Author's Notes: Well, I'm back! Yes, I'm back! Well, I'm... back... back. Back in black! Christmas break is here, and I'm going ot be here throughout January so the story will be finished at long last. Lately, I've found a lot of bands, new and old alike, that I really like, but can't use their songs because of the subject matter. So I'll give them a mention from the characters in the final chapter. They're rally good, and deserve at least a shot, right?
In the meantime, how's this for a Christmas present?
Let the Music Be Your Master
Chapter 23- All of My Love to You
Kagome bit her lip nervously. Doubts, fear, uncertainty, near-panic... all these thoughts and more kept swimming through her head. Didn't they understand? She had ot stay away to protect them. Why were they trying so hard? Inuyasha was going to get himself killed!
The boys didn't seem to care, though. They gave one last check of their instruments as Inuyasha spoke into the microphone. "This story starts with the birth of a boy. He was no ordinary boy. A rare genetic condition made him look like a dog and gave him strength, speed, and enhanced senses. Seems like an okay trade-off. But then you have to think about the social stigma. The boy was victimized his entire life because he was different. Doesn't sound very fair, I know. But that's human nature. We need to fit in somewhere, and to feel superior we cast out those who are different."
At that, Naraku started a rhythm on his keyboard. After a moment, the other boys joined in. In a matter of seconds, they were already having fun with the music. The captivating stage presence was stronger than ever. As hte lightshow kicked in, the stage was flooded with green lights, intense beams of red and blue wandering across the stage aimlessly.
~*~
Sprawling on the fringes of the city
In geometric order
An insulated border
In between the bright lights
And the far unlit unknown
~*~
Growing up it all seems so one-sided
Opinions all provided
The future pre-decided
Detached and subdivided
In the mass production zone
Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone
~*~
Kagome knew why Inuyasha chose this song. It was the story of his life. You either fit in, or you didn't. But even if you were a misfit, you had the other misfits. Only the hermits had no one.
As the chorus came, Naraku provided the back-up vocals, while Miroku sang with Inuyasha for a harmony on the last two lines.
~*~
(Subdivisions)
In the high school halls
In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
(Subdivisions)
In the basement bars
In the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out
Any escape might help to smooth the unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth
~*~
Drawn like moths we drift into the city
The timeless old attraction
Cruising for the action
Lit up like a firefly
Just to feel the living night
~*~
Some will sell their dreams for small desires
Or lose the race to rats
Get caught in ticking traps
And start to dream of somewhere
To relax their restless flight
Somewhere out of a memory of lighted streets on quiet nights...
~*~
Inuyasha sang those verses with incredible, yet controlled, passion. This song had a deeply personal meaning to him. Why shouldn't he put his heart and soul into it? It was one of the things Kagome loved about him. And it only made the heartache worse.
~*~
(Subdivisions)
In the high school halls
In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
(Subdivisions)
In the basement bars
In the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out
Any escape might help to smooth the unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth
~*~
When the guitar solo came around, Inuyasha let himself go as usual. He went all over the stage, running elbows with the others. Not to be outdone, Miroku took up a surprisingly flamboyant stance, Shippo went berzerk, and even Naraku managed a degree of wild behavior.
~*~
Any escape might help to smooth the unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth
~*~
The song came to a dramatic closing and the boys were looking pretty confident, even smug, with a 'Yes, we do indeed rock,' look on their faces.
Inuyasha turned to his microphone once more. "The dog boy eventually found a friend in another outcast. For a time, they felt like it was the two of them against the world. They both shared a passion for music, and wanted to make their own.
"For the first boy, his first attempts at music stemmed from anger, for the way he had been treated his whole life, and sadness after a girl he had really cared about turned him down in a very harsh way. His life was pretty chaotic. And for a time, he blamed that girl for his troubles, not realizing until a year later that he was only holding himself back by doing that. But hey, life's hard. Even after he stopped blaming others, he only realized that the struggling was far from over."
Inuyasha started with palm muted guitar into the next song. The stage was bathed in red and yellow lights with white spotlights on the four band members.
~*~
Maybe life is like a ride on a freeway
Dodging bullets while you're trying to find your way
Everyone's around, but no one does a damn thing
It brings me down, but I won't let them
~*~
If I seem bleak
Well you'd be correct
And if I don't speak
It's cause I can't disconnect
But I won't be burned by the reflection
Of the fire in your eyes
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
As you're staring at the sun!
~*~
Kagome didn't really like hearing reminders about how hard life had been for Inuyasha. Considering she had only perpetuated the problem for a while. But it did make her feel a little better knowing that he was rising above it all. It gave her some hope.
She was captured once again when Inuyasha launched once more into the next verse with a manic passion.
~*~
When I ran I didn't feel like a runaway
When I escaped I didn't feel like I got away
There's more to living than only surviving
Maybe I'm not there, but I'm still trying
~*~
Though you hear me
I don't think that you relate
My will is something
That you can't confiscate
So forgive me, but I won't be frustrated
By destruction in your eyes
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
~*~
Maybe life is like a ride on a freeway
Dodging bullets while you're trying to find your way
Everyone's around, but no one does a damn thing
It brings me down, but I won't let them
~*~
If I seem bleak
Well you'd be correct
And if I don't speak
It's cause I can't disconnect
But I won't be burned by the reflection
Of the fire in your eyes
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
As you're staring at the sun!
~*~
Inuyasha raked a hand back through his hair and grinned. So far so good. He looked down to see Kagome leaning forward in her seat. His plan was working. He just had to keep going. "But the dog boy wasn't the only one with woman problems. His friend had his own set of troubles he needed to work out."
A quick guitar intro, and Miroku took to his microphone with the rest of the providing the back-up vocals. Spotlights came down on Miroku and Sango standing just off-stage to the side. The rest of the stage was bathed in all colors of light.
~*~
Well, there's a certain girl I've been in love with a long, long time
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I can't reveal her name until she's mine
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I've tried to make her time and time again
Still we're introduced as nothing but friends
And there's a certain girl I've been in love with a long, long time
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
~*~
Miroku looked off to the side to see Sango with a silly smile on her face staring at him. Just what he was hoping for.
~*~
There's a certain chick I've been sweet on since I met her
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I can't reveal her name until I get her
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
Someday I'm gonna wake up and say (Yeah?)
I'll do anything just to be your slave
And there's a certain girl I've been in love with a long, long time
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
~*~
Inuyasha took to the solo with relish, as was his standard. 'Like the saying goes,' Miroku thought to himself, 'gotta love what you do.' At least he wasn't trying to upstage everyone else. Inuyasha knew that this was Miroku's song, and he was the one who deserved the spotlight.
~*~
There's a certain girl I've been in love with a long, long time
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I can't reveal her name until she's mine
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I've tried to make her time and time again (Yeah?)
Still we're introduced as nothing but friends
And there's a certain girl I've been in love with a long, long time
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I cannot
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you! (Ahh...)
I can't tell you!
(What's her name?) I can't tell you!
(What's her name?) I can't tell you!
(What's her name?) I can't tell you!
(What's her name?) I can't tell you!
