OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG A MILLION TIMES OVER!!!!!!!!!!! I'm SOOOOOO SORRY I MADE YOU GUYS WAIT!!! SOOO SOOO SOO SORRY!!!!!!!!!!
I had lost my inspiration for a while and then I kept getting new Inuyasha fanfic ideas and I was writing those aside from the fact that for months I didn't have internet source until a few months ago when I started college. But even then I didn't really feel like writing this fanfic. But you guys were soooo kind to review and tell me so many awesome things and it made me feel bad for leaving everyone hanging. I'm soo sorry *bows*
Well one day I told myself that if I reached 200 reviews I would update. -_- Then the day came when I got that many and still more lol. I was laughing so it was cool. Thank you guys so much!!! I'm glad people reviewed the review page. I didn't think too many would but if just shows ya how many loyal people are reading this fanfic =P
Okay time to thank people (what keeps you guys going and gives you the feeling to review, right? ^_^)
Tsuki no Tennyo – This review must have been sent to me before I gave you the title and you posted that fic ne? Sorry for not updating sooner (check above to see why). And I no longer go to M2A cause I lost my password so I can't login -_-. But thank you for reviewing my good friend ^_^.
kagome-the-archer - You're review made me smile. Thank you for the words. I may be good but I sure am not good at the updating thing -_- *mentally kicks herself* Bad me! Must get off my lazy but and in front of my computer and update!!! And hey! I do have new Inuyasha fanfics in the making. I was working on more than 5 new ones I think but it will still be a while before they make their appearances here on ff.net. But be sure to check back later for them and please review them like you said you would ^_^. I love the support. So thank you for reviewing ^_^
loozer – Um, yeah it IS hard to understand cause ff.net made looking at the reviews all complicated. O.o I could have just collected the ones for my review response chapter but then again people were reviewing other chapters after I posted it so I decided to get them. So um, yeah. Sorry ^_^;; Thanks for reviewing though.
Whoobonhooaglo – It's ok! ^_^ We all make the same mistakes. Lol It reminds me of Spider, the author to that 60+ chapter Inuyasha fanfic. I had thought it was a girl until Spider admitted to being a boy O.o Made my eyes bug out just like that and I was cracking up for a while ^^;; (Sorry Spider if you read this). We can't really tell although most authors here are girls so that's why we assume lol. Thanks for the review ^^ (For the second review you sent) How did you do that?! O.o Seriously it was cool but I was weirded out that there were two. And hey I was finally motivated enough and your wonderful reviews helped ^_^.
ChristyKay – I have been writing, not this one though but others ^_^ Thanks for reviewing. (For the second review you sent) How did you do that?! O.o Thank you for reviewing the same chapter twice lol
Roonz – I'm sorry :( Here's the next chapter and I dedicate it to you aside from some others. Thank you for reviewing. Again, sorry.
Sexy Vixen – Oo, two reviews from you. Thank you! Yes, I am contactable (is that a word O.o) through yahoo and even MSN if you like. For yahoo it's hitomi_fanel1111 and for MSN it's Jessica_loera1996 @hotmail.com. Just remove the space. Oh and hey, really I recommend that you at least download that song. I don't have the CD either. I got that song on a burned CD that a friend gave me for my birthday two years ago. Thank you for the review.
Dimensionlu – Thank you for loving my story ^_^ and for reviewing.
Heather Christi – Oo I have a fan ^_^ Thank you. Sorry for making you anxious. Hope you enjoy the chapter kukuku :). Sorry, bit of a Naraku moment there ^^;;
Wolfgirl - _ Well I guess there goes that promise since I didn't update fast enough. Oh well. I still hope you review this chapter at least ^_^.
Falconstar – It's not really completely hard to remember, especially if you don't change your name and if you review constantly than I do remember. And some names are just so unique that it's hard to forget ^_^ (right whoobonhooaglo? ^^;; ) Thank you for the review ^_^.
WinterSakura – Kami-sama I love your review : ). Thank you for such kind words. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Nina – Okay, here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it ^_^. Thank you for reviewing.
Babykagome – Gosh it bites when parent's take things from you : (. Makes me glad my comp is all mine and no one can take it although people can still mess with it _. Uh, hope that line didn't make me sound mean v.v I hate being mean (although I tend to be a bit mean to Miroku in this fanfic I have now realized O.o). Thank you for saying it's interesting. About their first kiss: shoot, I forgot that they haven't had one eh? Well I guess there's a reason. I'm still working on their relationship. As of yet Inuyasha finally realized he loves Kagome but Kagome hasn't cause she just realized it's okay to trust Inuyasha. After the trust it's a straight line towards love. Or so I made up lol. But sorry I still can't say when they'll have their first kiss. That is a secret cause if I said when or even IF they will kiss then it'll ruin it ^_^. So I'm not about to reveal anything so close to the end tehe. But thank you for reviewing!
