Houken-Jidai
He Will Pay
A/N: And yes, the title of this chapter refers to more than just one person. . . net lattes to whoever can tell me everything it does refer to. Thanks as usual to my reviewers.
Disclaimer: Refer to chapter seven. ^_-
*~*~*
On the ride to Miroku's house, Sango was exhausted. It was late by now, the city lights blinding through the darkness. Kagome and Inuyasha had fallen asleep on each other in the backseat, looking impossibly innocent. Kagome's head had fallen onto Inuyasha's shoulder, his head likewise lying gently on hers. Sango nudged Miroku and jerked her head back at them, smiling distantly. Miroku looked, quickly, and grinned as he focused back on the road.
"That about sums them up, doesn't it?" he asked quietly. Sango yawned, nodding.
"It does. And the best part is, they don't have a clue." She laid her head back against the headrest, closing her eyes and entertaining the idea of falling asleep. Miroku had other ideas.
"Sango," he began. "Did you enjoy the show?" she sighed.
"Oh, don't worry. I'll get you back. Just not now. Too tired." She turned her head towards the window and closed her eyes again.
"Well, don't fall asleep. We've got really important matters to discuss." Miroku's eyes hardened and he stared straight ahead. Sango felt like her stomach was suddenly filled with ice-cold lead. She inhaled sharply.
"That's right," she breathed. "Naraku might have the shikon. . . Naraku. . ." Sango bit off the rest of her words and clenched her teeth. She wouldn't cry. She WOULD'NT. Miroku glanced at her quickly, but not long enough to seem to have registered how upset she was.
". . .is as of yet only suspected." Miroku nodded as if to confirm his own words. "I KNOW you want to avenge your family, Sango, but until we are sure you have to wait." His sensible words somehow comforted her. "we all must wait." He muttered. Sango looked at him sharply, thoroughly assessing the older boy. She frowned in thought.
"Um. . . senpai. . . your hand. Why do you always wear those beads on it?" she felt awkward asking, addressing him, but he looked at her blankly.
"I'm surprised you only now asked." He turned down Main Street, parking slowly along the curb in front of his flat. He pulled his beaded hand up and held it in front of him. "An evil demon once placed a curse upon my grandfather. The curse, if not apprehended, would consume him, and be passed along to his son. Therefore my father inherited the curse, as did I." Sango had never seen Miroku so serious or upset.
"What was the curse?" she whispered, spellbound. Miroku clenched his fist.
"An air void," he answered, his voice monotone. "In my palm. If I remove the beads, anything around me will be sucked into my hand, into non- existence. When I said the curse would 'consume' me, I meant literally." He didn't look at Sango, not wanting to see the shock and pity in her eyes. "The curse will disappear once the demon who cursed my grandfather is defeated and killed. I have basically three choices: to die and let the demon win; to have a woman bear my child, who will inherit the curse from me and hopefully defeat the demon; or to find and defeat the demon myself, ending the curse for my family line forever." Miroku turned, smiling grimly at her.
"Things are looking up, aren't they?" he turned the ignition off. When he turned back to her, his smile was as it always was. "So. Shall we leave them like this, or make them come sleep inside?"
"I thought we needed to talk. . .?" Sango cocked her head slightly, confused. Miroku shrugged.
"Inuyasha and Kagome are already asleep. You, I can tell without looking, are tired as all hell. A night of rest doesn't sound all that bad to me either. We can talk in the morning." He got out, and Sango shrugged before doing the same. They met on Miroku's side of the car.
"I'll get Kagome." Sango said quietly. "Inuyasha might kill you if you touch her." Miroku widened his eyes innocently at her.
"Why would he do a thing such as that?" he asked. Sango shook her head, too tired to retort.
"I guess she and I will just share a bed. What do you want to do with Inuyasha?" she leaned against the car tiredly.
"I don't see why you and I couldn't share a bed." Miroku suggested nonchalantly. Sango turned slowly, and, in one movement, raised a single eyebrow. Miroku cringed and held up his hands weakly. "Ok. . . I'll take the couch." Nodding, she opened the door and poked Kagome in the arm.
"Kagome-chan," she said softly. "Wake up. We're going to go inside to go to bed. Wake up." Kagome opened her eyes slowly.
"Inuyasha. . . Sango-chan? What're we doing?" she mumbled almost incoherently. Sango nodded and helped her friend out of the car.
"We're going to go to bed. We're going to sleep here tonight."
"Where's Inuyasha?"
"He's coming in after you. Let's go." Looking behind her, Sango saw Miroku trying to catch her attention; he tossed her the keys to his flat. Sango caught them easily and helped Kagome up the stairs, and into the apartment. Miroku and Inuyasha followed.