(What's her name?) I can't tell you!
~*~
Inuyasha cleared his throat and went up to the microphone again. "Years went by. For a while, the children grew distant. They didn't really know each other for a while. It was sad really. By a twist of fate, friends were able ot give them a nudge in the right direction, and set things right. Things took a turn for the better. Everyone was happy! Life was good! They were in love. It felt like the whole world was right when the couples were together.
"What's more, the two boys had made a new friend earlier and they had created a band to show the world what they were made of. With their first performance, and the women they loved by their side, they felt invincible! It was time to kick ass!" With the beginning of the next song, the lightshow was mainly just spotlights and roving beams of primary colors.
~*~
Back in black
I hit the sack
I bet you know I'm glad to be back
Yes, I'm let loose
From the noose
That's kept me hanging about
I've been looking at the sky
'Cause it's gettin' me high
Forget the hearse 'cause I never die
I got nine lives
Cat's eyes
Abusin' every one of them and running wild
~*~
'Cause I'm back!
Yes, I'm back!
Well, I'm back!
Yes, I'm back!
Well, I'm back, back
Back in black!
Yes, I'm back in black! Ow!
~*~
Back in the back
Of a Cadillac
Number one with a bullet, I'm a power pack
Yes, I'm in a bang
Moving with a gang
They've got to catch me if they want me to hang
Cause I'm back on the track
And I'm beatin' the flack
Nobody's gonna get me on another rap
So look at me now
I'm just makin' my play
Don't try to push your luck, just get out of my way
~*~
'Cause I'm back!
Yes, I'm back!
Well, I'm back!
Yes, I'm back!
Well, I'm back, back
Back in black!
Yes, I'm back in black!
~*~
Kagome bit her lip as the solo came in. This was so like Inuyasha, the rebel. Her adorable little rebel. No! No, she couldn't be thinking that. No matter what, she had to stay away. Koga had them all cornered. He had the police dancing on strings, for God's sake!
Kagome looked behind her to see if Kikyo and Sesshoumaru had left the exits unguarded. Sort of. They were now standing together equidistant from the exits, each one keeping one eye on Kagome and the other on the stage. Sesshoumaru had started rocking his body to the music and Kikyo soon joined in, the two grinding their hips against one another.
Okay, that tore it. Kagome turned back around to watch the concert. As heartbreaking as it was to be so clsoe to Inuyasha and know she couldn't have him, at least it wasn't mentally traumatizing like seeing your older sister getting turned on.
~*~
Well, I'm back, Yes I'm back!
Well, I'm back, Yes I'm back!
Well, I'm back, back!
Well I'm back in black!
Yes I'm back in black!
~*~
Hooo yeah!
Ohh yeah!
Yes I am!
Oooh yeah, yeah Oh yeah!
Back in now!
Well I'm back! (I'm back)
Back! (I'm back)
Back! (I'm back)
Back! (I'm back)
Back! (I'm back)
Back!
Back in black!
Yes I'm back in black!
~*~
Out of the sight!
~*~
When the song finished, Inuyasha was looking pretty smug. "But that wasn't the least of it! After their first concert, the band's popularity immediately skyrocketed. They were a hit!" The lights went to a pale green with roving white lights. "They were finally being seen! Their dream was that much closer! They would have their success. They would prove to the world who they were. But they refused to let fame change who they were. Too many people had popularity but they let it gut their minds and personalities. No caged birds would these boys be!"
With that, Inuyasha removed his double-neck guitar, swapping it for a Stratocaster he had behind the amps. After a quick chord to test, they began their next song.
~*~
Living on a lighted stage
Approaches the unreal
For those who think and feel
In touch with some reality
Beyond the gilded cage.
~*~
Cast in this unlikely role
Ill-equipped to act
With insufficient tact
One must put up barriers
To keep oneself intact.
~*~
Living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem.
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation,
Get on with the fascination,
The real relation,
The underlying theme.
~*~
Kagome could see why this song would be so important to him. Anonymity wasn't an easy thing to deal with, but fame could be almost as bad if you weren't careful. She'd been there already, and she didn't want to go back.
~*~
Living in a fisheye lens,
Caught in the camera eye.
I have no heart to lie
I can't pretend a stranger
Is a long-awaited friend.
~*~
All the world's indeed a stage
And we are merely players:
Performers and portrayers,
Each another's audience
Outside the gilded cage.
~*~
Living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem.
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation,
Get on with the fascination,
The real relation,
The underlying theme.
~*~
When the solo came in, Kagome then saw just why Inuyasha wanted to switch guitars. He needed the whammy bar. He played beautifully, though. Why was he torturing both himself and her like this, though? They couldn't be together. Not with Koga around. Well... maybe... no, no. It wouldn't work.
~*~
Living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem.
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation,
Get on with the fascination,
The real relation,
The underlying theme.
The real relation,
The underlying theme!
~*~
Inuyasha raked a hand back through his hair with a smile when the song closed and he switched back to his double-neck. "Yeah, things were looking pretty good. But nothing's ever easy. One man hated the dog boy. He wanted the girl who had sided with our hero for himself. So he set up an accident, and piece by piece destroyed the lives of those who had crossed him.
"He had the power and connections to get away with it, too. Corruption, greed, apathy. All darker sides of humanity that the jealous boy knew how to manipulate. He knew that no matter where you go, there's always a shadow in people's hearts, and if you know the right strongs to pull, you can be the puppeteer." With that, he launched into the intense opening of Alien Nation. The lightshow kicked in, with flashing red lights like on an ambulance or police car.
~*~
In the heat of the violence
The night's exploding everywhere
When hate pulls the trigger
The devil comes to take his share
In the garden of Eden
The time is running out so fast
Into heart of the demon
With no escape our die is cast
~*~
This song was a lot heavier than what they had been playing before. Almost punishing. It suited the situation well enough, though Kagome wasn't sure that was a good thing, all things considered.
~*~
In the city of angels
Death is just a moment away
In the city of angels
Your future won't see the light of the day
~*~
Beware of the alien nation
Beware of the truth that they seek
They pray for eternal salvation
They pray for your soul to keep
~*~
On the eve of destruction
A reign of terror rules the street
When the heads start rolling
The devil comes to let it bleed
~*~
In the city of angels
Death is just a moment away
In the city of angels
Your future won't see the light of the day
~*~
Walk on past the alien nation
Walk on to the end of your reach
No fear of the alien nation
No fear of the hatred they preach
~*~
For the interlude, Narakua leaned in toward the microphone mounted on his keyboard and spoke the lines in his most menacing voice, sending chills throughout the bones of everyone present. A spotlight focused on him the whole time.
~*~
Don't run, there's no place to hide
Today or tomorrow it will get you
Don't move, the knife is right at your throat
And whatever you do, there's no way out
When the shroud comes down on this place
To bury us all alive
We'll know the time has come, to face the heat
~*~
Inuyasha tore into a searing guitar solo, the lights above bathing the stage in red.
