Drifting Desires
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Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any other character I'm using in this fic.
lostdreams: I have a really good excuse for not updating sooner! I went to a Goo Goo Dolls concert and was staying at a friend's house for a couple of days. It was great fun and I met a great guy and okay enough about my weekend. I know none of you are reading this for my ramblings..well at least not my incoherent ramblings..anywho, here's your pigeon.
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Chapter 6
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Miroku froze.
"What did you just say?" he asked slowly, absolutely positive he had not heard her right.
"This is the map my grandfather had to find the Shikon Jewel. Everyone believed it was a myth and he was crazy to keep this around. I haven't seen it since he died. I never did know what happened to it.." Kagome said softly, examining the map all over. There was no doubt about it. This was her grandfather's map.
"Are you absolutely positive?" Miroku asked, not believing what he was hearing. They had the map to find the greatest treasure in the world!
"Yea, he used to pull this out for Kikyo and me all the time. Kikyo never believed the stories, but it was hard not to. He told them with such fervor. I guess I started believing them just for the fun of it.." Kagome said with a nostalgic smile. Miroku gently took the map from her hands and studied harder than he had the last time. It was of Kagewaki Island, but the map only showed how to get there.
"Kagome, this map doesn't say anything about the Shikon Jewel. It's just a map of Kagewaki Island. There are no instructions as to what to do when you actually get to the island." Kagome frowned and took the map back.
"Hmmm.." she mused quietly, staring at the decrepit piece of paper. "It's been so long since..hmmm..there's some special way to make it work, but for the life of me I simply cannot remember how.."
"What do you mean 'make it work'?"
"Well the coordinates are hidden and I don't remember how or what Grandfather used to reveal them.." Kagome bit her tongue and studied the paper intently. "I know this is the map," she muttered.
"How can you bee so sure?" Miroku asked becoming skeptical. Kagome scrutinized the paper.
"Here's where I tore it when I was trying to get Grandfather to let me hold it. And here is where Kikyo tried to draw our house on it.." Kagome pointed out mark after mark that proved the map had indeed once belonged to her family. Miroku knew without doubt that the map was Kagome's grandfather's, but he was still unconvinced at to whether or not it was actually to the Shikon Jewel.
"Kagome, have you ever seen the coordinates?" Miroku asked slowly. Kagome blinked, and looked pensive for a moment.
"Yes," she said gradually. "Well I think so..I really don't remember, though I'm sure at one point in time I did see them." Miroku's face fell at Kagome's words.
"But you don't remember when or where or anything of that nature?" Miroku pressed. Kagome shook her head in mild confusion; she didn't understand Miroku's extreme disappointment. Just because they had the map didn't make the jewel real.
"No, sorry," she said softly, laying the map back down on the table. It was Miroku's turn to look pensive.
"But you are sure that that is your grandfather's map and that it is the key to finding the Shikon Jewel if one knew how to work it."
"Yes, but that doesn't mean the jewel is real or that someone else hasn't already found it.." Kagome warned, but Miroku wasn't listening. Excitement boiled in his blood. They had the means, all they needed was the clue. Running over to Sango's room, Miroku attempted to share the news.
"Sango! Sango! Wake up!" Miroku cried, gently trying to rouse the girl from her slumber. Sango opened her eyes sleepily to find Miroku's face inches from her own. "
"What the.." she started groggily, flailing her arms to conk Miroku over the head. "Pervert!" she hissed, instantly awake. Pulling the sheet up around her pajamas, Sango glared at the swirly-eyed man before her.
"My dear Sango, I promise I had no ill intentions upon entering your quarters," Miroku said slowly, wincing as he stood up.
"Yea right," Sango muttered disbelievingly.
"It's true!" Miroku declared. "I merely had some rather exciting news to tell you!" Sango raised an eyebrow at him, she was very curious about the cause of his excitement, though she tried to hide it.
"What is it?" she asked, feigning a bored look.
"Lady Kagome has just informed me that the map Inuyasha gave me to help us find Naraku is in fact her grandfather's map that holds the coordinates of the Shikon Jewel!" he said in a rush. Sango's eyes popped open.
"Let me get this straight. We have the map to the Shikon Jewel and we're just finding out about it now?" she asked incredulously.
"Yes! There are hidden coordinates that leads one straight to the jewel." Sango rolled her eyes, and lay back down.
"'Hidden' coordinates?" she echoed dubiously. "Miroku you are completely insane," Sango muttered, rolling over to go back to sleep. Miroku looked crestfallen.
"What? No, I'm not! Kagome is positive that it is the right map!" Miroku argued, sounding wounded. Sango sat back up and stared at him.
"Even if it is the real map, how are you supposed to find 'hidden' coordinates?" Sango asked. Miroku was stumped. Kagome hadn't had a clue as how to find out just how to get to the jewel.
"Well..umm..that part I'm a little fuzzy on, but just think of it Sango! The Shikon Jewel!"
"Miroku I'm trying really hard to be excited for you, I am, but you seriously have nothing to go on save Kagome's word. I'm not saying that I disbelieve her, but come on Miroku, it just sounds way to strange," Sango said in an apologetic voice. Miroku's face became sober, but his eyes danced excitedly.
"You spent the greater part of four years on a voyage to find the same jewel, and we had nothing but rumors to go on. Now we have a location at the very least, perhaps more and you're not willing to give it a go? That doesn't make sense to me," he told her softly. Sango was silenced by his statement, her face becoming almost guilty. "I'm still going to tell Inuyasha about it," he added leaving Sango to her thoughts.
[He's right. I jumped at the chance to go hunting for the Shikon Jewel last time and we had absolutely nothing to go on. This time..] Sango stood up and began getting dressed quickly. [This time we actually have chance.]
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Kagome had walked back on deck after Miroku had left her alone in his room. Sighing she wandered to the rail and gazed down at the blue ocean below her.
[That map..I wonder how Inuyasha came across it. It was Grandfather's, that much I'm sure of. But where..]
"Hey wench! Where the hell is Miroku?" Inuyasha's sharp tongue and biting words devoured her thoughts. Seething she turned and faced him with narrow eyes.
"My name is Kagome, not wench," she told him firmly.
"Keh, whatever," he muttered rolling his eyes. "So where is he?" Kagome's eye flashed dangerously almost making Inuyasha wince.
"He's downstairs talking to Sango. He should be up presently," she said icily, turning her back on him. "And I would prefer is you tried a little harder to be a little nicer to me," she added.