Green Peridot – Green clown is what your name means right? I didn't learn how clown was said in French even though I took a year of French back in High School but I did learn thanks to Shonen Jump and that one chapter of Yu-Gi-Oh *hugs her Shonen Jump issues* And um, yeah, I guess I am good at drama, romance, and angst but I wish I was also good at humor. But I'm still practicing that. Thank you for the review.
Courtney – Oh, um sorry!! I never mentioned it. In this world youkai live within the humans but no one knows they exist. So all of Inuyasha's family transformed to look and feel like humans (as in their aura just in case they come across a miko). Inuyasha's human but he…hehe you all thought I would tell eh? Well sorry puppets (a word taken from Mrs. Doubtfire…gotta love that movie ^_^). I can't tell you…yet…thank you for reviewing.
GinHasa – Thank you for loving it. Here's the next chapter ^_^
Moon Mage Goddess – Reading since my first Inuyasha fanfic or since the first chapter of this fanfic? Thank you for reviewing!
Biganimefan1 – Yup, love your name ^_^ Thank you for reviewing.
Sakura – Hey are you talking about that fanfic where her soul belonged to Naraku cause she traded her soul in order to save Kouga? Cause if that's the one then I agree about the ending but not all fanfics can end sugary sweet cause then it would be unoriginal (listen to me talk. I never like writing ending where they don't end up together just cause it would be unlogical =P) And that fanfic has a sequel but I never bothered to read it. Sorry to the author who wrote it!! I'm not dissing your fanfic!! Um, Sakura-san, thank you for the review.
eX Driver Liz – Hey thanks for reviewing what you could. It's ok. Don't feel dumb. Everyone else did it and besides it gives me more feedback on this fanfic which is something I love. Thank you so much. Hope you enjoy the chapter.
Kagome-InuLover – It's like a weird "what are the odds?" type thing eh? Lol Thank you for reviewing! And yes, that song is so perfect for Sango, except that Sango never had a first love before Miroku but we can all overlook that little detail ne? ^_~
lnulover – Thank you for so many reviews. About Inuyasha telling her who he really is…you will have to find out! I can't tell. But just keep reading and you will find out. Oo I feel so excited cause I can't wait for you all to read this chapter! I'm sooo evil sometimes!!! Sorry but thanks for the reviews.
Starfire – Gosh sorry if I can't answer whether or not he turns demon. It would really ruin everything. But thank you for reviewing.
Cheetahgrrl – hey no problem. It's a large thank you for so many people who have been kind enough to review. I really thank you all.
Also thanks to:
katie
Saria
Rocker-angel15
Officially*Obsessed*with*Pyro
nikki
Sango'n'Miroku4ever
No review response cause it was mostly a "please continue" type review. But thanks to them also cause thanks to them and all of you (especially those who reviewed more than just one chapter even though I had chapter 11 or whatever out already plus the review response page) I reached over 200 reviews! W00p! I feel soo special! This is my highest reviewed fic as of yet. Sooo happy. Maybe one day I can make a story that earns me 300. Wow that would be cool ^_^.
Dude, that was long. Sorry!! I just wanted to say thanks to everyone. _ Took up as much room as the story I bet lol. Good thing I made this long!! I hope you all enjoy. The next chapter after this is the end (I finally made fic number 3 or 4 out to the end! Wooo!). So I hope you stick around for it. I'll have it out asap. I won't make promises since I'm not a good updater but I hope you will still stick around for it!!!
Enjoy this chapter! I'll shut up now so you can read!
The Life of a Star
By Inuyasha-loves-Kagome
Disclaimer: *Pastes note saying in large letters* Not mine! *decides to keep sign up for the rest of the story so she doesn't have to post it again.*
~*~^_^~*~
The night was slightly chilly, the wind rustling through the branches of the trees, cars occasionally passing by with thunderous noises, disturbing the quiet of the night.
After kissing for over an hour, something that made both blush, they had both opted for sleep as it was quite late. So when she awoke the next morning, Asaka was not surprised to see Shippou's arm around her form, holding her protectively in his sleep. She had smiled and kissed him softly since she didn't want to rouse him from his peaceful rest before getting up and heading outside. They had carried on with the rest of the day after that, although giving each other occasional smiles, but when it came time for sleep again, both had acted nervous and bid each other good night. Asaka had been slightly disappointed that Shippou had not offered to sleep near her again, although she had mentally hit herself for even thinking such things.
As she could not sleep that night, Asaka had decided instead to head outside and do her duty as she disgustingly called it. She walked in front of the Go-Shinboku, tightening the hold of the blanket around her small form.
Sighing, Asaka raised a hand and laid her palm on the rough bark.
