Authors note: GAAAH! I feel so lazy! Gomen! I've written this chapter so many times I'm sick of it! But you see, I've been trying to move the plot along... I know exactly what has to happen, but for some reason it's taking WAY too long to Kagome home! It seems like the character's each have an opinion on every little thing...
Actually you can thank LadyDi for this post. I just read her awesome story Fate and Destiny (over 300,000 words people), in which the main plot doesn't start until chapter forty something. I figured, if a BRILLIENT author can go around 200,000 words without introducing the main plot, then a couple more chapters shouldn't be such a big deal as long as they actually have something to say...
Well, Happy Fourth to any here from the U.S.A., and may your ears ring for days on out with the echo of fireworks lost... Nothing like some good old fashion explosives! Though I myself have to hear a safety lecture if I want to touch so much as a sparkler--'
I'm trying to update as often as possible, but I'm taking Geometry over the summer. And I have to prepare for a collage entrance exam (for MATH! Even though I want to take History!). And I'm also working on another book, which I have been planning for over two years now (think binders full of notes). Add seven hours of theater camp a day, and I really don't have much time. Chapter three of my other story DOG-BOY, is almost finished, so hopefully I'll be able to post it soon...
Oh yeah, and now I'm really glad I set this when I did. Because recent manga developments would have made it even HARDER for Kagome to get home!
Disclaimer: I've decided that though unnecessary, disclaimers can be the most amusing part of a story. So...
...me. no. own.
"blah" speech
#blah# Japanese
'blah' thought
memory
Chapter Six: A Brief Repose
--888888888888888--
Last time:
Out of the blue, a rock started to laugh hysterically.
Then the rock turned into Abracadabra.
--888888888888888--
The little demon was acting like a child for once, clutching his sides, and rolling on the ground.
#Ah, gods! That was priceless!# He some how managed to say through the laughter. #All over a moth!# He continued to shake with laughter.
#That little brat! What was he gonna say about Kikyo?# Said Inuyasha, still staring after Hakudoushi.
#I...I think I'm dying!# Abracadabra laughed as tears began to form in his eyes.
#She'd better be all right, cause if she's not...#
#GAAAAHHHH!# Kagome's scream caused every one to turn around.
She was standing in one place hitting her head with the palm of her hand and muttering #stupid, stupid, stupid!# repeatedly.
#Um... Kagome?# Shippou finally ventured.
#We had a perfect chance to get rid of him, and Inuyasha had to ruin it! # Kagome threw her hands up in exasperation. #I swear! You can be such an idiot! Why did you just crush the bug like that?#
Inuyasha attempted to look aloof as Kagome glared at him so angrily that her face began to turn red. But in the end he only came off as slightly bewildered, #Hey wait a minute! What'd I--#
He didn't get a chance to finish before Kagome abruptly switched her glare to the rest of their friends. #No wait! I'm being unfair to Inuyasha!# She smacked her head with her palm again. #We should have taken control of the situation right away! We should have known that Inuyasha wouldn't recognize a solution if it slugged him in the face!#
#Hey!#
#And Abracadabra! I thought you WANTED to go home! Surely you, who claim to be the oldest one here would recognize a potential good deed, and seize the opportunity, rather than turn into a rock and hide!#
Abracadabra's eyes widened as comprehension finally dawned on him. Where a moment ago he had been floating three feet in the air, he now sank down into a sitting position. After being still for several moments, he punched the ground, leaving a rather large dent in the dry earth. #SHIT! I AM an idiot!#
Kagome groaned in exasperation. # Sango, can I borrow Kirara? I need some time to think and I really don't want to see either one of those IDIOTS, until I'm done.#
#Of course, Kagome-chan.#
--888888888888888--
Harry was not happy when he stomped into the kitchen to find Ron and Hermione already sitting at the table, waving their cereal spoons around wildly, apparently in the midst of a heated debate.
"Is not!" Argued Ron, whose face had become an angry red Uncle Vernon could be proud of.
