Author's Notes: At last I have returned! Italy is absolutely beautiful. The stuff you can get there kicks ass too. I think I'm enjoying my new Florentine leather duster coat a little too much.
Anyway my long hiatus is over and the next chapter is here. I promised you fluff and by everything that I hold sacred you're going to get it. Soon. My original plan was to have this chapter be nothing but fluff, but then this idea hit me and the fluff got moved to next chapter. There's still lots of comedy, but with a darker ending I think you'll like. It will be a little shorter than usual, though, because I wanted to get something posted. If I have time, I'll even give you all a special bonus by the end of the day or tomorrow. Not another chapter, but a bonus nonetheless.
None of you won at my little game. Not a one. My real name was featured in the story, first mentioned in chapter 2, then again in 5. If you recall, Sesshoumaru named his greyhound Alexander after the Macedonian conqueror. That's my name.
Also, you all did wrong in assuming that I got most of the surnames from an anime. I said I got them from a show, that doesn't necessarily mean an anime. WHOSE CUISINE REIGNS SUPREME?! That's right, Iron Chef! I got the names from Iron Chef. Have any of you ever seen that? It's one of the coolest shows ever.
Finally, I've been asked about whether or not Kagura or Kanna will be appearing in the story. The answer: not in the foreseeable future. I haven't gotten that far in the manga yet and I only have access to so many episodes of the show. I only saw enough just enough episodes with Koga in them for me to feel comfortable working him into the story.
That about fills up my quota for ranting. Let's go on.
Let the Music Be Your Master
Chapter 10: I Want to Make Him Regret Life Since the Day He Met You
The next day at school, things were a little... strange. Those who were at the party had spread the word about what had happened, and now nobody was sure what was what. The social classes seemed fuzzy and indistinct and people couldn't decide who was cool and who wasn't anymore. Needless to say, Inuyasha was feeling pretty good about himself right now. "I think we've brought in a revolution," he remarked at lunch.
Shippo looked up from his usual Three Card Monte hand and grinned. "Duh!" He then turned back to the crowded lunch room. "Come on, find the lady! Find the lady! Where'd she go? Nobody knows! Find the lady! Dollar to play!"
Miroku and Kirara sat on either end of Shippo and shook their heads as another fool stepped up to be swindled. After five rounds, the unhappy jock walked away only to be replaced by a very eerie sight.
Naraku glided rather than walked into the cafeteria and sat down across from his friends. What was truly frightening, however, was the dreamy smile on his pale face.
Everyone stared for a moment, unsure what to think. Finally, Shippo cracked a grin. "Hey, Prince of Darkness! You look pretty happy. Steal any good souls lately or something?"
"I don't think so, Shippo," Miroku said. "There are only two things in the world that can give a man a grin like that: drugs and sex."
"Let's have it, Naraku," Inuyasha said.
The goth boy looked confused for a second. He looked back and forth between his friends a moment before raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"If you scored some dope, where can we get some?" Inuyasha explained.
"And if you just plain scored, who with?" Miroku finished.
Inuyasha was a little unprepared for the answer. He distinctly heard Naraku mutter "Yura Hayasaka," but that didn't mean he had to believe it right away. "I'm surprised, and yet I'm not. Is that natural?"
"How exactly did that happen?" Shippo asked curiously.
"Yeah," Kirara chimed in, "is that really what playing with your hair lead to?"
"How was it?" Miroku asked with a teasing grin.
Naraku fidgeted for a moment, turning his head so that his hair fell into his face and partially obscured his features. "I wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition," he mumbled.
Inuyasha, Miroku, Shippo, and Kirara all looked at one another, nodded, and screamed at the goth in front of them in unison. "No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!!" Several people at nearby tables turned around and stared, but that was to be expected.
Naraku just shook his head. "I walked right into that. That was so avoidable."
"Yes it was," Shippo agreed. "Now tell us or we'll make you sit in the comfy chair."
