Readers--Hello again. Welcome to the next installment of Tainted Blood. This is gonna be a short note again, just stopping to say hi! I do hope you are enjoying my newest creation. I don't really know what possessed me to write this. I been feeling angsty I guess, restarting school and all. No matter the reason, the result is a pretty good story, if I do say so myself. Enjoy! ^-^ Stay tuned for shout-outs at the end!
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or American Hi-Fi, I do own this story and I do own the American Hi-Fi cds, woot!
Chapter 3: School Days
Monday morning was rather dreary. Gray clouds hung in the air and the moisture that clung to the morning breeze was stick with the promise of rain. Kagome was up early and feeling refreshed. Kaede had made her breakfast, which was a huge treat for Kagome, who was usually responsible for all the meals made in her home. Sunday had been spent training all day, one on one, with Kaede. Her grandmother had been exceedingly pleased with her skills, which had improved since the summer due to Kagome's frequent practice.
Kagome dressed casually for her first day of school, in a pair of baggy blue jeans, a tight fitting black tee-shirt with an air-brushed angel design, and her leather duster over the top. She also sported her mirrored shades, as usual, along with a pair of sneakers. For some reason, she had been tempted to wear the personalized golden locket that she hadn't even remembered bringing with her. When wearing the locket, it brought attention to the delicate curve of her neck. Kagome had also spent a few minutes braiding a dozen tiny braids that hung with her loose locks.
"My, don't you look lovely," Kaede commented when Kagome came down the stairs. Kagome, even in leather and sneakers, looked striking. But nothing was more beautiful then her unique eyes, that were rimmed with black eyeliner. Kaede didn't understand why she did so when her eyes were always covered by those glasses. She sighed inwardly, knowing that her granddaughter had no idea how beautiful she really was.
That was very true. Kagome had never felt 'pretty' before. She had seen some of the looks that boys from her old school sent her, but she had never returned them. She never really looked at boys before. Kagome's life had always been too hectic and busy to bother with such a trivial matter as a boyfriend. She was too preoccupied with training and taking care of her brothers. But she did take the time to make herself presentable, and the results were stunning to even the most aloof male.
"Thanks Grams." Kaede gave Kagome her transfer papers from her old school, fixed to accustom her new identity and allow her to enter school during the middle of the semester, it was, after all, the beginning of November. Kagome had tucked the papers into her lucky backpack, preparing to take off to school so she could get there early and get set up before classes already started. "Damn it to hell!" she cursed, noticing the time when she finished eating. "I have to go Grams, or I'll be late!" She kissed Kaede on the cheek, then sprinted out of the dojo to her motorcycle.
"Last call and now I'm outta time
And I don't got no valentine"
That lyric pumped in her head as she quickly started the bike and, throwing on her helmet, rocketed into the street to get to the high school. Kagome the speed demon was still as fast as ever, so the drive was quick. She didn't pay much attention to the cars she cut off, but she did notice a pair of rather disgruntled teenagers in a red sports car yelling at her as she wizzed past them. Kagome paid them no mind.
She roared into the school parking lot, pulling into an empty space in the back of the parking lot. She felt out of the way was better, there'd be less confrontation them if she parked in some designated space. She also didn't find out until later that she was the only student in the school who actually drove a motorcycle, which singled her out in a big way. Kagome jumped off the bike, pulling out her sunglasses and putting her keys away in her duster pocket, but she left the helmet on. She was going for mysterious.
Kagome was just about out of the parking lot when the same red sports car she had cut off a few minutes ago pulled in and stopped in front of her. A tinted window rolled down and Kagome's ears were assaulted by the sound of Linkin Park. (Sorry for all you Park-haters. I like them, some of there songs are good for a fight scene, tee-hee.) Suddenly a silver head appeared in front of her visor.
"Jesus Christ, you fucking bastard! You could've killed us!" Inuyasha yelled at her. Kagome inwardly smiled. It would have made her job so much easier if he had died in a traffic accident rather then getting her hands dirty. That was a thought...
"Aren't you even going to apologize?" said another voice. The passenger of the car. Miroku. Kagome tilted her head to look at him. His hair was spiked and he looked good! Kagome could see now why he was such a popular pick with the ladies, even if he was a pervert. Somehow, through no fault of her own, Kagome's eyes were more drawn to the silver haired half-demon who was busy glaring at her.
