AN: I don't own any of the Inuyasha characters.
Chapter One:
The Meeting
* * * * * * *
"Houshi-sama, hands OFF!" a girl screamed, followed quickly by a slap. A few others laughed as some poor guy mumbled his apology. It was not an unusual sight; two human girls, one human lecherous monk, one kitsune youkai, and a silver-haired hanyou sitting around a fire. The girl who had screamed had dark black hair in a ponytail and brown eyes, wearing light armor. The second girl had black hair to her shoulders and warm brown eyes. She wore a girl's school uniform, which was very out of place in this era- the sengoku jidai. The human male had black hair in a ponytail and dark blue--almost black--eyes. He wore monk robes of black and violet, and a staff lay by his side. They were inside the hut of Kaede-the priestess of this village. Kaede herself was in a separate hut, tending to the birthing of a woman's first child.
"Poor Miroku!" said the little kitsune youkai sympathetically. He had rusty red hair and fur with glittering green eyes. The silver-haired and yellow- eyed hanyou snorted loudly. He was wearing a fire rat jacket and pants.
"Oh come on Shippou, Miroku deserved that! Especially from Sango! He practically gropes the girl every damn day! I'm surprised she hadn't done anything sooner! Unless she LIKES it," he smirked. Sango flushed, both embarrassed and angry.
"Inuyasha?" asked the second girl, with a weird expression on her face. Inuyasha turned his yellow eyes to her face and stared suspiciously. "Yeah Kagome?"
"SIT!!"
Inuyasha yelped as he crashed head first into the ground. The small group howled with laughter as the firelight flickered and danced upon their faces.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha growled, rubbing his head as he sat back up. Kagome stopped laughing and immediately feigned innocence. "What? You deserved that. Especially from me!" Kagome giggled. This insult was rewarded with more laughter. Inuyasha scowled and walked outside to keep watch for the night. The laughter soon died down and everyone got settled, ready for sleep. Miroku and Shippou slept on the other side of the fire, while Kagome and Sango took the other side. The two girls slept with Sango's pet demon Kirara in between them.
"Hey, Kagome?" Sango asked, her voice muffled by her sleeping blankets. Kagome yawned and closed her eyes. "Mm yeah?" she responded drowsily.
"Do you think Houshi-sama will ever like me? I mean, like I like him."
"Don't worry about it Sango," Kagome reassured her. "I'm sure someday he'll come to his senses and realizing that the girl he's been groping all this time is the one for him then he'll be all other you-but in a good way."
"Is there even a good way to be groped?"
"I don't know, you tell me as soon as he does it!"
"Heh. What about you, do you like Inuyasha?"
Kagome thought for a moment before answering truthfully. "I don't like him Sango...I'm in love with him."
"Oh. But I wonder, how does he feel about you?"
"Who, Inuyasha?"
"Hai, I mean, he does seem to care for you a lot."
"Well, I don't know. From what I've seen and heard he's still in love with Kikyou..."
"Well she's just a soulless body that steals souls to remain on this earth! He may have loved her 50 years ago, but now, it looks like he's in love with YOU Kagome-chan, and you need to do something about it!" Sango said sternly, looking at the younger girl. "How could I? I live in a different era, a completely different world. It just wouldn't work out Sango.." Kagome sighed sadly.
"Pssh. Maybe you're right, maybe not. But you both care for each other. Even if it doesn't work out, I'm still you friend..and besides your kids would be pretty messed up."
"At least mine wouldn't be perverted."
Both girls chuckled and then fell into a light, peaceful sleep. Inuyasha sat in a tree right by the fire, far away enough for privacy, yet close enough for comfort if they were attacked. He yawned and then scowled, pissed off that he needed sleep. After what seemed like an eternity of fighting off sleep, his heavy-lidded eyes closed and Inuyasha gave in to the soothing lullaby.
**************************************************************************** **
"NO!"
Inuyasha bolted up at the sound of a piercing fear-filled shriek. He ran back into the hut quickly and looked around. Kagome and Sango were awake, eyes wide and clutching their blankets, but unhurt. Shippou was curled on Kagome's lap clutching at her arms.
"What the hell was that!?" Inuyasha demanded, sticking his hands on his hips.
"I-I don't know!" Kagome stammered. "I was dreaming about my time and then all of sudden I hear this scream and-"
Just then, the bushes outside the window and near the girls rustled. Both gave a scream and jumped back as Inuyasha jumped over and in front of them, ready to defend his friends. Miroku appeared, holding his stuff and frowning.
"Damnit Miroku don't do that!!" Inuyasha spat, lowering his hands to his sides once again.
"I'm sorry. I heard a scream and went to investigate. I assume you did as well." Miroku replied calmly, his gaze flickering over at the girls.
"Are you two all right?" he asked. Kagome looked at Sango and nodded.
"Yeah, we're fine! You just gave us a scare that's all. Right Sango?"
"Yeah, a big scare. I almost had a heart attack!" Sango sighed deeply in relief and lowered her blanket. Miroku glanced at her and grinned, seeing the swell of her breast through her undergarments. Sango blinked, and realized where he was looking.
"HENTAI!" she screeched, chucking a rock at his head. Miroku ducked, avoiding the first rock, and then stood up to get hit squarely in between the eyes.
"The prices that must be paid," Miroku sighed to himself. By now, the group of five was wide-awake and curious.
"Kagome, what do you think that scream was?" Shippou asked, looking up at her. Kagome had started to stroke his head absently.