"Is too!" Hermione yelled back.
"Is not!'
"Is too!"
"Is not... Bat-breath!"
Hermione drew in a sharp gasp. "WHY YOU- that was all your fault! If you think-" Hermione stopped abruptly when Harry made a small noise in the back of his throat. "Oh! Hello Harry!" Said Hermione a bit too brightly. "How did it go with Moody, then? You seem to be all in one piece..."
Harry still glared, but also noted with no small amount of curiosity how Hermione's face had flushed red in what seemed to be embarrassment when she'd noticed Harry in the room. It was hard to tell if Ron had reacted the same way, because his face was already scarlet, as it tended to be when he was particularly exasperated. But still...
'I'll have to see what that was about later since it seems that I'm back in the snooping business. Well that retirement lasted what? A month?'
"I spoke with Moody," he said slowly. "He agrees with Dumbledore..."
"In that case, it looks like we'll be babysitting today," sighed Ron, eyeing the living room where he had seen Brocklehurst only minutes before.
"I wonder what's REALLY going on. Everyone's acting so strange..." Hermione trailed into silence, only to be startled be looking up and realizing that both Harry and Ron where staring at her. "What?"
"Honestly, for such a smart girl..." Ron muttered. "Hermione I'm sure that Harry and I both appreciate mind-games, but would you mind finishing that thought before you get some kind of weird inspiration, and run off with out saying anything?"
"Oh sorry," said Hermione, pretty much unaffected. "I was just thinking that maybe there's more going on here than meets the eye..."
"What makes you think that?" Harry prompted. Though he had noticed that this shrine felt unlike any other place of worship used by muggles. The air here seemed to ring with some kind of strange energy. It reminded him of Hogwarts, only the feeling wasn't quite the same, it almost seemed more...pure was the closest word.
"Well for one thing, Professor Dumbledore has practically ordered us to stay, and I also find it a bit odd that the ministry STILL can't find that girl."
"Hermione's right! Muggles are always easy to find! Dad says it's because they don't normally disappear to magical places."
"You mean like Number Twelve?" Harry asked, with an eyebrow raised.
"Yes well," Hermione cut in, not to be deterred. "I think that there is something here that we're supposed to find out, I mean this family is a little odd come to think of it. They don't seem at all phased by any of this."
"Not to mention how weird this place feels," muttered Harry.
"What do you mean by that Harry?" queried Hermione, her brow shooting up.
"You mean you guys haven't noticed?" Harry seemed genuinely puzzled at the two negative shakes of the head he was presented with. "This shrine... It the ground's are covered in this energy... Kind of like Hogwarts, but less dense..."
"You mean you can feel the magic at Hogwarts Harry?" Asked Hermione.
"Er, yes?" Said a quietly bewildered Harry. It had not occurred to him that he might have been the only one to sense such things, though by now it didn't surprise him too much.
"But that doesn't even make sense! If this place had a magical aura like Hogwarts, then electronics wouldn't work here, and Ron and I both saw Professor Lupin trouncing Holms in a video game!"
"I didn't say it was exactly like Hogwarts. That's just what it reminds me of!" Said Harry. Normally this would be the point in the conversation where he got irritated, and broke off the subject as quickly as possible, but since today he was feeling unusually patient... "At Hogwarts, the magic floating around is because of all the spells on the grounds, and all the students and teachers constantly using magic. It's less cluttered here, though, haven't you noticed that since we arrived at the shrine it's been harder to hold on to negative feelings? Come to think of it, even Moody was more reasonable than usual..." Harry trailed of.
There was silence for a moment, as Ron and Hermione considered what Harry said.
'That was unusually perceptive of Harry,' thought Hermione.
Now that Ron thought about it..."You mean we're being brainwashed by a muggle shrine?! That's unsettling..." Said Ron, casting a suspicious glance to the teapot, which had begun to whistle and spout steam.