Kagome lifted a hand to pull off her helmet and shook out her hair. "Well excuse me for driving offensively," she said with a wicked grin, placing her sunglasses over her eyes as she stared at their startled expressions. "It's not a crime for a girl to want to go fast." Both boys simply blinked at her.
"Uh...Hi Kagome," Miroku said with a small smile and a wave. "We um...didn't know it was you."
"Apparently, otherwise dog-boy over there would have been a little more offensive and called me a bitch instead of a bastard." The 'dog-boy' in question quickly turned his look of surprise into a scowl.
"Bitch," he muttered, pulling himself back into the driver's seat and pulling into the nearest space. Kagome waited for them to get out and catch up with her. She hefted her backpack a little higher on her shoulder and tucked her helmet under her arm.
"How are you this morning Miroku?" she asked, suddenly glad she hadn't killed Inuyasha in a traffic accident because that would have meant Miroku as well. 'Oh well, I'll think of another way,' she thought sadly.
"I'm just peachy," he replied with a grin. His violet eyes sparkled with mischief and Kagome quickly took a step out of his reach. He sighed, tucking his hands in his pockets, but the smile in his eyes never wavered.
"Do you ever wear anything not made of cow?" Inuyasha asked suddenly, trudging along next to them. Kagome looked at him with mild disinterest.
"Why? Does my clothing choice make you uncomfortable?"
"No, it makes me hungry," he said casually. He suddenly flashed a grin at her and Kagome couldn't suppress a laugh. Leather...what a weirdo.
"So," she said after a moment. "I was gonna meet Sango and Rin, but they aren't here this early. Come to think of it, why are you guys early?" She looked back and forth between Miroku and Inuyasha.
"I don't know. Why is the sun blue? Why is the grass red? Why is the sky green?" Miroku said dramatically. Inuyasha whacked him in the back of the head and he began spewing the lines in the right way.
"You have to jump start his brain sometimes. It's like an old car. It stalls." He grinned at her again and Kagome laughed.
"Oh hey, could you guys take me to the main office?" she pleaded, clinging into Miroku in a dramatic way. "I need to go register for classes and stuff."
"Sure," he said, coping a quick feel before she backhanded him. Then he began leading her through the halls of the surprisingly small high school. "It's small because our district in the city is the smallest," Miroku explained. Kagome's old high school had been three times the size that this one was. Presently, they came to a room marked 'Main Office'. "Here you are Kag," Miroku said, reverting o her nickname. Kagome felt fuzzy suddenly. This was the most anyone had referred to her in such a friendly matter in all her life.
"Well, I guess this is where we part. Check ya later dudes!" she said, snapping off a salute as they heading back outside and Kagome walked into the office door.
"Singled out, now I stand alone
The underdog in a modern world"
Two middle aged woman were running around the office, preparing for the day of classes and difficulties. Kagome walked up to the desk and rang the little bell, making them both aware of her presence. "Good morning," Kagome said with an innocent and shy smile. One of the woman quickly scuttled over to her. "I'm here to enroll for senior classes?"
"Do you have transfer papers, dear?" the little woman asked her. Kagome dug them out of her pack and handed them to the woman. She scanned over the papers, making sure everything was in order. The woman smiled and looked up at her. "Well Miss Isharugi, welcome to Shrine High. I think you'll be very happy here. It says on your transcripts that you made very good grades at your old school." Kagome blushed. "Just follow me and we'll get you all set up."
The office secretary, who never divulged her name to Kagome, took her around the school to get things in order. A guidance counselor got her a schedule quickly and she was assigned a locker, lucky number 428. She was taken to the library to get her books for classes, and had her picture taken for a student ID card. It was the only time she took of her sunglasses, using the old excuse of them being prescription. She was taken to the nurse to be weighed and measured. The nurse took down all the measurements that Kagome herself already knew.
"We're going to assign you a student representative," the secretary explained. "They will show you around the school and then take you to your homeroom. Enjoy your day, dear," she said, scuttling away.
Kagome was approached from behind by a boy the same height as she was. His hair was a dusty brown color, and it hung over his face and into his eyes. Eyes that were light brown and friendly. He had a sweet face, the face of an innocent boy. Totally naive was the conclusion Kagome drew from him, even after only just meeting him. He smiled at her and she smiled back.
"Hello," he said, holding out hi hand. "I'm Hojo, the student representative."
"Hey, I'm Kagome the new girl," she said, shaking his hand.
"Yeah well, its obvious that you're new." Kagome crinkled her brow.