"Nicer?" Inuyasha echoed, letting go of the wheel and walking down to Kagome. "Listen wench, you might be used to getting your way all the time or having people fall over backwards to earn your favor, but let me just burst your little bubble. Real life isn't like that. In real life you have to earn your respect, it isn't just given to you by money or parentage. In real life only the strongest survive and weak people like you just fall by the way. In real life things aren't always easy and the path isn't always clear." Inuyasha had turned Kagome around for his bitter diatribe, looking her straight in the eye through all of it. Kagome had tried to pull away from him a little, but had gotten lost in his words and eyes, her expression becoming sadder and more forlorn as he continued. Stepping back from her a bit, Inuyasha looked her over once more. "The world you lived in was a fantasy Lady Ka-gom-e. It has no reflection here, nor does it bear any weight," Inuyasha finished. He had emphasized her name to accentuate his lack of respect. Kagome's eyes brimmed with tears at his harsh words and anger boiled in her blood. Trying unsuccessfully not to cry in front of him, Kagome pushed past him and fled toward the cabins. She paused for a moment at the doorway, before turning back on him. It was hard to see the hurt and anger in her eyes through the tears, but Inuyasha noticed it and it made his heart wrench.
"What have you ever done?" she asked quietly, tears spilling silently on her cheeks. Before Inuyasha could retort, Kagome escaped downstairs. Miroku on his way up had to jump out of the way of the fleeing girl.
"Lady Kagome?" he asked gently as he watched her disappear into her quarters. Frowning he continued his journey to the top deck to find a hard faced Inuyasha behind the wheel. Momentarily forgetting his news, Miroku shook his head and decided he'd rather know the reason behind Kagome's tears.
"Inuyasha!" Miroku called, drawing the hard violet stare. It gave Miroku shivers. "What did you do to Lady Kagome?" he asked in a scolding tone. Inuyasha's eyes narrowed.
"I didn't do a damn thing to that wench. I only gave her a new life lesson," he muttered, but not even stone cold Inuyasha could keep the guilt out of his voice. Miroku frowned.
"What did you tell her?" he pushed. Inuyasha glared at him.
"It's none of your business," he grumbled. He felt bad enough already without Miroku yelling at him some more. "Are you going to take this stupid wheel or am I going to have to make a pillow out of it?" he growled cantankerously. Miroku shook his head and stepped up to the helm.
"You know that map you gave me? The one from the friend of your father's..what was that guy's name?" Miroku asked nonchalantly as he took hold of the wheel. Inuyasha frowned.
"Toutousai. Why?" Inuyasha answered suspiciously gauging Miroku's expression. The monk became contemplative and said nothing more for a few moments.
"Does the name Amari Higurashi sound familiar?" he asked, finally breaking the silence. Inuyasha looked at him in total skepticism.
"What? No, well other than that Kagome's last name is Higurashi," he answered petulantly. "Why?"
"That map Toutousai gave you once belonged to Amari Higurashi, Kagome's grandfather," Miroku answered, being vague on purpose. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes.
"What? Does the wench want it back or something? Cause she can't have it. We need it to find Naraku.." Inuyasha said quickly. Miroku smirked.
"Funny thing that Toutousai told you that, because Kagome told me of a very different purpose that map holds," Miroku baited. Inuyasha was nearly beside himself with mystification.
"What the hell are you rambling about?" he asked irately. Miroku's eyes gained a boyish twinkle and he looked at Inuyasha excitedly.
"That map is actually a key to finding the Shikon Jewel. Once we figure out how it works it will lead us right too it!" Miroku said animatedly. Inuyasha's jaw dropped.
"Did you hit your head on your way up here?" he asked dubiously. Miroku shook his head and smiled broadly.
"I was just as incredulous about it as you, but Kagome is the one who recognized the map. Apparently her grandfather used to tell her all about it all the time. It is the map to the Shikon Jewel!" Inuyasha was seriously becoming concerned about his friend's mental state. Walking forward, Inuyasha placed both hands on Miroku's shoulders.
"Miroku, clearly you've taken one too many whacks to the head, which you undoubtedly deserved, but still. I have looked over that map several times very closely and the only coordinates on that map are the ones to the blasted island. There isn't so much as a mountain actually plotted on that godforsaken piece of land," Inuyasha told him sternly. Miroku only smiled.
"The coordinates are hidden." Inuyasha face faulted. Backing up, he put his head in his hands and tried to work through Miroku's delusions.
"How can coordinates be 'hidden' on a map?" he asks slowly, trying to bring Miroku back to reality.
"Well, that's the part we're not sure of. Kagome knows they're there, but she doesn't remember how to reveal them," Miroku said. If he wasn't being so damn earnest, Inuyasha would have beat him over the head for making up such a cockamamie story.
"Miroku, please listen to yourself. You're insane. You cannot 'hide' coordinates on a map. It's just not possible!" Inuyasha pleaded, dangerously close to backhanding the monk. Miroku's smug look faltered slightly.
"I know it sounds crazy, and generally I'm not inclined to believe such tales, but if you could have seen Kagome's face. She knew without a shadow of the doubt that the map did indeed belong to her grandfather and was indeed a map to find the Shikon Jewel." Inuyasha nodded, his face tightening into a grim scowl. Miroku looked surprised by his change in demeanor. "What? What's wrong?" the monk asked charily. Inuyasha shook his head and began to head below deck.
"Nothing, nothing. I'm beat. Wake me at noon or so.." he said rigidly. Moving down the corridor, he headed right past his temporary bunk straight to the Captain's quarters that Kagome was occupying. Not bothering to knock, Inuyasha tramped right in, startling Kagome greatly.
"What on earth are you doing?" she spat angrily. She had stopped crying, but her eyes were still puffy and red, putting a slight damper on his anger.
"What the hell are you doing making up crazy stories about nonexistent coordinates and hidden jewels?" he demanded, determined to stay mad at the girl. Kagome looked mystified by his accusation and stood up to face him fully. She fell about five inches short of his height, but she drew herself up to his level.
"What are you talking about?" she asked, matching his anger. He had spoken so gruffly she had barely understood him.
"Did you think just because we haven't gone to some fancy schools like you that we are dumb enough to fall for some idiotic story you made up to amuse yourself with?" he demanded. Kagome was completely lost.
"Now listen here. I don't have the faintest idea of what you're talking about, but I can assure you I made up no story to amuse myself with at anyone's expense!" she replied shrilly.
