tend the small garden in the back and Kikyo was left to talk with Hojou.
"So you come from a family of merchants?" Kikyo asked.
"Yes ma'am," Hojou answered, "May I ask of your stepdaughter?"
"Go ahead."
"Well," Hojou started, "She seems to be a very charming girl. I was wondering if I would be allowed to court her. I'd offer her wealth and a happy life and I'll send you money every week and make sure that you are looked after."
Kikyou was delighted. Her precious Kagome was going to be courted by a rich merchant and be hopefully happier when wed. She just wanted to make sure that Kagome would agree with the arrangement. "It's alright with me," Kikyo beamed, "if it's alright with Kagome. I want her to be happy."
Hojou nodded. "Should I ask her or will you?"
"I will," Kikyou offered, "Follow the road that way, skip the first two intersections then turn left. You should find an inn."
"Thank you," Hojou bowed, "I wish you good health."
Kikyo bowed back and closed the door behind her. She opened the back door and found Miroku weeding with a red handprint on his cheek while Sango gave him death glares from the opposite side and Kagome was calmly watering the vegetables as if nothing had happened that was out of ordinary. "Sango, Miroku," Kikyou coughed to get attention, "It's getting late. You should probably go home right now."
"Sure," Sango and Miroku bowed to Kikyou, "Thank you for having us."
"No problem," Kikyo bowed back, "You help us a lot and we appreciate it. Right, Kagome?"
"Yeah," Kagome looked up, "Thanks guys."
"Anytime," Sango waved as she and Miroku departed.
"What did you wanna tell me?" Kagome asked her stepmother.
"I have wonderful news!" Kikyo practically shouted, "Hojou has asked to seek your hand in marriage! He promises to provide you with anything that you'll need and you can live in comfort for the rest of your life!"
"But..." Kagome was a little shocked of Kikyo's outburst, "what about you? I couldn't leave you behind in this little house all alone."
"Don't worry," Kikyou was talking rather fast now, "Hojou said that he would send me money every week and see that I'm taken care of."
Kagome hesitated before, "If you'll live happily, then I'll agree to marry Hojou."
"Oh, Kagome," Kikyo sighed, "I don't want you to be unhappy if you don't have to be. You can turn him down."
"No, it's ok," Kagome smiled, "It'll be the perfect life and right choice for both of us, ne?"
"If you say so..." Kikyou wasn't sure, but cheered up immediately, "I'll tell Hojou tomorrow."
Kagome nodded and smiled as Kikyou ran off happily. The truth was, it was going to be a good life for her and to any other person it would have probably been an immediate 'yes', so why did she feel guilty? She didn't belong or love another person, so why was she so hesitant to marry this rich, kind, and not to mention attractive man?
Suddenly, she was seized by an invisible force, dragging and yanking her towards the forest. This time, however, it was much stronger than before and she didn't have time to even tell Kikyou where she was going as her feet refused to obey her command and walked with a mind of their own. Once in the shadows, she practically flew through the forest and skidded to a stop in front of the Goshinboku. Sitting between the large tangles of roots was Inuyasha sitting Indian style with crossed arms and a scowl in place. "Inuyasha!" Kagome cried and flung her arms around his neck.
Inuyasha was shocked (no duh) and hesitantly wrapped his arms around Kagome. He held her for a moment then he smelled salt and something wet on his shoulder.
"I'm so sorry for yelling at you last time!" Kagome cried, "I didn't mean it when I said that I wanted to forget about you. I-I-yes!"
Inuyasha was totally confused by now and asked, "What?"
"I said yes!" Kagome looked at him straight in the face, "I'll go to the gathering with you."
"About time!" Inuyasha tried to cover up his pleasure with annoyance, "The gathering's tonight."
"When are we leaving?"
Inuyasha crouched. "Get on."
Kagome obeyed and clambered on to his back and enjoyed the feel of the wind in her hair. (*sighs dreamily* I love that feeling!) Soon, they arrived in a meadow in the heart of the forest. Kagome held her breath at the sight. There were demons EVERYWHERE. Bird youkai sang, some male youkai sparred, children played tag, and couples danced. All around, fireflies fluttered (Alliteration! Ok, shutting up) and made the clearing glow, showing off its natural beauty.
"Do you..." Inuyasha shifted under her silence, "like it?"