"Really? Why? Is it the outfit?" She looked down at herself. Shirt was not tucked in, leaving a few centimeters of skin bare on her midriff, if she raised her arm too high it exposed her navel. Her pants were baggy, covering most of her sneakers, but they weren't ripped or stained. And the duster was conservative leather. Something she had saved up for for two years to buy.
"No, not the outfit," Hojo assured her. Kagome watched out of the corner of her eye as Hojo looked her up and down. Most guys had a problem with tall women. The reactions she got most of the time was that she was good enough to fuck, but not to date. Somehow she didn't get that vibe from Hojo, but he still he put her off. "I know everyone in the school, but I've never seen a pretty face like yours."
'Oh God, he's a flirt! I'm going to have my hands full today,' she thought. But she let Hojo take her hand and escort her around the school. She got the idea of everything through about half the tour, but her guide seemed to like the sound of his own voice too much. Kagome said her farewells, not knowing if he was even paying attention to her anymore, then headed off to her first period. It took Hojo five minutes to realize she was gone. He shrugged it off and went to his own first period.
Kagome was delighted to see both Rin and Sango in her first period class as she entered. She pulled down the hem of her shirt, clasping the duster firmly together to her things, covering her entire upper body in the warm black leather. The sunglasses remained. She handed the pass to the teacher and he read it over quickly.
"Okay class," he said in a monotone voice. "We have a new student. This is Kagome Isharugi. Kagome, you can have a seat over in the back next to Sango. Sango, please raise your hand." Sango waved, grinned, and then squeaked as Kagome plunked herself casually in the seat next to her, propping one foot on her desk and the other hanging widely over her chair. It made everyone in the class stare open-mouthed. Everyone except for the four seniors in the class who had every idea how this girl played it. The teacher shrugged and went back to teaching.
"Suburbia is hot tonight,
But nothing seems to feel alright,
I don't want your sympathy,
I just need a little therapy,
At least that's what they say to me."
"You're fearless," Sango whispered to her as Kagome readjusted herself to sit normally. All the students turned back to the teacher, except some of the boys who tossed her glances now and then. Kagome didn't notice.
"I just don't care what they think," she said nonchalantly. "I mean, this is me. I couldn't give a fuck what they think. They want to know me, then they know me. If not, screw 'em. That's what I say." Rin, who sat just in front of Kagome, turned around and beamed at her cousin.
"I love you Kag," she said happily.
"I know, I'm just so amazing, aren't I?" She heard a snort from a few chairs over. She turned to see Inuyasha lounging back in hi chair, flicking a few glances her way. Miroku was sleeping on his open textbook, snoring slightly.
"Jerk," she whispered at him.
"Bitch," he whispered back. Inuyasha pulled down the skin under his left eye, sticking out his tongue. Kagome flipped him off while blowing him a kiss.
"You shouldn't do that, you know," she whispered to him. "You're eye could get stuck that way. Then how would you whore yourself?" He choked, leaning forward too fast and waking his head on the desk.
"FUCK!" he shouted, rubbing his head fiercely.
"Mister Inutoya, please restrain your sexual urges until after my class," the teacher commented lightly. Everyone in the class snickered. Kagome hid her face in the open textbook, hoping he wouldn't see how much she enjoyed that. But then again...what did she care if he knew she hated him or not? For some reason...that thought depressed her.
"Hey Ho, let's go,
I'm gonna start a riot,
you don't wannt fight it"
Kagome followed Sango and Rin to their lunch table in the cafeteria. When they sat down, she noticed some of the other people look away and move to another place. "What up with them?" she asked.
"Oh, don't mind that," Rin said with a shrug.
"We were marked," Sango said, rolling her eyes.
"Marked?" Kagome asked, raising an eyebrow. "It's that when a gang or something points a finger at you. 'You're gonna get it missy!'" Rin and Sango laughed.
"Something like that. But you see that table over there?" Rin asked, pointing to a table farther away. From her angle, all Kagome could see was a row of bleach-blonde heads, and a row of massive shoulders. Then she saw a flash of silver and saw Inuyasha sit down at the end of that table. Miroku was sitting there too, looking very bored. He noticed their looks and waved. Then one of the massive-shouldered boys glared at him and he dropped his hand.
"What's up with them?" Kagome asked, temper rising.