Naraku sighed and began his story from the point where he left Yura to help Miroku.
*******************************
(FLASHBACK)
Naraku dashed back toward the backyard only to collide with Yura as he rounded the corner. He stood up with a quick apology and offered her a hand up, which she accepted. He was a little surprised however when she promptly slapped and twisted him around into a painful armlock. She was surprisingly strong. "What the hell did I do?! Ow, seriously, that hurts!"
"You know damn well what you did," she spat. "You're just like every other guy in the world. Here's a little tip for the future: when you're out with a girl, don't ditch her to start fights. We really don't like that." She tightened the arm lock and threw him to the ground.
Naraku rolled his abused shoulder and stood up. "I didn't start that fight! They were kicking my friend's ass so I went to help! What the hell did you expect me to do?! Stand by and watch Hiten and Manten beat Miroku into a bloody lifeless pulp?!" Now he was pissed. Just who did she think she was, acting like she was so damn important?
"Nice try," Yura scoffed. "You may be a good liar, but I'm not buying it this time. Great hair you may have, but that's all you're good for."
Naraku sneered. This was beginning to work his last nerve. "Well then, it seems looks are all you have going for you if you're not smart enough to figure out something as obvious as this! Why the fuck would I lie about that?! Huh? God, you stuck up bitches are all the same! You think that just because you have guys drooling over you you're never think you're wrong! You can't admit a god damn mistake!"
The whole thing was quickly dissolving into nothing but a screaming match. "Oh yeah!" Yura shot back. "Well you freaks are all the same! You think you know everything! And you think you're better than us just because you dress wierd! Just because we have it better than you-"
"Better than...?! Oh, for the love of god! At least we know why people hate us! Did you ever stop to think that we are sentient just like you! Damn all you conformists to hell!"
"Well fuck you too!"
"Fuck you and the horse you rode in on, bitch!"
"Well if you're so eager, why don't you just go ahead and fuck me yourself!" Why the hell did she say that?
"Maybe I will!" Better question: where the bloody hell did that come from?!
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
"Fine!" With that, Naraku grabbed Yura, crushing her body to his as he kissed her passionately, carried her off to the forest behind Koga's house and...
*******************************
(END FLASHBACK)
"... Well the story writes itself from there. In case you're wondering, it was consentual." Naraku tried a casual shrug but was still fidgeting uncomfortably. Then came another one of those big awkward silences.
"... Wow," Inuyasha said at last. "In the woods... In the dead of night... With a mass of people not far away... Naraku... Yura... Coupling... Am I the only one who doesn't want to ever speak of this again?"
There was a unanimous shaking of heads as Kagome and Sango finally emerged from the long lunch line with their trays. There was no shortage of places to sit today, so it was a little bit of a surprise to Inuyasha when Kagome decided to sit beside him and Sango across from Miroku. His sensitive ears picked up a familiar song. "Sango? Is that Time Stand Still you're humming?"
Sango seemed to snap out of a dream. "Huh? Oh, yeah it is. My new favorite song." She was talking to Inuyasha but very obviously looking at Miroku. He wondered for a moment if he was the only one of his friends not getting laid, but he remembered Shippo saying he wanted to wait a little longer and Miroku didn't have the just-got-some look that Naraku did. So Inuyasha was just the only guy who wasn't getting any action in any way, shape, or form.
"Inuyasha?" he heard Kagome say timidly beside him.
He turned to face her. "Something on your mind?"
*******************************
Kagome swallowed quietly. How did he do this to her? One look at those eyes and she felt like she could faint. "First of all, I want to thank you again for last night. Even with that little incident I still had fun. And I owe you one for putting Koga in his place." Okay that part wasn't too hard. Maybe it will make the next part easier.
Inuyasha smiled softly. "No problem. Don't feel obliged to me either. It was a privelege to do all that."
Nevermind. Kagome could not understand just what it was about him that made her react the way she did. But she would find out. She would find out if it was the last thing she ever did.