"Inuyasha..." Kagome's eyes reflected the gorgeous scene before her, "it's...beautiful." She snapped out of her trance suddenly and grabbing Inuyasha's hand, dragged him onto the dance floor-er-area of grass...thing. Of course, he didn't know how to dance.
"Oi!" he whispered, "Can we do something else?"
"What? Why?" Kagome complained, "Are you afraid of a little dancing?"
"N-no!" Inuyasha's cheeks were tinged pink, "I-it's just-"
"Shhh." Kagome put a finger on his lips, "Let me teach you." At that moment, a new song was just beginning to be sung. (Funny. I never planned for this to be a song fic. *shrugs* Oh well.)
Kitto kitto bokutachi wa
ikiru hodo ni shitteyuku
soshite soshite bokutachi wa
ikiru hodo ni wasureteku
Probably, probably we
Learn as we live
And then we
Forget as we live
She took his arms and wrapped them around her waist. "No, just rest them on my hips," she whispered and he silently obeyed, the pink tint appearing again.
Hajimari ga aru mono ni wa
Istu no hi ka owari mo aru koto
Iki toshi ikeru mono nara
Sono subete ni
Things with a beginning
Well end someday
If you can go to the next
Putting everything
"You're so tense," she noted as she wrapped her arms around his neck, "Just relax."
Moshimo kono sekai ga shousha to haisha to no
Futastu kiri ni wakareru nara
Aa boku wa haisha de ii
Itsu datte haisha de itai n da
If this world, the winners and losers
If it will split into two
I want to be the loser
I want to be the loser always
Sighing, Kagome rested her head against Inuyasha's firm chest. He hoped that she didn't hear his heart beating as fast as it was, though he knew that was very unlikely.
Kitto kitto bokutachi wa
Kanashii hodo ni utsukushiku
Yue ni yue ni bokutachi wa
Kanashii hodo ni kegareteku
Probably, probably we
Are beautiful so much, we are sad
As time passes, we
Get contaminated so much, we are sad
Recently, Kagome had been confusing him. Every time he thought about her, he felt a fluttering in his chest and his body seemed to be full of warmth. It was something that he didn't understand, and he didn't like it when he didn't understand something, but this was different. He never wanted the warmth to leave. He wanted to be filled with it forever. It wasn't enough. He felt like he needed something more.
Mamoru beki mono no tame ni
Kyou mo mata nanika o gisei ni
Iki toshi ikeru mono no tachi
Sono subete ga
For the things that must be protected
I sacrifice something again today
Those going to the next
All of that
Kagome sighed in contentment. She felt so comfortable and safe in Inuyasha's arms. Secretly, she hoped that this moment would never end. She hoped that she could stay in that clearing in his arms listening to his heartbeat for eternity.
Moshimo kno sekai ga shousha to haisha to no
Futatsu kiri ni wakareru nara
Aa boku wa haisha de ii
Itsu datte haisha de itai n da
If this world, the winners and losers
If it will split into two
I want to be the loser
I want to be a loser always
Finally, Inuyasha relaxed fully and he gently lowered his head until his cheek was pressed against Kagome's hair. 'So soft...' he thought with closed eyes, 'When did she become so soft?'
Boku wa kimi ni nani o tsutaerareru darou
Konna chippoki de chisana boku de shika nai
Ima wa kori ijou hanasu no wa yametoku yo
Kotoba wa sou amari ni mo
Toki ni muryoki dakara
What can I tell you?
Only being such a small self
I won't tell you more now
Because the words are so
Weak against time
The song ended with cheers and the kitsune yasha swept an elegant bow before stepping down from the rock that she was singing on, leaving the stage for another to perform. People were shoved forward in the crowd as youkai were encouraged to sing the next song so others could dance. Suddenly, Kagome appeared on the rock and she yelled, "Inuyasha!
I don't wanna!"
"Too bad, Kagome!" he yelled back, "Once you're on, you can't get off unless ya wanna be attacked by your audience!"
Unfortunately for Kagome, they all agreed. 'Inuyasha, you're gonna pay dearly for this!' She quickly thought of a song that she had heard and started:
DaiKARAI datta sobakasu wo
chotto
hitonadeshite TAMEiki wo hitotsu
HEBI- kyuu no koi wa migoto ni
kakuzatou to issho ni toketa
Passing my hand over freckles that I once hated
I sigh.