~*~
Beware of the alien nation
Beware of the truth that they seek
They pray for eternal salvation
They pray for your soul to keep
Walk on past the alien nation
Walk on to the end of your reach
They pray for eternal damnation
They pray for your soul to keep
~*~
Inuyasha heaved a sigh and looked back to Kagome. "Yeah, it seemed like a fool-proof plan. The situation was pretty bleak. Dogs don't give up easily, though. Even though the dog boy thought that the break up had been his fault, he wasn't going to quit. He had just to let the girl he loved know how he felt.
As the light immersed the stage in pale blue light, the group started up another angsty song.
~*~
How does it feel babe
To taste sweet revenge?
Do you want me on my knees?
How does it feel babe
To let me feel your strength?
Don't be cruel, can't you see?
If you don't catch me now
I can't stop falling down
Just one more night and the devil's got my soul
I need your love babe, don't tell me "no way"
Babe I miss you so much more than words can say
~*~
This reminded Kagome unpleasantly of the e-mail Inuyasha had sent her with that video of him singing brokenhearted. At least now she knew he wasn't blaming himself.
~*~
How does it feel babe
To kill our destiny?
I swear I'm not gonna crawl, oh no
How does it feel babe
To make a fool out of me?
How can you be so cold? Be so cold!
If you don't catch me now
I can't stop falling down
Just one more night and the devil's got my soul
I need your love babe, don't treat me this way
Ooh I miss you, I miss you
~*~
Baby our love's got what it takes
To give us one more chance to start once again
Baby our love will find a way
As long as we believe in love
~*~
Well... that was a little more uplifting. Kagome really began to believe she could fight back. But even though her heart was telling her to believe, her mind wouldn't. Her mind knew all too well that Koga had all the angles covered. What could they do?
Although... Kagome did realize now that as heartbreaking as this was, she did owe it to Inuyasha to at least let him do this.
~*~
If you don't catch me now
I can't stop falling down
Just one more night and the devil's got my soul
I need your love babe, don't treat me this way
Ooh I miss you, I miss you
~*~
Baby our love's got what it takes
To give us one more chance to start once again
Baby our love will find a way
As long as we believe in love
As long as wel believe... (We believe!)
~*~
Baby our love's got what it takes
To give us one more chance to start once again
Baby our love will find a way
As long as we believe in love
~*~
Baby our love's got what it takes
To give us one more chance to start once again
Baby our love will find a way
As long as we believe in love
~*~
Baby our love's got what it takes
To give us one more chance to start once again
Baby our love will find a way
As long as we believe in love
~*~
Inuyasha smiled down at Kagome at the end of the song. "Truth be told, this was the sentiment of two of the other boys. The jealous rival had forced the loves of their lives to turn away as well. What a bastard, huh?
"But what he didn't realize was that one of the boys had a dark secret. When he learned about the bastard's plan, he knew he had the knowledge to stop him once and for all. His friends formulated a plan. They had to get the girls out, first. They tricked the girl who the bastard had started this whole thing over into coming to a deserted theater one night. And there the dog boy and his friends gave their all in one concert to show her there was still hope."
The look on Kagome's face was perfect! Inuyasha was feeling very proud and a little smug right about then. It was working. She had hope again. There was life in her eye once more as opposed to the hollow bleakness that had been there when she first stepped in.
Inuyasha slowly back up and removed his guitar, setting aside on its stand and returned to the microphone. He pointed up toward the director's booth as Shippo, Miroku, and Naraku stepped off the stage, the latter heading for their girlfriends.
Inuyasha saw Kirara's shadow in the booth give him a thumbs up as the lights showered the stage in a dazzling cascade of golds, and reds, and blues, and greens, and purples. He was really impressed that she had managed to set this all up in a week. Calling in a few favors from some of Miroku's friends in the theater world helped too, but...
"And now, the dog boy... me... has only one more song to sing tonight. An old favorite of mine. I was saving it for a special occassion, but I think this counts." Inuyasha took the microphone from its stand as the synth-string section of one of Led Zeppelin's classics started up.
~*~
Should I fall out of love, my fire in the light
To chase a feather in the wind?
Within the glow that weaves a cloak of delight
There moves a thread that has no end.
~*~
For many hours and days that pass ever soon
The tides have caused the flame to dim
At last the arm is straight, the hand to the loom
Is this to end or just begin?
~*~
All of my love, all of my love, oh all of my love to you now
All of my love, all of my love, oh all of my love to you now
~*~
Kagome felt her heart skip a beat. The way Inuyasha looked at her as he sang. She could practically feel herself melting. Those eyes... he was pouring out his heart to prove to her how much he loved her. He embellished every lyric with a gesture or movement, seeming to give them even more strength.
~*~
The cup is raised, the toast is made yet again
One voice is clear above the din
Proud Aryan one word my will to sustain
For me the cloth once more to spin
~*~
Oh, all of my love, all of my love, oh all of my love for you now
All of my love, all of my love, yes all of my love to you child
~*~
The interlude came and Inuyasha set the microphone back in its stand and walked to the edge of the stage. He knneled and held out his hand to Kagome. She felt like she was in a dream. All she could do was stand, take his hand, and be pulled onto the stage.
Still holding her hand and putting one arm around her waist, Inuyasha began leading her in a slow dance. Oh God, why couldn't tonight last forever? If Koga ever found out about this...
When Inuyasha dipped her and smiled, all Kagome could think was 'Koga who?' This is where she belonged: with friends, family, and the love of her life.
******************************
Miroku watched with his arm around Sango's waist, a gentle smile on his face. Inuyasha was right. He loved Kagome and she loved him back. They would get through this. As corny as it sounded, love did seem to conquer all.
"That's so beautiful," Sango said dreamily.
"I might be able to pull a few strings and gives us a special moment like this on your birthday," Miroku said off-handedly. "Of course, I can't guarantee that either of us will still be vertical before the song ends. If you catch my drift."
Sango playfully slapped his chest and leaned her head on his shoulder. "You're such an idiot. But you're my idiot."
******************************
Kikyo leaned back further against Sesshoumaru. It looked as if things were finally working out. "It seems Inuyasha is starting ot take after you, lover," she remarked.
"Oh really?" Sesshoumaru asked, tightening his arms around her waist. "In what way? The dancing lessons I gave him, or in being romantic?" With that he placed a few feather-light kisses on her neck.
Giggling softly, Kikyo turned her head up press her lips to his. "Both." Turning around in his embrace, the two began their own slow dance, no longer seeing any need to guard the exits.
******************************
As the interlude drew to a close, Inuyasha slowly stepped away from Kagome, never once taking his eyes off her and retrieved his microphone.
~*~
Yours is the cloth, mine is the hand that sows time
His is the force that lies within
Ours is the fire and all the warmth we can find
He is a feather in the wind
~*~
Kagome knew it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what personal meaning Inuyasha was putting to those lyrics. He was only restating what she now knew. They had each other, that was the most important thing. To hell with Koga. They would beat him somehow. They just had to stay together.
~*~
Oh all of my love, all of my love, of all of my love to you now
All of my love, ooh yes all of my love to you now
All of my love, all of my love, all of my lo-ove! Lo-ove!