Please… a voice begged her from everywhere, though she knew it was from the tree. Don't…seal me…Must…tell…truth…
I'm sorry… Asaka mentally thought sadly, tears prickling her eyes. No matter how many times she had done this, it didn't make it any easier.
However, before she could begin, a cruel voice she knew all too well spoke up. "I see you are finally deciding to follow orders."
Asaka turned around, coming face to face with the only one she loathed more than anything in the world. Although she had never admitted it, as much as she hated him, she loved Shippou. "What is it you want Naraku?"
The cruel and evil man tsked her, waving a stubby finger back and forth as if to say 'For shame'. "Is that anyway to speak to your master?"
Asaka glared at him.
~*~
Sneakers quietly moved through the night, leading a small detective up many stairs that led to the shrine. After interrogating many of the men that had been at the secret base in Tokyo Bay, one had finally let slip a piece of information about a shrine and how they could be connected to the boss. With that clue in mind, Jaken had decided to go and see if whoever ran the shrine knew anything.
Upon reaching the top however, he began to hear voices and since this was once a scene where murder had occurred and was now a place for investigation, he opted for hiding in the shadows and eavesdropping. He didn't recognize the young lady but he knew the man. Naraku, famous business man.
But…what was he doing there?
~*~
"Asaka," Naraku chided, "you've neglected to continue to seal the tree so it wouldn't talk. Although I congradulate you on wrapping that poor boy around your finger. Perhaps he can be useful to me."
Asaka gasped, feeling extremely guilty and yet also angry. "He isn't wrapped around my finger! And I will not allow you to use him in your sick games of murder!"
Naraku merely smirked, delighted with her attitude. "My dear Asaka, who do you think you are to order me around hmm? Don't forget, I have your family's life on the line! So if I decide to use that boy as another one of my pawns, then I will!"
Asaka's eyes widened and she knew she was beat. Lowering her head to hide the tears threatening to spill down her face, she nodded. "So what do you plan to do with him?" She hated to ask but she felt that perhaps the information could be useful.
An evil and chilling laughter filled the air, sending shivers down the spines of those who heard it. "Dear Asaka, that is something to be decided. You just continue to seal the tree and I shall go on with my plan. Sesshoumaru's company will fall by my hand!"
~*~
Jaken had heard enough. There was no more reason for hiding. Obviously the fool wasn't very good at planning how to handle business or else he would have been more cautious about what he said.
Stepping out his hiding spot, Jaken quickly pulled out his gun and pointed it at Naraku. "Freeze! Step away from the girl!"
Silence filled the air although it had become quite tense. Naraku cursed, knowing full well who was pointing a gun at him, while Asaka's eyes had gone wide, although a bit a hope had leaked through them.
That idiot had been hiding out and he had never even smelled it! This meant he would have to speed things up or else risk loosing all he had planned. Turning to stare at the man flashing the gun, Naraku smirked evilly. "Sorry Detective Jaken, but I'm afraid I can't stay to chat." He grabbed Asaka, who cried out in surprise, before disappearing into the night, several pullet shots going off, echoing throughout the night even louder than the cars ever could.
Jaken cursed and quickly pulled out his cell phone. He dialed a waited for an answer.
"Hello?" came the monotone voice on the other line.
"Sesshoumaru-san, I know who's behind everything." After that he went off explaining about the crony who had leaked out the information about the shrine and how his visit had proved even more fruitful than he had thought.
"Good. Thank you Detective. I trust you will do what is necessary. I, on my own part, will hunt down that man and gut him!"
Jaken reared back from the phone a little, obviously getting chills from the tone. He was glad he wasn't on the receiving end of the threat. "Hai Sesshoumaru-san, I will do what I can."
"Good." *dial tone*
Jaken flipped his cell phone closed and was just about to walk away when a figure stepped out into the night. He had been close to pulling out his gun but refrained from it when he saw that it was simply a young boy, most likely the boyfriend of the girl that Naraku had taken. "What's going on?" the young boy asked, running towards him. "I heard gun shots!" He looked around frantically. "Where's Asaka?"
Although it was a required part of his job, Jaken hated being the bearer of bad news. Sighing, he faced the young boy with a trained face. "A man named Naraku came and took her." At this the boy's eyes widened. Jaken continued, trying to give the boy some hope. "But don't worry because we're going to look for him and apprehend him. We'll get her back safe and sound."
Shippou shook his head. "I'm not going to abandon her. I'm going to help look."
Jaken rolled his eyes. He was one of those boyfriends, the kind that were stubborn and would do anything for their girl. "Listen, kid, I can't have you-"
"I don't care what you say!" Shippou roared, feeling in him a courage he had never felt before. "I'm going to help! I'm a youkai too!"