The heavy weight of love melts completely,
Just like a sugar cube.
The youkai fell silent as they listened to the human girl sing. She was quite good
and they were awed by how fast she could sing the verse.
Mae yori mo motto yaseta muni ni chotto
"CHIKU" tto sasaru TOGE ga ITAI
Hoshiuranai mo ate ni naranai wa
Thorns give me sharp pain in my wounded
Heart more than before.
I can't believe what a fortune-teller told me.
Everybody snapped back to reality and started to dance to the faster and more upbeat song. Inuyasha, not feeling like dancing alone, stepped off to the side and joined the group of listeners.
Motto tooku made
Issho ni yuketara nee
ureshikute sore dake de
If we can be together
As much as possible, you know,
I would be happy without anything else.
The words came much slower now, but the rythym was still as fast as ever.
Omoide wa itsumo KIREI dakedo
Sore dake ja onaka ga suku wa
Hontou wa sestunai yoru na no ni
Doushite kashira?
Ano hito no egao mo omoidasenai no
Memories are always beautiful, however
That will not stop my hunger.
This night is gonna be a lonely one for me, but
I wonder why, though?
I can't even remember his smiling face.
'I hope she doesn't mean that,' the thought suddenly popped into Inuyasha's head before he realized what he had thought. 'Stupid!' he scolded himself, 'When did you care if she remembered you or not?'
'I don't know, but you were the one who brought her to the gathering,' the voice pointed out.
Kagome skipped the instrumental of the song and continued:
Kowashite naoshite wakatte'ru no ni
Sore ga atashi no seikaku dakara
Modokashii kimochi de ayafuya no mama de
Soredemo II koi wo shite kita
I understand breaking apart and putting back
Together,
Since that's my personality.
With impatient feelings and uncertainty,
But nevertheless capable of good love.
Kagome laughed inwardly. Who would have thought that she was actually enjoying herself on stage. She rarely sang anymore and was discovering the joy of a melody flowing from your lips.
Omoikiri aketa
Hidari mimi no PIASU ni wa nee
Waraenai EPISO-DO
I pierced
My left ear wide open...Hey!
I can't laugh about that episode.
'What's an episode?' was going through the heads of the youkai when she mentioned the strange word in the song.
Sobakasu no kazu wo kazoete miru
Yogoreta nuigurumi daite
Mune wo sasu TOGE wa kienai kedo
KAERU-chan mo USAGI-chan mo
Waratte kureru no
Trying to count the number of freckles
Hugging my dirty stuffed animals,
The thorn piercing my breast won't disappear, but
Froggie and bunnie
Smile and comfort me.
At that, all the frog and bunny youkai looked up.
Omoide wa itsumo KIREI dakedo
Sore dake ja onaka ga suku no
Hontou wa setsunai yoru na no ni
Doushite kashira?
Ano hito no namida mo omoidasenai no
Omoidaseni no
Memories are always beautiful, however
That will not stop my hunger.
This night is gonna be a lonely one for me, but
I wonder why, though?
I can't even remember his smiling face.
'What a weird song,' Inuyasha thought, 'The words are so sad, but the melody's so cheerful.'
Wooah...
la da la la la la...
Doushite na no?
The applause for Kagome rivaled the applause for the earlier kitsune as she hopped down and was automatically surrounded by youkai.
"Hi, I'm Koga," a wolf youkai with blue eyes and black hair tied back in a high ponytail sidled up to her, "Wanna dance to the next song?"
"Um..."
"Too bad, wimpy wolf," Inuyasha cut in, "She's with me."
"Aww, c'mon," Koga was really getting on Inuyasha's nerves now as he flirted with Kagome, "Wouldn't you like a REAL youkai instead of dog breath over there?"
Kagome remained polite as she answered, "I'm sorry, but I really am with Inuyasha and I'm feeling tired right now. Excuse me." With that, she took Inuyasha's hand in her own and led him away from the clearing. "Can we go back to the Goshinboku?"
"Sure."
The couple (*dies of happiness*) was soon flying through the air again and they sat together on the roots of the ancient tree.
"Inuyasha."
"Hmm?"
Kagome opened and closed her mouth, looking like a fish before she blurted out, "I'm getting married!"