"I don't know Shippou, Inuyasha do you smell anything?" she inquired, glancing up at the hanyou. Inuyasha didn't reply, he only jumped outside and high into a tree, sniffing the air around him. He closed his eyes and frowned, concentrating harder. Sango, Miroku, Kagome, and Shippou walked out and watched him. When he finally broke the spell, his frown deepened.
"There's a fight-Come on!" Inuyasha growled, staring to jump from tree to tree.
"Hey! Wait up!" Kagome yelled, starting to follow him. Miroku quickly held his staff out in front of her, catching her lightly in the chest.
"Huh?" Kagome looked confused. Miroku shook his head.
"You girls should stay here and allow me and Inuyasha to confront whatever it is. The villagers will need defending if it is a demon. And besides," Miroku's gaze flickered over to Sango's face where it softened, "I need my special girl to keep safe out of harm's way."
Kagome nodded as Sango blushed, and Miroku ran off to catch up with Inuyasha. Shippou jumped in Kagome's arms and she looked down, petting him. Sango and Kagome started to walk back into the hut.
"I guess that answers our earlier question, ne Sango?" Kagome asked teasingly. Sango's blush deepened and she smiled slowly.
"I guess it does Kagome, I guess it does."
**************************************************************************** **
Inuyasha ran faster upon hearing a second scream followed by growling. He was aware that Miroku was below him, panting as he fought to keep up with the half-demon.
"Inuyasha, what do you smell!" Miroku called up at him. Inuyasha paused to sort out the different scents. A familiar one caught his attention and he growled as anger pumped through his veins.
"Sesshoumaru.some wolf demons and something strange, I think it's a human!" Inuyasha yelled down at Miroku, who nodded. Both stopped as they came upon a clearing. It was the clearing where the well to Kagome's time lay. There was a strange-looking girl surrounded by wolves, and didn't seem to be hurt. Her clothes were ragged and torn, and she did not appear to be upset, but strangely calm. Miroku's grip on his staff tightened.
"Inuyasha, you take care of the demons, I'll get the girl!"
"Gotcha!" Inuyasha said in a low voice, an evil grin spreading on his face. He leaped into the pack of wolves and began slashing at them one by one with his claws. Miroku ran over to the girl and picked her up in his arms gently.
"Are you all right?" he asked in a gentle voice. The girl looked up at him with wide, sky blue eyes, making no effort to speak. Miroku nodded.
"I'll take you where you will be safe," he stated, starting to run off with her. Inuyasha glanced over his shoulder to see the monk running off with the girl.
*Now it can be fun!* he thought to himself as a wolf leapt at his neck. Inuyasha grinned and raised a hand, extending his claws.
"Iron Reaper Soul Stealer!"
**************************************************************************** **
Kagome and Sango were fully dressed and ready to go out when Miroku appeared in the doorway, holding the girl in his arms. Sango's face instantly darkened but she gasped when she saw that the girl had been roughed up.
"Miroku who is she?" Sango asked in awe, staring at the unconscious girl as Miroku laid her down.
"More importantly, what happened to her??" Kagome asked, biting her lip. Miroku frowned and crossed his arms.
"I do not know, Inuyasha and I found her like this surrounded by wolves at the Bone Eater's well," he said lowly, answering both girls' questions. Suddenly, an old woman walked in. She was in the traditional clothes of a miko, and her hair was gray. Her tanned skin was wrinkled and an eye patch was placed over her right eye.
"I heard of a fight and came to check on thee," Kaede said gruffly, looking across the faces of the younger friends. Her eyes finally came to a rest on the girl lying on the floor. "Ite, what happened to the young girl?!" Kaede gasped, kneeling down and checking the girl's wounds.
"Miroku says she was attacked by wolves," Kagome replied. Sango nodded. "We were sleeping and awoke when we heard a scream. Inuyasha and Miroku went to go see what it was and then Miroku came back with this girl," Sango explained. "Kaede, will she be all right?" she hastily added. Kaede nodded slightly.
"Aye. Her wounds are not too serious but she will need to rest for the time being. I need thee to gather some healing herbs outside this hut," Kaede said, directing her last request at Kagome. Kagome nodded and ran outside, complying with Kaede's orders.
"If we are to help her, I will need thee to leave the hut at once," Kaede looked up at Miroku. He frowned, setting his staff aside. "I can help you," he said immediately. Kaede shook her head. "No, ye can't."
"And just why not?"
"I ask thee to leave at once sir monk."
"Kaede, let me help!"
"Houshi-sama just leave so we can remove her clothes and check her wounds!!" Sango screeched, losing her temper. Miroku and Kaede both stared at the demon exterminator in surprise. Sango flushed angrily.
"We can't tend to her wounds with you in here!" Sango seethed through clenched teeth. Miroku grabbed his staff and started to walk out, but before doing so he grabbed Sango's arm. "Sango-sama we need to talk. Once you are finished with the girl, walk with me... please?" Miroku said in a low voice that only Sango could hear. She glared at him as he backed out of the hut. Kagome blinked and took a step back so Miroku wouldn't run into her. She then entered the hut and handed the herbs to Kaede.
"What was that all about?" she asked, looking over her shoulder at Miroku one last time. Sango growled and muttered, "Later, first the girl."
Miroku nodded slowly. Just then, the girl groaned and winced, opening her eyes slowly. Her vision swam in front of her and then it hit her-the wolves from before and then the two strangers who had helped her. The girl sat up, her pale eyes narrowed almost to slits.