She prepared herself for what came next. There was still one more thing to talk to him about before she dropped the bomb. "Anyway, I was talking with my mom last night and this morning. One thing she wanted me to ask you is if you'll give Sota lessons on the guitar. She'd pay you for your time, of course."
Inuyasha seemed thoughtful for a moment. "Normally, I'm not very good with kids."
Kagome sighed. She should have expected as much. Sota was going to be really disappointed. Maybe it would be better to lie and tell him Inuyasha had too much going on to spare the time. That would be the worst lie she ever told. As far as she knew, Inuyasha didn't even have a job.
Her spirits picked up, however, when she heard him speak again. "But I kinda like your brother. In his case I can make an exception."
Kagome smiled. This was going better than she had expected. "You will? That's great! Sota will be thrilled. One more thing."
"Shoot," Inuyasha said coolly.
Kagome took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. "I was wondering if you had any plans for tonight?" Twelve hours of thought, and this really was the best she could come up with. Was there ever a non-awkward way to do these things?
The table fell silent and everyone stared at Kagome who turned beat red.
"Well this is an interesting role reversal," Miroku calmly mused.
"Shut up, Miroku," Inuyasha said off-handedly. "Actually, I got an interesting idea. Can I pitch this to you, see what you think?"
Kagome nodded. At least someone was handling this well.
"Miroku, Shippo, and I were going to cruise around the waterfront and some of the less crowded commercial areas of the city for a while. It's just something we do. Kirara is already coming with us. If you want, there's always room in th group. We'll make a night of it." Inuyasha gave Kagome an inviting smile. "What do you think? An evening of window shopping, fast food, and looking for trouble."
Kagome had to admit, it did sound very tempting. Lately, any time she got to spend with Inuyasha was starting to sound good. "Sure."
"Great! We'll pick you up around 5, okay?"
"Hey, uh... mind if I come along, too?" Sango nervous? She was still looking at Miroku who was now giving her a reassuring smile as he told her she was most welcome to join them. That night must have really made an impact on her.
*******************************
Kagome was a little nervous at first. This wasn't the first time she had been out with her new friends, but this was a little different from last time. As she waited for Inuyasha's car to pull up, she mused slightly over the whole new situation. She couldn't believe she had ever been so blind before. Inuyasha, Miroku, Shippo... They were so different because they knew they had to be themselves. They weren't afraid to be different. She admired that. Maybe this could help her make a turn for the best.
To Kagome's surprise, it wasn't the familiar Viper that pulled up. It was a royal purple PT Cruiser with Miroku in the driver's seat. Kagome couldn't help but feel a little relieved at that. As great a guy as Inuyasha was, she really did not care for his driving. "They're here, Mom! I'll see you later!" she called as she dashed out the door.
She vaguely heard her mother's goodbye, but that was soon drowned out by the laughing and whooping of the crowd in the car.
She opened the door and hopped in. Sango was in the passenger seat, Shippo and Kirara were once again sharing a seat on the left, and Inuyasha was in the middle. "Hey guys! Where are we going first?"
"Waterfront," Inuyasha replied. "Miroku! Music, now!" He then turned back to Kagome. "I love this song. Achilles' Last Stand by Led Zeppelin."
As they drove off, the intro led Kagome to conjure up thoughts of hard roads, journeys, action, and adventure. Wierd. She never would have thought that much about music before.
Inuyasha was already getting into the song, bobbing his head to the beat. He started lipsynching when the lyrics came up.
It was an April morning when they told us we should go.
And as I turned to you, you smiled at me.
How could we say no?
With all the fun to have to live the dreams we've always had,
Oh, the songs to sing, when we at last return again.
Here Inuyasha started playing air guitar again. He must have really enjoyed playing since he seemed to start doing that unconsciously. Kagome couldn't help but smile and join in bobbing her head.
Sending off a glancing kiss to those who claim they know.
Below the streets that steam and hiss,
The devil's in his hole.