"Well, that's the popular table," Sang explained, not looking impressed at all. "They didn't like the fact that Inuyasha and Miroku used to sit with us. They are two of the most popular boys in school, by the way." Kagome looked back at her, flipping her hair and getting into a character.
"Oh, you mean, like, they're, like, super cool, and junk?" Her voice was high pitched and kind of squeaky, making the other girls giggle. "Some in other words, every girl in the school wants to fuck them?" Sango and Rin nodded.
"Pretty much," Rin confirmed. "But only the choice girls get a chance at them. The fact that we even breathe the same air as they do is a crime!" Kagome shook her head. It was the same at her school.
"So why don't the boys rebel? Just sit with us, you know, viva la resistance!" Kagome jumped to her feet, shouting a French battle cry. Many eyes turned to her, but then quickly looked away.
"Naw, it's better they stay there. As long as they're popular, they get good publicity for our martial arts team," Sango explained. "The more people respect you, the more people will come to see you fight."
"You two are going to the nationals with the boys in a few weeks, right?" They nodded.
"Yup, the first week of December."
"Killer! I'll be in the front row, cheering you on!"
"You should join the team Kag!" Rin said excitedly.
"Yeah, they way you kicked Miroku's ass, although that's not saying much, is proof that you have skill!" Sango agreed. "Say yes, please?"
"Well, what would I do? You guys have a well rounded team. From what Grams told me, Inuyasha is your swords master. Miroku is a master with a staff. You are in the top women's sword fight Sango. And Rin, you've got killer aim when it comes to throwing stars and knives." Rin blushed.
"But we need a hand-to-hand fighter," Sango rationalized. "You seem to have skill with that.
"We also need a dancer," Rin added. "Someone who can perform the freestyle weapons routine to music and stuff. Come on Kag, I've seen you do it. You're graceful and skilled. We can't lose with you on our team!" Kagome blushed, twitching her nose subconsciously.
"Okay, if Grams and the guys say it's ok." Rin and Sango cheered, hugging each other then running around the table to hug Kagome.
"We'll win the Nationals for sure!" they both squealed in unison. Kagome squeezed out of their hold and got up, brushing herself off and pulling her duster open to expose her shirt underneath.
"Better go ask the boys right now," she said casually, striding over to the table where Miroku and Inuyasha were sitting in silence.
"One, Two, Fuck you,
Don't tell me what to do,
I don't wanna be like you"
"Hey, Miroku, Jerk-off" she called, casually leaning over the edge of the table so she was face to face with both of them. "Can I ask you something?"
""Who are you?" one of the blondes asked. Kagome blinked at her.
"I'm Kagome, not that I was talking to you." Then she turned back to the boys. "You see, here's the thing--"
"Pardon me," another of the girls sad. "But this is a private table. Please take yourself and, like, get lost."
Kagome raised an eyebrow. "Oh-no, now you've done it," Miroku said, quickly getting up and grabbing Kagome. Inuyasha grabbed her other side. "Don't do anything stupid Kag, you just got here!"
"It's not like I'd resort to violence," she said indignantly, shaking off their hold. "That little thing is too short to pose any threat." The blonde gasped in surprise. She got to her feet, ringed by three of her bleached friends.
"Excuse you," she chirped, poking a finger in Kagome's face. The girl was only five feet tall, even with Kagome's chest. Kagome looked down on her and scoffed right in her face.
"No, I think you mean excuse you. I was talking to my guys here and it was very rude of you to interrupt. Now you're provoking my patients with your appendage in my facial space." The girl only looked at her haughtily. Kagome felt the urge to show her, she grabbed the girl's' finger from were it had been hovering below her nose faster then the girl could react, and bent it backwards, sending a shooting pain through her arm.
"AHHHHHH!" the girl screamed, her free hand clawing at Kagome.
"Kagome, let her go right now!" Inuyasha barked. Kagome sent a glare at him, but dropped her hand.
"No harm done, I didn't even break it." Kagome leaned back against the table as every eye in the lunchroom turned to stare.
"What the fuck is your problem?" screamed the girl with the painful finger.
"Oh suck it up you little bitch," Kagome yelled. "It'll only hurt for two minutes. Next time you should know better then to try and tell me what to do." All the table glared at her, including the massive shouldered boys, who cracked their knuckles menacingly. Kagome got a little nervous, but she was well trained to handle such situations.