Now this was something Jaken had not expected. The boy looked and smelled human. Yet he was convinced when the scent changed as the tips of his ears grew sharper and his human feet transformed into fox feet. A fluffy tail grew in the back, his nails were sharper, and the boy even opened his mouth to show the sharp fangs inside.
A kitsune… Jaken measured, figuring he might be useful after all. Since I can't convince him that it's too dangerous. Besides, only a youkai can smell another youkai, although I'm just a simple toad.
Rolling his eyes in defeat, Jaken nodded. "All right kid. You can come." He shrugged his shoulders. "Who knows? We could need your tricks, concealing and disguise spells."
Shippou nodded back. "Darn right you will." He was about to suggest they go when he seemed to remember something. "Hold on sir there's someone who I think can give some clues."
Jaken seemed interested and nodded at Shippou. Shippou walked off towards the tree, causing Jaken to raise an eyebrow in the background while Shippou rested his palm over the rough bark. Go-Shinboku, please, if you can hear me, tell me what you can.
He felt a channeling then, magic from all around the tree. It was much stronger this time than the last. Words then began to fill his head.
I was lucky…she wasn't able to…seal me this time…
Shippou frowned deeply at this. What do you mean?
Child, do not…hate her…that evil man who was…here told…her to…do it…said if she didn't…he'd kill her family…
He has her family?!
Yes…he made her come…she told me…everything that she…knew…She was too…take care of the shrine and…make sure no youkai could…come and hear my…words…
Shippou was having a hard time believing this. His whole stay had been a lie. Despite what the tree said, he couldn't help but feel a bit betrayed. Everything she had told him must have been a lie. She had been here on her own mission and didn't trust him enough to tell him what was going on. He lowered his head. Was that kiss a lie too? Was it all a ruse?
Child…I must tell you know…the secrets I know…they must come…out…
Shippou decided to dwell later on his hurt feelings and listen to what the tree had to say. This could be useful to Inuyasha.
There is a man…in alliance with the one…who took the poor child…away…he was the one…who murdered the…family of that…poor girl so many years…ago…he had wanted to…marry her…but her family refused…
The tree stopped there for it seemed to be harder and harder for the tree to talk. Shippou tried giving it some of his magic so it would have enough to finish.
This may be…the last time I will be…able to speak…ever…please child…find the man who works…with the other man…and you will find…the ones you are looking for…the girl who's family was…murdered…is in grave danger…You will know the one…who killed her family…because he…works for her…Remember his name…Suboshi…
This shocked Shippou slightly. Someone who works for her? He killed her family? The name hadn't told him anything but he was almost certain that it would mean a heck of a lot for Inuyasha.
The branches of the tree swayed then and Shippou looked up, sadness beginning to fill his green orbs. There was no wind, just magic leaving an old tree that could hardly talk anymore. Shippou bowed his head in respect of the Ancient One. Sayonara Go-Shinboku…
Jaken slowly approached him. He also bowed in respect for the tree since like every youkai, he had been taught what Shippou had been taught about speaking to nature. "So, kid, you got the information you need?"
Shippou nodded. "Good information for me. The tree didn't seem to know anything about Naraku though, just who killed the family of Kagome."
Insert wide eyes here. "The famous pop singer?"
Nod here.
"I'll need that information then. Someone I know has been on that case for a while now. They will be happy to know what you know." With a cool air, Jaken headed towards the steps. "Let's go then. We need to begin gathering the clues so we can rescue your girlfriend."
Shippou's eyes narrowed. "She's not my girlfriend."
Jaken simply waved it off and motioned for Shippou to follow him.
~*~(Next Morning)~*~
"Wake up, you lazy people!" Inuyasha called out from the hotel door, a pleasant smile on his face. When asked later, Kagome could tell you that she was sure he was still having a high and mighty attitude about winning against her in the Pokemon battle. She felt like punching him for that. Groggily, Kagome looked from under her covers towards the alarm clock and saw the flashing light say 7:30 am. She groaned and buried herself deeper in the covers. Is he nuts?! It's waaaay too early to be awake.
She was just about to fall into dreamland again when she felt the covers get pulled off her faster than someone could gobble down ice cream. She squeaked and sat up, all sleep gone from her eyes. She looked up at the offender and growled. "Could you let me sleep for at least 40 more minutes?!" she said between clenched teeth. Needless to say, she wasn't a morning person.
Inuyasha's smug smile never wavered. "It's time to rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty," he cooed, trying to coax her into getting up. "We've got a lot planned today."
Kagome's growl instantly disappeared when he called her 'Sleeping Beauty'. She pressed a hand softly to her beating heart. Did he just call me...beautiful? No one's called me that before.
Seeing her reaction to his words, he finally got a little embarrassed over them, his face going red. He coughed into his hand and went over to wake up the next person next to Kagome--who happened to be Sango.