"So you didn't tell Miroku that there were hidden coordinates on my map that lead to the Shikon Jewel." Kagome's expression faded into realization, and her anger peaked.
"I told Miroku that my grandfather's map held the coordinates to the Shikon Jewel, but it's actual existence is still in question," Kagome said haughtily. "I never said that he would find the Shikon Jewel by means of that map, as I have no idea on how to reveal the coordinates that are there." Inuyasha looked livid.
"Don't you even think that you can pull this sort of trick with me. I'm not a delusional fool like Miroku. I know that what you're claiming is impossible!"
"Oh is it?" Kagome countered her voice rising slowly. "Well that just shows how much you know!"
"I don't need you filling up my crew's head with ridiculous ideas about mythical treasure that will never be found!"
"Oh my goodness! Are you so insecure that if one of your members gets an idea of their own you go into conniptions? I'm sorry Captain, but the only crazy one I see here is you," Kagome stated finally, sitting back down on her bed. Inuyasha stood speechless. How in the hell had she hit the nail so firmly on the head without knowing anything about situation. Ever since his mutiny, Inuyasha had become a micro manager. He wanted to know everything that was going on his ship at all times. It was a state of paranoia and Kagome had innocently confronted his true issue with the whole ordeal.
"You don't have any idea what you're talking about," he hissed lightly, backing down from his original accusation. Kagome looked taken aback at his sudden change in manner. Sensing a greater issue than the one at hand, Kagome forced her anger down.
"Clearly," she said softly refusing to meet his gaze. Now it was Inuyasha's turn to look stunned. He was even more shocked to see a tear trickle down her cheek. Any remaining resentment and anger dissipated at the sight of that tear. "I'm sorry I'm not a sailor Inuyasha, and I do not have any experience living in this so call real world of yours. Maybe my ignorance had gotten the best of this situation." Inuyasha was bowled over. He had been arguing only minutes before and now all of a sudden she was apologizing, and for something that she didn't even understand no less. Quite unsure of how to deal with her new attitude, Inuyasha became very uncomfortable around her.
"Well just so long as you know," he answered, his voice coming out much more coldly than he intended. "I don't want to hear anymore talk about the Shikon Jewel. We're on a man hunt, not a treasure hunt." Kagome nodded, turning completely away from him. She was still crying, Inuyasha could tell by the gentle shake of her shoulders. Wanting so badly to comfort her but not knowing how, Inuyasha backed out of the room, closing the door softly behind him. Once he was back in the hallway, he was annoyed to see the faces of his crew peering at him from their own quarters. Shippo walked forward and stomped on Inuyasha's foot.
"What the! Why you little!" Inuyasha growled reaching for the young boy. Shippo stuck out his tongue and danced out of Inuyasha's grasp.
"That's for being mean to Kagome you big jerk!" With that Shippo darted past Inuyasha and into the safety of Kagome's room. Inuyasha looked about to follow, but was held back by Sango.
"I think you've done enough," she told him icily. Confused, Inuyasha watched the girl stalk past him and into Kagome's room as well.
"She started it!" Inuyasha called trying to defend himself, but nobody was listening. The rest of the crew had headed topside and the group in Kagome's room were ignoring him. Grumbling, Inuyasha made his way to his bed though his mind was far from sleep. Instead the guilt of causing Kagome's tears built up in him.
[I'm sorry,] he thought to himself quietly. [I suppose I should be nicer to her. Its not like she understands anything that's going on. I'll apologize later.] With that thought, Inuyasha let the lull of the waves rock him to sleep.
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"Kagome? Are you okay?" a timid Shippo, approached the silent girl. Kagome turned a sad smile on the child and nodded slightly.
"Of course I am. It's just hard sometimes to relate to people who lead such a different life than what I'm used to," she told him softly, tousling his hair. Shippo nodded, but looked a little confused.
"Those are very wise words Lady Kagome," Sango's gentle voice intervened. Kagome smiled up at the older girl, appreciative of the company.
"Do you know why he's so uptight about the mention of the Shikon Jewel Sango?" Kagome asked wanting to understand what had set him off so royally. The other girl looked uncomfortable for a moment.
"Shippo, do you mind if I talk to Lady Kagome alone? I think Kohaku was going to go fishing today if you'd like to go and join him for awhile," Sango offered the boy. Shippo looked hesitant for a moment but a nod from Kagome sent him scampering. Once alone Sango sighed and sat down on the desk chair across from Kagome's bed. "From what I heard of the argument Inuyasha was upset because Miroku began spreading tales about a treasure hunt and deemed you the source." Kagome nodded, that about summed it up.
"Yes, but I don't understand his reason for going ballistic on me. I did try to tell Miroku that just because the map was to the jewel, that didn't mean it was there.."
"It's not because it is of the Shikon Jewel, but merely because of the treasure hunt. See.." Sango seemed to hesitate for a moment, as though she was afraid of revealing too much. "The last time Inuyasha captained a vessel it was for a merchant mission turned treasure hunt. Well there was nothing to find and rather than admit that they were wrong for following rumors, they turned against Inuyasha and marooned him on a deserted island. Well it was supposed to be deserted, they sort of messed up on that part. So it's not because you brought up the jewel, it's because he sort of has a phobia against treasure hunts now..well one's that aren't planned at any rate." Kagome sat silently, digesting Sango's story.
"I had no idea," she said finally. "I never would have thought..he just seems so.." Kagome couldn't come up with the words to express why she found it hard to believe that someone had gotten the best of Inuyasha. Sango nodded, knowing exactly what Kagome meant.
"I found it very hard to believe myself and I know him a lot better," Sango said. "But now you know. Most of Inuyasha's shell is just that, a shell. He's like a clam. Hard to crack but a total softie once you do." Kagome laughed softly, feeling much better about the entire predicament. She didn't know why, but it meant a lot that Inuyasha didn't hate her.
"Sango, there have been a few questions I've been meaning to ask," Kagome began, unsure of how much Sango would tell her. The other girl seemed open to the idea, and nodded for Kagome to continue. "First of what actually happened to the 'Hime'?" Sango sucked in a deep breath as sure sign that Kagome wouldn't like the answer.
"It blew up," she said finally. "There must have been some gun powder stored below deck because the whole thing went to pieces." Kagome's eye grew wide.
"How was Shippo able to get us both out of range?" Sango smiled.