With a sigh, she parted from the group surrounding her and marched back to the table where Rin and Sango were staring. Kagome grabbed her backpack, throwing them a smile, then turned and walked out of the cafeteria. She only fled so no one would see her fear and her anger, but Inuyasha smelled it, as had all the other demons in the room. Including one with blue eyes that followed her every move.
"Can't you see, it's killing me,
I'm my own worst enemy,
Knock me down I'll keep on moving,
That's the Art of Losing."
After she stormed out, Kagome sat on the front steps of the school. When the bell rang, she'd go back in, to her next class. She just made a very big mistake. She let her pride and the adrenaline of the moment take over her sense. She was supposed to stay low-key, like she was at her own school. She was supposed to stay hidden in shadow, to observe Inuyasha and come up with the perfect time to kill him. Kill him and his family. Then she could run back to her family and hide the rest of her life. She was feeling guilty again. Even guiltier when a shadow fell over her. There was no need to ask who it was, somehow she just sensed his presence. She KNEW it was him.
"I'm sorry Inuyasha," she said quickly. "I know you're probably pissed." Inuyasha sat down on the steps next to her, leaning back casually.
"That was a hell of a show," he said, not looking at her. Kagome snorted.
"Yeah, I nearly broke the finger of a preppie. Rin and Sango warned me not to bother anything. I just couldn't leave it alone." She shook her head, ebony hair flying around her face. "God, I'm such an ass."
"No you're not. She deserved it." Kagome looked over at Inuyasha in surprise. He looked back, amber eyes filled with sarcastic humor, but she saw the sincerity in them. "They've all been riding me since last year because Miroku and I hang with Rin and Sango. They aren't what they define as the 'In crowd'. I would have ditched them long ago, but they have influence. If I endure their bullshit, they give us good advertisement for the dojo. That's what matters."
Kagome nodded. "That's what Sango and Rin told me. I dunno, something about people like that rubs me the wrong way. There's no reason to treat anyone differently just because they aren't' like you." Inuyasha snorted.
"And you're one to talk?" She looked up into his gorgeous amber eyes and saw contempt and a little disappointment. "You don't like to hang around me cuz I'm half-demon right? You're a miko. Mikos hate demons. It's cut and dry. They're rich, they hate anyone not rich. Same cut and dry."
For a moment, Kagome was unable to form rational thought. Her...prejudice against demons? Such a thing was inconceivable! "I..I don't hate you..." Kagome said quietly, head down. "And even if I did, it wouldn't be because you're a half-demon. It's true that I'm a miko, and mikos don't always get along with all demons, but we don't hate them. Or at least, I don't hate them." He scoffed and Kagome shot him a reproachful glance. "I suppose you need proof?" she asked, an idea dawning on her. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow. Kagome lifted her sunglasses off of her face to look him in the eye, then her hand went to the collar of her shirt, then inside it. She felt around until she found what she was looking for and pulled it out. The gold locket. This must be why she had decided to wear it this morning.
It was a pretty thing. Medium sized as lockets go, Inuyasha evaluated. It was in the shape of a heart and had her name carved down the side in script lettering. It smelled of real gold. It had to have been expensive. She seemed to notice his thoughts. "My father had this made for me, for my eight birthday," she explained, a sad look in her eyes. And he noticed her scent changed for a moment, somehow fluctuating in a way he couldn't explain. But she brushed it aside to open the locket. "Look here," she commanded, moving over to sit closer to him and showing him the interior of the pendant. Inside were two pictures, one on each side.
The first one was a small boy with dark hair and dark eyes. He had a happy grin and two missing front teeth. The resemblance between him and Kagome was slight, but he could pick it up. "That one is my little brother Souta," she explained, pointing to the boy he had been looking at. His eyes switched to the other picture. This boy was smaller, younger. His hair was a reddish-brown color, and puffy on top of his head. His eyes were bright instead of dark and he had pointed ears. It was a demon child! A fox or some kind of small animal, but a demon anyway. "That is my other brother, Shippou," she said, smiling. "He's adopted. His parents were killed by two evil demons that my mother slew. She brought Shippou home with her and raised him as one of us. He's a fox demon." Inuyasha turned his head enough to meet her gaze. He only then realized how close they were sitting together. His breath caught in his throat. She pulled away, closing the locket and lowering the glasses back on to her eyes.
"So you see," she explained. "It's not because you're a demon."
"Then why do you hate me so much?" he asked, really wanting to know. From somewhere in him this question burned to be answered. Kagome opened her mouth, trying to think of a good lie, but was saved the trouble when the bed signaling the end of lunch rang.