Let's just say, never wake up a non-morning person. It could spell your doom. Was Inuyasha trying to set a record or something, because there were only so many beatings and falling on the ground a guy could take.
"I call the bathroom first!" Sango announced, running in before Kagome got out of lala land. That announcement had jolted Kagome down to earth and caused her to realize what was going on. She cursed under her breath, but made no move towards the bathroom. She knew it was pointless at this point. She might as well let Sango go first.
When Inuyasha was finally up off the floor, he looked at his watch really quick. "I'll give you all 1 hour to get ready and be down for breakfast. If you're not, the considered yourself abandoned here."
"Are you nuts?!" Kagome yelled. "It'll take us at least 2!"
Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders, showing that he really did care. "1 hour or else both of you will be left behind while we go to the amusement park." With a chuckle, he headed back towards the hotel room that he was sharing with Miroku and Jake.
Kagome growled in his wake, but decided to tell Sango, even if it had to be through the door.
~*~^_^~*~
Once everyone had eaten breakfast, something that had made
Kagome squeal because they had a lot of her favorite dishes, they packed up and
headed off towards the car. Inuyasha wanted to get an early start and avoid the
crowds, of course because it was better than having to wait in line for over 30
minutes.
No one other than Inuyasha knew
where they were going so during the trip they tried their best to figure out
what city they were in and what amusement park was in that city. They were
acting like 3 excited little kids who were going to a theme park for the first
time.
In actuality, it had been years since she had been to a theme park. The last time she went had been with her family and they had gone to Magic Mountain Japan in Osaka. She knew they weren't going there since she remembered what Osaka looked like and they weren't even close.
At a red light, Inuyasha took time to pull out some black handkerchiefs from his pocket. Passing them around to everyone, he announced, "Put these on. I want it to be a surprise."
"Why are you being so secretive Inuyasha?" Sango asked, taking her handkerchief but only holding it so she could look at Inuyasha to hear his answer and see what emotion he would give on his face.
"Just put it on," Inuyasha growled out, driving again once the light turned green. "You'll know when we get there."
Sango shrugged, but listened. It felt as if darkness was descending slowly over her eyes and when they were fully covered all she could hear were the sounds of traffic and everyone's breathing.
It took a long time before they finally arrived. On the way Kagome had been so bored that she had counted the seconds, then the minutes before giving up and letting her mind wander because counting was even more boring than just sitting there and doing nothing.
"We're here," Inuyasha announced after a long wait, stopping the car and causing everyone to be pulled forward from the force before being sent backwards. Everyone inside the car already had sore bottoms from sitting for so long. They ignored it however when the excitement came rushing back and filling their entire being. Excitedly they took off the blindfolds in order to see where they were.
Sango and Miroku squealed from their happiness. Jake (who was mostly quiet during the trip ever since the security guard occurrence) only cracked a smile but stayed composed since it wasn't professional. Kagome, on the other hand, looked at Inuyasha's chosen place like it was Hell on Earth.
This…This is the same place me and my family came to years ago. Inuyasha had chosen a theme park called 10 Ban Theme Park, a park that had opened years ago before Kagome was even born. It had all the best rides and roller coasters. When Kagome had come here with her family years ago they had spent two days there and gone on every ride they could. She even remembered having a contest with her brother Souta over who could go on the most rides.
I—I can't cry here. Kagome thought intensely, shutting her eyes and willing the tears not to come. This is supposed to be a fun day. Besides, I can't cry over every place that reminds me of them. I might as well say that my favorite shops and places to go to I'll avoid just because I cry when I see them and remember my family. So stop it Kagome!
Blinking the tears away, she put on a brave smile and walked ahead of everyone who were all standing around admiring Inuyasha's choice. "What is everyone waiting for? Come on and let's have some fun!"
Sango and Miroku gave her an enthusiastic shout while Jake only nodded. Inuyasha followed them as well but he was looking at Kagome with concern and suspicion. He had smelled the sadness…
~*~
"Yum!" Kagome remarked enthusiastically as she licked the caramel off her caramel apple. The sweet taste melted against her tongue. "I haven't had one of these in years!"
Sango laughed at the enthusiasm of her friend. It felt so good to see her so happy. "Yeah and if I remember right the last time you ate one it got stuck in your hair!" She let out loud laughs, clutching her stomach as Kagome glared at her. Miroku looked like he wanted to run for his life if his pale face wasn't any indication.
"Hey and if I remember it was Miroku who made me stick it in my hair!" Now she turned her glare towards Miroku who paled ten shades whiter. He held up his hands in defense.
"My dear lady, it was an accident—"
"Accident my foot! If you hadn't touched my butt I wouldn't have freaked and sent the apple in my hair!"
