Art In Death
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or anything related to the said work. The plot of this story was inspired by this book I once read.
Chapter Seven: First Encounter
"You were supposed to bring a six-pack, not some fancy wine." Always ready to complain, Kikyo loaded her sleeping bag and gear into Kagome's car.
"What's wrong with it? I like wine." Kagome kept her answer short.
"I don't know why you want to spend the night camping in the woods anyways." Kikyo scowled at Kagome's tidily rolled and top-grade sleeping bag. "There's no room service."
Kagome thought of the times that she will spent shivering in her tent, anything to get a decent shot. "I'll survive, somehow."
"Kagome, this isn't fair. I set this up because I need to get away for one night. I want to relax with friends. MY FRIENDS!"
Kagome slammed the door to the car, and listened to the echo. It would be easier to walk away and go back to the house, but this is Kagome we're talking about here.
"Rin is my friend too, and Sango is my sister." Leaving the conversation as it is, Kagome circled around to the driver's side and climbed behind the wheel.
The pleasant feeling she had felt when Sota told her of Sango's invitation was gone, replaced with a burn in her stomach, but Kagome was determined to go through it, and not being chased away by her sister's bitchiness.
Moments later, Kagome and Kikyo were on the road to the campsite.
"How's Naraku?" Kagome heard herself ask.
"How should I know?"
Kagome shrugged. Even years before, Naraku had his eyes on Kikyo and Kikyo knew it. "I haven't seen him since I've been back. "
"Naraku is a jerk, I'm not interested in island boys, I like men." Kikyo turned to the window. "Men with money and style."
"Know any?"
"Quite a few actually." Kikyo set a pose of casual sophistication. " That Inuyasha for example."
Kagome felt her spine stiffen. "Inuyasha?"
"You know the guy who's staying at the Little Soul Cottage. He has the look of a man who knows his way around woman. I'd say he's exactly my type, rich."
"How do you know he's rich?"
"Well, first of all, he can afford a six month vacation. He owns his own architect company, and as a bonus, he travels."
"Done your research, haven't you Kikyo."
"Sure, a woman needs to know the background of the man who's going to keep her busy."
"To keep you busy until you can get back to New York," Kagome added. "Am I right Kikyo?"
"Exactly."
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the campgrounds; Sango just sort of popped out of nowhere and embraced Kagome into a deep hug.
"I'm so glad you came! We have a million years to catch up. Hey Kikyo, get your stuff and let's go."
The three sisters grabbed their stuff and walked toward the campsite.
"A doctor," Kagome sat cross-legged y the campfire. "I can't imagine it, when we were kids, you were always talking about being an archaeologist or something, female Indiana Jones, exploring the world."
"I decided to explore the anatomy instead."
"We all know about your work Kagome, so drop that subject. Tell us, is there someone special in your life?" Rin asked.
"No, you?"
"No, not really lately."
"What about you Sango?"
"Well, that Miroku has been very annoying lately." Sango answered.
"That I can relate." Kagome replied.
"Can't we all..." Before Kikyo could finish her sentence, a light flashed in her face.
"What's that for?" She demanded as Kagome lowered her camera.
"Don't look like you're going to murder me, shift closer to Rin and Sango. Let me get all three of you."
"Here she goes again." Kikyo muttered as she shifted closer and flipped her hair for a better affect.
It was rare or Kagome to take portraits, but those three were part of her. Rin with her big smile, Kikyo, so self-aware, and Sango, carelessly confident and classy.
The light flashed again and as Kagome lowered the camera once more, tears began to flow.
"I missed you so much, all of you. I need to be alone, I need time." Kagome placed her camera into its bag and ran into the woods.
The other three girls look at each other and Sango stood up. "I'll go after her." Was all she said before she grabbed a flashlight and ran after Kagome.
Kagome has always been the athletic one, but Sango is not slow either. Soon she caught up with Kagome and grabbed her arm. "Are you going to tell me what's really bothering you or nor?"