--888888888888888--
It is often said, we are the stars of our own life, and if this was so, then Mr. George Bennit only wondered whether his life would be considered a thriller or mystery...
Perhaps a bit of both?
He knew he was most certainly a kind, likable character, if only because of what he was doing now. He was not dull, and one might even venture to say that he was smart.
Well, he did feel awfully clever at the moment anyway, as he finished off the last stack of forms to be filled out.
"Muggles," he had told Brocklehurst, "are all about paperwork. We have the best ministry trackers, not to mention local authorities, actively searching for the Higurashi kid. Now...we know that...but her mother, being a muggle, can't possibly comprehend the forces at work here. So, to make her feel better we give her paper-work."
Rubbing his eyes, he neatened the stack, and went to find Mrs. Higurashi.
--88888888888888—
Nimble fingers made quick work of bandaging a teenage boy's head wound.
A thought was nagging at the edge of her mind, but she pushed it aside. She could not risk becoming distracted.
'Emotions have no place in a sick room,' she could hear Keade saying. One of her first offered bits of wisdom.
Pushing aside disturbing thoughts, but finding her mind needed something to keep it occupied as she soaked new bandages in ointment, she let her thoughts turn to a much frequented subject.
No matter how often she thought about it, it still seemed strange to contemplate that earlier this year, the scariest thing in her life were the high school entrance exams looming ahead like an ominous cloud. That mere months ago(A/N,1), not only had she never seen a dead body, but she had not been a student of medicine, OR believed in Youkai, Mononoke, Haku, or any kind of magic powers. Heck, if someone had told her last December that come summer she would be searching the Internet, of all places, for magic SPELL books, she would have told the person they were crazy with less tact than Souta on a bad day.
Kagome tied off the last bandage as she recognized Inuyasha's aura behind her.
When Kagome had first met him, Inuyasha had made her feel unsettled. His youki had never felt quite evil... but it was bad enough to send a slight shiver down her spine.
She wasn't sure if it was Inuyasha himself that had changed, or perhaps just her perception of him. He was certainly a good deal more open than he had been, and Kagome knew that he had slowly started warming up to her. Now she found that being within range of him was... well, she couldn't say calming exactly... but it affected her mood... Kagome couldn't stay angry long if Inuyasha was anything but. Sometimes his presence was enough to make her heart twist painfully. It was a strange sensation, because it would come unexpectedly, and she welcomed it, because though it was painful, it brought a warmth to her heart that made up for all the hurt, and she had known for a while now, that the feeling was love.
It was a nice feeling, but not something she liked to dwell on.
Having had time to cool down since her blow up, her lips turned up in a small content smile when Inuyasha sat down beside her. Her spirits lifted slightly despite the morbid landscape that folded out in front of her. It was easy to allow herself a small happiness with the comfort of a good friend near by.
Inuyasha waited for her to finish cleaning the shallow wounds on an old man's face before he spoke, not wanting to distract her.
When he finally did begin to speak, Kagome cut him off.
#I shouldn't have gotten so upset with you Inuyasha. I've been letting this whole thing get to me way too much.#
He bit back the instinctual arrogant response instead offering only a #Keh.#
After all, he wanted to talk with her.
Inuyasha wasn't usually one for discussing his feelings. If something was bothering him he shoved it aside. If a feeling was too strong to ignore he dealt with it. He knew he would only feel guilty saddling someone else with his worries.
But something was definitely bothering Kagome. He did not pretend to have any particular grasp on emotions, but with Kagome, he could usually tell if something was wrong. He couldn't tell what she was thinking about by looking in her eyes (which was a damn scary talent she seemed to have developed without him realizing), but he knew that there was SOMETHING.
Now with someone else, he wouldn't have bothered.
But this was Kagome.
Kagome was a girl.
And for some reason, talking about feelings made girls feel better.
#Kagome...# he began, and then realized that he had not thought about what to say.
Fortunately she seemed to sense his unease, and broached the subject herself.
