Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, but if I did, it would be most entertaining to watch him do my laundry.

A/N: Here we are folks, Chapter 8. Mostly this chapter is filler, but you gotta have it if you want to get to the better parts, that you do! Sorry it took forever to get out. If you've been reading 'All I Want For Christmas Is You', then you'll know that my computer contracted a virus and all my files were destroyed. Now I have to re-write them all. I'm really sad because when this story was destroyed I cried. This was my baby and you have no idea how much love I put into it. But I'll try my best to keep it going. You guys help me a lot.

Miko Sakura-sama: I had a great Thanksgiving, I hope you did as well. I'm sorry, the fluff was minimal, I know. I have a HUGE fluff chapter planned for Chapter 10 or 11, I'll let you know which. Yes, you were right in your guess about who is at the tournament. I love him, so I couldn't leave him out. Thanks for reading!

KireiHanyou Ko: Yes, Inuyasha is going to fight and Kagome will be giving with the 'support'. Lol. Don't worry, you'll see what I have planned very soon. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

silent slayer: No, Kagome will be much too busy to be depressed while there. You'll see, trust me. Thanks for the review!

Leomae: Here is the update you asked for. Ah, so you have figured out my ultra plot secret ne? Yes, she'll be there. I had to make her appear sometime, I mean, be realistic! She never dies…she's like one of those horror movie villains! I love that you're so involved with your theories. It seems that great minds think alike. Yes, he's going ot kick ass, and yes it will be great!

Josie: LOL, I love how I made Toutousai too. Perverted fathers are just so much fun! Yep, I had to have Inuyasha be invited because I needed some action in this story. It'll be all exciting and stuff now, wee! I'm sorry that you're sad that it will end, but never fear--it will be a dramatic conclusion. And who knows, maybe I'll have a sequel. If enough people want one that is. I also have to finish Curse of the Gypsy, and I have a new 3-part series I want to write. Thanks for the reviews!

LilNezumi LilInu: Yep, Yash is gonna kick some arse like it's 1999! Sorry it took so long, I'll make it up to you, promise! Thanks for reading and the review.

Celestial-x: Lol, sorry. I just love Toutousai. I think he's hilarious with his antics and his three-eyed cow, and I need a crazy old man to be Kagome's father. It was either him or Myouga, but I needed Myouga for the pizza place. So it ended up as Toutousai, sorry if that gives you nightmares. Thanks for reading!

Inuphoria: Yes, a twist in this roller-coaster ride I like to call my story! Well, she is happy for Inuyasha, but she's only human. Kagome is sad and a little weepy in the beginning of this chapter. Please forgive me, but you have to understand where she's coming from. Oh, there will be a lot of drama coming in Japan, just wait and see. Thanks for reading!

Midnight43: Sorry about the long wait. *sigh* I'll try to work faster now. I'm glad you like it so much. I had Inuyasha avoid Kagome for a little while because he didn't want to freak her out or upset her. But it's all good because games are afoot now! I hope you like this chapter and the next will come soon. Thanks for reading!

Fuzzy purple people: Thank you so much. I'm glad you like my work. You have no idea how much it means to me to know that so many people like my stories. Thank you very much for reading and for the review!

A Fighter's Story

Chapter 8

Scenario: You've gone your whole life striving toward one goal, this ultimate thing that you know that you have to do if you ever want to survive in this world, but that goal is taken from you. It hurts like hell, but you get through it with the help of someone you have growing feelings for. Then, just the fates' way of kicking you when you're down, they give your goal to the guy you're half in love with. How do you feel?

This was just what Kagome was pondering when she got back to her apartment. Yes, she was happy...damn, she was fucking ecstatic for Inuyasha, but it didn't erase that horrible jealousy that roiled in her stomach. It didn't take away that bone numbing horror and that persistent pain that accompanied the fact that he was invited and she wasn't. When she started crying, she didn't know, she fell asleep still sobbing into her pillow. It was just so terribly unfair. Here was Inuyasha, a skilled fighter, a former country champion, not to mention a drop-dead gorgeous example of the male species. But he hadn't fought in the ring in over three years. Yet he was invited. Here was Kagome, fit and strong, a nationals champion three years straight in both women's and uni-martial arts. And she was disbarred from the ring because she wanted to enter. At that moment, Kagome Higurashi hated the world. And no one, not Sango, not her father, not even Hojo-God rest his soul-would blame her for getting drunker than hell.