"Inuyasha, Kagome," Miroku said as Sango unlocked the door. "You two sit on the couch while Sango and I get sleeping arrangements ready." Inuyasha and Kagome mumbled in response, and Sango grinned tiredly, tightening her grip on her friend's waist. Once those two were asleep, there was little chance of waking them up. She pushed the door open, helping Kagome to the couch. Kagome laid down immediately, curling and falling asleep. Miroku did the same with Inuyasha, who curved himself around Kagome's back like a C. Miroku and Sango froze, watching the other two avidly. Miroku smiled tiredly.
"I guess that's it, then. Let's just go to bed." Miroku disappeared down the hall and reappeared with a blanket to cover the sleeping two. He chuckled. "I just hope I'm awake to see their reaction to this." Sango grinned.
"Wake me up if I'm not," she yawned. Miroku grinned.
'Any excuse to go into your room.' Sango glared at him suspiciously.
"I don't know what you're thinking, but don't let me find out." She went into the kitchen and turned off the lights, and as she did this Miroku locked the door. They turned to each other, finished with their tasks.
"Shall we go?" he asked. Sango nodded.
"Please." They headed down the hallway, making sure to leave the bathroom light on in case Inuyasha or Kagome awoke and needed to use it. Only when Sango found herself at Miroku's door, him grinning like an idiot, did she realize she had walked right by her own room. Her eyes widened and she blushed furiously.
"If you insist," Miroku grinned even wider, and Sango glared at him.
"I DON'T. You mention this to ANYONE, and I KILL you!" she stormed back to her own room and slammed the door shut behind her. "Baka. . ." she groaned, wishing she had something to bang her head against.
*~*~*
When Inuyasha and Kagome awake, they were wrapped gently around each other on Miroku's couch. Sango and Miroku were at the dining room table, eating breakfast and watching the other two wake up with great interest. When Inuyasha realized exactly WHAT was so interesting, he freaked out and threw himself away from the couch, landing in a crouch 5 feet away. Kagome realized exactly after him, scooting away from him at an amazing speed until she was on leaning on the far side of the couch. Sango and Miroku shared a glance and chuckled, their daily entertainment had.
"Feh, stupid wench." Inuyasha scowled, blushing furiously. But before he could expand on that, Kagome's eyes widened.
"Oh no!" she gasped, flying from the couch and looking around the room. "What time is it? Sango? What time is it?"
"Its. . . it's 6 o clock." Sango glanced at her watch, confused.
"I've got morning practice!" Kagome said, looking terribly worried. "I have to go. . . I can't practice in this! I. . ." but Sango had grabbed her arm and pulled her down the hallway to her room.
"We'll find something you can wear." The boys looked at each other cluelessly as the girls disappeared into Sango's room. When they came back out, Kagome was wearing bright green gym shorts with double white stripes (extremely short, Inuyasha noticed), tennis shoes, and a white tank top. Miroku looked as if Christmas would be coming early.
"You OWN clothes like that, Sango?" he asked, eyes wide with interest. Sango glared at him.
"No." she said.
"How am I going to get there? I don't want you guys to have to leave now, my practice is at 6:30. . ." Sango and Miroku exchanged glances, but Inuyasha had an offer.
"I'll take you." He said. He bent down. "Get on." Miroku raised an eyebrow and began to open his mouth, but Sango sent him a look so sharply that he cut himself off. Kagome climbed onto Inuyasha's back and, once Miroku had unlocked the door, they flew out.
*~*~*
Inuyasha barely had time to get in the school's doors before Kagome flew off his back and was running full speed towards the gym.
"Thanks, Inuyasha!" she called over her shoulder. "I owe you!" she skidded around the corner and exploded into the gym just as the coach had begun practice.
". . .Kagome." she said. "Nice of you to join us. I expected that you, as the team captain, would always be punctual. If that is a problem, I'm sure we can find a new team captain." Kagome panted and shook her head.
"No, no, I'm sorry. It won't happen again. I swear." She sat heavily between her friends Yuka and Rei.
"All right. Then let's get going." Kagome groaned as the entire team stood. "I'm going to put on some music, and I want everyone to stretch themselves out completely. I need to go talk to the PE teacher, so I'll be back in a few. No slacking, I want you to STRETCH." She pushed play on the cd player and exited the gym. The song was upbeat. Kagome moved to the front of the team.
"All right, girls!" she called. "Some of you remember our stretch routine, and some of you don't know it. If you don't, go to the back and just follow along. Ok? Five, six, seven, eight!" Almost the whole team, Kagome in lead, began doing a dance-stretch routine, first stretching out their backs and then their arms, legs, and legs some more. When the coach returned in the middle of the routine, she began clapping.