# I know it wasn't your fault, and I'm sorry I let it affect me so badly...#
'You should be,' he wanted to say. But she had that timid repentant face on, and something was bothering her, and how could he just rub it in if she really was sorry?
'Damn it...'
He couldn't keep the scowl off his face.
If Kagome noticed the face he was making, she ignored it, in favor of tidying up her first aid kit.
#In my time,# she spoke, not looking at him, but rather staring at her busy hands, though in reality they could complete their task even if she had been asleep. #People don't really believe in magic. It's just this... fantastic thing that little children think is real. Abracadabra is like a nursery rhyme in one word. When I was little, I used to say it to try and magically get things I wanted. Say it and a candy bar pops out of nowhere, ne? I guess it's just... really unsettling to find out what I was REALLY saying... I know it sounds kind of stupid out loud but...#
Inuyasha sat and contemplated this for a moment.
Oh yeah, women were really WEIRD.
#Well now that you know, just don't say it again once he's gone...# He instructed.
#You think you have to tell me?#
#You can be pretty thick sometimes, Kagome,# came the imperious answer.
Kagome rolled her eyes, and as one, the people of the village began to stir.
'Now I'm glad I stormed off like that,' she realized. 'If I hadn't then I wouldn't have had time to treat the most serious wounds before everyone woke up... Mou! I can't believe these people go through life without pain killer...'
-88888888888888888-
The worst of the chaos had been erased, and the last of debris in the streets were swept away with the warm, cleansing tide of the morning sun.
Miroku had managed to gain lodgings for the night, as they currently had no idea of the whereabouts of one of Naraku's poisonous insects, let alone Naraku himself. The workings of Abracadabra's bindings had baffled even Miroku, but he had agreed they should seek out the aid of the village Miko when she was not so busy tending the wounded.
Now that he had his explanation for Kagome's behavior, Inuyasha was busy sulking over his allowing anything to take precedence over concern for Kikyo for even a moment-the nature of Hakudoushi's little clue was disturbing to say the least-and was too absorbed in his thoughts to protest any type of delay.
#I wonder where Shippou-chan went off to...# Kagome wondered to Sango. Both were laid on their backs in the grass in a state of relaxation so deep, that Kagome had not used the energy to turn her eyes away from the sky as she spoke.
Kirara was in her smaller form, and had nuzzled right under Sango's palm. She purred, a low rumble as her fur was stroked lethargically.
#He went off with Abracadabra a while ago. Apparently his brand of magic has great 'potential.' I wouldn't have let him Kagome-chan, but it seemed like the only way to keep Abracadabra from playing tricks on those poor villagers!#
#You're right Sango-chan,# Kagome sighed. # At the moment Abracadabra would be a lot more destructive to the village than to Shippou...# Kagome trailed off, and for a time, the silence was broken only by Kirara's happy purr.
Time passed, and Shippou and Abracadabra returned. Apparently Shippou's lesson was over, because he and Abracadabra had initiated a fierce staring contest.
All in all, the atmosphere was surprisingly peaceful, and their 'evil presence' was reduced to little more than a playing child.
-888888888888888888-
On a green hill, the light of the sun cast the silhouette of a human figure.
She had been tracking an evil presence for the whole of the day, and could now clearly see the source of the aura.
Seeming to feel her gaze upon it, the thing turned its head just as she knocked her arrow, and let it fly.
-888888888888888-
A/N 1:Inuyasha turns human once a month, and not counting the barrier incident, Inuyasha has become human five to seven (can't remember exactly off the top of my head) times since Kagome met him. So I'm guessing that it's been about half a year. (And yes, I'm aware that sends MY time line to Hell, cause I'm also pretty sure the manga starts around May, which means this should be in October, even though it takes place in July--')
sashlea: Thank you! I had fun writing it.
CTHKSI: I've always loved Moody's little motto. Though I'm not sure if we ever see the REAL Moody say it (GASP! Has it been that long since I re-read the fifth book?), It seems way too out there to be something the imposter (won't say who... I have friends STILL reading number four for the first time) just made up.