Oh, to sail away, to sandy lands and other days.
Oh, to touch the dream, hides inside and never seen, yeah.
Into the sun, the south, the north, at last the birds have flown.
The shackles of commitment fell in pieces on the ground.
Oh, to ride the wind, to tread the air above the din.
Oh, to laugh aloud, dancing as we fought the crowd, yeah.
To seek the man whose pointing hand the giant step unfolds,
With guidance from the curving path that churns up into stone.
If one bell should ring in celebration for a king,
So fast the heart should beat, as proud the head with heavy feet, yeah.
Ooh!
The song went into a bridge with very distinctive guitar work. Whoever Led Zeppelin's guitarist was, he was good. Really, really good. Kagome was beginning to see just why Inuyasha liked this band so much.
Inuyasha glanced around for a second. "Roll down the windows and turn up the volume! We're gong to piss off every conformist we see!"
Miroku complied and Inuyasha resumed playing air guitar.
Days went by when you and I, bathed in eternal summers glow,
As far away and distant our mutual child did grow.
Oh, the sweet refrain that soothes the soul and calms the pain.
Oh, Albion remains, sleeping now to rise again.
Wandering and wandering. What place to rest the search?
The mighty arms of Atlas hold the heavens from the earth.
Inuyasha's face split in a huge grin and he turned to Kagome and Sango. "Follow our lead, come on!" With that he began singing along with Miroku, Shippo, and Kirara.
Kagome fell into it easily and started singing with them. This was damn fun!
To her surprise, Inuyasha popped open the sun roof and stood up, sticking his upper body out of the car and singing loudly for the whole street to hear.
The mighty arms of Atlas hold the heavens from the earth.
From the ea-ea-ea-ea-ea-earth!
Whoah!
(Whoah!) I know the way, know the way, know the way, know the way!
(Whoah!) I know the way, know the way, know the way, know the way!
Whoah!
Whoah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Aah!
Ooh!
Ooh!
Ooh!
Well, the mighty arms of Atlas hold the heavens from the earth.
(Aah-ooh)
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Whoo!
As the song slowly faded to a close, Kagome started laughing and shouting with the other people in the car with her. With these five friends of hers, she couldn't recall any time when she had ever had so much fun. It all felt so right.
***************************
Meanwhile, Koga was back at his home fuming. He had managed to get the place cleaned up after his guests trashed it, but what really bothered him was the presence of Inuyasha and his little friends. They were brainwashing Kagome. His Kagome! What was that mistake of nature doing to her?
This would not stand. Koga would not let this go. He had been playing around with that mongrel far too long. Something needed to be done! He needed to be taken out of the picture... once and for all.
Koga put on his stereo. He didn't care what anyone said, he liked bands like Linkin Park and especially Nickelback. Some thought he was strange for it, but seeing as how he seldom listened to it in front of them, they never questioned him. After all, he was the star player of the track team wasn't he?
He picked the perfect song to match his thoughts: Just For.
I want to take his eyes out,
Just for looking at you.
Yes I do.
And I want to take his hands off,
Just for touching you.
Yes I do.
The more Koga listened to this song, the more he convinced himself he was in the right.
And I want to rip his heart out,
Just for hurting you!
And I want to break his mind down!
Yes I do!
How dare that mutt go anywhere near his girl! He would deal with him very soon, though.
And I want to make him,
Regret life since the day he met you.
Yes I do.
And I want to make him,
Take back all that he took from you.
Yes I do.
Inuyasha would have to pay. Koga would make him suffer. He would make him weep. He would make him regret the first breath he took the day he was born.
All Koga needed was the time to think of how. With ideas buzzing around in his head, it wouldn't be long now. Kagome would be his and that mutant would no longer be a problem.
And I want to rip his heart out,
Just for hurting you!
And I want to break his mind down!
Yes I do!
*****************************
Author's Notes: Yes, shorter than usual, but as I said, I just wanted to get something out. I might have time to give you that bonus I mentioned by tomorrow. Consider it a little gift for patiently waiting so long.