Inuyasha's eyes widened for a split second before narrowing into slits as he growled, "Who is it? I'll rip him to shreds."
"No!" Kagome insisted before her voice softened, "I think it'll be better if we don't meet again. I'll leave and-"
"Don't even finish that sentence," he growled, "I'm not letting anyone take you away from me! Especially not that bastard!"
"Inuyasha..." Kagome whispered. She looked and sounded so sad that Inuyasha stopped yelling and listened. "Every time I leave the forest," she explained, "I forget you and what I did with you." She looked up with shining and bright eyes, "I don't want to forget! Please, is there anything that you can do to remember you?"
Inuyasha's golden gaze pierced through Kagome's chocolate one and before Kagome could do anything, she felt his lips upon hers in a chaste kiss. She closed her eyes and kissed him back. Time seemed to freeze right then and there. It could have lasted for a minute or an eternity, but none of that mattered. All that mattered was that he was kissing her, and she wanted to let him feel how much she enjoyed it. However, all good things must come to an end, and the two had to part. (*groans*)
Silently, Inuyasha cut four strands of silvery hair, braided them into a thin string, and tied it around Kagome's finger. "If you ever want me," he whispered sadly into her ear, "Just call my name. When you look at the ring, remember me. You're mine, Kagome. I hope I'm yours." After the short message, he bounded away.
Kagome stayed at that spot for a moment before she pulled herself up and walked back home.
*serious* This is the longest chapter I've ever written. *screams happily* I WROTE A CHAPTER THAT WAS 11 PAGES LONG! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, I spent 2 hours writing this chapter, so you better appreciate it! I nearly died of happiness for finally having some good fluff between Inu and Kagome in this fic. Y' know, it's strange. I support Inu/Kag the most, but I started out writing Sango/Mir fics. Weird huh?
gatogirl1: I also used to lose interest in long stories too, but I started writing an original story back in 7th grade (to be more specific, the February before this school year) and I forced myself to write before I realized that I really wanted to have a lot of stuff in it and it HAD to be long. After that, I started to write long stories without losing interest unless I really hadn't any interest to begin with. Kagome's the same age as in the series, 15, and Inuyasha's about 17. I don't really hear him cussing a lot in the anime either, unless they're in the middle of a battle and he's really mad and I don't wanna overdo it 'cause people don't swear THAT much in real life unless they're my age. (I think. That would be around 12-14 or something.) I'm having a little trouble putting Miroku and Sango into the fic because in the original fairy tale, the girl didn't have any good friends because she was really poor and had to work a lot. I didn't wanna keep those two out of it, so I just sort of stuck them in there. I'll be looking forward to another review from you!
ladyofthedragons1: Yeah, I'm changing it to PG-13 just in case, but like I said to gatogirl1, it's pretty unlikely that I'll get carried away 'cause I generally don't like to swear. I pretty much do it as often as Miroku does, and that's only when I'm really really pissed.
katy: You reviewed me again! *glomp* Last chapter was supposed to be this chapter, but I already said that in my AN, so you probably already know. Can I ask you to do one thing? Can you give me a slightly longer review so I can get to know you if just a little? You can be totally random and not comment on my fic at all 'cause that's what I do when I review people. You don't have to, but I'd like it if you did.
Chapter 4
Dance of the Demons
(It was gonna be Dance of the Youkai, but it sounds better with the alliteration.)
Hojou sat on a rock wearily and rubbed his feet. Though a rather wealthy merchant, he still preferred to travel by himself at times. He didn't want to endanger anyone's health. He looked up to observe his surroundings and let out a breath of relief when he spotted a quaint little town. It was tucked in-between forest trees on one side and a running blue stream curving its way until it turned and disappeared in the green leaves of the forest. The side facing him was open and seemed inviting to any tired traveler looking for a place to stay. Hojou hauled himself up and dragged him self towards the town.
Sango and Kagome sat together in Kagome's room as the two talked and spun happily. Kagome and Kikyo were constantly working and never had any time to rest, so Sango spent her free time helping the widow and orphan with their chores.
"So then he gropes me and has this serious look on his face," Sango described,
"Right after I slap him, he always says something like, 'It was worth it' or anything remotely similar to that. Of course, then he sees some other girl and runs off and gropes her. Then I have to apologize for him and smack him around a bit."