Blackberry: This should kind of answer your question... I'm really happy you reviewed! Your one-shot Urban Renewal is so clever. I really admire your work!
Actually you can thank LadyDi for this post. I just read her awesome story Fate and Destiny (over 300,000 words people), in which the main plot doesn't start until chapter forty something. I figured, if a BRILLIENT author can go around 200,000 words without introducing the main plot, then a couple more chapters shouldn't be such a big deal as long as they actually have something to say...
Well, Happy Fourth to any here from the U.S.A., and may your ears ring for days on out with the echo of fireworks lost... Nothing like some good old fashion explosives! Though I myself have to hear a safety lecture if I want to touch so much as a sparkler--'
I'm trying to update as often as possible, but I'm taking Geometry over the summer. And I have to prepare for a collage entrance exam (for MATH! Even though I want to take History!). And I'm also working on another book, which I have been planning for over two years now (think binders full of notes). Add seven hours of theater camp a day, and I really don't have much time. Chapter three of my other story DOG-BOY, is almost finished, so hopefully I'll be able to post it soon...
Oh yeah, and now I'm really glad I set this when I did. Because recent manga developments would have made it even HARDER for Kagome to get home!
Disclaimer: I've decided that though unnecessary, disclaimers can be the most amusing part of a story. So...
...me. no. own.
"blah" speech
#blah# Japanese
'blah' thought
memory
Chapter Six: A Brief Repose
--888888888888888--
Last time:
Out of the blue, a rock started to laugh hysterically.
Then the rock turned into Abracadabra.
--888888888888888--
The little demon was acting like a child for once, clutching his sides, and rolling on the ground.
#Ah, gods! That was priceless!# He some how managed to say through the laughter. #All over a moth!# He continued to shake with laughter.
#That little brat! What was he gonna say about Kikyo?# Said Inuyasha, still staring after Hakudoushi.
#I...I think I'm dying!# Abracadabra laughed as tears began to form in his eyes.
#She'd better be all right, cause if she's not...#
#GAAAAHHHH!# Kagome's scream caused every one to turn around.
She was standing in one place hitting her head with the palm of her hand and muttering #stupid, stupid, stupid!# repeatedly.
#Um... Kagome?# Shippou finally ventured.
#We had a perfect chance to get rid of him, and Inuyasha had to ruin it! # Kagome threw her hands up in exasperation. #I swear! You can be such an idiot! Why did you just crush the bug like that?#
Inuyasha attempted to look aloof as Kagome glared at him so angrily that her face began to turn red. But in the end he only came off as slightly bewildered, #Hey wait a minute! What'd I--#
He didn't get a chance to finish before Kagome abruptly switched her glare to the rest of their friends. #No wait! I'm being unfair to Inuyasha!# She smacked her head with her palm again. #We should have taken control of the situation right away! We should have known that Inuyasha wouldn't recognize a solution if it slugged him in the face!#
#Hey!#
#And Abracadabra! I thought you WANTED to go home! Surely you, who claim to be the oldest one here would recognize a potential good deed, and seize the opportunity, rather than turn into a rock and hide!#
Abracadabra's eyes widened as comprehension finally dawned on him. Where a moment ago he had been floating three feet in the air, he now sank down into a sitting position. After being still for several moments, he punched the ground, leaving a rather large dent in the dry earth. #SHIT! I AM an idiot!#
Kagome groaned in exasperation. # Sango, can I borrow Kirara? I need some time to think and I really don't want to see either one of those IDIOTS, until I'm done.#
#Of course, Kagome-chan.#
--888888888888888--
Harry was not happy when he stomped into the kitchen to find Ron and Hermione already sitting at the table, waving their cereal spoons around wildly, apparently in the midst of a heated debate.
"Is not!" Argued Ron, whose face had become an angry red Uncle Vernon could be proud of.
"Is too!" Hermione yelled back.
"Is not!'
"Is too!"
"Is not... Bat-breath!"