Anyway my long hiatus is over and the next chapter is here. I promised you fluff and by everything that I hold sacred you're going to get it. Soon. My original plan was to have this chapter be nothing but fluff, but then this idea hit me and the fluff got moved to next chapter. There's still lots of comedy, but with a darker ending I think you'll like. It will be a little shorter than usual, though, because I wanted to get something posted. If I have time, I'll even give you all a special bonus by the end of the day or tomorrow. Not another chapter, but a bonus nonetheless.
None of you won at my little game. Not a one. My real name was featured in the story, first mentioned in chapter 2, then again in 5. If you recall, Sesshoumaru named his greyhound Alexander after the Macedonian conqueror. That's my name.
Also, you all did wrong in assuming that I got most of the surnames from an anime. I said I got them from a show, that doesn't necessarily mean an anime. WHOSE CUISINE REIGNS SUPREME?! That's right, Iron Chef! I got the names from Iron Chef. Have any of you ever seen that? It's one of the coolest shows ever.
Finally, I've been asked about whether or not Kagura or Kanna will be appearing in the story. The answer: not in the foreseeable future. I haven't gotten that far in the manga yet and I only have access to so many episodes of the show. I only saw enough just enough episodes with Koga in them for me to feel comfortable working him into the story.
That about fills up my quota for ranting. Let's go on.
Let the Music Be Your Master
Chapter 10: I Want to Make Him Regret Life Since the Day He Met You
The next day at school, things were a little... strange. Those who were at the party had spread the word about what had happened, and now nobody was sure what was what. The social classes seemed fuzzy and indistinct and people couldn't decide who was cool and who wasn't anymore. Needless to say, Inuyasha was feeling pretty good about himself right now. "I think we've brought in a revolution," he remarked at lunch.
Shippo looked up from his usual Three Card Monte hand and grinned. "Duh!" He then turned back to the crowded lunch room. "Come on, find the lady! Find the lady! Where'd she go? Nobody knows! Find the lady! Dollar to play!"
Miroku and Kirara sat on either end of Shippo and shook their heads as another fool stepped up to be swindled. After five rounds, the unhappy jock walked away only to be replaced by a very eerie sight.
Naraku glided rather than walked into the cafeteria and sat down across from his friends. What was truly frightening, however, was the dreamy smile on his pale face.
Everyone stared for a moment, unsure what to think. Finally, Shippo cracked a grin. "Hey, Prince of Darkness! You look pretty happy. Steal any good souls lately or something?"
"I don't think so, Shippo," Miroku said. "There are only two things in the world that can give a man a grin like that: drugs and sex."
"Let's have it, Naraku," Inuyasha said.
The goth boy looked confused for a second. He looked back and forth between his friends a moment before raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"If you scored some dope, where can we get some?" Inuyasha explained.
"And if you just plain scored, who with?" Miroku finished.
Inuyasha was a little unprepared for the answer. He distinctly heard Naraku mutter "Yura Hayasaka," but that didn't mean he had to believe it right away. "I'm surprised, and yet I'm not. Is that natural?"
"How exactly did that happen?" Shippo asked curiously.
"Yeah," Kirara chimed in, "is that really what playing with your hair lead to?"
"How was it?" Miroku asked with a teasing grin.
Naraku fidgeted for a moment, turning his head so that his hair fell into his face and partially obscured his features. "I wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition," he mumbled.
Inuyasha, Miroku, Shippo, and Kirara all looked at one another, nodded, and screamed at the goth in front of them in unison. "No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!!" Several people at nearby tables turned around and stared, but that was to be expected.
Naraku just shook his head. "I walked right into that. That was so avoidable."
"Yes it was," Shippo agreed. "Now tell us or we'll make you sit in the comfy chair."
Naraku sighed and began his story from the point where he left Yura to help Miroku.