"Where am I!?" she demanded in a low voice. She was trying to fight back the pounding fear in her chest. As Sango and Kagome prepared the herbs and bandages, Kaede smoothed the girl's hair back.
"Worry not, ye are among friends," she said in a comforting voice. "I don't care about that, tell me where the hell am I!?" she ordered again, this time a hint of anger tainted her voice. Kaede glanced at Kagome.
"Kagome, maybe ye shall be able to calm the girl, ye are from her time, are ye not?" Kaede asked quietly. Kagome furrowed her brow and nodded, responding, "Kaede, Sango, I will need to be alone with her in order to comfort her, will you please leave us for a small while?"
Sango nodded and smiled, "Of course Kagome-chan! Just come get us when you are finished." Sango and Kaede backed out of the hut and almost immediately, Miroku grabbed Sango's wrist. She started but then glared at him.
"Houshi-sama what are you doing?!" she hissed. Miroku frowned, staring at her intently. "Come with me, please Sango-sama?" he asked quietly, hopefully. Sango sighed and gave in, replying, "All right I will go with you!"
Miroku grinned and brung her delicate hand to his face, grazing his lips over her soft skin. Sango blushed and began walking hand-in-hand with him. Just as they left, Inuyasha jumped in front of the hut. He was about to enter when Kaede grabbed his arm.
"Inuyasha, do not enter there. Kagome is trying to help the girl." Kaede said in a warning voice. Inuyasha scowled and jerked away, crossing his arms. "Feh. It's not her I'm worried about! She had my brother's scent all over her." Inuyasha frowned. "I don't know if that's a good thing or not!!"
"Are ye hurt Inuyasha?" Kaede asked, switching the subject. Inuyasha glanced down and waved his hand in annoyance. "Feh. I'll be fine!" he muttered in an irritated tone, and he sat down, leaning against the wall of the hut. Kaede only sighed and went to check on the local woman's newborn infant. The labor had been a hard one after all.
**************************************************************************** **
"Where am I??" the girl demanded again as she clutched Kagome's arms. Kagome winced from the sheer power of the girl's grip, but smiled weakly..
"You are still in Japan, just in a different time era," Kagome said, trying hard to explain what seemed to be the impossible. "We are in the sengoku jidai, the feuding era of Japan. You must have fallen into the well at the Higurashi shrine and ended up here.but.."
The girl stopped yelling for a moment and looked up at Kagome. Her voice was still quiet, but had a certain calmness to it, "I was there, at the Higurashi shrine and then I remember tripping and falling down. Then a bunch of freaks showed up and tried killing me."
Kagome sighed and shook her head. *I sense something strange about her, but I can quite put my finger on it!* She then stood up and pulled the girl with her, saying, "I'll explain everything some more but first you should take a bath. Come with me and I'll tell you everything. Okay?"
The girl nodded and crossed her arms over her chest, signaling that she was a very closed-off and secret person. Kagome sighed outwardly. It was going to take a lot to earn this girl's trust. The two walked out and saw Inuyasha standing. The girl gasped, seeing his claws and doggy ears. Kagome smiled sadly as Inuyasha scowled and stepped back.
"Don't worry, this is Inuyasha, he's a friend," she said gently, trying to reassure the girl. The girl hung onto Kagome's arm tightly.
"What the fuck is he?! He looks like that other freak!" she mumbled, confused and panicky. Kagome sighed again, replying, "He's a hanyou, a half- breed. Half dog demon and half human. He's on our side though, don't worry."
The girl nodded and started to walk again, ahead of Kagome and Inuyasha. He frowned and bent down close to Kagome's ear, whispering, "Who the hell is she?!"
Kagome frowned and stuck her arms behind her head, clasping them at her neckline. "I don't know Inuyasha," she said truthfully. "She doesn't know where she is and she won't tell me her name. She's just so silent and anti- social. She's a very solitary person."
Inuyasha scowled even more, and stopped walking. "Well hurry up and get her talking! I don't need another whiny brat like you dragging us down!"
"Oh so I'm a whiny brat? Maybe I should just stop searching for the shards and go back to my world with my Hojo!" Kagome shot back, teasingly. Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"I could care less about that pathetic human male!" he scowled, apparently not caring. But his voice and his eyes showed another emotion. "Besides, it's that woman child I'm worried about. No one can get to the sengoku jidai from your world unless they posses Shikon shards, AND she has my brother's scent all over her! I don't trust that girl," he growled. Kagome fell silent and bit her lip.
"Does that mean Sesshoumaru is near here?" she asked quietly, trying to keep her fear in check. Inuyasha looked down at Kagome, and upon seeing the worry and fear in her eyes, as well as smelling it in her scent, he hugged her lightly. Kagome's eyes widened and she blushed. "I'm not going to let him hurt you," Inuyasha said in a soft voice. "Worry about the girl for now."
"Oh..which reminds me, give me your jacket and shirt!" Kagome said immediately, pulling away and looking up at the handsome hanyou. "WHAT!? Are you out of your fucking mind!?" Inuyasha howled. Kagome grabbed his shoulders and shook him hard, hissing, "You idiot her clothes are all torn up you have to have SOME spare clothes for her!!"