Hermione drew in a sharp gasp. "WHY YOU- that was all your fault! If you think-" Hermione stopped abruptly when Harry made a small noise in the back of his throat. "Oh! Hello Harry!" Said Hermione a bit too brightly. "How did it go with Moody, then? You seem to be all in one piece..."
Harry still glared, but also noted with no small amount of curiosity how Hermione's face had flushed red in what seemed to be embarrassment when she'd noticed Harry in the room. It was hard to tell if Ron had reacted the same way, because his face was already scarlet, as it tended to be when he was particularly exasperated. But still...
'I'll have to see what that was about later since it seems that I'm back in the snooping business. Well that retirement lasted what? A month?'
"I spoke with Moody," he said slowly. "He agrees with Dumbledore..."
"In that case, it looks like we'll be babysitting today," sighed Ron, eyeing the living room where he had seen Brocklehurst only minutes before.
"I wonder what's REALLY going on. Everyone's acting so strange..." Hermione trailed into silence, only to be startled be looking up and realizing that both Harry and Ron where staring at her. "What?"
"Honestly, for such a smart girl..." Ron muttered. "Hermione I'm sure that Harry and I both appreciate mind-games, but would you mind finishing that thought before you get some kind of weird inspiration, and run off with out saying anything?"
"Oh sorry," said Hermione, pretty much unaffected. "I was just thinking that maybe there's more going on here than meets the eye..."
"What makes you think that?" Harry prompted. Though he had noticed that this shrine felt unlike any other place of worship used by muggles. The air here seemed to ring with some kind of strange energy. It reminded him of Hogwarts, only the feeling wasn't quite the same, it almost seemed more...pure was the closest word.
"Well for one thing, Professor Dumbledore has practically ordered us to stay, and I also find it a bit odd that the ministry STILL can't find that girl."
"Hermione's right! Muggles are always easy to find! Dad says it's because they don't normally disappear to magical places."
"You mean like Number Twelve?" Harry asked, with an eyebrow raised.
"Yes well," Hermione cut in, not to be deterred. "I think that there is something here that we're supposed to find out, I mean this family is a little odd come to think of it. They don't seem at all phased by any of this."
"Not to mention how weird this place feels," muttered Harry.
"What do you mean by that Harry?" queried Hermione, her brow shooting up.
"You mean you guys haven't noticed?" Harry seemed genuinely puzzled at the two negative shakes of the head he was presented with. "This shrine... It the ground's are covered in this energy... Kind of like Hogwarts, but less dense..."
"You mean you can feel the magic at Hogwarts Harry?" Asked Hermione.
"Er, yes?" Said a quietly bewildered Harry. It had not occurred to him that he might have been the only one to sense such things, though by now it didn't surprise him too much.
"But that doesn't even make sense! If this place had a magical aura like Hogwarts, then electronics wouldn't work here, and Ron and I both saw Professor Lupin trouncing Holms in a video game!"
"I didn't say it was exactly like Hogwarts. That's just what it reminds me of!" Said Harry. Normally this would be the point in the conversation where he got irritated, and broke off the subject as quickly as possible, but since today he was feeling unusually patient... "At Hogwarts, the magic floating around is because of all the spells on the grounds, and all the students and teachers constantly using magic. It's less cluttered here, though, haven't you noticed that since we arrived at the shrine it's been harder to hold on to negative feelings? Come to think of it, even Moody was more reasonable than usual..." Harry trailed of.
There was silence for a moment, as Ron and Hermione considered what Harry said.
'That was unusually perceptive of Harry,' thought Hermione.
Now that Ron thought about it..."You mean we're being brainwashed by a muggle shrine?! That's unsettling..." Said Ron, casting a suspicious glance to the teapot, which had begun to whistle and spout steam.
--888888888888888--
It is often said, we are the stars of our own life, and if this was so, then Mr. George Bennit only wondered whether his life would be considered a thriller or mystery...
Perhaps a bit of both?