"You are the doctor, you should know." Kagome began to turn away, but Sango simply tightened her grip.
"I'm asking as a friend and as a sister, tell me what's wrong."
"I don't know." Kagome pressed a hand to her eyes since they were threatening to fill up again. "I don't want to talk about it, I just need some space."
"Okay." Trust had to be won level by level. "Then why don't you come and see me? I'll give you a physical, and some pills for better sleep. You look awful."
"I don't know, maybe. I'll think about it." Kagome steadied herself and managed a smile. "But there is one thing I could tell you."
"Which is?"
"I need to go to the bathroom."
"Well, why didn't you just say so?" Chuckling, Sango aimed the flashlight onto the path. "You ran out of the camp without a light, you could have ended up as gator bait."
"I think I could go across this island blind. It stays with you. I miss it here more than I ever imagined, but Sango, I feel like a stranger here, more strangely than any other places that I ever went to." Kagome began to walk toward the little outhouse.
"You haven't been home for a month. Give yourself some time you need." Sango turned and found herself talking to a closed door. She was trembling, feeling completely alone, completely exposed. The clouds races above her as Sango tightened her grip on the flashlight.
This is ridiculous, Sango told her self. It was the leftover reaction to her experience in the woods that afternoon. She was hardly alone, tourists campsite were only seconds and Kagome was behind a single wooden door.
There was nothing to be afraid of, Sango reminded herself. There was nothing and no one on the island that meant her any harm.
Suddenly the door opened and Kagome stepped out, Sango nearly fainted with relief and jumped right into Kagome's arms.
"Whoa Sango, are you okay?" Kagome asked in concern. "Maybe you need a physical yourself."
Sango pushed herself off Kagome, but hang onto her arm for support. " I'm sorry, I was just nervous. I don't want to talk about it."
Sango walked pass Kagome and into the outhouse. "I'm going to wash my face, okay?"
"No problem." Said Kagome as the door closed once more. She leaned back against the door and began to hum. Then, almost instantly, she heard footsteps coming slowly to her right. Kagome could feel her muscles tense.
"Hello there." The male voice was low and mysterious.
She ordered herself to relax. "Hello back to you. Don't worry, you'll be going in a minute."
"No problem, I was just taking a little walk before I turn in for the night." He took a few steps closer, but stayed in the shadows. " Beautiful night, beautiful spot, but I never expected to see a beautiful woman."
"You never know what you'll see on this island." Kagome blinked her eyes as the light from his lantern reflected into her eyes. "That's part of what she is."
"It certainly is, and I'm enjoying every bits of it. An adventure for every step. The anticipation of what's to come. I'm a big fan of...anticipation."
No, the conversation was no longer pleasant; Kagome was starting to loss her cool. "Then I'm sure you won't be disappointed in what Four Souls has to offer."
"From where I'm standing, the offerings are perfect."
If she'd had a flashlight, she would have abandoned her manners and shinned in his face, but Sango took the only light device they had with her. It was a voice coming out of the darkness, that's what made it seems so dangerous and creepy. When the door opened beside her, Kagome turned quickly and reached for Sango's hand for a sign of comfort.
"We got company," Kagome said annoyingly. "This is a popular spot tonight. Some tourist just passed through."
When she looked back, there was no one there. With a panicked sound trapped in her throat, Kagome grabbed the flashlight and waved it wildly over the dark grass and trees.
"He was here, there was someone here. I didn't imagine it. I know I didn't."
"It's all right." Gently, Sango laid a hand on Kagome's shoulder, concerned by her trembling. "It will all be fine. Who is he?"
"I don't know, he was just here. He talked to me, didn't you hear him?"
"No, I heard nothing."
"He was whispering, that's why. He didn't want you to hear him, but he was here." The panic in her throat increased as well as the panic in her stomach, beating like bat wings. "I swear he was right here."
"I believe you Kagome, why wouldn't I?"