Inuyasha shook his head as Kagome slowly approached Miroku with heavy steps and a glare that could freeze fire. "You really never learn do you Miroku?" He walked forwards and wrapped his arms around Kagome's waist, calming her down considerably and instead sending her face aflame. "You would think that after all these years you would have learned not to touch a girl improperly."
The comment sent not only Kagome to glare at Miroku, but Sango as well. Poor Miroku simply gulped and knew he was going to get it later on for every grope he had ever given a girl. Suddenly he found he wasn't very hungry anymore.
Although he really didn't pity the guy as much as he would have liked everyone to believe, he still felt it was time to change the subject or else Kagome and Sango would never stop glaring at Miroku. "Why don't we go ride a roller coaster?" Inuyasha suggested, smirking since he felt that Kagome would be the only one to back down.
"Yeah we can go on the Devil's Swirl!" Kagome suggested, bouncing up and down in Inuyasha's arms. Well so much for her backing down _. If anything it was Sango who paled and trembled a bit.
Miroku took notice of this and couldn't resist, despite the argument that had taken place only seconds before. Wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close to him, Miroku whispered in her ear. "Don't worry my lady. I will protect you against that evil ride."
Really, no one would ever know someone could fly so far…
~*~
The dart connected with the wall, hitting the picture of a smirking someone directly in-between the eyes. A cruel smile adorned the one who had thrown the dart as he walked over to his desk and picked up his half empty, half full bottle of sake and rather than pour himself another small helping, chugged the entire thing in a few gulps, small rivers falling from the corner of his mouth. When the bottle was empty, he thrust the bottle towards the wall where it connected and shattered into many pieces.
He was angry, he was dang near beyond p***ed that Kagome had come to him and asked him to go out with her so called friends for three days, leaving behind awaiting fans for her next concert. He had already received word from her about her last concert in Tokyo before the tour would continue and had decided it a good idea for more money. Kagome had argued that she wanted the fans who had sent her flowers and gifts while she was in the hospital to be able to be allowed in free and he had agreed, crossing his fingers behind his back. It wasn't like she would know they really hadn't been allowed free inside unless they paid.
Still, what made him all the more p***ed about this was that she had gone three days with that Inuyasha freak. Ever since he had come into the picture he had felt Kagome slipping from his grasp slowly, little by little and more towards the freak. Rather than rely on him for everything, she would go to him instead and it took all of his will power to remember the plan and not screw it up by allowing his anger to overtake him and go in search of the freak in order to slit his throat.
Walking over, he opened the small fridge and took out another bottle of sake, the wonderful liquid warm as the fridge wasn't even plugged in and the room had been heated to make it feel toasty.
Before he could even bring the warm bottle to his lips however, a cruel laugh, one that even brought shivers down his spine, echoed throughout the room. "Drinking again, eh Suboshi?"
His eyes were hazy from being drunk but at least his ears weren't deceiving him. He turned to face the new occupant of the room. "Naraku…what are you *hic* doing here?"
Naraku didn't move and it was clear to Suboshi that he didn't intend to. "I have come because I need to know where your wench is. It seems our plan will have to jump a bit further ahead of schedule."
"Why?" Suboshi asked, suddenly looking at the bottle of sake as if he had never seen such a thing.
"Because Detective Jaken now knows part of the plan. He came upon me talking to Asaka, the miko girl I sent to guard the shrine and tree. She fell in love with a kitsune youkai and is now not following my orders so I took her away after the detective made his presence known. I fear he will contact the police."
"So what are you planning to do now?" Suboshi went over and sat down in his chair in order to let the dizziness pass as he ran a hand through his stringy blond hair.
"I plan to ruin Inuyasha's plan."
Suboshi looked at Naraku so quickly that it made his head spin and he had to take a hold of it in order to call the spots in front of his eyes. When there were less dancing the dance of the sugar plum fairy, he turned to look at Naraku again. "That bastard has a plan?"
"Yes. He is after the same thing I am."
"You mean, the Shikon no Tama?"
"Yes. Now tell me where she is so that I may destroy the trust he has earned from her."
Suboshi smiled cruelly. Well the plan may have been pushed earlier than anticipated but it was worth it to see that freak loose his own grip on Kagome so she would come running back him.
"They took a trip for three days. I believe today they should be at the 10 Ban amusement park…"
~*~
Kagome bounced up and down in her seat, Inuyasha next to her. The seats were made so only two could go in one row. Behind them were Sango and Jake, and sporting tons of bruises was Miroku in the third row, sitting next to a kid just barely the age to ride who seemed to be missing the first front two of his teeth.