He knew he was most certainly a kind, likable character, if only because of what he was doing now. He was not dull, and one might even venture to say that he was smart.
Well, he did feel awfully clever at the moment anyway, as he finished off the last stack of forms to be filled out.
"Muggles," he had told Brocklehurst, "are all about paperwork. We have the best ministry trackers, not to mention local authorities, actively searching for the Higurashi kid. Now...we know that...but her mother, being a muggle, can't possibly comprehend the forces at work here. So, to make her feel better we give her paper-work."
Rubbing his eyes, he neatened the stack, and went to find Mrs. Higurashi.
--88888888888888—
Nimble fingers made quick work of bandaging a teenage boy's head wound.
A thought was nagging at the edge of her mind, but she pushed it aside. She could not risk becoming distracted.
'Emotions have no place in a sick room,' she could hear Keade saying. One of her first offered bits of wisdom.
Pushing aside disturbing thoughts, but finding her mind needed something to keep it occupied as she soaked new bandages in ointment, she let her thoughts turn to a much frequented subject.
No matter how often she thought about it, it still seemed strange to contemplate that earlier this year, the scariest thing in her life were the high school entrance exams looming ahead like an ominous cloud. That mere months ago(A/N,1), not only had she never seen a dead body, but she had not been a student of medicine, OR believed in Youkai, Mononoke, Haku, or any kind of magic powers. Heck, if someone had told her last December that come summer she would be searching the Internet, of all places, for magic SPELL books, she would have told the person they were crazy with less tact than Souta on a bad day.
Kagome tied off the last bandage as she recognized Inuyasha's aura behind her.
When Kagome had first met him, Inuyasha had made her feel unsettled. His youki had never felt quite evil... but it was bad enough to send a slight shiver down her spine.
She wasn't sure if it was Inuyasha himself that had changed, or perhaps just her perception of him. He was certainly a good deal more open than he had been, and Kagome knew that he had slowly started warming up to her. Now she found that being within range of him was... well, she couldn't say calming exactly... but it affected her mood... Kagome couldn't stay angry long if Inuyasha was anything but. Sometimes his presence was enough to make her heart twist painfully. It was a strange sensation, because it would come unexpectedly, and she welcomed it, because though it was painful, it brought a warmth to her heart that made up for all the hurt, and she had known for a while now, that the feeling was love.
It was a nice feeling, but not something she liked to dwell on.
Having had time to cool down since her blow up, her lips turned up in a small content smile when Inuyasha sat down beside her. Her spirits lifted slightly despite the morbid landscape that folded out in front of her. It was easy to allow herself a small happiness with the comfort of a good friend near by.
Inuyasha waited for her to finish cleaning the shallow wounds on an old man's face before he spoke, not wanting to distract her.
When he finally did begin to speak, Kagome cut him off.
#I shouldn't have gotten so upset with you Inuyasha. I've been letting this whole thing get to me way too much.#
He bit back the instinctual arrogant response instead offering only a #Keh.#
After all, he wanted to talk with her.
Inuyasha wasn't usually one for discussing his feelings. If something was bothering him he shoved it aside. If a feeling was too strong to ignore he dealt with it. He knew he would only feel guilty saddling someone else with his worries.
But something was definitely bothering Kagome. He did not pretend to have any particular grasp on emotions, but with Kagome, he could usually tell if something was wrong. He couldn't tell what she was thinking about by looking in her eyes (which was a damn scary talent she seemed to have developed without him realizing), but he knew that there was SOMETHING.
Now with someone else, he wouldn't have bothered.
But this was Kagome.
Kagome was a girl.
And for some reason, talking about feelings made girls feel better.
#Kagome...# he began, and then realized that he had not thought about what to say.
Fortunately she seemed to sense his unease, and broached the subject herself.
# I know it wasn't your fault, and I'm sorry I let it affect me so badly...#
'You should be,' he wanted to say. But she had that timid repentant face on, and something was bothering her, and how could he just rub it in if she really was sorry?