"Because he's gone and..." She trailed off, and began to rock herself for a moment of balance. "I don't know, I'm a mess. It was dark and he startled me, I couldn't see his face. He scared me, I guess."
"It's no big deal, I got spooked in the woods today walking to Shikon, and I ran like a cheetah."
Kagome let out a little laugh, patted her sweaty hands dry on the thighs of her jeans. "Really?"
"Yup, jumped right into Miroku's arms. Made him feel big and male enough to touch me, again."
Kagome laughed, grateful that she could feel her legs solidly under her again. "So, you like him?"
"I'll definitely give him another chance." Sango squeezed Kagome's hand. "Feeling better now?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Then let's go back..." Sango's smile widened. "... and scare the hell out of Kikyo and Rin."
As they started off, he watched them from the shadows. He smiled to himself, enjoying the music of the quiet female voices drifting away. It was the best, he realized, that she had come with another. He might have felt the need to move to the next stage if Kagome had wondered so neatly into him, alone.
Besides, he wasn't ready, not even nearly ready, to move from anticipation to reality. There was still so much to prepare, so much to enjoy.
But how he wanted her, to taste that sexy mouth, to spread those long legs, to close his hands around that pretty throat of hers.
He closed his eyes and let the image of it roll through his brain. The frozen image of Mrs. Higurashi, so still, so perfect, shifted into hot life and became his. Became Kagome.
A portion of the journal he carried with him played through his mind.
Murder fascinates us all. Some would deny it, but then they are lying to themselves. Man is helplessly drawn to the mirror of his own mortality. Animals kill to survive-for food, for territory, for sex. Nature kills without emotion.
But man also kills for pleasure. It has always been so. We alone among the animals know that the taking of a life is the essence of control and power.
Soon, I'll experience the perfection of that, and capture it. My own immortality.
He shuddered in pleasure. Anticipation, he mused as he turned on his light again to guide his way. Yes, he was a big fan of anticipation.
Okay does anybody have any idea who this mystery guy is?
If you do include your answer in your review.
Don't forget to add why you think so
Thanks.
Luv ya
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or anything related to the said work. The plot of this story was inspired by this book I once read.
Chapter Seven: First Encounter
"You were supposed to bring a six-pack, not some fancy wine." Always ready to complain, Kikyo loaded her sleeping bag and gear into Kagome's car.
"What's wrong with it? I like wine." Kagome kept her answer short.
"I don't know why you want to spend the night camping in the woods anyways." Kikyo scowled at Kagome's tidily rolled and top-grade sleeping bag. "There's no room service."
Kagome thought of the times that she will spent shivering in her tent, anything to get a decent shot. "I'll survive, somehow."
"Kagome, this isn't fair. I set this up because I need to get away for one night. I want to relax with friends. MY FRIENDS!"
Kagome slammed the door to the car, and listened to the echo. It would be easier to walk away and go back to the house, but this is Kagome we're talking about here.
"Rin is my friend too, and Sango is my sister." Leaving the conversation as it is, Kagome circled around to the driver's side and climbed behind the wheel.
The pleasant feeling she had felt when Sota told her of Sango's invitation was gone, replaced with a burn in her stomach, but Kagome was determined to go through it, and not being chased away by her sister's bitchiness.
Moments later, Kagome and Kikyo were on the road to the campsite.
"How's Naraku?" Kagome heard herself ask.
"How should I know?"
Kagome shrugged. Even years before, Naraku had his eyes on Kikyo and Kikyo knew it. "I haven't seen him since I've been back. "
"Naraku is a jerk, I'm not interested in island boys, I like men." Kikyo turned to the window. "Men with money and style."
"Know any?"
"Quite a few actually." Kikyo set a pose of casual sophistication. " That Inuyasha for example."
Kagome felt her spine stiffen. "Inuyasha?"
"You know the guy who's staying at the Little Soul Cottage. He has the look of a man who knows his way around woman. I'd say he's exactly my type, rich."
"How do you know he's rich?"
"Well, first of all, he can afford a six month vacation. He owns his own architect company, and as a bonus, he travels."