"Good job, girls! I can really tell you're a team. Nice job, Kagome." The girls finished out the routine and then relaxed, talking or taking water breaks. The coach allowed a minute of this before she clapped her hands loudly. "Ok! Let's go over the easy dance routine for next Friday. Once Kagome and I are satisfied, we'll do the stunting, then the cheer, and then we'll add it all together. Now get into position."
The girls jogged the place, forming a giant V with Kagome at the point in the front, and the other girls fanning out behind her in two lines forming a perfect 90-degree angle.
"Ready, girls?" Kagome called, and turned to face the back.
"Ready!" they yelled, turning to face the back too. The music began playing, and the girls began clapping and cheering in time. When the voice began to sing, they began the routine- two backwards steps, turning into two forwards steps, arms out, arms in, 2 snaps with hips. After that was a grape vine ball change combination to the left, then one and a half pivots, hopping to the front. The dance went on, each cheerleader putting all her energy and finesse into the moves. Inuyasha, unbeknownst to the cheerleaders, watched with a mix of severe interest, disgust, and disinterest. He wasn't sure if he liked Kagome dancing so "provocatively". He scowled, wanting to leave but wanting to protect Kagome from any other male who might decide to watch. He wouldn't have that.
"Alright, that was NICE, girls! I loved the energy and the style. Keep that up. I have a few things to nag about- Koharu, when you spin, make sure your foot isn't locked behind your leg- it looks awkward. Rei, try not to sing along with the words. You're a cheerleader, not Kylie Minogue. And Kagome, since you're in the front lead, you absolutely have to make sure you're doing everything perfect. No looking off to the stands, alright?" The girls agreed, and the coach decided to run the routine again with Kagome watching. "I want to see how you girls do without her to rely on if you forget something. If we get this right, we'll move on to stunting." The coach moved back to the CD player, and Kagome sat on the bleachers.
"Make me want to cheer, guys!" she called. The music began. "Show me something special!" Once again, the girls went through the routine, wowing Kagome and the coach.
"That's great, you guys!" Kagome called excitedly. "You don't even need me anymore!"
"It was pretty impressive, ladies. Now let's get into out stunt groups. Kagome's group in front, Suzume's on the right, and Sayo's on the left." Once again, there was a scurry as the girls ran to get into the different positions. "Ok, five, six, seven, eight." The girls all clapped, and Koharu and Hitomi bent as Kagome hopped up, putting her feet squarely in their hands. All at once, three girls were raised high in the air. Kagome felt her left foot wobble.
"Koharu," she called down without looking. "Steady yourself, ok?" she leaned very slightly to her right. "Sorry, Hitomi. Just until Koharu's ready." Hitomi nodded, gritting her teeth as she bared a majority of Kagome's weight in her palms. Kagome felt Koharu's hold steady, and just as she let her weight back into the younger girl's hands, Koharu collapsed. Kagome let out an ear-splitting scream as all her weight was on Hitomi's hands. Hitomi crumbled, and Kagome, as if in slow, motion, felt herself falling towards the ground.
'Inuyasha will never let me live this down,' she thought weakly. And just before she hit the ground, something fast caught her. Something fast with fangs.
*~*~*
All the girls were screaming, and Inuyasha was running toward Kagome, who was- he skidded to a halt- dazed, and in the arms on some guy? But she was ok. . . she was alive.
"Kagome!" he yelled, along with everyone else in the gym. The boy who saved her, who must've been faster than lightning, shoved through the group.
"Give 'er some air," he snapped arrogantly. The coach nodded.
"He has a point, ladies." She held them back, but Inuyasha was not a lady.
"Kagome!" he yelled again. He raced up the boy holding her. "Are you alright, Kagome? Speak to me! Kagome!" he reached for her, but the boy spun so his back was to Inuyasha. Kagome's voice came somewhat weakly from over his shoulder.
"I'm fine, Inuyasha. I'm fine. Somebody check on Koharu and Hitomi, though, ok?" the cheerleaders did, but Inuyasha's unwavering attention was on Kagome. He moved to face the arrogant, long-haired boy, and pulled Kagome protectively out of his arms. He held her against his chest.
"Thank you for watching out for Kagome, but she's alright now." Inuyasha glared at the boy.
"Really? Are you her boyfriend, half-breed?" the boy asked carelessly. Inuyasha reddened.
"What?? No! What're you thinking, you crazy wolf?" he set Kagome down gently, but kept a firm grip on her shoulders in case she needed the support.