Inuyasha sighed heavily and frowned, shoving Kagome away gently. "I'll ask Sango to get her some clothes later. For now she can wear my jacket and my shirt, HAPPY!?" he sulked, taking off the jacket and shirt he wore. Kagome grinned triumphantly and grabbed the clothes, running off. "Thanks Inuyasha!" she called behind her, waving at him. Inuyasha's scowl softened at the sight of Kagome smiling, and he walked off to get himself more clothes. Entering the hut, he saw no one except Shippou, who was asleep in Kagome's blankets. Inuyasha grunted and plopped down next to the fire. *Where the hell are that lecher and Sango!?*
**************************************************************************** **
"Sango-sama, I can't help but feel I have done something to anger you." Miroku began in a steady voice. Sango frowned and crossed her arms as she leaned against the tree trunk. She closed her eyes tightly in an effort to keep from crying as she retorted, "You honestly don't understand do you!?"
Miroku blinked at her as he set his staff on the ground. "What is it I have done now?" he inquired as he walked over to her. Sango opened her eyes wide and a faint blush tinged her cheeks, but then she quickly shook her head and took a side step. She turned her back on the monk, clenching her hands into fists as she shakily replied, "It's everything! The way you look at other girls and-and grope them, it's sickening! You do it all the time Houshi-sama and it disgusts me especially since..since..." Sango's voice softened and trailed off as a stray sob wrenched itself from her throat. Miroku's look became one of great concern and he stepped up to her, placing his hands on her shoulders gently. He turned her around to face him but Sango jerked her head down and away from him as the tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Sango...my dear, please don't cry. Tears don't suit your beautiful face," Miroku said softly, tilting her chin up with a single hand. Brushing his lips over her dampened skin, he kissed her tears away. Sango's eyes widened in surprise and shock-Miroku had never touched her like this before, never so sweetly, so..innocently. And then suddenly he was kissing her forehead, her cheeks, her nose. Sango's heart pounded in her chest as Miroku's soft, warm lips hovered over her own. She could hear the young monk's breathing become heavier as he pressed his lips against her softly, unsure of what he was doing. When Sango didn't push or pull away Miroku cautiously snaked his arms around her, pulling her closer. Sango then pushed herself against him, kissing him back. Their kisses were hot, needy, so desperate, filled with love and lust. Miroku started to lay down, not breaking the kiss, and he pulled the demon exterminator with him, crushing her to his chest. Sango was surprised, but she didn't complain as he did this and soon her hands were cupping his face, caressing his skin. Miroku pulled his lips off of her, only for an instant, as he gently flipped her over. With one hand holding him above her, and the other buried in her silky hair, he kissed her again. The kiss was hard and passionate. Sango let out a tiny groan of pleasure and grabbed him shoulders pulling him downwards as they kissed. Sango's thoughts swirled around her, all she could think about was here and now. *This seems to good to be real..Miroku is finally kissing me!* A sudden movement caused her to open her eyes. Miroku had pulled away, shaking his head. Sango's first reaction was sorrow and rejection, but she quickly became angry. As he pushed himself into a sitting position next to her, Sango sat up immediately and glared at him. "Why did you pull away?!" she demanded, angry and upset that he had pulled away just when she was having her dreams come true.
The monk only stood up and grasped his staff in his hand, starting to walk off. Sango shot up like a rocket and stormed over to him, grabbing his arm. "Answer me! Why!?" she cried furiously. Miroku stopped walking and turned back to face her. Sango was startled to see the look on his face was one of mixed feelings. He dropped his staff and took her hands in his, pressing them to his lips.
"Sango..I cannot do that, not with you." he said in a low, but somewhat sad, voice. She was infuriated and stared at him. "And why not! You can do it with other girls, but not me!?" she growled, tears burning her eyes once more. Miroku pulled her into a tight embrace and pressed his face into her neck, stooping over slightly. "I-I can't..because I-I..." unable to finish his sentence, Miroku pulled away quickly, wiping his sleeve over his eyes. He grabbed his staff and walked away, leaving the girl to fall to her knees.
"Oh Miroku.."
**************************************************************************** **
"This is the sengoku jidai? About 500 years ago?" the girl repeated. Kagome nodded. "Yes, it is. Unbelievable, huh?" Kagome said as she stared at the sky. She was leaning against the rock as the girl dressed in Inuyasha's red jacket and shirt. "So your name is Hotaru Mojimoto and you live in Tokyo, right?" Hotaru nodded. Once her platinum hair had dried, it barely reached her shoulders as it curled around her face. She stepped over back to Kagome and a strand of her bangs fell into one eye. Kagome looked up and grinned.
"You're dressed! And hey, it doesn't look too bad! Are you ready to go back?" Kagome asked quickly, clapping her hands together. "Yes, lets go," Hotaru replied as they started to walk back. As they walked, Kagome couldn't help but stare at the strange Japanese girl. After a while, Hotaru noticed Kagome out of the corner of her eye, and stopped. Kagome bumped into her and yelped.
"Kagome, why do you stare me?" Hotaru asked calmly, but the way she spoke, it was more of a demand than a question. Kagome blushed slightly and scratched her head. "Ah yes well I just have never seen a girl with hair and eyes like yours in Japan before..." Kagome mumbled, her face heating up in embarrassment. Hotaru nodded, frowning slightly. "Well, please don't do it anymore," she continued, "it's rude."