"They say this ride is the scariest one in the whole park!" Kagome exclaimed with the hugest smile on her face. In favor of not loosing the wig, glasses, and hat, they had ditched them all and had instead opted to put her hair in a bun, spray paint it purple to make her look like a punk rocker, along with sticking a few fake piercings and even giving her black eye color contacts to hide her true eye color. The disguise had worked perfectly as people only took double takes at her to comment on how weird she looked but never questions if she was in fact Kagome, famous pop singer.
Inuyasha placed his hand over one of hers, a silent request to calm down. It worked just right as she stopped bouncing and blushing, looking at his hand over hers. "Are you sure you're not too scared?" Inuyasha playfully teased, seeing her face contort into anger at the question.
"No, I am not scared! I've been on tons of roller coasters." She lowered her voice and whispered, "Let me tell you it's a whole lot scarier to get in front of thousands and even millions of people and have them stare at you than it is to go through a roller coaster."
Inuyasha nodded as the roller coaster made the usual machine noises almost similar to that of a train. All of a sudden he didn't feel so confident and cocky. His grip tightened on the bar and his breathing came out shallow as the roller coaster made its trip upwards. Unfortunately for him it didn't go unnoticed by the purple haired girl next to him. She grinned evilly, a look that could give Inuyasha's regular smirks a run for the money. "What's wrong Inuyasha?" Kagome taunted. "Scared of the big ride?"
He growled, or at least he made a sound that sounded like a growl. "No! I am not scared!"
"Hmm, why does this conversation look familiar?" Kagome pretended to look thoughtful, something Inuyasha didn't miss.
"Shut up!" he yelled, or at least would have had the descend down not cut off his words. Everything was suddenly spiraling around him, all the people of the park moving in circles around him and rushing at him, making him fear that he would hit them, but at the last minute he would rise away from them and towards other people. Kagome was yelling next to him, her screams full of delight. Even Sango, who had shown she really wasn't a roller coaster rider, was laughing behind him. He felt betrayed for some reason.
I-I think I shouldn't have eaten that caramel apple Inuyasha thought, fighting to control his stomach as well as his mind. Everything was spinning too fast for his taste.
When the ride was over, he made a quick get away for the bathroom, throwing Kagome in a fit of laughter. It doubled when she saw Miroku made a dive for the bathroom.
"Uh, Satomi?" Sango poked her on the arm, trying to get her to stop laughing. "I don't think Miroku went into the boy's bathroom…"
Kagome's eyes widened. Why that no good…
~*~
Let's just say that poor Miroku must have been through a hurricane and back. About 20 or so woman from all over the park had been in the bathroom at that moment and had screamed bloody murder when a boy had suddenly come into the bathroom puking in the sink.
And just when his stomach had finally calmed down too…
Buddha…you are so cruel to one of your faithful followers Miroku thought, looking like one big bruise altogether.
"Keh," Inuyasha snorted, crossing his arms over his chest. "How can you be so stupid as to mistake the girl's bathroom for the boy's?"
Miroku nervously rubbed the back of his head. "Well I was just so used to it. Back in high school I used to sneak in there a lot and hide in a stall so I could peak at the…girl's…" *gulp*
Sango was already cracking her knuckles. "Wanna run that by me again Miroku?"
Now, if Miroku had been smart he would have known to run away from Sango then rather than stay and go through her torture, as well deserved as it was.
And while Sango was busy beating the crud out of Miroku, Inuyasha approached a much calmer, although still glaring Kagome. "Hey, can I talk to you privately?"
Kagome blinked at him, completely surprised by the look of seriousness in his eyes. She looked at Jake who nodded at her, knowing Inuyasha could be trusted. "Ok," she replied, nodding at Inuyasha.
Taking a hold of her by the arm, Inuyasha dragged her away towards a more secluded area of the park so that he could talk to her without interruptions or anyone recognizing her.
When they reached the bare part of the parking lot, a place they were near since the Devil's Twist had been around the edge of the amusement park, Inuyasha let go of her arm and turned to face her. Kagome seemed a bit worried at why he would want to talk to her seriously on such a fun day.
"Kagome—"
"Shhh!!!" Kagome hushed him, putting her hand over his mouth and looking around to make sure no one was around to listen. The amusement may have two parking lots, with the other mostly being used as it was closer to the entrance and never really filling itself, especially on a weekday, but she was still worried someone might come by. "Inuyasha, use my temporary name!"
"Sorry," Inuyasha apologized, cringing a bit. He wasn't used to using the name and he never would. "Satomi, I just wanted to ask you something."
"Was is it?"
"Well, um, about today, before we got to the park…I saw the way you looked at this place"-he gestured towards 10 Ban-"and I was wondering, did you used to come here…with them…?"