*******************************
(FLASHBACK)
Naraku dashed back toward the backyard only to collide with Yura as he rounded the corner. He stood up with a quick apology and offered her a hand up, which she accepted. He was a little surprised however when she promptly slapped and twisted him around into a painful armlock. She was surprisingly strong. "What the hell did I do?! Ow, seriously, that hurts!"
"You know damn well what you did," she spat. "You're just like every other guy in the world. Here's a little tip for the future: when you're out with a girl, don't ditch her to start fights. We really don't like that." She tightened the arm lock and threw him to the ground.
Naraku rolled his abused shoulder and stood up. "I didn't start that fight! They were kicking my friend's ass so I went to help! What the hell did you expect me to do?! Stand by and watch Hiten and Manten beat Miroku into a bloody lifeless pulp?!" Now he was pissed. Just who did she think she was, acting like she was so damn important?
"Nice try," Yura scoffed. "You may be a good liar, but I'm not buying it this time. Great hair you may have, but that's all you're good for."
Naraku sneered. This was beginning to work his last nerve. "Well then, it seems looks are all you have going for you if you're not smart enough to figure out something as obvious as this! Why the fuck would I lie about that?! Huh? God, you stuck up bitches are all the same! You think that just because you have guys drooling over you you're never think you're wrong! You can't admit a god damn mistake!"
The whole thing was quickly dissolving into nothing but a screaming match. "Oh yeah!" Yura shot back. "Well you freaks are all the same! You think you know everything! And you think you're better than us just because you dress wierd! Just because we have it better than you-"
"Better than...?! Oh, for the love of god! At least we know why people hate us! Did you ever stop to think that we are sentient just like you! Damn all you conformists to hell!"
"Well fuck you too!"
"Fuck you and the horse you rode in on, bitch!"
"Well if you're so eager, why don't you just go ahead and fuck me yourself!" Why the hell did she say that?
"Maybe I will!" Better question: where the bloody hell did that come from?!
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
"Fine!" With that, Naraku grabbed Yura, crushing her body to his as he kissed her passionately, carried her off to the forest behind Koga's house and...
*******************************
(END FLASHBACK)
"... Well the story writes itself from there. In case you're wondering, it was consentual." Naraku tried a casual shrug but was still fidgeting uncomfortably. Then came another one of those big awkward silences.
"... Wow," Inuyasha said at last. "In the woods... In the dead of night... With a mass of people not far away... Naraku... Yura... Coupling... Am I the only one who doesn't want to ever speak of this again?"
There was a unanimous shaking of heads as Kagome and Sango finally emerged from the long lunch line with their trays. There was no shortage of places to sit today, so it was a little bit of a surprise to Inuyasha when Kagome decided to sit beside him and Sango across from Miroku. His sensitive ears picked up a familiar song. "Sango? Is that Time Stand Still you're humming?"
Sango seemed to snap out of a dream. "Huh? Oh, yeah it is. My new favorite song." She was talking to Inuyasha but very obviously looking at Miroku. He wondered for a moment if he was the only one of his friends not getting laid, but he remembered Shippo saying he wanted to wait a little longer and Miroku didn't have the just-got-some look that Naraku did. So Inuyasha was just the only guy who wasn't getting any action in any way, shape, or form.
"Inuyasha?" he heard Kagome say timidly beside him.
He turned to face her. "Something on your mind?"
*******************************
Kagome swallowed quietly. How did he do this to her? One look at those eyes and she felt like she could faint. "First of all, I want to thank you again for last night. Even with that little incident I still had fun. And I owe you one for putting Koga in his place." Okay that part wasn't too hard. Maybe it will make the next part easier.
Inuyasha smiled softly. "No problem. Don't feel obliged to me either. It was a privelege to do all that."
Nevermind. Kagome could not understand just what it was about him that made her react the way she did. But she would find out. She would find out if it was the last thing she ever did.