~*~
As Inuyasha sang he took Kagome's hands in one of his and looked deeply into her eyes.
~*~
Sometimes, sometimes, ooh
Sometimes, sometimes, ooh
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey!
Ooh yeah!
~*~
As he began the final lyrics, Inuyasha dropped down to one knee, pulling Kagome with him and pressing her hands to his chest, letting her feel his heart beating.
~*~
It's all, all, all, all of my love, all of my love, all of my love to you now!
All of my love, all of my love, all of my love to... to you, you, you, yeah!
I get a little bit lonely
Just stay, just stay
Just stay, I'm a little bit lonely
Just a little bit lonely
~*~
"Kagome..." Inuyasha began, tears in his eyes, "I love you. I always will. I want to spend my life with you. I want to raise a family with you. Please tell me you'll be mine."
Kagome threw herself into Inuyasha's embrace, holding onto him as tightly as she could. "Of course I will," she sobbed in happiness. "As long as you'll be mine."
"Always." For the first time in a long time, Inuyasha felt peace inside. He felt whole.
The moment was abruptly shattered when an all too familiar voice barked out through the theater. "You filthy son of a bitch!"
Inuyasha bolted upright and turned to see Koga holding a Glock out and looking livid. "I went to your house Kagome when you didn't return my e-mail. Imagine my surprise when I.., let myself in to find the house empty. And a message I never sent on your computer."
Sessh and Kikyo were standing to the side, the Morimoto son of course trying to be his royal self and nobly defend Kikyo by putting himself in front, an action she seemed a little less than pleased by but wasn't really in a position to argue.
"I should have killed you when I had the chance. Hiten and Manten ballsed up. I should have done this myself a long time ago." Koga continued his rant as he made his way toward the stage, his gun trained on Inuyasha.
"So you're just going to gun me down in front of everybody? Sounds kind of sloppy. Not very fair either." Inuyasha had to stall for time. He needed a plan.
"Please," Koga scoffed. "If I fought fair, I wouldn't be alive today. Besides, I have this town in my pocket. I can do whatever I want."
"You overestimate yourself," Naraku remarked from the side, shielding Yura behind him. "Not every cop is corrupt. And people aren't blind. You shoot Inuyasha... hell, any one of us, and it all comes crashing down around you."
"You can shut up now," Koga said with a sneer. Before I pull this trigger, I want to know which one of you bitches broke the deal. Huh? Talk!"
*****************************
Sango saw that Yura was about to step forward and confess, but that wasn't about to happen. She stepped forward quickly and said boldly, "I did!"
All eyes were on Sango and she realized she was going to have to do some really fast thinking. Which was inconvenient because she preffered to rely on instinct, action without thought. It was something she always believed being brought up in martial arts.
Koga edged his way toward Sango. When he felt he had sufficient ground on Inuyasha, he turned his pistol on her. "You bitch. When you make a promise, you keep it! You and Yura gave me your word. You don't break your word!"
Sango had to admit, she admired that ideal in him. Too bad he was still psycho. "I don't make promises to slime."
Koga snarled and Sango saw an opening at last. He was getting pissed you can't afford to do that in a fight with someone like her. She threw a strong inside crescent kick that connected with Koga's right hand and the gun, knocking it out of his grasp. The pistol went skidding across the floor and Sango took advantage of Koga's brief shock to knock him back with a palm heel strike to the chest.
She sprang back in time to see Inuyasha take up a sighting stance, ready to attack as Koga whipped out a switchblade from his jacket pocket. He was getting ready to lunge.
Sango caught movement out of the corner of her eye and held her hand out when she heard Mirokju shout, "Catch!" She found herself holding his Steinberger bass. Was she supposed to fight with this? Sure the wierd little box of a body made a good club, and the lack of a head stock made it easy to hold, but still!
Ah, no time to think of that! Koga lunged in with an underhand strike at Sango. She sidestepped quickly and brought the bass up in a move micking an upward slash with a katana, planting the body of the instrument squarely in Koga's stomach. Wow, this thing did make a good weapon!
Sango nimbly leaped away to prepare for another attack When she saw the blur of silver and red that was Inuyasha.
*****************************
Inuyasha couldn't stand it any longer. Koga had tried to ruin their lives! Enough was enough! Now he was trying to kill them!
As soon as Sango jumped away from her last attack, Inuyasha dashed toward his rival with all the speed he could muster. He tackled Koga from behind, grabbing hold of his knife hand and breaking it one swift twist. Koga howled in pain, but he wasn't through yet.
With his free hand, Inuyasha proceeded to deliver one devastating punch after another to Koga's back, never striking in the same place twice. "Bastard! I should kill you!"
Flipping him over, Inuyasha dropped a knee strike into Koga's already abused stomach. At the loud wheeze the Kobe son gave, Inuyasha wrapped his hands around his throat and lifted him up off the ground by his neck. "You son of a bitch! I should kill you! But dying's too good for you!"
Inuyasha felt a haze of blood and fury wash over his mind. He had never been this angry in his life. He had something genuinely worth living for, and this... this... thing tried ot take it from him! He would pay!
It was then that he heard a voice like a rush of pure arctic water washing over the flames in his head and his chest. "Inuyasha!" Kagome raced up to him with tears in her eyes. "Please don't!"
Did he just hear right? "Kagome," he growled out in a voice he barely recognized as his own.
"Please, Inuyasha," she sobbed. "No more fighting. He may deserve it all... But I can't stand watching you hurt someone... Even him."
Inuyasha saw himself reflected in her stormy grey-blue eyes. He saw his own eyes burning in fury like two pools of molten gold. With a supreme effort of will, he tossed Koga away, his choking and gasping he was only beginning to hear.
Kagome immediately latched onto him, sobbing onto his chest. Inuyasha returned her embrace, still feeling as if fire was running through his veins.
"Look out!" he heard Yura scream.
Inuyasha looked over just in time to see Koga shakily rising up with the Python back in hand. Dammit! They forgot to get the fucking gun! He was about to make a lunge at him, when one of the light tracks dropped from above and bashed Koga on the head, knocking him out.
"Um..." Kirara's voice drifted down with an almost guilty tone. "... Heads," she said flatly.
Sighing in relief, Inuyasha decided it was best to make the most of the moment. He pressed Kagome against him, tilted her head up, and kissed her passionately. As she kissed him back, he knew she was feeling the same thing as him. Fire and water ran through their bodies at once. He smiled as he lifted Kagome up bridal style and deepened the kiss, lightning running up and down his spine. The nightmare was over, but the story wasn't.
Author's Notes: Almost finished! The final chapter will be coming soon. Sometime in January, maybe.
At the end of the final chapter, I'll give shout-outs to a bunch of my reviewers to express my grattitude for all your feedback. The most nerve-wracking thing in the world is having someone read something that you wrote. The most rewarding thing is when they like it and tell you so.
I know I'm surprisingly tight-lipped as of late. Fact is, most of the stuff I have to talk about requires large debates in person or involves the grinding minutiae of my life. But hey, you're hear for a story, not my whining, right?