"Well he didn't. See when we found the two of you the ship was still in one piece and you both were unconscious. Shippo was closest so we picked him up first and that was when the first explosion happened. The 'Hime' started sinking really fast after that and Inuyasha was afraid that we would get caught in a whirlpool as it went down, but he didn't want to leave you. So he did just about the stupidest thing I've ever seen him do, not that I'm not glad he did it, but then he dives in and starts swimming toward you while telling Miroku and I to head back here to the 'Youkai'. Needless to say we were less than thrilled with the idea, but he's the captain and an order's and order. We got about half way back when the second explosion sounded. It was so much bigger than the first, the 'Hime' was a massive fireball. We had seen Inuyasha reach you, but after the smoke cleared there was no sign of either of you. Miroku and I made it back to the ship, but there was still no sign that either you or Inuyasha had made it. We began losing hope about then, but then all of a sudden, Inuyasha is yelling at us to let down the rope ladder and there he was, at the base of this ship, still holding on to you." Sango told the story proudly, loving Kagome's reactions as she gasped and jumped in the right placed. The younger girl looked positively green at the thought of being assumed for dead.
"I never would have thought that it was so..so..exciting.." Kagome stammered, unable to come up with a better word. Sango looked mildly surprised.
"I was going for scary as hell, but exciting works too," Sango laughed. Kagome chuckled a little too before she sombered and became thoughtful again. Sango observed her change in mood and gave her a questioning glance. "What's wrong?" she inquired curiously. Kagome snapped out of her stupor for a moment, and shook her head with a smile.
"I never said thank you that's all," Kagome said with a sheepish grin. "After all he's done, it's the very least I should do. I've been acting rather ungrateful up till now," she admitted. Sango snickered softly.
"Trust me, I don't think that Inuyasha really noticed or cares. He's not big on propriety," Sango assured her.
"Yea, but still. I feel bad. I haven't been the easiest guest," Kagome muttered. Sango rolled her eyes.
"Kagome you have been through so much the past three days. Don't worry about it. Everyone understands. I promise." Kagome smiled at Sango's reassurance, but her words made her think.
"Sango, the other day Inuyasha said that everyone had their own reason to go after Naraku. Is that true?" Sango grew very quiet at Kagome's question, before nodding slowly.
"Well," she started hesitantly. "Inuyasha, Miroku and I all have our reasons for wanting that bastard dead. Some of us more than others."
"Can I ask what happened?" Kagome pressed, now very interested. Sango continued to look awkward.
"Well, I don't know many details on the other two. He sank Miroku's grandfather's and his father's ships. They both survived, but not for long. He killed Inuyasha's father and some other things, but as you might have guessed he doesn't talk about it much. As for me..he destroyed Kohaku's and my town, killing everyone. All for a rumor about the Shikon Jewel," Sango said sadly. She looked a little depressed, but it was evident that she had managed to put the horrible experience behind her.
"Oh Sango..that's horrible.." Kagome said giving the older girl a hug. Sango gave a melancholy smile.
"It's okay now. Kohaku and I have each other and we're doing fine. I want Naraku dead as much as the next person, but I don't thirst for it like Inuyasha. It's almost scary at how consumed he's become with the whole matter. It's all he really thinks about now.." Sango said sadly. "I wish I knew the whole story so I could be more supportive, but it's hard to get to him. He keeps so much bottled up inside." Kagome nodded, her heart twisting in her chest.
[Poor Inuyasha..]
-@--@-
The rest of the day passed quickly for Kagome. She had sat lost in thought for hours after her and Sango's talk. Purposely skipping dinner, Kagome had gone to sit up on the bow of the ship. Legs dangling over the edge, she stared at the now dark water. The sun had set an hour ago, leaving the night chilly but bearable. Sighing audibly, Kagome continued her pondering. Inuyasha had made his way up from the mess room to find the raven-haired girl gazing out at the ocean. Inuyasha felt butterflies in his stomach at the sight of her long midnight tresses blowing freely in the wind.
[She looks incredible. The most beautiful girl in the world..] his mind told him with a sigh. Inuyasha was appalled by the random thought. Forcing his mind to shut up and butt out, he walked slowly down the bow to where she was sitting.
"You missed dinner," he told her observantly. Without turning around she knew it was Inuyasha.
"Yea, I really wasn't hungry," she replied, keeping her voice light. She hadn't seen him since that morning after their shouting match and was unsure of how he was still feeling towards her. Nodding silently, Inuyasha sat down near her. The silence between them stretched, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence. It was clear that they both wanted to talk to each other and the silence merely helped to boost their courage. At any rate it was Kagome who spoke up first.
"Inuyasha..I'm..I'm sorry about earlier," she said in a stuttered rush. She didn't alter her gaze to meet his, but instead kept her eyes locked on the waves. Inuyasha on the other hand turned and stared at her, the moon in it's final phases casting an eerie but stunning glow on her profile. Before he could think of a response, she continued. "I'd also like to apologize for not being the most gracious guest. I-I never thanked you for saving me," she finished shyly, turning her stormy hued eyes on to his violet ones. "Thank you Inuyasha," she said with a smile though her voice was barely above a whisper. Inuyasha was shocked to a stand still. Unable to tear his eyes away from the beautiful maiden in front of him, Inuyasha tried to gather his thoughts to speak.
"Kagome..I.." The words he had sought to say earlier that day left him completely. He became lost in her gaze, his mind forgetting the task at hand. Without realizing, he took her small hand in his own. "I.." he tried starting again.
"Kagome! Kagome!" Inuyasha immediately dropped Kagome's hand as an excited Shippo ran up to the pair. "Come on Kagome," Shippo practically shouted. "Kohaku's gonna teach us a new game! Come on!" Pulling fiercely on her hand, Kagome offered Inuyasha an apologetic smile.
"Thanks again for everything Inuyasha," she said quietly and then turned to follow Shippo down to the lower deck. Inuyasha watched her go as she tried to calm the ecstatic child down.
"It was my pleasure Kagome.." Inuyasha said quietly, out of earshot of everyone. "My pleasure.."
-@--@-
lostdreams: And another chapter done! As soon as I get past about one more awkward chapter the excitement starts. Looking forward to it aren't ya? LOL! Right, I'll shut up now. Oh, one more thing. I have a new fic that will be posted hopefully soon. It doesn't have a title yet, but it's sort based off of a book I read back in eighth grade (OMG that was SOOOO long ago..) anyway, be on the look out for it!