Saying that, Hotaru started walking again. Kagome stared after her, confused. *What hurt her so badly that she's closed off her heart?..*
* * * * * * * *
Rina: Chapter One!!! Longer than the prologue. Hehe. Keep checking for more updates, it might take me awhile, I tend to go brain dead a lot. ;'
Chapter One:
The Meeting
* * * * * * *
"Houshi-sama, hands OFF!" a girl screamed, followed quickly by a slap. A few others laughed as some poor guy mumbled his apology. It was not an unusual sight; two human girls, one human lecherous monk, one kitsune youkai, and a silver-haired hanyou sitting around a fire. The girl who had screamed had dark black hair in a ponytail and brown eyes, wearing light armor. The second girl had black hair to her shoulders and warm brown eyes. She wore a girl's school uniform, which was very out of place in this era- the sengoku jidai. The human male had black hair in a ponytail and dark blue--almost black--eyes. He wore monk robes of black and violet, and a staff lay by his side. They were inside the hut of Kaede-the priestess of this village. Kaede herself was in a separate hut, tending to the birthing of a woman's first child.
"Poor Miroku!" said the little kitsune youkai sympathetically. He had rusty red hair and fur with glittering green eyes. The silver-haired and yellow- eyed hanyou snorted loudly. He was wearing a fire rat jacket and pants.
"Oh come on Shippou, Miroku deserved that! Especially from Sango! He practically gropes the girl every damn day! I'm surprised she hadn't done anything sooner! Unless she LIKES it," he smirked. Sango flushed, both embarrassed and angry.
"Inuyasha?" asked the second girl, with a weird expression on her face. Inuyasha turned his yellow eyes to her face and stared suspiciously. "Yeah Kagome?"
"SIT!!"
Inuyasha yelped as he crashed head first into the ground. The small group howled with laughter as the firelight flickered and danced upon their faces.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha growled, rubbing his head as he sat back up. Kagome stopped laughing and immediately feigned innocence. "What? You deserved that. Especially from me!" Kagome giggled. This insult was rewarded with more laughter. Inuyasha scowled and walked outside to keep watch for the night. The laughter soon died down and everyone got settled, ready for sleep. Miroku and Shippou slept on the other side of the fire, while Kagome and Sango took the other side. The two girls slept with Sango's pet demon Kirara in between them.
"Hey, Kagome?" Sango asked, her voice muffled by her sleeping blankets. Kagome yawned and closed her eyes. "Mm yeah?" she responded drowsily.
"Do you think Houshi-sama will ever like me? I mean, like I like him."
"Don't worry about it Sango," Kagome reassured her. "I'm sure someday he'll come to his senses and realizing that the girl he's been groping all this time is the one for him then he'll be all other you-but in a good way."
"Is there even a good way to be groped?"
"I don't know, you tell me as soon as he does it!"
"Heh. What about you, do you like Inuyasha?"
Kagome thought for a moment before answering truthfully. "I don't like him Sango...I'm in love with him."
"Oh. But I wonder, how does he feel about you?"
"Who, Inuyasha?"
"Hai, I mean, he does seem to care for you a lot."
"Well, I don't know. From what I've seen and heard he's still in love with Kikyou..."
"Well she's just a soulless body that steals souls to remain on this earth! He may have loved her 50 years ago, but now, it looks like he's in love with YOU Kagome-chan, and you need to do something about it!" Sango said sternly, looking at the younger girl. "How could I? I live in a different era, a completely different world. It just wouldn't work out Sango.." Kagome sighed sadly.
"Pssh. Maybe you're right, maybe not. But you both care for each other. Even if it doesn't work out, I'm still you friend..and besides your kids would be pretty messed up."
"At least mine wouldn't be perverted."
Both girls chuckled and then fell into a light, peaceful sleep. Inuyasha sat in a tree right by the fire, far away enough for privacy, yet close enough for comfort if they were attacked. He yawned and then scowled, pissed off that he needed sleep. After what seemed like an eternity of fighting off sleep, his heavy-lidded eyes closed and Inuyasha gave in to the soothing lullaby.
**************************************************************************** **
"NO!"
Inuyasha bolted up at the sound of a piercing fear-filled shriek. He ran back into the hut quickly and looked around. Kagome and Sango were awake, eyes wide and clutching their blankets, but unhurt. Shippou was curled on Kagome's lap clutching at her arms.
"What the hell was that!?" Inuyasha demanded, sticking his hands on his hips.
"I-I don't know!" Kagome stammered. "I was dreaming about my time and then all of sudden I hear this scream and-"
Just then, the bushes outside the window and near the girls rustled. Both gave a scream and jumped back as Inuyasha jumped over and in front of them, ready to defend his friends. Miroku appeared, holding his stuff and frowning.
"Damnit Miroku don't do that!!" Inuyasha spat, lowering his hands to his sides once again.
"I'm sorry. I heard a scream and went to investigate. I assume you did as well." Miroku replied calmly, his gaze flickering over at the girls.
"Are you two all right?" he asked. Kagome looked at Sango and nodded.
"Yeah, we're fine! You just gave us a scare that's all. Right Sango?"
"Yeah, a big scare. I almost had a heart attack!" Sango sighed deeply in relief and lowered her blanket. Miroku glanced at her and grinned, seeing the swell of her breast through her undergarments. Sango blinked, and realized where he was looking.
"HENTAI!" she screeched, chucking a rock at his head. Miroku ducked, avoiding the first rock, and then stood up to get hit squarely in between the eyes.
"The prices that must be paid," Miroku sighed to himself. By now, the group of five was wide-awake and curious.
"Kagome, what do you think that scream was?" Shippou asked, looking up at her. Kagome had started to stroke his head absently.