"Done your research, haven't you Kikyo."
"Sure, a woman needs to know the background of the man who's going to keep her busy."
"To keep you busy until you can get back to New York," Kagome added. "Am I right Kikyo?"
"Exactly."
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the campgrounds; Sango just sort of popped out of nowhere and embraced Kagome into a deep hug.
"I'm so glad you came! We have a million years to catch up. Hey Kikyo, get your stuff and let's go."
The three sisters grabbed their stuff and walked toward the campsite.
"A doctor," Kagome sat cross-legged y the campfire. "I can't imagine it, when we were kids, you were always talking about being an archaeologist or something, female Indiana Jones, exploring the world."
"I decided to explore the anatomy instead."
"We all know about your work Kagome, so drop that subject. Tell us, is there someone special in your life?" Rin asked.
"No, you?"
"No, not really lately."
"What about you Sango?"
"Well, that Miroku has been very annoying lately." Sango answered.
"That I can relate." Kagome replied.
"Can't we all..." Before Kikyo could finish her sentence, a light flashed in her face.
"What's that for?" She demanded as Kagome lowered her camera.
"Don't look like you're going to murder me, shift closer to Rin and Sango. Let me get all three of you."
"Here she goes again." Kikyo muttered as she shifted closer and flipped her hair for a better affect.
It was rare or Kagome to take portraits, but those three were part of her. Rin with her big smile, Kikyo, so self-aware, and Sango, carelessly confident and classy.
The light flashed again and as Kagome lowered the camera once more, tears began to flow.
"I missed you so much, all of you. I need to be alone, I need time." Kagome placed her camera into its bag and ran into the woods.
The other three girls look at each other and Sango stood up. "I'll go after her." Was all she said before she grabbed a flashlight and ran after Kagome.
Kagome has always been the athletic one, but Sango is not slow either. Soon she caught up with Kagome and grabbed her arm. "Are you going to tell me what's really bothering you or nor?"
"You are the doctor, you should know." Kagome began to turn away, but Sango simply tightened her grip.
"I'm asking as a friend and as a sister, tell me what's wrong."
"I don't know." Kagome pressed a hand to her eyes since they were threatening to fill up again. "I don't want to talk about it, I just need some space."
"Okay." Trust had to be won level by level. "Then why don't you come and see me? I'll give you a physical, and some pills for better sleep. You look awful."
"I don't know, maybe. I'll think about it." Kagome steadied herself and managed a smile. "But there is one thing I could tell you."
"Which is?"
"I need to go to the bathroom."
"Well, why didn't you just say so?" Chuckling, Sango aimed the flashlight onto the path. "You ran out of the camp without a light, you could have ended up as gator bait."
"I think I could go across this island blind. It stays with you. I miss it here more than I ever imagined, but Sango, I feel like a stranger here, more strangely than any other places that I ever went to." Kagome began to walk toward the little outhouse.
"You haven't been home for a month. Give yourself some time you need." Sango turned and found herself talking to a closed door. She was trembling, feeling completely alone, completely exposed. The clouds races above her as Sango tightened her grip on the flashlight.
This is ridiculous, Sango told her self. It was the leftover reaction to her experience in the woods that afternoon. She was hardly alone, tourists campsite were only seconds and Kagome was behind a single wooden door.
There was nothing to be afraid of, Sango reminded herself. There was nothing and no one on the island that meant her any harm.
Suddenly the door opened and Kagome stepped out, Sango nearly fainted with relief and jumped right into Kagome's arms.
"Whoa Sango, are you okay?" Kagome asked in concern. "Maybe you need a physical yourself."
Sango pushed herself off Kagome, but hang onto her arm for support. " I'm sorry, I was just nervous. I don't want to talk about it."
Sango walked pass Kagome and into the outhouse. "I'm going to wash my face, okay?"
"No problem." Said Kagome as the door closed once more. She leaned back against the door and began to hum. Then, almost instantly, she heard footsteps coming slowly to her right. Kagome could feel her muscles tense.