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Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any other character I'm using in this fic.
lostdreams: I have a really good excuse for not updating sooner! I went to a Goo Goo Dolls concert and was staying at a friend's house for a couple of days. It was great fun and I met a great guy and okay enough about my weekend. I know none of you are reading this for my ramblings..well at least not my incoherent ramblings..anywho, here's your pigeon.
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Chapter 6
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Miroku froze.
"What did you just say?" he asked slowly, absolutely positive he had not heard her right.
"This is the map my grandfather had to find the Shikon Jewel. Everyone believed it was a myth and he was crazy to keep this around. I haven't seen it since he died. I never did know what happened to it.." Kagome said softly, examining the map all over. There was no doubt about it. This was her grandfather's map.
"Are you absolutely positive?" Miroku asked, not believing what he was hearing. They had the map to find the greatest treasure in the world!
"Yea, he used to pull this out for Kikyo and me all the time. Kikyo never believed the stories, but it was hard not to. He told them with such fervor. I guess I started believing them just for the fun of it.." Kagome said with a nostalgic smile. Miroku gently took the map from her hands and studied harder than he had the last time. It was of Kagewaki Island, but the map only showed how to get there.
"Kagome, this map doesn't say anything about the Shikon Jewel. It's just a map of Kagewaki Island. There are no instructions as to what to do when you actually get to the island." Kagome frowned and took the map back.
"Hmmm.." she mused quietly, staring at the decrepit piece of paper. "It's been so long since..hmmm..there's some special way to make it work, but for the life of me I simply cannot remember how.."
"What do you mean 'make it work'?"
"Well the coordinates are hidden and I don't remember how or what Grandfather used to reveal them.." Kagome bit her tongue and studied the paper intently. "I know this is the map," she muttered.
"How can you bee so sure?" Miroku asked becoming skeptical. Kagome scrutinized the paper.
"Here's where I tore it when I was trying to get Grandfather to let me hold it. And here is where Kikyo tried to draw our house on it.." Kagome pointed out mark after mark that proved the map had indeed once belonged to her family. Miroku knew without doubt that the map was Kagome's grandfather's, but he was still unconvinced at to whether or not it was actually to the Shikon Jewel.
"Kagome, have you ever seen the coordinates?" Miroku asked slowly. Kagome blinked, and looked pensive for a moment.
"Yes," she said gradually. "Well I think so..I really don't remember, though I'm sure at one point in time I did see them." Miroku's face fell at Kagome's words.
"But you don't remember when or where or anything of that nature?" Miroku pressed. Kagome shook her head in mild confusion; she didn't understand Miroku's extreme disappointment. Just because they had the map didn't make the jewel real.
"No, sorry," she said softly, laying the map back down on the table. It was Miroku's turn to look pensive.
"But you are sure that that is your grandfather's map and that it is the key to finding the Shikon Jewel if one knew how to work it."
"Yes, but that doesn't mean the jewel is real or that someone else hasn't already found it.." Kagome warned, but Miroku wasn't listening. Excitement boiled in his blood. They had the means, all they needed was the clue. Running over to Sango's room, Miroku attempted to share the news.
"Sango! Sango! Wake up!" Miroku cried, gently trying to rouse the girl from her slumber. Sango opened her eyes sleepily to find Miroku's face inches from her own. "
"What the.." she started groggily, flailing her arms to conk Miroku over the head. "Pervert!" she hissed, instantly awake. Pulling the sheet up around her pajamas, Sango glared at the swirly-eyed man before her.
"My dear Sango, I promise I had no ill intentions upon entering your quarters," Miroku said slowly, wincing as he stood up.
"Yea right," Sango muttered disbelievingly.
"It's true!" Miroku declared. "I merely had some rather exciting news to tell you!" Sango raised an eyebrow at him, she was very curious about the cause of his excitement, though she tried to hide it.
"What is it?" she asked, feigning a bored look.
"Lady Kagome has just informed me that the map Inuyasha gave me to help us find Naraku is in fact her grandfather's map that holds the coordinates of the Shikon Jewel!" he said in a rush. Sango's eyes popped open.
"Let me get this straight. We have the map to the Shikon Jewel and we're just finding out about it now?" she asked incredulously.
"Yes! There are hidden coordinates that leads one straight to the jewel." Sango rolled her eyes, and lay back down.
"'Hidden' coordinates?" she echoed dubiously. "Miroku you are completely insane," Sango muttered, rolling over to go back to sleep. Miroku looked crestfallen.
"What? No, I'm not! Kagome is positive that it is the right map!" Miroku argued, sounding wounded. Sango sat back up and stared at him.
"Even if it is the real map, how are you supposed to find 'hidden' coordinates?" Sango asked. Miroku was stumped. Kagome hadn't had a clue as how to find out just how to get to the jewel.
"Well..umm..that part I'm a little fuzzy on, but just think of it Sango! The Shikon Jewel!"
"Miroku I'm trying really hard to be excited for you, I am, but you seriously have nothing to go on save Kagome's word. I'm not saying that I disbelieve her, but come on Miroku, it just sounds way to strange," Sango said in an apologetic voice. Miroku's face became sober, but his eyes danced excitedly.
"You spent the greater part of four years on a voyage to find the same jewel, and we had nothing but rumors to go on. Now we have a location at the very least, perhaps more and you're not willing to give it a go? That doesn't make sense to me," he told her softly. Sango was silenced by his statement, her face becoming almost guilty. "I'm still going to tell Inuyasha about it," he added leaving Sango to her thoughts.
[He's right. I jumped at the chance to go hunting for the Shikon Jewel last time and we had absolutely nothing to go on. This time..] Sango stood up and began getting dressed quickly. [This time we actually have chance.]
-@--@-
Kagome had walked back on deck after Miroku had left her alone in his room. Sighing she wandered to the rail and gazed down at the blue ocean below her.
[That map..I wonder how Inuyasha came across it. It was Grandfather's, that much I'm sure of. But where..]
"Hey wench! Where the hell is Miroku?" Inuyasha's sharp tongue and biting words devoured her thoughts. Seething she turned and faced him with narrow eyes.
"My name is Kagome, not wench," she told him firmly.
"Keh, whatever," he muttered rolling his eyes. "So where is he?" Kagome's eye flashed dangerously almost making Inuyasha wince.
"He's downstairs talking to Sango. He should be up presently," she said icily, turning her back on him. "And I would prefer is you tried a little harder to be a little nicer to me," she added.