Anyway, Merry Christmas again. And to cover anyone else, a resounding, multi-national Happy Holidays. Oh, and for the devout atheists: Have a nice day and here's to hoping 2004 doesn't suck like 2003 did.
In the meantime, how's this for a Christmas present?
Let the Music Be Your Master
Chapter 23- All of My Love to You
Kagome bit her lip nervously. Doubts, fear, uncertainty, near-panic... all these thoughts and more kept swimming through her head. Didn't they understand? She had ot stay away to protect them. Why were they trying so hard? Inuyasha was going to get himself killed!
The boys didn't seem to care, though. They gave one last check of their instruments as Inuyasha spoke into the microphone. "This story starts with the birth of a boy. He was no ordinary boy. A rare genetic condition made him look like a dog and gave him strength, speed, and enhanced senses. Seems like an okay trade-off. But then you have to think about the social stigma. The boy was victimized his entire life because he was different. Doesn't sound very fair, I know. But that's human nature. We need to fit in somewhere, and to feel superior we cast out those who are different."
At that, Naraku started a rhythm on his keyboard. After a moment, the other boys joined in. In a matter of seconds, they were already having fun with the music. The captivating stage presence was stronger than ever. As hte lightshow kicked in, the stage was flooded with green lights, intense beams of red and blue wandering across the stage aimlessly.
~*~
Sprawling on the fringes of the city
In geometric order
An insulated border
In between the bright lights
And the far unlit unknown
~*~
Growing up it all seems so one-sided
Opinions all provided
The future pre-decided
Detached and subdivided
In the mass production zone
Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone
~*~
Kagome knew why Inuyasha chose this song. It was the story of his life. You either fit in, or you didn't. But even if you were a misfit, you had the other misfits. Only the hermits had no one.
As the chorus came, Naraku provided the back-up vocals, while Miroku sang with Inuyasha for a harmony on the last two lines.
~*~
(Subdivisions)
In the high school halls
In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
(Subdivisions)
In the basement bars
In the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out
Any escape might help to smooth the unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth
~*~
Drawn like moths we drift into the city
The timeless old attraction
Cruising for the action
Lit up like a firefly
Just to feel the living night
~*~
Some will sell their dreams for small desires
Or lose the race to rats
Get caught in ticking traps
And start to dream of somewhere
To relax their restless flight
Somewhere out of a memory of lighted streets on quiet nights...
~*~
Inuyasha sang those verses with incredible, yet controlled, passion. This song had a deeply personal meaning to him. Why shouldn't he put his heart and soul into it? It was one of the things Kagome loved about him. And it only made the heartache worse.
~*~
(Subdivisions)
In the high school halls
In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
(Subdivisions)
In the basement bars
In the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out
Any escape might help to smooth the unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth
~*~
When the guitar solo came around, Inuyasha let himself go as usual. He went all over the stage, running elbows with the others. Not to be outdone, Miroku took up a surprisingly flamboyant stance, Shippo went berzerk, and even Naraku managed a degree of wild behavior.
~*~
Any escape might help to smooth the unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth
~*~
The song came to a dramatic closing and the boys were looking pretty confident, even smug, with a 'Yes, we do indeed rock,' look on their faces.
Inuyasha turned to his microphone once more. "The dog boy eventually found a friend in another outcast. For a time, they felt like it was the two of them against the world. They both shared a passion for music, and wanted to make their own.
"For the first boy, his first attempts at music stemmed from anger, for the way he had been treated his whole life, and sadness after a girl he had really cared about turned him down in a very harsh way. His life was pretty chaotic. And for a time, he blamed that girl for his troubles, not realizing until a year later that he was only holding himself back by doing that. But hey, life's hard. Even after he stopped blaming others, he only realized that the struggling was far from over."
Inuyasha started with palm muted guitar into the next song. The stage was bathed in red and yellow lights with white spotlights on the four band members.
~*~
Maybe life is like a ride on a freeway
Dodging bullets while you're trying to find your way
Everyone's around, but no one does a damn thing
It brings me down, but I won't let them
~*~
If I seem bleak
Well you'd be correct
And if I don't speak
It's cause I can't disconnect
But I won't be burned by the reflection
Of the fire in your eyes
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
As you're staring at the sun!
~*~
Kagome didn't really like hearing reminders about how hard life had been for Inuyasha. Considering she had only perpetuated the problem for a while. But it did make her feel a little better knowing that he was rising above it all. It gave her some hope.
She was captured once again when Inuyasha launched once more into the next verse with a manic passion.
~*~
When I ran I didn't feel like a runaway
When I escaped I didn't feel like I got away
There's more to living than only surviving
Maybe I'm not there, but I'm still trying
~*~
Though you hear me
I don't think that you relate
My will is something
That you can't confiscate
So forgive me, but I won't be frustrated
By destruction in your eyes
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
~*~
Maybe life is like a ride on a freeway
Dodging bullets while you're trying to find your way
Everyone's around, but no one does a damn thing
It brings me down, but I won't let them
~*~
If I seem bleak
Well you'd be correct
And if I don't speak
It's cause I can't disconnect
But I won't be burned by the reflection
Of the fire in your eyes
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
Whoa!
As you're staring at the sun
As you're staring at the sun!
~*~
Inuyasha raked a hand back through his hair and grinned. So far so good. He looked down to see Kagome leaning forward in her seat. His plan was working. He just had to keep going. "But the dog boy wasn't the only one with woman problems. His friend had his own set of troubles he needed to work out."
A quick guitar intro, and Miroku took to his microphone with the rest of the providing the back-up vocals. Spotlights came down on Miroku and Sango standing just off-stage to the side. The rest of the stage was bathed in all colors of light.
~*~
Well, there's a certain girl I've been in love with a long, long time
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I can't reveal her name until she's mine
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I've tried to make her time and time again
Still we're introduced as nothing but friends
And there's a certain girl I've been in love with a long, long time
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
~*~
Miroku looked off to the side to see Sango with a silly smile on her face staring at him. Just what he was hoping for.
~*~
There's a certain chick I've been sweet on since I met her
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I can't reveal her name until I get her
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
Someday I'm gonna wake up and say (Yeah?)
I'll do anything just to be your slave
And there's a certain girl I've been in love with a long, long time
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
~*~
Inuyasha took to the solo with relish, as was his standard. 'Like the saying goes,' Miroku thought to himself, 'gotta love what you do.' At least he wasn't trying to upstage everyone else. Inuyasha knew that this was Miroku's song, and he was the one who deserved the spotlight.
~*~
There's a certain girl I've been in love with a long, long time
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I can't reveal her name until she's mine
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I've tried to make her time and time again (Yeah?)
Still we're introduced as nothing but friends
And there's a certain girl I've been in love with a long, long time
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I cannot
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you (Ahh...)
I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you
(What's her name?) I can't tell you! (Ahh...)
I can't tell you!
(What's her name?) I can't tell you!
(What's her name?) I can't tell you!
(What's her name?) I can't tell you!
(What's her name?) I can't tell you!
(What's her name?) I can't tell you!