"Thank you for catching me. You probably saved my life. What's your name, anyway?" Kagome asked the boy, leaning very slightly into Inuyasha's grip.
"My name is Kouga. And it was no problem saving you, since it was obvious dog-boy here would've let you hit the ground." Kagome felt Inuyasha's nails dig into her arms a little.
"Ow. . ." she mumbled, but neither boy heard.
"WHAT did you say?" Inuyasha demanded, looking dangerous. Kouga sighed, obviously bored with the situation.
"I just meant that I'd make a better boyfriend for Kagome than you." He pulled Kagome from Inuyasha to himself. "Kagome," he said. "You're my woman now." Kagome's eyes widened, and she blushed a little.
"Hold on a minute. . ."
"WHAT'RE YOU TALKING ABOUT, YOU MANGY BASTARD????" Inuyasha yelled, nearly blowing Kagome's eardrums out. "She's NOT your PROPERTY!!!" He yanked Kagome behind himself.
"And what evidence is there to prove that, dog shit?" Kouga asked, eyes glinting. "I have already claimed her as mine."
"SHE'S NOT-"
"Boys, boys! Stop fighting over Kagome, you idiots! She could be hurt, and you two are too busy being territorial over her to notice!" the coach shoved both boys into the bleachers together, and helped Kagome to the other side of the gym with Koharu and Hitomi.
"Hey, are you guys alright?" Kagome asked with concern. Hitomi's wrists were swollen and Koharu was pale and shaking.
"I'm so sorry, Kagome and Hitomi," Koharu cried. "I thought I was fine, I really didn't think I'd pass out. . ." she began to cry.
"Hey, hey," Kagome said, patting the younger girl's back. "We're fine, Koharu. Everything's ok. Hitomi's wrists must kill, I'm sure, but other than that no one's hurt." Hitomi nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, 'Haru, I'm fine. Couple of weeks with some wrist guards and I'll be back to normal." Hitomi smiled and the other girls from the team drifted over.
"Wow, Kagome," Rei said. "You sure know how to get guys' attention."
*~*~*
Sango and Miroku arrived at school about an hour after Kagome and Inuyasha.
"I guess we'll talk about Naraku later tonight?" Sango asked her housemate. Miroku put a "friendly" hand on her shoulder.
"I suppose we will, my lovely angel." Sango eyed him as his hand crept undetected towards her lower back and. . . lower. Unfortunately for him, and fortunately for Sango, someone smacked his hand away from her behind.
"I don't suggest you sexually harass a younger student." That cold, emotionless voice. Sango froze, and Miroku turned to smile genially at the teacher.
"Lord Sesshoumaru! I remember your class. We had such good times. Am I wrong, or did I have an A in that class?" Miroku beamed, and Sesshoumaru glared at him before turning to Sango.
"I hereby give you permission to beat Miroku senseless if he tries anything." Sesshoumaru said, as if bored. Sango nodded, unsure really of anything to say.
"I, um-"
"WELL, Sango and I've got to get to class. Extra studying, tests, quizzes, you know. . ." Miroku gave him a brilliant smile and dragged her quickly into the next classroom and closed the door tightly behind them. "Have you lost your senses, Sango?" he demanded, looking serious. "You can't have a crush on a guy who is not only your geometry teacher, but may be in this whole conspiracy to get the shikon. Now get it together!" he shook her by the shoulders until she stopped him.
"I DON'T have a crush on Sesshoumaru!" she snapped. She pushed him off herself and glared. "and I would NEVER even begin to like someone who might have had something to do with the murder of my family!" she stormed out of the classroom, leaving Miroku deep in thought.
*~*~*
A/N: Mk, was fun. And um. . . yeah. Lol. Merci beaucoup to my awesome reviewers. Also, in the last part- Sango wasn't accusing Miroku or murdering her parents, she's just mad he's suggesting she has a crush on someone (Sesshoumaru) who might have.
RK-128: well, there's the morning practice for you. Probably not very realistic, but hey. * shrugs * At least Inuyasha had to fight over Kagome ^_- Banaaana. . . POMP! PLUS SIGN! SEAMAN! EQUAL SIGN! THE ADVENTURES OF POMP AND SEAMAN!!! Yeah, well, at least your geometry teacher doesn't have a crush on you.
Bluefuzzyelf: haha, Sango killing Miroku is yet to come. Now she has two reasons ^_- If you can, I highly suggest you get those songs. They're really good.
Rain angst: Yeah, I figured that out when I looked it up. But thanks so much! I really like having regulars like yourself.
GinHasa: It will most likely take a long time for Inuyasha to admit anything. But that's what I love about him. Thanks so much for reading!