But she didn't get drunk. For the first time in her adult life, that was the farthest thought from her mind. Kagome just drove home and changed. She brushed her teeth and let down her hair. Then she curled up in her bed and cried. Maybe this wasn't the best course of action for a grown woman, but she didn't care.

She wanted him to go, she really did. Kagome hoped that Inuyasha won that tournament hands-down, wiped the floor with all of those fools who thought they were as good as he was. And yet she really didn't want to go. Kagome had been to Japan once, when she was five years old. When her father had competed in the tournament. She remembered every detail, even to this day. It was what spurred her ambition for so long. When she was banned from fighting, she made that little vow that every heart-broken person makes, that they would never do it again. When you lose a loved one, you vow never to love again. When you lose a competition, you vow never to compete again. For Kagome, she vowed never to go to Japan again to taunt herself with failure. But like all those people before her, Kagome gave in. All it took was a look from Inuyasha's forlorn golden eyes and that quiet plea that he needed her. She was such a wimp.

But even a wimp has to call their best friend and their father to tell them that they were going to Japan. Kagome was positive that neither would be happy to hear about this development, but what can you do? Kagome was a wimp, and she gave had told him she would go. Kagome never broke a promise, and she wouldn't start now.

The next morning, Kagome got up only long enough to grab her portable phone, then she curled up under the covers again. The first number she dialed was Sango's. By the third ring, the familiar voice of her best friend picked up on the other end.

"Sango Houshi's Office, how can I help you?"

"Hey Sango, it's Kagome," the tired woman spoke softly.

"Kagome? Is something wrong, you sound awful!" Sango's concern flooded her voice and Kagome couldn't help the sad smile that lit her face. She loved Sango, even if she was a worrier. It was refreshing to know that there would always be someone who would care.

"I'm ok," Kagome said with a hearty sigh. She was physically ok, spiritually and mentally was another story. "I'm going to Japan." She was met with silence. True, Kagome hadn't meant to blurt it out like that, but beating around the bush was not exactly appealing either. A headache was growing just behind her left eye, and Kagome had no intention of aggravating it even more. It was better she lay her cards down right now.

"You're what?" Sango said at last, her voice rising in volume. "What the HELL are you thinking?"

"San, calm down," Kagome whined, rubbing her temple.

"What the fuck are you going there for?" Sango hissed into the receiver.

"Inuyasha was invited to the Kiyomatsu Tournament," Kagome breathed, trying to will all sound of tears from her voice. "He asked me to go with him. What else could I do?"

"You could have told him to fuck off, that's what!" Sango yelled, now rubbing her own temples. "Kagome, don't do this to yourself!"

"It's already done, San. It's already done." Kagome felt like she was standing still and the world was rushing around her in fast forward. Why was she always stuck in pause? It made her feel very alone.

"Kag...why?"

The question was innocent enough. Kagome opened her mouth with a multitude of answers on her tongue, but none of them seemed right. None of them made her feel like she should go. There was only one, and she was still too scared to say it aloud, even to Sango. "He asked me to," was her reply. Did it sound as bitter and hollow in Sango's ears as it had in her own?

There was a sigh from Sango and Kagome could just see her shaking her head in frustration, her perfectly made-up face frowning and creased in confusion and worry. "I don't get it Kagome. You do realize what this is going to do to you, don't you? You'll have to sit there and watch him, watch him live your dream."

"I'm well aware of that," Kagome snapped. "But, God dammit, if he needs me to be there then I'll be there." Kagome ran a shaky hand through her hand. "What am I doing?" she whispered so that Sango could just barely hear her.

Sango's heart went out to her friend, it really did. She knew the reason, even if Kagome didn't say it. She'd known it for a long time now. Kagome was in love. It didn't take a genius to see it, but the question really was...was this newfound love worthy of the hurt that Kagome would endure? Sango didn't have the answer. It was up to Inuyasha and Kagome to make up their own minds about it.

"I hope you know what you're doing, love," was all Sango could really say. "As long as you do, then I'll help you out."

"Thanks San."

"Of course, kid. You and me, remember?"