~*~
Inuyasha cleared his throat and went up to the microphone again. "Years went by. For a while, the children grew distant. They didn't really know each other for a while. It was sad really. By a twist of fate, friends were able ot give them a nudge in the right direction, and set things right. Things took a turn for the better. Everyone was happy! Life was good! They were in love. It felt like the whole world was right when the couples were together.
"What's more, the two boys had made a new friend earlier and they had created a band to show the world what they were made of. With their first performance, and the women they loved by their side, they felt invincible! It was time to kick ass!" With the beginning of the next song, the lightshow was mainly just spotlights and roving beams of primary colors.
~*~
Back in black
I hit the sack
I bet you know I'm glad to be back
Yes, I'm let loose
From the noose
That's kept me hanging about
I've been looking at the sky
'Cause it's gettin' me high
Forget the hearse 'cause I never die
I got nine lives
Cat's eyes
Abusin' every one of them and running wild
~*~
'Cause I'm back!
Yes, I'm back!
Well, I'm back!
Yes, I'm back!
Well, I'm back, back
Back in black!
Yes, I'm back in black! Ow!
~*~
Back in the back
Of a Cadillac
Number one with a bullet, I'm a power pack
Yes, I'm in a bang
Moving with a gang
They've got to catch me if they want me to hang
Cause I'm back on the track
And I'm beatin' the flack
Nobody's gonna get me on another rap
So look at me now
I'm just makin' my play
Don't try to push your luck, just get out of my way
~*~
'Cause I'm back!
Yes, I'm back!
Well, I'm back!
Yes, I'm back!
Well, I'm back, back
Back in black!
Yes, I'm back in black!
~*~
Kagome bit her lip as the solo came in. This was so like Inuyasha, the rebel. Her adorable little rebel. No! No, she couldn't be thinking that. No matter what, she had to stay away. Koga had them all cornered. He had the police dancing on strings, for God's sake!
Kagome looked behind her to see if Kikyo and Sesshoumaru had left the exits unguarded. Sort of. They were now standing together equidistant from the exits, each one keeping one eye on Kagome and the other on the stage. Sesshoumaru had started rocking his body to the music and Kikyo soon joined in, the two grinding their hips against one another.
Okay, that tore it. Kagome turned back around to watch the concert. As heartbreaking as it was to be so clsoe to Inuyasha and know she couldn't have him, at least it wasn't mentally traumatizing like seeing your older sister getting turned on.
~*~
Well, I'm back, Yes I'm back!
Well, I'm back, Yes I'm back!
Well, I'm back, back!
Well I'm back in black!
Yes I'm back in black!
~*~
Hooo yeah!
Ohh yeah!
Yes I am!
Oooh yeah, yeah Oh yeah!
Back in now!
Well I'm back! (I'm back)
Back! (I'm back)
Back! (I'm back)
Back! (I'm back)
Back! (I'm back)
Back!
Back in black!
Yes I'm back in black!
~*~
Out of the sight!
~*~
When the song finished, Inuyasha was looking pretty smug. "But that wasn't the least of it! After their first concert, the band's popularity immediately skyrocketed. They were a hit!" The lights went to a pale green with roving white lights. "They were finally being seen! Their dream was that much closer! They would have their success. They would prove to the world who they were. But they refused to let fame change who they were. Too many people had popularity but they let it gut their minds and personalities. No caged birds would these boys be!"
With that, Inuyasha removed his double-neck guitar, swapping it for a Stratocaster he had behind the amps. After a quick chord to test, they began their next song.
~*~
Living on a lighted stage
Approaches the unreal
For those who think and feel
In touch with some reality
Beyond the gilded cage.
~*~
Cast in this unlikely role
Ill-equipped to act
With insufficient tact
One must put up barriers
To keep oneself intact.
~*~
Living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem.
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation,
Get on with the fascination,
The real relation,
The underlying theme.
~*~
Kagome could see why this song would be so important to him. Anonymity wasn't an easy thing to deal with, but fame could be almost as bad if you weren't careful. She'd been there already, and she didn't want to go back.
~*~
Living in a fisheye lens,
Caught in the camera eye.
I have no heart to lie
I can't pretend a stranger
Is a long-awaited friend.
~*~
All the world's indeed a stage
And we are merely players:
Performers and portrayers,
Each another's audience
Outside the gilded cage.
~*~
Living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem.
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation,
Get on with the fascination,
The real relation,
The underlying theme.
~*~
When the solo came in, Kagome then saw just why Inuyasha wanted to switch guitars. He needed the whammy bar. He played beautifully, though. Why was he torturing both himself and her like this, though? They couldn't be together. Not with Koga around. Well... maybe... no, no. It wouldn't work.
~*~
Living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem.
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation,
Get on with the fascination,
The real relation,
The underlying theme.
The real relation,
The underlying theme!
~*~
Inuyasha raked a hand back through his hair with a smile when the song closed and he switched back to his double-neck. "Yeah, things were looking pretty good. But nothing's ever easy. One man hated the dog boy. He wanted the girl who had sided with our hero for himself. So he set up an accident, and piece by piece destroyed the lives of those who had crossed him.
"He had the power and connections to get away with it, too. Corruption, greed, apathy. All darker sides of humanity that the jealous boy knew how to manipulate. He knew that no matter where you go, there's always a shadow in people's hearts, and if you know the right strongs to pull, you can be the puppeteer." With that, he launched into the intense opening of Alien Nation. The lightshow kicked in, with flashing red lights like on an ambulance or police car.
~*~
In the heat of the violence
The night's exploding everywhere
When hate pulls the trigger
The devil comes to take his share
In the garden of Eden
The time is running out so fast
Into heart of the demon
With no escape our die is cast
~*~
This song was a lot heavier than what they had been playing before. Almost punishing. It suited the situation well enough, though Kagome wasn't sure that was a good thing, all things considered.
~*~
In the city of angels
Death is just a moment away
In the city of angels
Your future won't see the light of the day
~*~
Beware of the alien nation
Beware of the truth that they seek
They pray for eternal salvation
They pray for your soul to keep
~*~
On the eve of destruction
A reign of terror rules the street
When the heads start rolling
The devil comes to let it bleed
~*~
In the city of angels
Death is just a moment away
In the city of angels
Your future won't see the light of the day
~*~
Walk on past the alien nation
Walk on to the end of your reach
No fear of the alien nation
No fear of the hatred they preach
~*~
For the interlude, Narakua leaned in toward the microphone mounted on his keyboard and spoke the lines in his most menacing voice, sending chills throughout the bones of everyone present. A spotlight focused on him the whole time.
~*~
Don't run, there's no place to hide
Today or tomorrow it will get you
Don't move, the knife is right at your throat
And whatever you do, there's no way out
When the shroud comes down on this place
To bury us all alive
We'll know the time has come, to face the heat
~*~
Inuyasha tore into a searing guitar solo, the lights above bathing the stage in red.
~*~
Beware of the alien nation
Beware of the truth that they seek
They pray for eternal salvation
They pray for your soul to keep
Walk on past the alien nation
Walk on to the end of your reach
They pray for eternal damnation
They pray for your soul to keep
~*~
Inuyasha heaved a sigh and looked back to Kagome. "Yeah, it seemed like a fool-proof plan. The situation was pretty bleak. Dogs don't give up easily, though. Even though the dog boy thought that the break up had been his fault, he wasn't going to quit. He had just to let the girl he loved know how he felt.