He Will Pay
A/N: And yes, the title of this chapter refers to more than just one person. . . net lattes to whoever can tell me everything it does refer to. Thanks as usual to my reviewers.
Disclaimer: Refer to chapter seven. ^_-
*~*~*
On the ride to Miroku's house, Sango was exhausted. It was late by now, the city lights blinding through the darkness. Kagome and Inuyasha had fallen asleep on each other in the backseat, looking impossibly innocent. Kagome's head had fallen onto Inuyasha's shoulder, his head likewise lying gently on hers. Sango nudged Miroku and jerked her head back at them, smiling distantly. Miroku looked, quickly, and grinned as he focused back on the road.
"That about sums them up, doesn't it?" he asked quietly. Sango yawned, nodding.
"It does. And the best part is, they don't have a clue." She laid her head back against the headrest, closing her eyes and entertaining the idea of falling asleep. Miroku had other ideas.
"Sango," he began. "Did you enjoy the show?" she sighed.
"Oh, don't worry. I'll get you back. Just not now. Too tired." She turned her head towards the window and closed her eyes again.
"Well, don't fall asleep. We've got really important matters to discuss." Miroku's eyes hardened and he stared straight ahead. Sango felt like her stomach was suddenly filled with ice-cold lead. She inhaled sharply.
"That's right," she breathed. "Naraku might have the shikon. . . Naraku. . ." Sango bit off the rest of her words and clenched her teeth. She wouldn't cry. She WOULD'NT. Miroku glanced at her quickly, but not long enough to seem to have registered how upset she was.
". . .is as of yet only suspected." Miroku nodded as if to confirm his own words. "I KNOW you want to avenge your family, Sango, but until we are sure you have to wait." His sensible words somehow comforted her. "we all must wait." He muttered. Sango looked at him sharply, thoroughly assessing the older boy. She frowned in thought.
"Um. . . senpai. . . your hand. Why do you always wear those beads on it?" she felt awkward asking, addressing him, but he looked at her blankly.
"I'm surprised you only now asked." He turned down Main Street, parking slowly along the curb in front of his flat. He pulled his beaded hand up and held it in front of him. "An evil demon once placed a curse upon my grandfather. The curse, if not apprehended, would consume him, and be passed along to his son. Therefore my father inherited the curse, as did I." Sango had never seen Miroku so serious or upset.
"What was the curse?" she whispered, spellbound. Miroku clenched his fist.
"An air void," he answered, his voice monotone. "In my palm. If I remove the beads, anything around me will be sucked into my hand, into non- existence. When I said the curse would 'consume' me, I meant literally." He didn't look at Sango, not wanting to see the shock and pity in her eyes. "The curse will disappear once the demon who cursed my grandfather is defeated and killed. I have basically three choices: to die and let the demon win; to have a woman bear my child, who will inherit the curse from me and hopefully defeat the demon; or to find and defeat the demon myself, ending the curse for my family line forever." Miroku turned, smiling grimly at her.
"Things are looking up, aren't they?" he turned the ignition off. When he turned back to her, his smile was as it always was. "So. Shall we leave them like this, or make them come sleep inside?"
"I thought we needed to talk. . .?" Sango cocked her head slightly, confused. Miroku shrugged.
"Inuyasha and Kagome are already asleep. You, I can tell without looking, are tired as all hell. A night of rest doesn't sound all that bad to me either. We can talk in the morning." He got out, and Sango shrugged before doing the same. They met on Miroku's side of the car.
"I'll get Kagome." Sango said quietly. "Inuyasha might kill you if you touch her." Miroku widened his eyes innocently at her.
"Why would he do a thing such as that?" he asked. Sango shook her head, too tired to retort.
"I guess she and I will just share a bed. What do you want to do with Inuyasha?" she leaned against the car tiredly.
"I don't see why you and I couldn't share a bed." Miroku suggested nonchalantly. Sango turned slowly, and, in one movement, raised a single eyebrow. Miroku cringed and held up his hands weakly. "Ok. . . I'll take the couch." Nodding, she opened the door and poked Kagome in the arm.
"Kagome-chan," she said softly. "Wake up. We're going to go inside to go to bed. Wake up." Kagome opened her eyes slowly.
"Inuyasha. . . Sango-chan? What're we doing?" she mumbled almost incoherently. Sango nodded and helped her friend out of the car.
"We're going to go to bed. We're going to sleep here tonight."
"Where's Inuyasha?"
"He's coming in after you. Let's go." Looking behind her, Sango saw Miroku trying to catch her attention; he tossed her the keys to his flat. Sango caught them easily and helped Kagome up the stairs, and into the apartment. Miroku and Inuyasha followed.