"Nicer?" Inuyasha echoed, letting go of the wheel and walking down to Kagome. "Listen wench, you might be used to getting your way all the time or having people fall over backwards to earn your favor, but let me just burst your little bubble. Real life isn't like that. In real life you have to earn your respect, it isn't just given to you by money or parentage. In real life only the strongest survive and weak people like you just fall by the way. In real life things aren't always easy and the path isn't always clear." Inuyasha had turned Kagome around for his bitter diatribe, looking her straight in the eye through all of it. Kagome had tried to pull away from him a little, but had gotten lost in his words and eyes, her expression becoming sadder and more forlorn as he continued. Stepping back from her a bit, Inuyasha looked her over once more. "The world you lived in was a fantasy Lady Ka-gom-e. It has no reflection here, nor does it bear any weight," Inuyasha finished. He had emphasized her name to accentuate his lack of respect. Kagome's eyes brimmed with tears at his harsh words and anger boiled in her blood. Trying unsuccessfully not to cry in front of him, Kagome pushed past him and fled toward the cabins. She paused for a moment at the doorway, before turning back on him. It was hard to see the hurt and anger in her eyes through the tears, but Inuyasha noticed it and it made his heart wrench.
"What have you ever done?" she asked quietly, tears spilling silently on her cheeks. Before Inuyasha could retort, Kagome escaped downstairs. Miroku on his way up had to jump out of the way of the fleeing girl.
"Lady Kagome?" he asked gently as he watched her disappear into her quarters. Frowning he continued his journey to the top deck to find a hard faced Inuyasha behind the wheel. Momentarily forgetting his news, Miroku shook his head and decided he'd rather know the reason behind Kagome's tears.
"Inuyasha!" Miroku called, drawing the hard violet stare. It gave Miroku shivers. "What did you do to Lady Kagome?" he asked in a scolding tone. Inuyasha's eyes narrowed.
"I didn't do a damn thing to that wench. I only gave her a new life lesson," he muttered, but not even stone cold Inuyasha could keep the guilt out of his voice. Miroku frowned.
"What did you tell her?" he pushed. Inuyasha glared at him.
"It's none of your business," he grumbled. He felt bad enough already without Miroku yelling at him some more. "Are you going to take this stupid wheel or am I going to have to make a pillow out of it?" he growled cantankerously. Miroku shook his head and stepped up to the helm.
"You know that map you gave me? The one from the friend of your father's..what was that guy's name?" Miroku asked nonchalantly as he took hold of the wheel. Inuyasha frowned.
"Toutousai. Why?" Inuyasha answered suspiciously gauging Miroku's expression. The monk became contemplative and said nothing more for a few moments.
"Does the name Amari Higurashi sound familiar?" he asked, finally breaking the silence. Inuyasha looked at him in total skepticism.
"What? No, well other than that Kagome's last name is Higurashi," he answered petulantly. "Why?"
"That map Toutousai gave you once belonged to Amari Higurashi, Kagome's grandfather," Miroku answered, being vague on purpose. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes.
"What? Does the wench want it back or something? Cause she can't have it. We need it to find Naraku.." Inuyasha said quickly. Miroku smirked.
"Funny thing that Toutousai told you that, because Kagome told me of a very different purpose that map holds," Miroku baited. Inuyasha was nearly beside himself with mystification.
"What the hell are you rambling about?" he asked irately. Miroku's eyes gained a boyish twinkle and he looked at Inuyasha excitedly.
"That map is actually a key to finding the Shikon Jewel. Once we figure out how it works it will lead us right too it!" Miroku said animatedly. Inuyasha's jaw dropped.
"Did you hit your head on your way up here?" he asked dubiously. Miroku shook his head and smiled broadly.
"I was just as incredulous about it as you, but Kagome is the one who recognized the map. Apparently her grandfather used to tell her all about it all the time. It is the map to the Shikon Jewel!" Inuyasha was seriously becoming concerned about his friend's mental state. Walking forward, Inuyasha placed both hands on Miroku's shoulders.
"Miroku, clearly you've taken one too many whacks to the head, which you undoubtedly deserved, but still. I have looked over that map several times very closely and the only coordinates on that map are the ones to the blasted island. There isn't so much as a mountain actually plotted on that godforsaken piece of land," Inuyasha told him sternly. Miroku only smiled.
"The coordinates are hidden." Inuyasha face faulted. Backing up, he put his head in his hands and tried to work through Miroku's delusions.
"How can coordinates be 'hidden' on a map?" he asks slowly, trying to bring Miroku back to reality.
"Well, that's the part we're not sure of. Kagome knows they're there, but she doesn't remember how to reveal them," Miroku said. If he wasn't being so damn earnest, Inuyasha would have beat him over the head for making up such a cockamamie story.
"Miroku, please listen to yourself. You're insane. You cannot 'hide' coordinates on a map. It's just not possible!" Inuyasha pleaded, dangerously close to backhanding the monk. Miroku's smug look faltered slightly.
"I know it sounds crazy, and generally I'm not inclined to believe such tales, but if you could have seen Kagome's face. She knew without a shadow of the doubt that the map did indeed belong to her grandfather and was indeed a map to find the Shikon Jewel." Inuyasha nodded, his face tightening into a grim scowl. Miroku looked surprised by his change in demeanor. "What? What's wrong?" the monk asked charily. Inuyasha shook his head and began to head below deck.
"Nothing, nothing. I'm beat. Wake me at noon or so.." he said rigidly. Moving down the corridor, he headed right past his temporary bunk straight to the Captain's quarters that Kagome was occupying. Not bothering to knock, Inuyasha tramped right in, startling Kagome greatly.
"What on earth are you doing?" she spat angrily. She had stopped crying, but her eyes were still puffy and red, putting a slight damper on his anger.
"What the hell are you doing making up crazy stories about nonexistent coordinates and hidden jewels?" he demanded, determined to stay mad at the girl. Kagome looked mystified by his accusation and stood up to face him fully. She fell about five inches short of his height, but she drew herself up to his level.
"What are you talking about?" she asked, matching his anger. He had spoken so gruffly she had barely understood him.
"Did you think just because we haven't gone to some fancy schools like you that we are dumb enough to fall for some idiotic story you made up to amuse yourself with?" he demanded. Kagome was completely lost.
"Now listen here. I don't have the faintest idea of what you're talking about, but I can assure you I made up no story to amuse myself with at anyone's expense!" she replied shrilly.