She prepared herself for what came next. There was still one more thing to talk to him about before she dropped the bomb. "Anyway, I was talking with my mom last night and this morning. One thing she wanted me to ask you is if you'll give Sota lessons on the guitar. She'd pay you for your time, of course."
Inuyasha seemed thoughtful for a moment. "Normally, I'm not very good with kids."
Kagome sighed. She should have expected as much. Sota was going to be really disappointed. Maybe it would be better to lie and tell him Inuyasha had too much going on to spare the time. That would be the worst lie she ever told. As far as she knew, Inuyasha didn't even have a job.
Her spirits picked up, however, when she heard him speak again. "But I kinda like your brother. In his case I can make an exception."
Kagome smiled. This was going better than she had expected. "You will? That's great! Sota will be thrilled. One more thing."
"Shoot," Inuyasha said coolly.
Kagome took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. "I was wondering if you had any plans for tonight?" Twelve hours of thought, and this really was the best she could come up with. Was there ever a non-awkward way to do these things?
The table fell silent and everyone stared at Kagome who turned beat red.
"Well this is an interesting role reversal," Miroku calmly mused.
"Shut up, Miroku," Inuyasha said off-handedly. "Actually, I got an interesting idea. Can I pitch this to you, see what you think?"
Kagome nodded. At least someone was handling this well.
"Miroku, Shippo, and I were going to cruise around the waterfront and some of the less crowded commercial areas of the city for a while. It's just something we do. Kirara is already coming with us. If you want, there's always room in th group. We'll make a night of it." Inuyasha gave Kagome an inviting smile. "What do you think? An evening of window shopping, fast food, and looking for trouble."
Kagome had to admit, it did sound very tempting. Lately, any time she got to spend with Inuyasha was starting to sound good. "Sure."
"Great! We'll pick you up around 5, okay?"
"Hey, uh... mind if I come along, too?" Sango nervous? She was still looking at Miroku who was now giving her a reassuring smile as he told her she was most welcome to join them. That night must have really made an impact on her.
*******************************
Kagome was a little nervous at first. This wasn't the first time she had been out with her new friends, but this was a little different from last time. As she waited for Inuyasha's car to pull up, she mused slightly over the whole new situation. She couldn't believe she had ever been so blind before. Inuyasha, Miroku, Shippo... They were so different because they knew they had to be themselves. They weren't afraid to be different. She admired that. Maybe this could help her make a turn for the best.
To Kagome's surprise, it wasn't the familiar Viper that pulled up. It was a royal purple PT Cruiser with Miroku in the driver's seat. Kagome couldn't help but feel a little relieved at that. As great a guy as Inuyasha was, she really did not care for his driving. "They're here, Mom! I'll see you later!" she called as she dashed out the door.
She vaguely heard her mother's goodbye, but that was soon drowned out by the laughing and whooping of the crowd in the car.
She opened the door and hopped in. Sango was in the passenger seat, Shippo and Kirara were once again sharing a seat on the left, and Inuyasha was in the middle. "Hey guys! Where are we going first?"
"Waterfront," Inuyasha replied. "Miroku! Music, now!" He then turned back to Kagome. "I love this song. Achilles' Last Stand by Led Zeppelin."
As they drove off, the intro led Kagome to conjure up thoughts of hard roads, journeys, action, and adventure. Wierd. She never would have thought that much about music before.
Inuyasha was already getting into the song, bobbing his head to the beat. He started lipsynching when the lyrics came up.
It was an April morning when they told us we should go.
And as I turned to you, you smiled at me.
How could we say no?
With all the fun to have to live the dreams we've always had,
Oh, the songs to sing, when we at last return again.
Here Inuyasha started playing air guitar again. He must have really enjoyed playing since he seemed to start doing that unconsciously. Kagome couldn't help but smile and join in bobbing her head.
Sending off a glancing kiss to those who claim they know.
Below the streets that steam and hiss,
The devil's in his hole.
Oh, to sail away, to sandy lands and other days.
Oh, to touch the dream, hides inside and never seen, yeah.