"Inuyasha, Kagome," Miroku said as Sango unlocked the door. "You two sit on the couch while Sango and I get sleeping arrangements ready." Inuyasha and Kagome mumbled in response, and Sango grinned tiredly, tightening her grip on her friend's waist. Once those two were asleep, there was little chance of waking them up. She pushed the door open, helping Kagome to the couch. Kagome laid down immediately, curling and falling asleep. Miroku did the same with Inuyasha, who curved himself around Kagome's back like a C. Miroku and Sango froze, watching the other two avidly. Miroku smiled tiredly.
"I guess that's it, then. Let's just go to bed." Miroku disappeared down the hall and reappeared with a blanket to cover the sleeping two. He chuckled. "I just hope I'm awake to see their reaction to this." Sango grinned.
"Wake me up if I'm not," she yawned. Miroku grinned.
'Any excuse to go into your room.' Sango glared at him suspiciously.
"I don't know what you're thinking, but don't let me find out." She went into the kitchen and turned off the lights, and as she did this Miroku locked the door. They turned to each other, finished with their tasks.
"Shall we go?" he asked. Sango nodded.
"Please." They headed down the hallway, making sure to leave the bathroom light on in case Inuyasha or Kagome awoke and needed to use it. Only when Sango found herself at Miroku's door, him grinning like an idiot, did she realize she had walked right by her own room. Her eyes widened and she blushed furiously.
"If you insist," Miroku grinned even wider, and Sango glared at him.
"I DON'T. You mention this to ANYONE, and I KILL you!" she stormed back to her own room and slammed the door shut behind her. "Baka. . ." she groaned, wishing she had something to bang her head against.
*~*~*
When Inuyasha and Kagome awake, they were wrapped gently around each other on Miroku's couch. Sango and Miroku were at the dining room table, eating breakfast and watching the other two wake up with great interest. When Inuyasha realized exactly WHAT was so interesting, he freaked out and threw himself away from the couch, landing in a crouch 5 feet away. Kagome realized exactly after him, scooting away from him at an amazing speed until she was on leaning on the far side of the couch. Sango and Miroku shared a glance and chuckled, their daily entertainment had.
"Feh, stupid wench." Inuyasha scowled, blushing furiously. But before he could expand on that, Kagome's eyes widened.
"Oh no!" she gasped, flying from the couch and looking around the room. "What time is it? Sango? What time is it?"
"Its. . . it's 6 o clock." Sango glanced at her watch, confused.
"I've got morning practice!" Kagome said, looking terribly worried. "I have to go. . . I can't practice in this! I. . ." but Sango had grabbed her arm and pulled her down the hallway to her room.
"We'll find something you can wear." The boys looked at each other cluelessly as the girls disappeared into Sango's room. When they came back out, Kagome was wearing bright green gym shorts with double white stripes (extremely short, Inuyasha noticed), tennis shoes, and a white tank top. Miroku looked as if Christmas would be coming early.
"You OWN clothes like that, Sango?" he asked, eyes wide with interest. Sango glared at him.
"No." she said.
"How am I going to get there? I don't want you guys to have to leave now, my practice is at 6:30. . ." Sango and Miroku exchanged glances, but Inuyasha had an offer.
"I'll take you." He said. He bent down. "Get on." Miroku raised an eyebrow and began to open his mouth, but Sango sent him a look so sharply that he cut himself off. Kagome climbed onto Inuyasha's back and, once Miroku had unlocked the door, they flew out.
*~*~*
Inuyasha barely had time to get in the school's doors before Kagome flew off his back and was running full speed towards the gym.
"Thanks, Inuyasha!" she called over her shoulder. "I owe you!" she skidded around the corner and exploded into the gym just as the coach had begun practice.
". . .Kagome." she said. "Nice of you to join us. I expected that you, as the team captain, would always be punctual. If that is a problem, I'm sure we can find a new team captain." Kagome panted and shook her head.
"No, no, I'm sorry. It won't happen again. I swear." She sat heavily between her friends Yuka and Rei.
"All right. Then let's get going." Kagome groaned as the entire team stood. "I'm going to put on some music, and I want everyone to stretch themselves out completely. I need to go talk to the PE teacher, so I'll be back in a few. No slacking, I want you to STRETCH." She pushed play on the cd player and exited the gym. The song was upbeat. Kagome moved to the front of the team.
"All right, girls!" she called. "Some of you remember our stretch routine, and some of you don't know it. If you don't, go to the back and just follow along. Ok? Five, six, seven, eight!" Almost the whole team, Kagome in lead, began doing a dance-stretch routine, first stretching out their backs and then their arms, legs, and legs some more. When the coach returned in the middle of the routine, she began clapping.