As the light immersed the stage in pale blue light, the group started up another angsty song.
~*~
How does it feel babe
To taste sweet revenge?
Do you want me on my knees?
How does it feel babe
To let me feel your strength?
Don't be cruel, can't you see?
If you don't catch me now
I can't stop falling down
Just one more night and the devil's got my soul
I need your love babe, don't tell me "no way"
Babe I miss you so much more than words can say
~*~
This reminded Kagome unpleasantly of the e-mail Inuyasha had sent her with that video of him singing brokenhearted. At least now she knew he wasn't blaming himself.
~*~
How does it feel babe
To kill our destiny?
I swear I'm not gonna crawl, oh no
How does it feel babe
To make a fool out of me?
How can you be so cold? Be so cold!
If you don't catch me now
I can't stop falling down
Just one more night and the devil's got my soul
I need your love babe, don't treat me this way
Ooh I miss you, I miss you
~*~
Baby our love's got what it takes
To give us one more chance to start once again
Baby our love will find a way
As long as we believe in love
~*~
Well... that was a little more uplifting. Kagome really began to believe she could fight back. But even though her heart was telling her to believe, her mind wouldn't. Her mind knew all too well that Koga had all the angles covered. What could they do?
Although... Kagome did realize now that as heartbreaking as this was, she did owe it to Inuyasha to at least let him do this.
~*~
If you don't catch me now
I can't stop falling down
Just one more night and the devil's got my soul
I need your love babe, don't treat me this way
Ooh I miss you, I miss you
~*~
Baby our love's got what it takes
To give us one more chance to start once again
Baby our love will find a way
As long as we believe in love
As long as wel believe... (We believe!)
~*~
Baby our love's got what it takes
To give us one more chance to start once again
Baby our love will find a way
As long as we believe in love
~*~
Baby our love's got what it takes
To give us one more chance to start once again
Baby our love will find a way
As long as we believe in love
~*~
Baby our love's got what it takes
To give us one more chance to start once again
Baby our love will find a way
As long as we believe in love
~*~
Inuyasha smiled down at Kagome at the end of the song. "Truth be told, this was the sentiment of two of the other boys. The jealous rival had forced the loves of their lives to turn away as well. What a bastard, huh?
"But what he didn't realize was that one of the boys had a dark secret. When he learned about the bastard's plan, he knew he had the knowledge to stop him once and for all. His friends formulated a plan. They had to get the girls out, first. They tricked the girl who the bastard had started this whole thing over into coming to a deserted theater one night. And there the dog boy and his friends gave their all in one concert to show her there was still hope."
The look on Kagome's face was perfect! Inuyasha was feeling very proud and a little smug right about then. It was working. She had hope again. There was life in her eye once more as opposed to the hollow bleakness that had been there when she first stepped in.
Inuyasha slowly back up and removed his guitar, setting aside on its stand and returned to the microphone. He pointed up toward the director's booth as Shippo, Miroku, and Naraku stepped off the stage, the latter heading for their girlfriends.
Inuyasha saw Kirara's shadow in the booth give him a thumbs up as the lights showered the stage in a dazzling cascade of golds, and reds, and blues, and greens, and purples. He was really impressed that she had managed to set this all up in a week. Calling in a few favors from some of Miroku's friends in the theater world helped too, but...
"And now, the dog boy... me... has only one more song to sing tonight. An old favorite of mine. I was saving it for a special occassion, but I think this counts." Inuyasha took the microphone from its stand as the synth-string section of one of Led Zeppelin's classics started up.
~*~
Should I fall out of love, my fire in the light
To chase a feather in the wind?
Within the glow that weaves a cloak of delight
There moves a thread that has no end.
~*~
For many hours and days that pass ever soon
The tides have caused the flame to dim
At last the arm is straight, the hand to the loom
Is this to end or just begin?
~*~
All of my love, all of my love, oh all of my love to you now
All of my love, all of my love, oh all of my love to you now
~*~
Kagome felt her heart skip a beat. The way Inuyasha looked at her as he sang. She could practically feel herself melting. Those eyes... he was pouring out his heart to prove to her how much he loved her. He embellished every lyric with a gesture or movement, seeming to give them even more strength.
~*~
The cup is raised, the toast is made yet again
One voice is clear above the din
Proud Aryan one word my will to sustain
For me the cloth once more to spin
~*~
Oh, all of my love, all of my love, oh all of my love for you now
All of my love, all of my love, yes all of my love to you child
~*~
The interlude came and Inuyasha set the microphone back in its stand and walked to the edge of the stage. He knneled and held out his hand to Kagome. She felt like she was in a dream. All she could do was stand, take his hand, and be pulled onto the stage.
Still holding her hand and putting one arm around her waist, Inuyasha began leading her in a slow dance. Oh God, why couldn't tonight last forever? If Koga ever found out about this...
When Inuyasha dipped her and smiled, all Kagome could think was 'Koga who?' This is where she belonged: with friends, family, and the love of her life.
******************************
Miroku watched with his arm around Sango's waist, a gentle smile on his face. Inuyasha was right. He loved Kagome and she loved him back. They would get through this. As corny as it sounded, love did seem to conquer all.
"That's so beautiful," Sango said dreamily.
"I might be able to pull a few strings and gives us a special moment like this on your birthday," Miroku said off-handedly. "Of course, I can't guarantee that either of us will still be vertical before the song ends. If you catch my drift."
Sango playfully slapped his chest and leaned her head on his shoulder. "You're such an idiot. But you're my idiot."
******************************
Kikyo leaned back further against Sesshoumaru. It looked as if things were finally working out. "It seems Inuyasha is starting ot take after you, lover," she remarked.
"Oh really?" Sesshoumaru asked, tightening his arms around her waist. "In what way? The dancing lessons I gave him, or in being romantic?" With that he placed a few feather-light kisses on her neck.
Giggling softly, Kikyo turned her head up press her lips to his. "Both." Turning around in his embrace, the two began their own slow dance, no longer seeing any need to guard the exits.
******************************
As the interlude drew to a close, Inuyasha slowly stepped away from Kagome, never once taking his eyes off her and retrieved his microphone.
~*~
Yours is the cloth, mine is the hand that sows time
His is the force that lies within
Ours is the fire and all the warmth we can find
He is a feather in the wind
~*~
Kagome knew it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what personal meaning Inuyasha was putting to those lyrics. He was only restating what she now knew. They had each other, that was the most important thing. To hell with Koga. They would beat him somehow. They just had to stay together.
~*~
Oh all of my love, all of my love, of all of my love to you now
All of my love, ooh yes all of my love to you now
All of my love, all of my love, all of my lo-ove! Lo-ove!
~*~
As Inuyasha sang he took Kagome's hands in one of his and looked deeply into her eyes.
~*~
Sometimes, sometimes, ooh
Sometimes, sometimes, ooh
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey!