Kagome didn't say anything for a while. She looked over his shoulder at the park, her eyes hollow. It felt like an eternity to Inuyasha before she turned to look at him and nod. "Me and my…family used to come here when I was little. It was a yearly thing. Mostly it was me and my brother dragging my mom and dad around the park, both of us competing on who could go on the most rides while our parents shelled out the money." She laughed at the memory and to Inuyasha it was strange, but although her eyes had lost life momentarily, her laughter was pure and genuine. Perhaps she was finally beginning to cope.
"Sorry I had to ask," Inuyasha bowed his head. "I was just curious. And sorry for bringing back painful memories."
Kagome shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "No Inuyasha." He looked up at her, surprised. "They're not painful memories. They're happy ones. Besides, if it hadn't been for you, I would never have gotten over my sadness. You've done more for me than anyone else could." She threw her arms around his torso, snuggling into him, causing Inuyasha to blush. "Thank you Inuyasha, for being there for me and for making me be able to trust again."
A pang hit Inuyasha, one he had been quelling ever since he had decided to do the right thing. He may have given up trying to get the Shikon no Tama from her, but he still felt awful for keeping it from her still and never telling her what his original intend was. Perhaps if he told her now, she wouldn't hate him as much as he thought she would if she found out from someone else…
Although…who really knew of his intentions other than him and Shippou…?
"Ah, I see I came at the perfect time then kukuku," an evil voice, one that sent shivers down Inuyasha and Kagome's spine, broke through their quiet moment. Inuyasha growled as best he could and held Kagome as close to him as humanly possible. "Naraku! What the @#*% are you doing here?!"
"Tsk tsk tsk, Inuyasha…temper temper…" Naraku waved a narrow finger back and forth in the same motion as window wipers. "I am simply here to collect what belongs to me…"
Kagome was extremely confused. Does Inuyasha have something Naraku wants?
Naraku turned his evil eyes on Kagome, a smile playing on his lips. "Kagome, my dear, I am afraid to say you are simply the victim in all of this. First you're parent's are killed and you see their bloody bodies (Kagome gasped, not wanting to remember such a day) but you are also betrayed by someone you thought you could trust."
What is that bastard thinking? Inuyasha asked himself, his eyes narrowing.
"What do you mean Naraku?" Kagome was more confused than ever, her heart pounding within the confides of her chest, her breath coming out in small amounts, making her want to beg for more of one of the sweet supplements of life.
"I mean, my dear Kagome, that the one holding you against him, is not who he appears to be…he is a fraud, a man who has been by your side because he also wants something from you, something that he wants so badly he has even considered hurting you to get it."
"Shut the %#$@ up temee!!! Inuyasha snarled.
All Kagome could do was look back and forth between the two men, extremely confused and more than a little afraid. Fear was gnawing at her heart and trying to engulf it in its dark grip.
"Allow me to show you his true form, a form he has decided to hide along with his desire to hurt you in order to get what he wants."
With that Naraku brought forth his hand and called upon a centipede youkai, it's many arms at it's side and it's long black hair silky, yet repugnant to look at. It may a dive for Inuyasha and he had to push Kagome away from him in order to protect her. He stood, waiting for it to come at him, but mere inches before it collided with him, it went after Kagome, grinding it's fangs into her side, biting down hard and ripping a yell from her throat.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha yelled, going towards the youkai, but being thrown back when one of it's arms hit him, sending him flying back.
Damn it! Inuyasha cursed, feeling bruises beginning to form at his sides. I can't &#$%ing fight this thing in this damned human form! But if I reveal myself to Kagome she'll…hate me…
When the centipede youkai let go of her side, Inuyasha and Kagome watched in horror as a glowing pink ball flew out of her, as if in slow motion, before hitting the ground and bouncing a few times, rolling towards Naraku.
Smirking, Naraku bent down to take the jewel, holding it between his thumb and forefinger. He turned his evil eyes towards Kagome. "Do you see this jewel Kagome? This is what Inuyasha has been after this whole time. This is the reason he has been kind to you. It was all a lie for you to get him to trust him so that he could strike when you least expected it and take the jewel."
Inuyasha was feeling his demon blood wanting to come out and show his true form but he quelled it. Damn that bastard! He looked off at Kagome who was doing her best to not look at them, her hair shielding her face from the world's view. If only he could smell whether or not she was crying… He couldn't even tell her anything against Naraku because no matter what he said, it could get thrown back in his face…
"I…" Kagome began, making Naraku look at her as well, Inuyasha waiting for her answer. The centipede youkai had stopped its assault as Naraku put a hand up towards it. Kagome sniffled, giving away that she was in fact crying. When she looked up, tears were now streaming down her face. "Inuyasha…why…?"
He could see the confusion in her eyes, as well as something else, something that made him not so afraid to tell her. But still, how could he explain it to her and still manage to keep her trust?
To be continued…
A/N: Okay, better get ready to get my "flame" proof suit…