'Damn it...'
He couldn't keep the scowl off his face.
If Kagome noticed the face he was making, she ignored it, in favor of tidying up her first aid kit.
#In my time,# she spoke, not looking at him, but rather staring at her busy hands, though in reality they could complete their task even if she had been asleep. #People don't really believe in magic. It's just this... fantastic thing that little children think is real. Abracadabra is like a nursery rhyme in one word. When I was little, I used to say it to try and magically get things I wanted. Say it and a candy bar pops out of nowhere, ne? I guess it's just... really unsettling to find out what I was REALLY saying... I know it sounds kind of stupid out loud but...#
Inuyasha sat and contemplated this for a moment.
Oh yeah, women were really WEIRD.
#Well now that you know, just don't say it again once he's gone...# He instructed.
#You think you have to tell me?#
#You can be pretty thick sometimes, Kagome,# came the imperious answer.
Kagome rolled her eyes, and as one, the people of the village began to stir.
'Now I'm glad I stormed off like that,' she realized. 'If I hadn't then I wouldn't have had time to treat the most serious wounds before everyone woke up... Mou! I can't believe these people go through life without pain killer...'
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The worst of the chaos had been erased, and the last of debris in the streets were swept away with the warm, cleansing tide of the morning sun.
Miroku had managed to gain lodgings for the night, as they currently had no idea of the whereabouts of one of Naraku's poisonous insects, let alone Naraku himself. The workings of Abracadabra's bindings had baffled even Miroku, but he had agreed they should seek out the aid of the village Miko when she was not so busy tending the wounded.
Now that he had his explanation for Kagome's behavior, Inuyasha was busy sulking over his allowing anything to take precedence over concern for Kikyo for even a moment-the nature of Hakudoushi's little clue was disturbing to say the least-and was too absorbed in his thoughts to protest any type of delay.
#I wonder where Shippou-chan went off to...# Kagome wondered to Sango. Both were laid on their backs in the grass in a state of relaxation so deep, that Kagome had not used the energy to turn her eyes away from the sky as she spoke.
Kirara was in her smaller form, and had nuzzled right under Sango's palm. She purred, a low rumble as her fur was stroked lethargically.
#He went off with Abracadabra a while ago. Apparently his brand of magic has great 'potential.' I wouldn't have let him Kagome-chan, but it seemed like the only way to keep Abracadabra from playing tricks on those poor villagers!#
#You're right Sango-chan,# Kagome sighed. # At the moment Abracadabra would be a lot more destructive to the village than to Shippou...# Kagome trailed off, and for a time, the silence was broken only by Kirara's happy purr.
Time passed, and Shippou and Abracadabra returned. Apparently Shippou's lesson was over, because he and Abracadabra had initiated a fierce staring contest.
All in all, the atmosphere was surprisingly peaceful, and their 'evil presence' was reduced to little more than a playing child.
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On a green hill, the light of the sun cast the silhouette of a human figure.
She had been tracking an evil presence for the whole of the day, and could now clearly see the source of the aura.
Seeming to feel her gaze upon it, the thing turned its head just as she knocked her arrow, and let it fly.
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A/N 1:Inuyasha turns human once a month, and not counting the barrier incident, Inuyasha has become human five to seven (can't remember exactly off the top of my head) times since Kagome met him. So I'm guessing that it's been about half a year. (And yes, I'm aware that sends MY time line to Hell, cause I'm also pretty sure the manga starts around May, which means this should be in October, even though it takes place in July--')
sashlea: Thank you! I had fun writing it.
CTHKSI: I've always loved Moody's little motto. Though I'm not sure if we ever see the REAL Moody say it (GASP! Has it been that long since I re-read the fifth book?), It seems way too out there to be something the imposter (won't say who... I have friends STILL reading number four for the first time) just made up.
Blackberry: This should kind of answer your question... I'm really happy you reviewed! Your one-shot Urban Renewal is so clever. I really admire your work!