Ooh yeah!
~*~
As he began the final lyrics, Inuyasha dropped down to one knee, pulling Kagome with him and pressing her hands to his chest, letting her feel his heart beating.
~*~
It's all, all, all, all of my love, all of my love, all of my love to you now!
All of my love, all of my love, all of my love to... to you, you, you, yeah!
I get a little bit lonely
Just stay, just stay
Just stay, I'm a little bit lonely
Just a little bit lonely
~*~
"Kagome..." Inuyasha began, tears in his eyes, "I love you. I always will. I want to spend my life with you. I want to raise a family with you. Please tell me you'll be mine."
Kagome threw herself into Inuyasha's embrace, holding onto him as tightly as she could. "Of course I will," she sobbed in happiness. "As long as you'll be mine."
"Always." For the first time in a long time, Inuyasha felt peace inside. He felt whole.
The moment was abruptly shattered when an all too familiar voice barked out through the theater. "You filthy son of a bitch!"
Inuyasha bolted upright and turned to see Koga holding a Glock out and looking livid. "I went to your house Kagome when you didn't return my e-mail. Imagine my surprise when I.., let myself in to find the house empty. And a message I never sent on your computer."
Sessh and Kikyo were standing to the side, the Morimoto son of course trying to be his royal self and nobly defend Kikyo by putting himself in front, an action she seemed a little less than pleased by but wasn't really in a position to argue.
"I should have killed you when I had the chance. Hiten and Manten ballsed up. I should have done this myself a long time ago." Koga continued his rant as he made his way toward the stage, his gun trained on Inuyasha.
"So you're just going to gun me down in front of everybody? Sounds kind of sloppy. Not very fair either." Inuyasha had to stall for time. He needed a plan.
"Please," Koga scoffed. "If I fought fair, I wouldn't be alive today. Besides, I have this town in my pocket. I can do whatever I want."
"You overestimate yourself," Naraku remarked from the side, shielding Yura behind him. "Not every cop is corrupt. And people aren't blind. You shoot Inuyasha... hell, any one of us, and it all comes crashing down around you."
"You can shut up now," Koga said with a sneer. Before I pull this trigger, I want to know which one of you bitches broke the deal. Huh? Talk!"
*****************************
Sango saw that Yura was about to step forward and confess, but that wasn't about to happen. She stepped forward quickly and said boldly, "I did!"
All eyes were on Sango and she realized she was going to have to do some really fast thinking. Which was inconvenient because she preffered to rely on instinct, action without thought. It was something she always believed being brought up in martial arts.
Koga edged his way toward Sango. When he felt he had sufficient ground on Inuyasha, he turned his pistol on her. "You bitch. When you make a promise, you keep it! You and Yura gave me your word. You don't break your word!"
Sango had to admit, she admired that ideal in him. Too bad he was still psycho. "I don't make promises to slime."
Koga snarled and Sango saw an opening at last. He was getting pissed you can't afford to do that in a fight with someone like her. She threw a strong inside crescent kick that connected with Koga's right hand and the gun, knocking it out of his grasp. The pistol went skidding across the floor and Sango took advantage of Koga's brief shock to knock him back with a palm heel strike to the chest.
She sprang back in time to see Inuyasha take up a sighting stance, ready to attack as Koga whipped out a switchblade from his jacket pocket. He was getting ready to lunge.
Sango caught movement out of the corner of her eye and held her hand out when she heard Mirokju shout, "Catch!" She found herself holding his Steinberger bass. Was she supposed to fight with this? Sure the wierd little box of a body made a good club, and the lack of a head stock made it easy to hold, but still!
Ah, no time to think of that! Koga lunged in with an underhand strike at Sango. She sidestepped quickly and brought the bass up in a move micking an upward slash with a katana, planting the body of the instrument squarely in Koga's stomach. Wow, this thing did make a good weapon!
Sango nimbly leaped away to prepare for another attack When she saw the blur of silver and red that was Inuyasha.
*****************************
Inuyasha couldn't stand it any longer. Koga had tried to ruin their lives! Enough was enough! Now he was trying to kill them!
As soon as Sango jumped away from her last attack, Inuyasha dashed toward his rival with all the speed he could muster. He tackled Koga from behind, grabbing hold of his knife hand and breaking it one swift twist. Koga howled in pain, but he wasn't through yet.
With his free hand, Inuyasha proceeded to deliver one devastating punch after another to Koga's back, never striking in the same place twice. "Bastard! I should kill you!"
Flipping him over, Inuyasha dropped a knee strike into Koga's already abused stomach. At the loud wheeze the Kobe son gave, Inuyasha wrapped his hands around his throat and lifted him up off the ground by his neck. "You son of a bitch! I should kill you! But dying's too good for you!"
Inuyasha felt a haze of blood and fury wash over his mind. He had never been this angry in his life. He had something genuinely worth living for, and this... this... thing tried ot take it from him! He would pay!
It was then that he heard a voice like a rush of pure arctic water washing over the flames in his head and his chest. "Inuyasha!" Kagome raced up to him with tears in her eyes. "Please don't!"
Did he just hear right? "Kagome," he growled out in a voice he barely recognized as his own.
"Please, Inuyasha," she sobbed. "No more fighting. He may deserve it all... But I can't stand watching you hurt someone... Even him."
Inuyasha saw himself reflected in her stormy grey-blue eyes. He saw his own eyes burning in fury like two pools of molten gold. With a supreme effort of will, he tossed Koga away, his choking and gasping he was only beginning to hear.
Kagome immediately latched onto him, sobbing onto his chest. Inuyasha returned her embrace, still feeling as if fire was running through his veins.
"Look out!" he heard Yura scream.
Inuyasha looked over just in time to see Koga shakily rising up with the Python back in hand. Dammit! They forgot to get the fucking gun! He was about to make a lunge at him, when one of the light tracks dropped from above and bashed Koga on the head, knocking him out.
"Um..." Kirara's voice drifted down with an almost guilty tone. "... Heads," she said flatly.
Sighing in relief, Inuyasha decided it was best to make the most of the moment. He pressed Kagome against him, tilted her head up, and kissed her passionately. As she kissed him back, he knew she was feeling the same thing as him. Fire and water ran through their bodies at once. He smiled as he lifted Kagome up bridal style and deepened the kiss, lightning running up and down his spine. The nightmare was over, but the story wasn't.
Author's Notes: Almost finished! The final chapter will be coming soon. Sometime in January, maybe.
At the end of the final chapter, I'll give shout-outs to a bunch of my reviewers to express my grattitude for all your feedback. The most nerve-wracking thing in the world is having someone read something that you wrote. The most rewarding thing is when they like it and tell you so.
I know I'm surprisingly tight-lipped as of late. Fact is, most of the stuff I have to talk about requires large debates in person or involves the grinding minutiae of my life. But hey, you're hear for a story, not my whining, right?
Anyway, Merry Christmas again. And to cover anyone else, a resounding, multi-national Happy Holidays. Oh, and for the devout atheists: Have a nice day and here's to hoping 2004 doesn't suck like 2003 did.