"Hello there." The male voice was low and mysterious.
She ordered herself to relax. "Hello back to you. Don't worry, you'll be going in a minute."
"No problem, I was just taking a little walk before I turn in for the night." He took a few steps closer, but stayed in the shadows. " Beautiful night, beautiful spot, but I never expected to see a beautiful woman."
"You never know what you'll see on this island." Kagome blinked her eyes as the light from his lantern reflected into her eyes. "That's part of what she is."
"It certainly is, and I'm enjoying every bits of it. An adventure for every step. The anticipation of what's to come. I'm a big fan of...anticipation."
No, the conversation was no longer pleasant; Kagome was starting to loss her cool. "Then I'm sure you won't be disappointed in what Four Souls has to offer."
"From where I'm standing, the offerings are perfect."
If she'd had a flashlight, she would have abandoned her manners and shinned in his face, but Sango took the only light device they had with her. It was a voice coming out of the darkness, that's what made it seems so dangerous and creepy. When the door opened beside her, Kagome turned quickly and reached for Sango's hand for a sign of comfort.
"We got company," Kagome said annoyingly. "This is a popular spot tonight. Some tourist just passed through."
When she looked back, there was no one there. With a panicked sound trapped in her throat, Kagome grabbed the flashlight and waved it wildly over the dark grass and trees.
"He was here, there was someone here. I didn't imagine it. I know I didn't."
"It's all right." Gently, Sango laid a hand on Kagome's shoulder, concerned by her trembling. "It will all be fine. Who is he?"
"I don't know, he was just here. He talked to me, didn't you hear him?"
"No, I heard nothing."
"He was whispering, that's why. He didn't want you to hear him, but he was here." The panic in her throat increased as well as the panic in her stomach, beating like bat wings. "I swear he was right here."
"I believe you Kagome, why wouldn't I?"
"Because he's gone and..." She trailed off, and began to rock herself for a moment of balance. "I don't know, I'm a mess. It was dark and he startled me, I couldn't see his face. He scared me, I guess."
"It's no big deal, I got spooked in the woods today walking to Shikon, and I ran like a cheetah."
Kagome let out a little laugh, patted her sweaty hands dry on the thighs of her jeans. "Really?"
"Yup, jumped right into Miroku's arms. Made him feel big and male enough to touch me, again."
Kagome laughed, grateful that she could feel her legs solidly under her again. "So, you like him?"
"I'll definitely give him another chance." Sango squeezed Kagome's hand. "Feeling better now?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Then let's go back..." Sango's smile widened. "... and scare the hell out of Kikyo and Rin."
As they started off, he watched them from the shadows. He smiled to himself, enjoying the music of the quiet female voices drifting away. It was the best, he realized, that she had come with another. He might have felt the need to move to the next stage if Kagome had wondered so neatly into him, alone.
Besides, he wasn't ready, not even nearly ready, to move from anticipation to reality. There was still so much to prepare, so much to enjoy.
But how he wanted her, to taste that sexy mouth, to spread those long legs, to close his hands around that pretty throat of hers.
He closed his eyes and let the image of it roll through his brain. The frozen image of Mrs. Higurashi, so still, so perfect, shifted into hot life and became his. Became Kagome.
A portion of the journal he carried with him played through his mind.
Murder fascinates us all. Some would deny it, but then they are lying to themselves. Man is helplessly drawn to the mirror of his own mortality. Animals kill to survive-for food, for territory, for sex. Nature kills without emotion.
But man also kills for pleasure. It has always been so. We alone among the animals know that the taking of a life is the essence of control and power.
Soon, I'll experience the perfection of that, and capture it. My own immortality.
He shuddered in pleasure. Anticipation, he mused as he turned on his light again to guide his way. Yes, he was a big fan of anticipation.
Okay does anybody have any idea who this mystery guy is?
If you do include your answer in your review.
Don't forget to add why you think so
Thanks.
Luv ya