"Oh?" Kagome raised an eyebrow and smirked, "You do realize that you like him."
"K-Kagome!" Sango cried, tangling the threads, "I-I d-don't l-l-like MIROKU!" the poor string was a huge array of knots (I'm probably getting this all wrong, but I've never spun before), "He's a letch and a pervert!"
"Oh please," Kagome rolled her eyes, "You know you like him, even if he's a letch. Besides, he's just hitting on you and other girls 'cause he just doesn't know how to approach you a different way."
Sango was heated enough to supply the town with a year's worth of heat before she answered smugly, "And I suppose that his grandfather and father didn't know how to approach their wives either?"
Kagome stopped to think about that for a while before answering casually, "Yeah, I guess it's possible."
Sango sighed. She knew that she was stronger physically, but Kagome normally was the girl who won the verbal fights. Oh well, she DID like Miroku, she just didn't want to admit it...yet. (Yes, I know, stupid argument, but I'm really bad at arguments too.)
Miroku came in that minute and sat down in a chair with the girls.
"Hey, didn't your mother ever teach you how to knock?" Kagome asked.
"Let me think," Miroku feigned deep thought before answering, "Yes, I believe she did, but I'm practically your brother. I thought I was part of your family."
Kagome raised an eyebrow but laughed anyway. "As long as you keep your hands to yourself..." she didn't fail to notice the hand inching slowly towards Sango, "you're welcome to come in."
"Thank you, Kagome," Miroku bowed and sat down again.
"Hey," Sango tossed some cards and wool at him, "just 'cause you're allowed in the house doesn't mean that you can slack off. Do something useful and card the wool."
"Gladly, my dear Sango," he responded and set about carding the wool. They worked in silence for a while, just enjoying the company of the others (that's harder than it sounds) when there was a knock on the door. Kagome got up from her seat to answer the door.
Standing on the doorstep was a man wearing not so humble clothes with sandy hair and green eyes (correct me if I got that wrong). "May I help you?" Kagome asked politely.
"Yes please," the man answered, "My name is Hojou and if you could spare a little food for a weary traveler, I'll be very grateful."
"Sure," Kagome opened the door wider, "Come in and sit down. Let me tell my stepmother and friends." With that, she left. Not long after, the five could be seen seated around a small table, sharing a few snacks except Hojou who was eating quite a bit.
After the "meal" Kagome, Sango, and Miroku got up to tend the small garden in the back and Kikyo was left to talk with Hojou.
"So you come from a family of merchants?" Kikyo asked.
"Yes ma'am," Hojou answered, "May I ask of your stepdaughter?"
"Go ahead."
"Well," Hojou started, "She seems to be a very charming girl. I was wondering if I would be allowed to court her. I'd offer her wealth and a happy life and I'll send you money every week and make sure that you are looked after."
Kikyou was delighted. Her precious Kagome was going to be courted by a rich merchant and be hopefully happier when wed. She just wanted to make sure that Kagome would agree with the arrangement. "It's alright with me," Kikyo beamed, "if it's alright with Kagome. I want her to be happy."
Hojou nodded. "Should I ask her or will you?"
"I will," Kikyou offered, "Follow the road that way, skip the first two intersections then turn left. You should find an inn."
"Thank you," Hojou bowed, "I wish you good health."
Kikyo bowed back and closed the door behind her. She opened the back door and found Miroku weeding with a red handprint on his cheek while Sango gave him death glares from the opposite side and Kagome was calmly watering the vegetables as if nothing had happened that was out of ordinary. "Sango, Miroku," Kikyou coughed to get attention, "It's getting late. You should probably go home right now."
"Sure," Sango and Miroku bowed to Kikyou, "Thank you for having us."
"No problem," Kikyo bowed back, "You help us a lot and we appreciate it. Right, Kagome?"
"Yeah," Kagome looked up, "Thanks guys."
"Anytime," Sango waved as she and Miroku departed.
"What did you wanna tell me?" Kagome asked her stepmother.
"I have wonderful news!" Kikyo practically shouted, "Hojou has asked to seek your hand in marriage! He promises to provide you with anything that you'll need and you can live in comfort for the rest of your life!"