"Because you're a jerk," Kagome said as she walked inside. "That's all."
"Fit the mould and do what your told,
Get a job and start growing old,
9 to 5 can make your dreams come true,
But I don't wanna be like you"
Kagome went the rest of her first day without incident. Evidently she had become one of the 'marked' since she was sent either evil glares from the popular girls and boys of the human and demon variety, or gazes of worship and idolization from the rest of the student population. Rin and Sango tried to behave as if nothing had happened. Kagome was grateful; her day had not gone as she had hoped it would, not at all. Miroku had made a few very bad jokes about the incident, but quieted after being attacked repeatedly by all three females. Inuyasha, on the other hand, had been shooting her thoughtful glances, as if trying to figure her out, or at least learn what she meant from that brief moment of peace between them on the stairs. It bothered him for unknown reasons that this girl felt malice toward him for a reason other then his demon heritage. What other reason could there be? No other girl had ever behaved this way around him. Inuyasha decided that she was one mystery that he would try to figure out, in his own subtle way.
When the bell signaling the end of the day rang, Kagome walked silently to her locker to retrieve her helmet, then walked to the parking lot. Her senses were humming due to all the demon auras around her, but she tried not to pay any attention. She was used to the feeling of demon aura, but so much in one place was still a little unsettling. She spotted Rin and Sango sitting on the hood of Rin's car which was parked next to her bike, waiting for her. "Congregation party?" Kagome asked with a raised eyebrow. Rin beamed at her delightedly.
"We were waiting for you so we can all drive over to the dojo. We've stepped up our practices for the martial arts team now that the nationals are so close."
"Inuyasha and Miroku are meeting us there," Sango explained. "Do you need a ride?"
Kagome grinned. "Nope," she replied, pointing her thumb at the motorcycle in the next parking space. "Do you need a ride?"
Sango's eyes widened when she looked at the bike, then broke into a wicked grin. "You drive fast?" she asked. Kagome and Rin giggled, knowing the speed demon tendencies of the owner of the bike.
"Is the Earth round?" (Actually, the Earth is oval, but I like that little phrase so I'll use it, tee-hee ^-^)
"Hell's yeah, I'll take that ride!" Sango yelled, hopping off the hood to stand besides Kagome.
"Here, you'll need this more then me," Kagome stated, shoving her helmet into Sango's hands. Kagome straddled the motorcycle, putting the kickstand up with the back of her heel. Sango hopped on behind her, arms wrapped around Kagome's waist. "We'll see you at the dojo Rin," Kagome called, as she backed out of the space, then pulled her legs up and took off out of the parking lot. Her speed was more controled with a passenger, but Kagome could not be denied a little speed.
"Grams, I'm home!" she called as Sango followed her inside.
"Hello Kagome, how was school?" she called from upstairs.
"Oh, it was alright, you know." Kaede came down the stairs and spotted that Kagome was not alone.
"Oh hello Sango dear, are you here for practice already?"
"Kag gave me a lift over from school. I hope it's alright for us to hang out until the others get here for our class."
"Of course it's alright!" Kaede assured her. "I'm happy to see that all of you are getting along so well with Kagome." Kaede busied herself and Sango took the opportunity to push Kagome forwards.
"Ask her about joining the team," she hissed under her breath, tilting her head in Kaede's direction.
"Alright, no need to be hasty," Kagome said with a sly grin, shimming up beside her grandmother. Kagome went the extra mile and removed her sunglasses. "Hey Grams, Rin and Sango asked me to join their martial arts team." Kaede looked up at her with a raised eyebrow and a small smile. "Would that be okay?"
"It's fine with me Kagome. The Isharugi Dojo could use your skills in the Nationals Tournament. However, are you sure this won't interfere with your reasons for being here?" Sango looked interested, but Kagome looked pensive--and more then a little darker then before.
"No Grandma, it won't distract me from my goal. But it would help me with my training."
"Then go ahead Kagome."
"First I have to ask the boys, and I know they won't be too happy..."
"I'm not cool and I'll never be,
I break the rules and I guarantee,
I don't want your sympathy,
I just need a little therapy,
At least that's what they say to me"
Rin arrived shortly and Sango happily told her that Kagome was now an official member of the Isharugi Dojo Martial Arts team. All three girls jumped around the kitchen. "This is awesome!" Rin exclaimed.