"So you didn't tell Miroku that there were hidden coordinates on my map that lead to the Shikon Jewel." Kagome's expression faded into realization, and her anger peaked.
"I told Miroku that my grandfather's map held the coordinates to the Shikon Jewel, but it's actual existence is still in question," Kagome said haughtily. "I never said that he would find the Shikon Jewel by means of that map, as I have no idea on how to reveal the coordinates that are there." Inuyasha looked livid.
"Don't you even think that you can pull this sort of trick with me. I'm not a delusional fool like Miroku. I know that what you're claiming is impossible!"
"Oh is it?" Kagome countered her voice rising slowly. "Well that just shows how much you know!"
"I don't need you filling up my crew's head with ridiculous ideas about mythical treasure that will never be found!"
"Oh my goodness! Are you so insecure that if one of your members gets an idea of their own you go into conniptions? I'm sorry Captain, but the only crazy one I see here is you," Kagome stated finally, sitting back down on her bed. Inuyasha stood speechless. How in the hell had she hit the nail so firmly on the head without knowing anything about situation. Ever since his mutiny, Inuyasha had become a micro manager. He wanted to know everything that was going on his ship at all times. It was a state of paranoia and Kagome had innocently confronted his true issue with the whole ordeal.
"You don't have any idea what you're talking about," he hissed lightly, backing down from his original accusation. Kagome looked taken aback at his sudden change in manner. Sensing a greater issue than the one at hand, Kagome forced her anger down.
"Clearly," she said softly refusing to meet his gaze. Now it was Inuyasha's turn to look stunned. He was even more shocked to see a tear trickle down her cheek. Any remaining resentment and anger dissipated at the sight of that tear. "I'm sorry I'm not a sailor Inuyasha, and I do not have any experience living in this so call real world of yours. Maybe my ignorance had gotten the best of this situation." Inuyasha was bowled over. He had been arguing only minutes before and now all of a sudden she was apologizing, and for something that she didn't even understand no less. Quite unsure of how to deal with her new attitude, Inuyasha became very uncomfortable around her.
"Well just so long as you know," he answered, his voice coming out much more coldly than he intended. "I don't want to hear anymore talk about the Shikon Jewel. We're on a man hunt, not a treasure hunt." Kagome nodded, turning completely away from him. She was still crying, Inuyasha could tell by the gentle shake of her shoulders. Wanting so badly to comfort her but not knowing how, Inuyasha backed out of the room, closing the door softly behind him. Once he was back in the hallway, he was annoyed to see the faces of his crew peering at him from their own quarters. Shippo walked forward and stomped on Inuyasha's foot.
"What the! Why you little!" Inuyasha growled reaching for the young boy. Shippo stuck out his tongue and danced out of Inuyasha's grasp.
"That's for being mean to Kagome you big jerk!" With that Shippo darted past Inuyasha and into the safety of Kagome's room. Inuyasha looked about to follow, but was held back by Sango.
"I think you've done enough," she told him icily. Confused, Inuyasha watched the girl stalk past him and into Kagome's room as well.
"She started it!" Inuyasha called trying to defend himself, but nobody was listening. The rest of the crew had headed topside and the group in Kagome's room were ignoring him. Grumbling, Inuyasha made his way to his bed though his mind was far from sleep. Instead the guilt of causing Kagome's tears built up in him.
[I'm sorry,] he thought to himself quietly. [I suppose I should be nicer to her. Its not like she understands anything that's going on. I'll apologize later.] With that thought, Inuyasha let the lull of the waves rock him to sleep.
-@--@-
"Kagome? Are you okay?" a timid Shippo, approached the silent girl. Kagome turned a sad smile on the child and nodded slightly.
"Of course I am. It's just hard sometimes to relate to people who lead such a different life than what I'm used to," she told him softly, tousling his hair. Shippo nodded, but looked a little confused.
"Those are very wise words Lady Kagome," Sango's gentle voice intervened. Kagome smiled up at the older girl, appreciative of the company.
"Do you know why he's so uptight about the mention of the Shikon Jewel Sango?" Kagome asked wanting to understand what had set him off so royally. The other girl looked uncomfortable for a moment.
"Shippo, do you mind if I talk to Lady Kagome alone? I think Kohaku was going to go fishing today if you'd like to go and join him for awhile," Sango offered the boy. Shippo looked hesitant for a moment but a nod from Kagome sent him scampering. Once alone Sango sighed and sat down on the desk chair across from Kagome's bed. "From what I heard of the argument Inuyasha was upset because Miroku began spreading tales about a treasure hunt and deemed you the source." Kagome nodded, that about summed it up.
"Yes, but I don't understand his reason for going ballistic on me. I did try to tell Miroku that just because the map was to the jewel, that didn't mean it was there.."
"It's not because it is of the Shikon Jewel, but merely because of the treasure hunt. See.." Sango seemed to hesitate for a moment, as though she was afraid of revealing too much. "The last time Inuyasha captained a vessel it was for a merchant mission turned treasure hunt. Well there was nothing to find and rather than admit that they were wrong for following rumors, they turned against Inuyasha and marooned him on a deserted island. Well it was supposed to be deserted, they sort of messed up on that part. So it's not because you brought up the jewel, it's because he sort of has a phobia against treasure hunts now..well one's that aren't planned at any rate." Kagome sat silently, digesting Sango's story.
"I had no idea," she said finally. "I never would have thought..he just seems so.." Kagome couldn't come up with the words to express why she found it hard to believe that someone had gotten the best of Inuyasha. Sango nodded, knowing exactly what Kagome meant.
"I found it very hard to believe myself and I know him a lot better," Sango said. "But now you know. Most of Inuyasha's shell is just that, a shell. He's like a clam. Hard to crack but a total softie once you do." Kagome laughed softly, feeling much better about the entire predicament. She didn't know why, but it meant a lot that Inuyasha didn't hate her.
"Sango, there have been a few questions I've been meaning to ask," Kagome began, unsure of how much Sango would tell her. The other girl seemed open to the idea, and nodded for Kagome to continue. "First of what actually happened to the 'Hime'?" Sango sucked in a deep breath as sure sign that Kagome wouldn't like the answer.
"It blew up," she said finally. "There must have been some gun powder stored below deck because the whole thing went to pieces." Kagome's eye grew wide.
"How was Shippo able to get us both out of range?" Sango smiled.