Into the sun, the south, the north, at last the birds have flown.
The shackles of commitment fell in pieces on the ground.
Oh, to ride the wind, to tread the air above the din.
Oh, to laugh aloud, dancing as we fought the crowd, yeah.
To seek the man whose pointing hand the giant step unfolds,
With guidance from the curving path that churns up into stone.
If one bell should ring in celebration for a king,
So fast the heart should beat, as proud the head with heavy feet, yeah.
Ooh!
The song went into a bridge with very distinctive guitar work. Whoever Led Zeppelin's guitarist was, he was good. Really, really good. Kagome was beginning to see just why Inuyasha liked this band so much.
Inuyasha glanced around for a second. "Roll down the windows and turn up the volume! We're gong to piss off every conformist we see!"
Miroku complied and Inuyasha resumed playing air guitar.
Days went by when you and I, bathed in eternal summers glow,
As far away and distant our mutual child did grow.
Oh, the sweet refrain that soothes the soul and calms the pain.
Oh, Albion remains, sleeping now to rise again.
Wandering and wandering. What place to rest the search?
The mighty arms of Atlas hold the heavens from the earth.
Inuyasha's face split in a huge grin and he turned to Kagome and Sango. "Follow our lead, come on!" With that he began singing along with Miroku, Shippo, and Kirara.
Kagome fell into it easily and started singing with them. This was damn fun!
To her surprise, Inuyasha popped open the sun roof and stood up, sticking his upper body out of the car and singing loudly for the whole street to hear.
The mighty arms of Atlas hold the heavens from the earth.
From the ea-ea-ea-ea-ea-earth!
Whoah!
(Whoah!) I know the way, know the way, know the way, know the way!
(Whoah!) I know the way, know the way, know the way, know the way!
Whoah!
Whoah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Aah!
Ooh!
Ooh!
Ooh!
Well, the mighty arms of Atlas hold the heavens from the earth.
(Aah-ooh)
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Ah, ah! Ah, ah!
Whoo!
As the song slowly faded to a close, Kagome started laughing and shouting with the other people in the car with her. With these five friends of hers, she couldn't recall any time when she had ever had so much fun. It all felt so right.
***************************
Meanwhile, Koga was back at his home fuming. He had managed to get the place cleaned up after his guests trashed it, but what really bothered him was the presence of Inuyasha and his little friends. They were brainwashing Kagome. His Kagome! What was that mistake of nature doing to her?
This would not stand. Koga would not let this go. He had been playing around with that mongrel far too long. Something needed to be done! He needed to be taken out of the picture... once and for all.
Koga put on his stereo. He didn't care what anyone said, he liked bands like Linkin Park and especially Nickelback. Some thought he was strange for it, but seeing as how he seldom listened to it in front of them, they never questioned him. After all, he was the star player of the track team wasn't he?
He picked the perfect song to match his thoughts: Just For.
I want to take his eyes out,
Just for looking at you.
Yes I do.
And I want to take his hands off,
Just for touching you.
Yes I do.
The more Koga listened to this song, the more he convinced himself he was in the right.
And I want to rip his heart out,
Just for hurting you!
And I want to break his mind down!
Yes I do!
How dare that mutt go anywhere near his girl! He would deal with him very soon, though.
And I want to make him,
Regret life since the day he met you.
Yes I do.
And I want to make him,
Take back all that he took from you.
Yes I do.
Inuyasha would have to pay. Koga would make him suffer. He would make him weep. He would make him regret the first breath he took the day he was born.
All Koga needed was the time to think of how. With ideas buzzing around in his head, it wouldn't be long now. Kagome would be his and that mutant would no longer be a problem.
And I want to rip his heart out,
Just for hurting you!
And I want to break his mind down!
Yes I do!
*****************************
Author's Notes: Yes, shorter than usual, but as I said, I just wanted to get something out. I might have time to give you that bonus I mentioned by tomorrow. Consider it a little gift for patiently waiting so long.