"Always." Then they hung up and Kagome stared up at her ceiling, willing herself to call her father. This would be a call that she would not enjoy, but it had to be done. The number was dialed and with each ring, Kagome's heartbeat sped up. When the answering machine clicked on, she chickened out and hung up. It wasn't like she had a lot of time before she was supposed to go either. She only had two weeks to pack and get ready, if they wanted to get to Japan in time. Oh, sometimes she hated being an honorable person.

***

Before she even had a moment, two weeks had passed for Kagome. She and Inuyasha were set to leave for Japan in two days, and she was yet to tell her father. She had avoided his calls, and purposely made excuses to get off the phone with him when he did catch her at home. It made her feel guilty, and anxious.

Inuyasha had quit his job at Myouga's when the old man refused to give him time off for the Tournament. As much as he needed the money, he felt liberated without having to face the miserly old pizza man and the too-chipper Nazuna. Neil promised to cover his shifts at the bar until his return. He was packed and ready, but he couldn't help the foreboding feeling he kept having. Like going was a mistake. Or worse, something bad would come of it later.

The day before they were set to leave, Kagome packed the last of her bags and finally worked up the courage to dial the phone to her father's house. Her heart was in her throat as the dial tone picked up the ring once, twice. Then he picked up. "Hello?"

"Hi Dad," Kagome said.

"Ah, finally calling to let me know you're leaving, eh?" Toutousai commented, but it sounded like he was doing something else. Kagome froze, her mouth open. Then all she could do was blink and make stuttering sounds.

"Wha..who....wha?"

"Sango called me two weeks ago and said you were going to Japan with the boy, and that I should talk you out of it. I figured you'd call eventually to let me know."

"I-I'm sorry D-d-daddy," Kagome stuttered, trying to regain her equilibrium.

"It's alright, Kagome," Toutousai laughed. "I'm not angry with you. I'm glad, which is strange. I thought I would be angry."

"I thought you'd be disappointed in me," Kagome whispered, eyes misting.

"Kagome," he sounded sad. "I have never been, nor ever will be, disappointed in you. I am glad that you are going. It will put this to rest if you are at least there to see and root for someone at the tournament. It would be far worse to sit home alone and wonder, don't you think?"

"I guess," Kagome said, considering. Truthfully, she hadn't thought about it like that.

"I've still got some wisdom in me. I'm not totally senile yet." Kagome snickered and felt tremendously better.

"I love you Daddy, you're such a weirdo."

"It takes one to know one," he shot back.

"Of course I'm weird," Kagome retorted smugly. "It's in the genes." They both laughed and it made them feel better about the unknown future to come. "I leave in the morning," Kagome said at last.

"Will you call me when you land tomorrow?"

"Of course," Kagome agreed with a smile in her voice. "Wish Inuyasha luck, alright?"

"I will do no such thing," Toutousai scoffed. "And no willy-nilly when you're out of the states!"

"Daddy! I'm a big girl, and if I want to go willy-nilly, then by God, I will go willy-nilly!"

"Kagome Sonya Higurashi!" Kagome winced, but laughed anyway.

"Don't worry Dad, we'll be far to busy with other stuff. Calm down." She could almost feel him giving her that evil eye of his. The one that could look right through anyone.

"I trust you, baby. I just don't trust him." Kagome laughed.

"Well I do, and we'll be fine." Then they said their goodbyes, and the weight that had been on Kagome's shoulders was lifted. Now all that there was left to do was get to Japan in one piece.

***

The next morning dawned bright and clear, a perfect day to fly. Kagome went over to Inuyasha's apartment at first light. They piled into her car and drove to the airport. Kagome parked in the extended lot, and they boarded their flight to Japan. It was a long flight, just how many hours, Kagome wasn't sure. She fell asleep after the first one, her head resting on Inuyasha's shoulder. The in-flight movie wasn't enough to keep her attention.

Inuyasha woke her up when they landed, flicking her on the nose, and then laughing when she twitched. Kagome vowed revenge, long, slow and evil revenge. But that could wait until later. When they exited the plane, a young man waited on the ramp holding a sign with Inuyasha's name scribbled across it.

"I guess that's our ride," Kagome said, pointing at the man.

"Let's go say hello," Inuyasha said with his customary smirk. They linked arms and sauntered over to the sign-holder. "Konnechiwa, I'm Inuyasha Dai," Inuyasha introduced himself with a bow.