"I don't know Shippou, Inuyasha do you smell anything?" she inquired, glancing up at the hanyou. Inuyasha didn't reply, he only jumped outside and high into a tree, sniffing the air around him. He closed his eyes and frowned, concentrating harder. Sango, Miroku, Kagome, and Shippou walked out and watched him. When he finally broke the spell, his frown deepened.
"There's a fight-Come on!" Inuyasha growled, staring to jump from tree to tree.
"Hey! Wait up!" Kagome yelled, starting to follow him. Miroku quickly held his staff out in front of her, catching her lightly in the chest.
"Huh?" Kagome looked confused. Miroku shook his head.
"You girls should stay here and allow me and Inuyasha to confront whatever it is. The villagers will need defending if it is a demon. And besides," Miroku's gaze flickered over to Sango's face where it softened, "I need my special girl to keep safe out of harm's way."
Kagome nodded as Sango blushed, and Miroku ran off to catch up with Inuyasha. Shippou jumped in Kagome's arms and she looked down, petting him. Sango and Kagome started to walk back into the hut.
"I guess that answers our earlier question, ne Sango?" Kagome asked teasingly. Sango's blush deepened and she smiled slowly.
"I guess it does Kagome, I guess it does."
**************************************************************************** **
Inuyasha ran faster upon hearing a second scream followed by growling. He was aware that Miroku was below him, panting as he fought to keep up with the half-demon.
"Inuyasha, what do you smell!" Miroku called up at him. Inuyasha paused to sort out the different scents. A familiar one caught his attention and he growled as anger pumped through his veins.
"Sesshoumaru.some wolf demons and something strange, I think it's a human!" Inuyasha yelled down at Miroku, who nodded. Both stopped as they came upon a clearing. It was the clearing where the well to Kagome's time lay. There was a strange-looking girl surrounded by wolves, and didn't seem to be hurt. Her clothes were ragged and torn, and she did not appear to be upset, but strangely calm. Miroku's grip on his staff tightened.
"Inuyasha, you take care of the demons, I'll get the girl!"
"Gotcha!" Inuyasha said in a low voice, an evil grin spreading on his face. He leaped into the pack of wolves and began slashing at them one by one with his claws. Miroku ran over to the girl and picked her up in his arms gently.
"Are you all right?" he asked in a gentle voice. The girl looked up at him with wide, sky blue eyes, making no effort to speak. Miroku nodded.
"I'll take you where you will be safe," he stated, starting to run off with her. Inuyasha glanced over his shoulder to see the monk running off with the girl.
*Now it can be fun!* he thought to himself as a wolf leapt at his neck. Inuyasha grinned and raised a hand, extending his claws.
"Iron Reaper Soul Stealer!"
**************************************************************************** **
Kagome and Sango were fully dressed and ready to go out when Miroku appeared in the doorway, holding the girl in his arms. Sango's face instantly darkened but she gasped when she saw that the girl had been roughed up.
"Miroku who is she?" Sango asked in awe, staring at the unconscious girl as Miroku laid her down.
"More importantly, what happened to her??" Kagome asked, biting her lip. Miroku frowned and crossed his arms.
"I do not know, Inuyasha and I found her like this surrounded by wolves at the Bone Eater's well," he said lowly, answering both girls' questions. Suddenly, an old woman walked in. She was in the traditional clothes of a miko, and her hair was gray. Her tanned skin was wrinkled and an eye patch was placed over her right eye.
"I heard of a fight and came to check on thee," Kaede said gruffly, looking across the faces of the younger friends. Her eyes finally came to a rest on the girl lying on the floor. "Ite, what happened to the young girl?!" Kaede gasped, kneeling down and checking the girl's wounds.
"Miroku says she was attacked by wolves," Kagome replied. Sango nodded. "We were sleeping and awoke when we heard a scream. Inuyasha and Miroku went to go see what it was and then Miroku came back with this girl," Sango explained. "Kaede, will she be all right?" she hastily added. Kaede nodded slightly.
"Aye. Her wounds are not too serious but she will need to rest for the time being. I need thee to gather some healing herbs outside this hut," Kaede said, directing her last request at Kagome. Kagome nodded and ran outside, complying with Kaede's orders.
"If we are to help her, I will need thee to leave the hut at once," Kaede looked up at Miroku. He frowned, setting his staff aside. "I can help you," he said immediately. Kaede shook her head. "No, ye can't."
"And just why not?"
"I ask thee to leave at once sir monk."
"Kaede, let me help!"
"Houshi-sama just leave so we can remove her clothes and check her wounds!!" Sango screeched, losing her temper. Miroku and Kaede both stared at the demon exterminator in surprise. Sango flushed angrily.
"We can't tend to her wounds with you in here!" Sango seethed through clenched teeth. Miroku grabbed his staff and started to walk out, but before doing so he grabbed Sango's arm. "Sango-sama we need to talk. Once you are finished with the girl, walk with me... please?" Miroku said in a low voice that only Sango could hear. She glared at him as he backed out of the hut. Kagome blinked and took a step back so Miroku wouldn't run into her. She then entered the hut and handed the herbs to Kaede.
"What was that all about?" she asked, looking over her shoulder at Miroku one last time. Sango growled and muttered, "Later, first the girl."
Miroku nodded slowly. Just then, the girl groaned and winced, opening her eyes slowly. Her vision swam in front of her and then it hit her-the wolves from before and then the two strangers who had helped her. The girl sat up, her pale eyes narrowed almost to slits.