"But..." Kagome was a little shocked of Kikyo's outburst, "what about you? I couldn't leave you behind in this little house all alone."
"Don't worry," Kikyou was talking rather fast now, "Hojou said that he would send me money every week and see that I'm taken care of."
Kagome hesitated before, "If you'll live happily, then I'll agree to marry Hojou."
"Oh, Kagome," Kikyo sighed, "I don't want you to be unhappy if you don't have to be. You can turn him down."
"No, it's ok," Kagome smiled, "It'll be the perfect life and right choice for both of us, ne?"
"If you say so..." Kikyou wasn't sure, but cheered up immediately, "I'll tell Hojou tomorrow."
Kagome nodded and smiled as Kikyou ran off happily. The truth was, it was going to be a good life for her and to any other person it would have probably been an immediate 'yes', so why did she feel guilty? She didn't belong or love another person, so why was she so hesitant to marry this rich, kind, and not to mention attractive man?
Suddenly, she was seized by an invisible force, dragging and yanking her towards the forest. This time, however, it was much stronger than before and she didn't have time to even tell Kikyou where she was going as her feet refused to obey her command and walked with a mind of their own. Once in the shadows, she practically flew through the forest and skidded to a stop in front of the Goshinboku. Sitting between the large tangles of roots was Inuyasha sitting Indian style with crossed arms and a scowl in place. "Inuyasha!" Kagome cried and flung her arms around his neck.
Inuyasha was shocked (no duh) and hesitantly wrapped his arms around Kagome. He held her for a moment then he smelled salt and something wet on his shoulder.
"I'm so sorry for yelling at you last time!" Kagome cried, "I didn't mean it when I said that I wanted to forget about you. I-I-yes!"
Inuyasha was totally confused by now and asked, "What?"
"I said yes!" Kagome looked at him straight in the face, "I'll go to the gathering with you."
"About time!" Inuyasha tried to cover up his pleasure with annoyance, "The gathering's tonight."
"When are we leaving?"
Inuyasha crouched. "Get on."
Kagome obeyed and clambered on to his back and enjoyed the feel of the wind in her hair. (*sighs dreamily* I love that feeling!) Soon, they arrived in a meadow in the heart of the forest. Kagome held her breath at the sight. There were demons EVERYWHERE. Bird youkai sang, some male youkai sparred, children played tag, and couples danced. All around, fireflies fluttered (Alliteration! Ok, shutting up) and made the clearing glow, showing off its natural beauty.
"Do you..." Inuyasha shifted under her silence, "like it?"
"Inuyasha..." Kagome's eyes reflected the gorgeous scene before her, "it's...beautiful." She snapped out of her trance suddenly and grabbing Inuyasha's hand, dragged him onto the dance floor-er-area of grass...thing. Of course, he didn't know how to dance.
"Oi!" he whispered, "Can we do something else?"
"What? Why?" Kagome complained, "Are you afraid of a little dancing?"
"N-no!" Inuyasha's cheeks were tinged pink, "I-it's just-"
"Shhh." Kagome put a finger on his lips, "Let me teach you." At that moment, a new song was just beginning to be sung. (Funny. I never planned for this to be a song fic. *shrugs* Oh well.)
Kitto kitto bokutachi wa
ikiru hodo ni shitteyuku
soshite soshite bokutachi wa
ikiru hodo ni wasureteku
Probably, probably we
Learn as we live
And then we
Forget as we live
She took his arms and wrapped them around her waist. "No, just rest them on my hips," she whispered and he silently obeyed, the pink tint appearing again.
Hajimari ga aru mono ni wa
Istu no hi ka owari mo aru koto
Iki toshi ikeru mono nara
Sono subete ni
Things with a beginning
Well end someday
If you can go to the next
Putting everything
"You're so tense," she noted as she wrapped her arms around his neck, "Just relax."
Moshimo kono sekai ga shousha to haisha to no
Futastu kiri ni wakareru nara
Aa boku wa haisha de ii
Itsu datte haisha de itai n da
If this world, the winners and losers
If it will split into two
I want to be the loser
I want to be the loser always
Sighing, Kagome rested her head against Inuyasha's firm chest. He hoped that she didn't hear his heart beating as fast as it was, though he knew that was very unlikely.