"Hello," the man said in slow English, his voice holding a light accent. He spoke English like someone who has been speaking it for some time. "I am Yusan, the Dovon's grandson." He bowed in greeting. "I was sent to escort you and another of our entries to our tournament grounds." It was just then that he seemed to notice Kagome. "Is this your guest?"

"Yes," Inuyasha said with a cough. "This is Kagome Higurashi, my coach." Kagome couldn't suppress the snort, but she bowed politely to Yusan.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Kagome said politely.

"I am honored to make your acquaintance," Yusan responded. "If you would please follow me, we can gather your bags and collect the other competitor arriving today." Kagome and Inuyasha followed Yusan through the airport to the baggage claim. The other competitor was already waiting there with his bags.

"Mr. Dai and Miss Higurashi," Yusan said formally. "This is Kouga Ataris and his father, Tekkai."

The introduced men bowed politely. Kouga was a man of Kagome's years, no older then twenty five. He was well built and muscular with long black hair held neatly in a tail, and large blue eyes and looked decidedly pleased. He smiled politely at both of them, but Kagome blushed when he smiled at her. He was, after all, very attractive. His father looked like an older version of him, with gray hair and a weathered visage that had seen better days. Kagome felt a resounding respect for both of them as soon as they were introduced.

"Kouga, Mr. Ataris, this is Inuyasha Dai and his coach, Miss Kagome Higurashi." Kagome and Inuyasha bowed to them and they exchanged a few polite words while waiting for the bags. Inuyasha grabbed his and left Kagome to handle her own. She reached out for the black suitcase, and was surprised when Kouga grabbed it for her.

"A gentleman would be honored to carry a lady's bag for her," he said with a smile. Kagome blushed and smiled.

"Thank you Mr. Ataris," she said gratefully.

"Call me Kouga, please," he insisted.

"Alright then. Thank you Kouga." He smiled good-naturedly and the pair of them joined the others as Yusan escorted them to the awaiting limo. Inuyasha eyed Kouga as he made polite conversation with Kagome, making her blush and laugh. In that moment, he decided that he didn't like Kouga Ataris.

In the limo, Kagome sat next to Inuyasha while Kouga and his father sat across from them. Yusan sat between the four, telling them about the different rules they would have to abide by during the tournament. They wouldn't be allowed to leave the tournament grounds after dark. They weren't allowed to bring outside people to the tournament grounds. Drugs and alcohol were prohibited. Each competitor and their guest would get a small cabin on the grounds to themselves, and each cabin was stocked with enough food to last the competitors well passed the duration of their stay. Kagome only half listened. She was too busy staring out the window as they passed through the city and then the countryside of Japan. It was a beautiful country.

It took them several hours to reach the tournament grounds, but when the limo drove through the gates, Yusan announced that they were there. Kouga and his father were dropped off at there cabin first. Kouga wished Kagome a good night and smiled that smile that made her blush despite herself. Oh, if J.D. saw her now, the things he'd say! Yusan reminded them that the opening ceremony was at nine a.m., sharp.

The next stop was Kagome and Inuyasha's own cabin. It was a small little house built in the traditional old world Japanese style. Kagome remembered the house perfectly, and she loved it as much then as she did now. Her face lit up when she stepped through the doorway. Inuyasha didn't see what was so great about the place, but he liked seeing her that happy so he didn't open his mouth. Farewells were said to Yusan, reminders for the ceremony were given, and then they were left to their own devises. Kagome brought in her bag, leaving it next to Inuyasha's.

"We have a problem," she announced.

"What's that?" he called from the kitchen. He was going through the cabinet, searching out any Ramen they might have bought. Judging from the war-cry of 'Ramen', Kagome guessed they did.

"There's only one bedroom," she said, joining him in the small kitchen. "Who's gonna take it?"

Inuyasha looked up from his dinner preparations. "We could alternate. There is a couch in the living room, isn't there? You could take the couch one night. I'll take the bed. We'll switch every night."

Kagome nodded, liking his logic. She wouldn't admit to that small part of her that was disappointed about that arrangement, though. "Fine, but I get the bed first," she said, flicking him on the nose before leaving the room. Inuyasha twitched and was tempted to go after her, but his Ramen would have burnt. He'd get her later.

A/N: Here we go, chapter 8. Finally! I'll get 9 soon, swear it! Thank you all for your support. Your reviews mean a lot--and more reviews would get me to update faster, lol.