"Where am I!?" she demanded in a low voice. She was trying to fight back the pounding fear in her chest. As Sango and Kagome prepared the herbs and bandages, Kaede smoothed the girl's hair back.
"Worry not, ye are among friends," she said in a comforting voice. "I don't care about that, tell me where the hell am I!?" she ordered again, this time a hint of anger tainted her voice. Kaede glanced at Kagome.
"Kagome, maybe ye shall be able to calm the girl, ye are from her time, are ye not?" Kaede asked quietly. Kagome furrowed her brow and nodded, responding, "Kaede, Sango, I will need to be alone with her in order to comfort her, will you please leave us for a small while?"
Sango nodded and smiled, "Of course Kagome-chan! Just come get us when you are finished." Sango and Kaede backed out of the hut and almost immediately, Miroku grabbed Sango's wrist. She started but then glared at him.
"Houshi-sama what are you doing?!" she hissed. Miroku frowned, staring at her intently. "Come with me, please Sango-sama?" he asked quietly, hopefully. Sango sighed and gave in, replying, "All right I will go with you!"
Miroku grinned and brung her delicate hand to his face, grazing his lips over her soft skin. Sango blushed and began walking hand-in-hand with him. Just as they left, Inuyasha jumped in front of the hut. He was about to enter when Kaede grabbed his arm.
"Inuyasha, do not enter there. Kagome is trying to help the girl." Kaede said in a warning voice. Inuyasha scowled and jerked away, crossing his arms. "Feh. It's not her I'm worried about! She had my brother's scent all over her." Inuyasha frowned. "I don't know if that's a good thing or not!!"
"Are ye hurt Inuyasha?" Kaede asked, switching the subject. Inuyasha glanced down and waved his hand in annoyance. "Feh. I'll be fine!" he muttered in an irritated tone, and he sat down, leaning against the wall of the hut. Kaede only sighed and went to check on the local woman's newborn infant. The labor had been a hard one after all.
**************************************************************************** **
"Where am I??" the girl demanded again as she clutched Kagome's arms. Kagome winced from the sheer power of the girl's grip, but smiled weakly..
"You are still in Japan, just in a different time era," Kagome said, trying hard to explain what seemed to be the impossible. "We are in the sengoku jidai, the feuding era of Japan. You must have fallen into the well at the Higurashi shrine and ended up here.but.."
The girl stopped yelling for a moment and looked up at Kagome. Her voice was still quiet, but had a certain calmness to it, "I was there, at the Higurashi shrine and then I remember tripping and falling down. Then a bunch of freaks showed up and tried killing me."
Kagome sighed and shook her head. *I sense something strange about her, but I can quite put my finger on it!* She then stood up and pulled the girl with her, saying, "I'll explain everything some more but first you should take a bath. Come with me and I'll tell you everything. Okay?"
The girl nodded and crossed her arms over her chest, signaling that she was a very closed-off and secret person. Kagome sighed outwardly. It was going to take a lot to earn this girl's trust. The two walked out and saw Inuyasha standing. The girl gasped, seeing his claws and doggy ears. Kagome smiled sadly as Inuyasha scowled and stepped back.
"Don't worry, this is Inuyasha, he's a friend," she said gently, trying to reassure the girl. The girl hung onto Kagome's arm tightly.
"What the fuck is he?! He looks like that other freak!" she mumbled, confused and panicky. Kagome sighed again, replying, "He's a hanyou, a half- breed. Half dog demon and half human. He's on our side though, don't worry."
The girl nodded and started to walk again, ahead of Kagome and Inuyasha. He frowned and bent down close to Kagome's ear, whispering, "Who the hell is she?!"
Kagome frowned and stuck her arms behind her head, clasping them at her neckline. "I don't know Inuyasha," she said truthfully. "She doesn't know where she is and she won't tell me her name. She's just so silent and anti- social. She's a very solitary person."
Inuyasha scowled even more, and stopped walking. "Well hurry up and get her talking! I don't need another whiny brat like you dragging us down!"
"Oh so I'm a whiny brat? Maybe I should just stop searching for the shards and go back to my world with my Hojo!" Kagome shot back, teasingly. Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"I could care less about that pathetic human male!" he scowled, apparently not caring. But his voice and his eyes showed another emotion. "Besides, it's that woman child I'm worried about. No one can get to the sengoku jidai from your world unless they posses Shikon shards, AND she has my brother's scent all over her! I don't trust that girl," he growled. Kagome fell silent and bit her lip.
"Does that mean Sesshoumaru is near here?" she asked quietly, trying to keep her fear in check. Inuyasha looked down at Kagome, and upon seeing the worry and fear in her eyes, as well as smelling it in her scent, he hugged her lightly. Kagome's eyes widened and she blushed. "I'm not going to let him hurt you," Inuyasha said in a soft voice. "Worry about the girl for now."
"Oh..which reminds me, give me your jacket and shirt!" Kagome said immediately, pulling away and looking up at the handsome hanyou. "WHAT!? Are you out of your fucking mind!?" Inuyasha howled. Kagome grabbed his shoulders and shook him hard, hissing, "You idiot her clothes are all torn up you have to have SOME spare clothes for her!!"