Kitto kitto bokutachi wa
Kanashii hodo ni utsukushiku
Yue ni yue ni bokutachi wa
Kanashii hodo ni kegareteku
Probably, probably we
Are beautiful so much, we are sad
As time passes, we
Get contaminated so much, we are sad
Recently, Kagome had been confusing him. Every time he thought about her, he felt a fluttering in his chest and his body seemed to be full of warmth. It was something that he didn't understand, and he didn't like it when he didn't understand something, but this was different. He never wanted the warmth to leave. He wanted to be filled with it forever. It wasn't enough. He felt like he needed something more.
Mamoru beki mono no tame ni
Kyou mo mata nanika o gisei ni
Iki toshi ikeru mono no tachi
Sono subete ga
For the things that must be protected
I sacrifice something again today
Those going to the next
All of that
Kagome sighed in contentment. She felt so comfortable and safe in Inuyasha's arms. Secretly, she hoped that this moment would never end. She hoped that she could stay in that clearing in his arms listening to his heartbeat for eternity.
Moshimo kno sekai ga shousha to haisha to no
Futatsu kiri ni wakareru nara
Aa boku wa haisha de ii
Itsu datte haisha de itai n da
If this world, the winners and losers
If it will split into two
I want to be the loser
I want to be a loser always
Finally, Inuyasha relaxed fully and he gently lowered his head until his cheek was pressed against Kagome's hair. 'So soft...' he thought with closed eyes, 'When did she become so soft?'
Boku wa kimi ni nani o tsutaerareru darou
Konna chippoki de chisana boku de shika nai
Ima wa kori ijou hanasu no wa yametoku yo
Kotoba wa sou amari ni mo
Toki ni muryoki dakara
What can I tell you?
Only being such a small self
I won't tell you more now
Because the words are so
Weak against time
The song ended with cheers and the kitsune yasha swept an elegant bow before stepping down from the rock that she was singing on, leaving the stage for another to perform. People were shoved forward in the crowd as youkai were encouraged to sing the next song so others could dance. Suddenly, Kagome appeared on the rock and she yelled, "Inuyasha!
I don't wanna!"
"Too bad, Kagome!" he yelled back, "Once you're on, you can't get off unless ya wanna be attacked by your audience!"
Unfortunately for Kagome, they all agreed. 'Inuyasha, you're gonna pay dearly for this!' She quickly thought of a song that she had heard and started:
DaiKARAI datta sobakasu wo
chotto
hitonadeshite TAMEiki wo hitotsu
HEBI- kyuu no koi wa migoto ni
kakuzatou to issho ni toketa
Passing my hand over freckles that I once hated
I sigh.
The heavy weight of love melts completely,
Just like a sugar cube.
The youkai fell silent as they listened to the human girl sing. She was quite good
and they were awed by how fast she could sing the verse.
Mae yori mo motto yaseta muni ni chotto
"CHIKU" tto sasaru TOGE ga ITAI
Hoshiuranai mo ate ni naranai wa
Thorns give me sharp pain in my wounded
Heart more than before.
I can't believe what a fortune-teller told me.
Everybody snapped back to reality and started to dance to the faster and more upbeat song. Inuyasha, not feeling like dancing alone, stepped off to the side and joined the group of listeners.
Motto tooku made
Issho ni yuketara nee
ureshikute sore dake de
If we can be together
As much as possible, you know,
I would be happy without anything else.
The words came much slower now, but the rythym was still as fast as ever.
Omoide wa itsumo KIREI dakedo
Sore dake ja onaka ga suku wa
Hontou wa sestunai yoru na no ni
Doushite kashira?
Ano hito no egao mo omoidasenai no
Memories are always beautiful, however
That will not stop my hunger.
This night is gonna be a lonely one for me, but
I wonder why, though?
I can't even remember his smiling face.
'I hope she doesn't mean that,' the thought suddenly popped into Inuyasha's head before he realized what he had thought. 'Stupid!' he scolded himself, 'When did you care if she remembered you or not?'
'I don't know, but you were the one who brought her to the gathering,' the voice pointed out.
Kagome skipped the instrumental of the song and continued:
Kowashite naoshite wakatte'ru no ni
Sore ga atashi no seikaku dakara
Modokashii kimochi de ayafuya no mama de
Soredemo II koi wo shite kita
I understand breaking apart and putting back
Together,
Since that's my personality.