"Good job, girls! I can really tell you're a team. Nice job, Kagome." The girls finished out the routine and then relaxed, talking or taking water breaks. The coach allowed a minute of this before she clapped her hands loudly. "Ok! Let's go over the easy dance routine for next Friday. Once Kagome and I are satisfied, we'll do the stunting, then the cheer, and then we'll add it all together. Now get into position."
The girls jogged the place, forming a giant V with Kagome at the point in the front, and the other girls fanning out behind her in two lines forming a perfect 90-degree angle.
"Ready, girls?" Kagome called, and turned to face the back.
"Ready!" they yelled, turning to face the back too. The music began playing, and the girls began clapping and cheering in time. When the voice began to sing, they began the routine- two backwards steps, turning into two forwards steps, arms out, arms in, 2 snaps with hips. After that was a grape vine ball change combination to the left, then one and a half pivots, hopping to the front. The dance went on, each cheerleader putting all her energy and finesse into the moves. Inuyasha, unbeknownst to the cheerleaders, watched with a mix of severe interest, disgust, and disinterest. He wasn't sure if he liked Kagome dancing so "provocatively". He scowled, wanting to leave but wanting to protect Kagome from any other male who might decide to watch. He wouldn't have that.
"Alright, that was NICE, girls! I loved the energy and the style. Keep that up. I have a few things to nag about- Koharu, when you spin, make sure your foot isn't locked behind your leg- it looks awkward. Rei, try not to sing along with the words. You're a cheerleader, not Kylie Minogue. And Kagome, since you're in the front lead, you absolutely have to make sure you're doing everything perfect. No looking off to the stands, alright?" The girls agreed, and the coach decided to run the routine again with Kagome watching. "I want to see how you girls do without her to rely on if you forget something. If we get this right, we'll move on to stunting." The coach moved back to the CD player, and Kagome sat on the bleachers.
"Make me want to cheer, guys!" she called. The music began. "Show me something special!" Once again, the girls went through the routine, wowing Kagome and the coach.
"That's great, you guys!" Kagome called excitedly. "You don't even need me anymore!"
"It was pretty impressive, ladies. Now let's get into out stunt groups. Kagome's group in front, Suzume's on the right, and Sayo's on the left." Once again, there was a scurry as the girls ran to get into the different positions. "Ok, five, six, seven, eight." The girls all clapped, and Koharu and Hitomi bent as Kagome hopped up, putting her feet squarely in their hands. All at once, three girls were raised high in the air. Kagome felt her left foot wobble.
"Koharu," she called down without looking. "Steady yourself, ok?" she leaned very slightly to her right. "Sorry, Hitomi. Just until Koharu's ready." Hitomi nodded, gritting her teeth as she bared a majority of Kagome's weight in her palms. Kagome felt Koharu's hold steady, and just as she let her weight back into the younger girl's hands, Koharu collapsed. Kagome let out an ear-splitting scream as all her weight was on Hitomi's hands. Hitomi crumbled, and Kagome, as if in slow, motion, felt herself falling towards the ground.
'Inuyasha will never let me live this down,' she thought weakly. And just before she hit the ground, something fast caught her. Something fast with fangs.
*~*~*
All the girls were screaming, and Inuyasha was running toward Kagome, who was- he skidded to a halt- dazed, and in the arms on some guy? But she was ok. . . she was alive.
"Kagome!" he yelled, along with everyone else in the gym. The boy who saved her, who must've been faster than lightning, shoved through the group.
"Give 'er some air," he snapped arrogantly. The coach nodded.
"He has a point, ladies." She held them back, but Inuyasha was not a lady.
"Kagome!" he yelled again. He raced up the boy holding her. "Are you alright, Kagome? Speak to me! Kagome!" he reached for her, but the boy spun so his back was to Inuyasha. Kagome's voice came somewhat weakly from over his shoulder.
"I'm fine, Inuyasha. I'm fine. Somebody check on Koharu and Hitomi, though, ok?" the cheerleaders did, but Inuyasha's unwavering attention was on Kagome. He moved to face the arrogant, long-haired boy, and pulled Kagome protectively out of his arms. He held her against his chest.
"Thank you for watching out for Kagome, but she's alright now." Inuyasha glared at the boy.
"Really? Are you her boyfriend, half-breed?" the boy asked carelessly. Inuyasha reddened.
"What?? No! What're you thinking, you crazy wolf?" he set Kagome down gently, but kept a firm grip on her shoulders in case she needed the support.