Inuyasha sighed heavily and frowned, shoving Kagome away gently. "I'll ask Sango to get her some clothes later. For now she can wear my jacket and my shirt, HAPPY!?" he sulked, taking off the jacket and shirt he wore. Kagome grinned triumphantly and grabbed the clothes, running off. "Thanks Inuyasha!" she called behind her, waving at him. Inuyasha's scowl softened at the sight of Kagome smiling, and he walked off to get himself more clothes. Entering the hut, he saw no one except Shippou, who was asleep in Kagome's blankets. Inuyasha grunted and plopped down next to the fire. *Where the hell are that lecher and Sango!?*
**************************************************************************** **
"Sango-sama, I can't help but feel I have done something to anger you." Miroku began in a steady voice. Sango frowned and crossed her arms as she leaned against the tree trunk. She closed her eyes tightly in an effort to keep from crying as she retorted, "You honestly don't understand do you!?"
Miroku blinked at her as he set his staff on the ground. "What is it I have done now?" he inquired as he walked over to her. Sango opened her eyes wide and a faint blush tinged her cheeks, but then she quickly shook her head and took a side step. She turned her back on the monk, clenching her hands into fists as she shakily replied, "It's everything! The way you look at other girls and-and grope them, it's sickening! You do it all the time Houshi-sama and it disgusts me especially since..since..." Sango's voice softened and trailed off as a stray sob wrenched itself from her throat. Miroku's look became one of great concern and he stepped up to her, placing his hands on her shoulders gently. He turned her around to face him but Sango jerked her head down and away from him as the tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Sango...my dear, please don't cry. Tears don't suit your beautiful face," Miroku said softly, tilting her chin up with a single hand. Brushing his lips over her dampened skin, he kissed her tears away. Sango's eyes widened in surprise and shock-Miroku had never touched her like this before, never so sweetly, so..innocently. And then suddenly he was kissing her forehead, her cheeks, her nose. Sango's heart pounded in her chest as Miroku's soft, warm lips hovered over her own. She could hear the young monk's breathing become heavier as he pressed his lips against her softly, unsure of what he was doing. When Sango didn't push or pull away Miroku cautiously snaked his arms around her, pulling her closer. Sango then pushed herself against him, kissing him back. Their kisses were hot, needy, so desperate, filled with love and lust. Miroku started to lay down, not breaking the kiss, and he pulled the demon exterminator with him, crushing her to his chest. Sango was surprised, but she didn't complain as he did this and soon her hands were cupping his face, caressing his skin. Miroku pulled his lips off of her, only for an instant, as he gently flipped her over. With one hand holding him above her, and the other buried in her silky hair, he kissed her again. The kiss was hard and passionate. Sango let out a tiny groan of pleasure and grabbed him shoulders pulling him downwards as they kissed. Sango's thoughts swirled around her, all she could think about was here and now. *This seems to good to be real..Miroku is finally kissing me!* A sudden movement caused her to open her eyes. Miroku had pulled away, shaking his head. Sango's first reaction was sorrow and rejection, but she quickly became angry. As he pushed himself into a sitting position next to her, Sango sat up immediately and glared at him. "Why did you pull away?!" she demanded, angry and upset that he had pulled away just when she was having her dreams come true.
The monk only stood up and grasped his staff in his hand, starting to walk off. Sango shot up like a rocket and stormed over to him, grabbing his arm. "Answer me! Why!?" she cried furiously. Miroku stopped walking and turned back to face her. Sango was startled to see the look on his face was one of mixed feelings. He dropped his staff and took her hands in his, pressing them to his lips.
"Sango..I cannot do that, not with you." he said in a low, but somewhat sad, voice. She was infuriated and stared at him. "And why not! You can do it with other girls, but not me!?" she growled, tears burning her eyes once more. Miroku pulled her into a tight embrace and pressed his face into her neck, stooping over slightly. "I-I can't..because I-I..." unable to finish his sentence, Miroku pulled away quickly, wiping his sleeve over his eyes. He grabbed his staff and walked away, leaving the girl to fall to her knees.
"Oh Miroku.."
**************************************************************************** **
"This is the sengoku jidai? About 500 years ago?" the girl repeated. Kagome nodded. "Yes, it is. Unbelievable, huh?" Kagome said as she stared at the sky. She was leaning against the rock as the girl dressed in Inuyasha's red jacket and shirt. "So your name is Hotaru Mojimoto and you live in Tokyo, right?" Hotaru nodded. Once her platinum hair had dried, it barely reached her shoulders as it curled around her face. She stepped over back to Kagome and a strand of her bangs fell into one eye. Kagome looked up and grinned.
"You're dressed! And hey, it doesn't look too bad! Are you ready to go back?" Kagome asked quickly, clapping her hands together. "Yes, lets go," Hotaru replied as they started to walk back. As they walked, Kagome couldn't help but stare at the strange Japanese girl. After a while, Hotaru noticed Kagome out of the corner of her eye, and stopped. Kagome bumped into her and yelped.
"Kagome, why do you stare me?" Hotaru asked calmly, but the way she spoke, it was more of a demand than a question. Kagome blushed slightly and scratched her head. "Ah yes well I just have never seen a girl with hair and eyes like yours in Japan before..." Kagome mumbled, her face heating up in embarrassment. Hotaru nodded, frowning slightly. "Well, please don't do it anymore," she continued, "it's rude."
Saying that, Hotaru started walking again. Kagome stared after her, confused. *What hurt her so badly that she's closed off her heart?..*
* * * * * * * *
Rina: Chapter One!!! Longer than the prologue. Hehe. Keep checking for more updates, it might take me awhile, I tend to go brain dead a lot. ;'