With impatient feelings and uncertainty,
But nevertheless capable of good love.
Kagome laughed inwardly. Who would have thought that she was actually enjoying herself on stage. She rarely sang anymore and was discovering the joy of a melody flowing from your lips.
Omoikiri aketa
Hidari mimi no PIASU ni wa nee
Waraenai EPISO-DO
I pierced
My left ear wide open...Hey!
I can't laugh about that episode.
'What's an episode?' was going through the heads of the youkai when she mentioned the strange word in the song.
Sobakasu no kazu wo kazoete miru
Yogoreta nuigurumi daite
Mune wo sasu TOGE wa kienai kedo
KAERU-chan mo USAGI-chan mo
Waratte kureru no
Trying to count the number of freckles
Hugging my dirty stuffed animals,
The thorn piercing my breast won't disappear, but
Froggie and bunnie
Smile and comfort me.
At that, all the frog and bunny youkai looked up.
Omoide wa itsumo KIREI dakedo
Sore dake ja onaka ga suku no
Hontou wa setsunai yoru na no ni
Doushite kashira?
Ano hito no namida mo omoidasenai no
Omoidaseni no
Memories are always beautiful, however
That will not stop my hunger.
This night is gonna be a lonely one for me, but
I wonder why, though?
I can't even remember his smiling face.
'What a weird song,' Inuyasha thought, 'The words are so sad, but the melody's so cheerful.'
Wooah...
la da la la la la...
Doushite na no?
The applause for Kagome rivaled the applause for the earlier kitsune as she hopped down and was automatically surrounded by youkai.
"Hi, I'm Koga," a wolf youkai with blue eyes and black hair tied back in a high ponytail sidled up to her, "Wanna dance to the next song?"
"Um..."
"Too bad, wimpy wolf," Inuyasha cut in, "She's with me."
"Aww, c'mon," Koga was really getting on Inuyasha's nerves now as he flirted with Kagome, "Wouldn't you like a REAL youkai instead of dog breath over there?"
Kagome remained polite as she answered, "I'm sorry, but I really am with Inuyasha and I'm feeling tired right now. Excuse me." With that, she took Inuyasha's hand in her own and led him away from the clearing. "Can we go back to the Goshinboku?"
"Sure."
The couple (*dies of happiness*) was soon flying through the air again and they sat together on the roots of the ancient tree.
"Inuyasha."
"Hmm?"
Kagome opened and closed her mouth, looking like a fish before she blurted out, "I'm getting married!"
Inuyasha's eyes widened for a split second before narrowing into slits as he growled, "Who is it? I'll rip him to shreds."
"No!" Kagome insisted before her voice softened, "I think it'll be better if we don't meet again. I'll leave and-"
"Don't even finish that sentence," he growled, "I'm not letting anyone take you away from me! Especially not that bastard!"
"Inuyasha..." Kagome whispered. She looked and sounded so sad that Inuyasha stopped yelling and listened. "Every time I leave the forest," she explained, "I forget you and what I did with you." She looked up with shining and bright eyes, "I don't want to forget! Please, is there anything that you can do to remember you?"
Inuyasha's golden gaze pierced through Kagome's chocolate one and before Kagome could do anything, she felt his lips upon hers in a chaste kiss. She closed her eyes and kissed him back. Time seemed to freeze right then and there. It could have lasted for a minute or an eternity, but none of that mattered. All that mattered was that he was kissing her, and she wanted to let him feel how much she enjoyed it. However, all good things must come to an end, and the two had to part. (*groans*)
Silently, Inuyasha cut four strands of silvery hair, braided them into a thin string, and tied it around Kagome's finger. "If you ever want me," he whispered sadly into her ear, "Just call my name. When you look at the ring, remember me. You're mine, Kagome. I hope I'm yours." After the short message, he bounded away.
Kagome stayed at that spot for a moment before she pulled herself up and walked back home.
*serious* This is the longest chapter I've ever written. *screams happily* I WROTE A CHAPTER THAT WAS 11 PAGES LONG! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, I spent 2 hours writing this chapter, so you better appreciate it! I nearly died of happiness for finally having some good fluff between Inu and Kagome in this fic. Y' know, it's strange. I support Inu/Kag the most, but I started out writing Sango/Mir fics. Weird huh?