"Well he didn't. See when we found the two of you the ship was still in one piece and you both were unconscious. Shippo was closest so we picked him up first and that was when the first explosion happened. The 'Hime' started sinking really fast after that and Inuyasha was afraid that we would get caught in a whirlpool as it went down, but he didn't want to leave you. So he did just about the stupidest thing I've ever seen him do, not that I'm not glad he did it, but then he dives in and starts swimming toward you while telling Miroku and I to head back here to the 'Youkai'. Needless to say we were less than thrilled with the idea, but he's the captain and an order's and order. We got about half way back when the second explosion sounded. It was so much bigger than the first, the 'Hime' was a massive fireball. We had seen Inuyasha reach you, but after the smoke cleared there was no sign of either of you. Miroku and I made it back to the ship, but there was still no sign that either you or Inuyasha had made it. We began losing hope about then, but then all of a sudden, Inuyasha is yelling at us to let down the rope ladder and there he was, at the base of this ship, still holding on to you." Sango told the story proudly, loving Kagome's reactions as she gasped and jumped in the right placed. The younger girl looked positively green at the thought of being assumed for dead.
"I never would have thought that it was so..so..exciting.." Kagome stammered, unable to come up with a better word. Sango looked mildly surprised.
"I was going for scary as hell, but exciting works too," Sango laughed. Kagome chuckled a little too before she sombered and became thoughtful again. Sango observed her change in mood and gave her a questioning glance. "What's wrong?" she inquired curiously. Kagome snapped out of her stupor for a moment, and shook her head with a smile.
"I never said thank you that's all," Kagome said with a sheepish grin. "After all he's done, it's the very least I should do. I've been acting rather ungrateful up till now," she admitted. Sango snickered softly.
"Trust me, I don't think that Inuyasha really noticed or cares. He's not big on propriety," Sango assured her.
"Yea, but still. I feel bad. I haven't been the easiest guest," Kagome muttered. Sango rolled her eyes.
"Kagome you have been through so much the past three days. Don't worry about it. Everyone understands. I promise." Kagome smiled at Sango's reassurance, but her words made her think.
"Sango, the other day Inuyasha said that everyone had their own reason to go after Naraku. Is that true?" Sango grew very quiet at Kagome's question, before nodding slowly.
"Well," she started hesitantly. "Inuyasha, Miroku and I all have our reasons for wanting that bastard dead. Some of us more than others."
"Can I ask what happened?" Kagome pressed, now very interested. Sango continued to look awkward.
"Well, I don't know many details on the other two. He sank Miroku's grandfather's and his father's ships. They both survived, but not for long. He killed Inuyasha's father and some other things, but as you might have guessed he doesn't talk about it much. As for me..he destroyed Kohaku's and my town, killing everyone. All for a rumor about the Shikon Jewel," Sango said sadly. She looked a little depressed, but it was evident that she had managed to put the horrible experience behind her.
"Oh Sango..that's horrible.." Kagome said giving the older girl a hug. Sango gave a melancholy smile.
"It's okay now. Kohaku and I have each other and we're doing fine. I want Naraku dead as much as the next person, but I don't thirst for it like Inuyasha. It's almost scary at how consumed he's become with the whole matter. It's all he really thinks about now.." Sango said sadly. "I wish I knew the whole story so I could be more supportive, but it's hard to get to him. He keeps so much bottled up inside." Kagome nodded, her heart twisting in her chest.
[Poor Inuyasha..]
-@--@-
The rest of the day passed quickly for Kagome. She had sat lost in thought for hours after her and Sango's talk. Purposely skipping dinner, Kagome had gone to sit up on the bow of the ship. Legs dangling over the edge, she stared at the now dark water. The sun had set an hour ago, leaving the night chilly but bearable. Sighing audibly, Kagome continued her pondering. Inuyasha had made his way up from the mess room to find the raven-haired girl gazing out at the ocean. Inuyasha felt butterflies in his stomach at the sight of her long midnight tresses blowing freely in the wind.
[She looks incredible. The most beautiful girl in the world..] his mind told him with a sigh. Inuyasha was appalled by the random thought. Forcing his mind to shut up and butt out, he walked slowly down the bow to where she was sitting.
"You missed dinner," he told her observantly. Without turning around she knew it was Inuyasha.
"Yea, I really wasn't hungry," she replied, keeping her voice light. She hadn't seen him since that morning after their shouting match and was unsure of how he was still feeling towards her. Nodding silently, Inuyasha sat down near her. The silence between them stretched, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence. It was clear that they both wanted to talk to each other and the silence merely helped to boost their courage. At any rate it was Kagome who spoke up first.
"Inuyasha..I'm..I'm sorry about earlier," she said in a stuttered rush. She didn't alter her gaze to meet his, but instead kept her eyes locked on the waves. Inuyasha on the other hand turned and stared at her, the moon in it's final phases casting an eerie but stunning glow on her profile. Before he could think of a response, she continued. "I'd also like to apologize for not being the most gracious guest. I-I never thanked you for saving me," she finished shyly, turning her stormy hued eyes on to his violet ones. "Thank you Inuyasha," she said with a smile though her voice was barely above a whisper. Inuyasha was shocked to a stand still. Unable to tear his eyes away from the beautiful maiden in front of him, Inuyasha tried to gather his thoughts to speak.
"Kagome..I.." The words he had sought to say earlier that day left him completely. He became lost in her gaze, his mind forgetting the task at hand. Without realizing, he took her small hand in his own. "I.." he tried starting again.
"Kagome! Kagome!" Inuyasha immediately dropped Kagome's hand as an excited Shippo ran up to the pair. "Come on Kagome," Shippo practically shouted. "Kohaku's gonna teach us a new game! Come on!" Pulling fiercely on her hand, Kagome offered Inuyasha an apologetic smile.
"Thanks again for everything Inuyasha," she said quietly and then turned to follow Shippo down to the lower deck. Inuyasha watched her go as she tried to calm the ecstatic child down.
"It was my pleasure Kagome.." Inuyasha said quietly, out of earshot of everyone. "My pleasure.."
-@--@-
lostdreams: And another chapter done! As soon as I get past about one more awkward chapter the excitement starts. Looking forward to it aren't ya? LOL! Right, I'll shut up now. Oh, one more thing. I have a new fic that will be posted hopefully soon. It doesn't have a title yet, but it's sort based off of a book I read back in eighth grade (OMG that was SOOOO long ago..) anyway, be on the look out for it!