"Thank you for catching me. You probably saved my life. What's your name, anyway?" Kagome asked the boy, leaning very slightly into Inuyasha's grip.
"My name is Kouga. And it was no problem saving you, since it was obvious dog-boy here would've let you hit the ground." Kagome felt Inuyasha's nails dig into her arms a little.
"Ow. . ." she mumbled, but neither boy heard.
"WHAT did you say?" Inuyasha demanded, looking dangerous. Kouga sighed, obviously bored with the situation.
"I just meant that I'd make a better boyfriend for Kagome than you." He pulled Kagome from Inuyasha to himself. "Kagome," he said. "You're my woman now." Kagome's eyes widened, and she blushed a little.
"Hold on a minute. . ."
"WHAT'RE YOU TALKING ABOUT, YOU MANGY BASTARD????" Inuyasha yelled, nearly blowing Kagome's eardrums out. "She's NOT your PROPERTY!!!" He yanked Kagome behind himself.
"And what evidence is there to prove that, dog shit?" Kouga asked, eyes glinting. "I have already claimed her as mine."
"SHE'S NOT-"
"Boys, boys! Stop fighting over Kagome, you idiots! She could be hurt, and you two are too busy being territorial over her to notice!" the coach shoved both boys into the bleachers together, and helped Kagome to the other side of the gym with Koharu and Hitomi.
"Hey, are you guys alright?" Kagome asked with concern. Hitomi's wrists were swollen and Koharu was pale and shaking.
"I'm so sorry, Kagome and Hitomi," Koharu cried. "I thought I was fine, I really didn't think I'd pass out. . ." she began to cry.
"Hey, hey," Kagome said, patting the younger girl's back. "We're fine, Koharu. Everything's ok. Hitomi's wrists must kill, I'm sure, but other than that no one's hurt." Hitomi nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, 'Haru, I'm fine. Couple of weeks with some wrist guards and I'll be back to normal." Hitomi smiled and the other girls from the team drifted over.
"Wow, Kagome," Rei said. "You sure know how to get guys' attention."
*~*~*
Sango and Miroku arrived at school about an hour after Kagome and Inuyasha.
"I guess we'll talk about Naraku later tonight?" Sango asked her housemate. Miroku put a "friendly" hand on her shoulder.
"I suppose we will, my lovely angel." Sango eyed him as his hand crept undetected towards her lower back and. . . lower. Unfortunately for him, and fortunately for Sango, someone smacked his hand away from her behind.
"I don't suggest you sexually harass a younger student." That cold, emotionless voice. Sango froze, and Miroku turned to smile genially at the teacher.
"Lord Sesshoumaru! I remember your class. We had such good times. Am I wrong, or did I have an A in that class?" Miroku beamed, and Sesshoumaru glared at him before turning to Sango.
"I hereby give you permission to beat Miroku senseless if he tries anything." Sesshoumaru said, as if bored. Sango nodded, unsure really of anything to say.
"I, um-"
"WELL, Sango and I've got to get to class. Extra studying, tests, quizzes, you know. . ." Miroku gave him a brilliant smile and dragged her quickly into the next classroom and closed the door tightly behind them. "Have you lost your senses, Sango?" he demanded, looking serious. "You can't have a crush on a guy who is not only your geometry teacher, but may be in this whole conspiracy to get the shikon. Now get it together!" he shook her by the shoulders until she stopped him.
"I DON'T have a crush on Sesshoumaru!" she snapped. She pushed him off herself and glared. "and I would NEVER even begin to like someone who might have had something to do with the murder of my family!" she stormed out of the classroom, leaving Miroku deep in thought.
*~*~*
A/N: Mk, was fun. And um. . . yeah. Lol. Merci beaucoup to my awesome reviewers. Also, in the last part- Sango wasn't accusing Miroku or murdering her parents, she's just mad he's suggesting she has a crush on someone (Sesshoumaru) who might have.
RK-128: well, there's the morning practice for you. Probably not very realistic, but hey. * shrugs * At least Inuyasha had to fight over Kagome ^_- Banaaana. . . POMP! PLUS SIGN! SEAMAN! EQUAL SIGN! THE ADVENTURES OF POMP AND SEAMAN!!! Yeah, well, at least your geometry teacher doesn't have a crush on you.
Bluefuzzyelf: haha, Sango killing Miroku is yet to come. Now she has two reasons ^_- If you can, I highly suggest you get those songs. They're really good.
Rain angst: Yeah, I figured that out when I looked it up. But thanks so much! I really like having regulars like yourself.
GinHasa: It will most likely take a long time for Inuyasha to admit anything. But that's what I love about him. Thanks so much for reading!