"What is?" asked a voice that Kagome knew to be Miroku's. He had a knack for questioning the obvious.
"Miroku, Inuyasha!" Sango cried happily, running up to them. "Kagome's joining the team!"
"What team?" questioned Inuyasha indignantly. "Not our team I hope!" Kagome smiled, remembering all the pent up anger she held in her heart for this boy and his family. 'Inutoya', she thought. The guilt and doubt that had been surrounding her since lunch all but evaporated.
"Yeah, looks like we're stuck together dog-boy."
"Whoop-de-doo," he said very sarcastically, flashing her an annoyed look before taking his duffel bag and huffing up the stairs to change.
"Wow, this is really cool Kag!" Miroku said happily. "Yet another beauty to adorn our team." Kagome rolled her eyes, but smiled.
"I'm going to go change into something a little more martial arts friendly," she commented, waving a hand at her jeans and duster. Then she ascended the stairs to her room.
Sunday had also given Kagome the chance to unpack not only her clothes from home, but also the new ones that she bought. She pulled out a black sports bra, and a pair of sweat pants. Then she tied her hair up into a high ponytail, but left her eyes unobstructed. The delicate golden locket was taken off, but Kagome felt such a loss when it no longer rested warm against her skin. She was barefoot as she padded out of her room and walked into Inuyasha as he exited the bathroom in the same white training clothes he had worn the day they met. His silver hair was also tied out of the way, giving her a better view of his face.
"'Scuse me," Kagome said, taking a step back. Kagome felt a small flutter in her stomach when he looked her up and down. Blushing furiously, she turned to anger as her defense. "Do you mind?" she asked, hands on her hips.
"Naw, just surprised you aren't wearing leather," was his reply. Then he turned and walked down the hall, his right ear twitching nervously. What was she wearing?! She was practically naked from the waist up except for a small little bra-thingy. Didn't she have a scrap of decency? Obviously not because he heard her following him casually, her bare feet padding on the wooden floor.
The other three had been sitting at the kitchen table talking lightly with Kaede when Inuyasha entered, closely followed by Kagome. Miroku nearly feel over when he saw Kagome, but Rin and Sango looked unaffected. Kaede smiled at them. "You two seem ready. Are the rest of you going to change?"
"You can use my room Rin," Kagome said with a smile. The other three raced each other upstairs, their footsteps echoing in the dojo, as well as their laughs.
"Well now, until they're ready, why don't you two warm up?" Kaede suggested. "When the five of you are present, we'll get today's lesson ready." Kagome nodded and Inuyasha bowed. "Kagome dear, you can use the weapon room. Inuyasha, you can use the front room, or the weapon room with Kagome."
"Oh, Grams, is it there?" Kagome asked, eyes shimmering. Kaede laughed.
"Yes Kagome, it's there." Kagome looked like she was about to burst into tears, but she didn't. She simply turned and dashed from the kitchen. Inuyasha watched her, ears twitching. "She's an unusual girl, I know," Kaede told him with a fond smile. Inuyasha turned back with a slight frown.
"She doesn't act like Rin, aren't they cousins?"
"Well, Rin was raised in a much different way from Kagome. My granddaughter was raised to be the heiress to a great lineage of mikos. Although she has a carefree attitude, she's truly very different then how she acts." Kaede patted his arm reassuringly. "I know that you two don't get along in perfect harmony. It's because you are very much alike. Once you get to know her better, you'll understand why Kagome is...the way she is. My granddaughter is a girl with many secrets."
Inuyasha looked from the old woman's face to the door where Kagome had disappeared. He shrugged and left to train. When he stepped through the door and into the weapon room, he saw Kagome in the corner, holding a sword in her hands.
"What's that wench?" he asked, walking toward her. Kagome flinched at his voice, making him regret his words. But then she looked up at him with her normal haughty smile. Her eyes, the two-toned eyes that she seemed so ashamed of, were shining with tears she wouldn't shed.
"This is my father's sword," she said matter-of-factly. "Grams had it in a protected place for me." She looked away from him, back down to the sword. It didn't look to be that great of a thing in Inuyasha's eyes. It looked like an old-fashioned katana. The scabbard was nicked and dented in a few places, curving in a gentle line.
"Doesn't look so great," Inuyasha commented with a shrug. Suddenly she glared at him, eyes so full of anger and rage that he took a step back. She was frightening in her malice.
"Well what would you know!" she yelled, walking passed him with the sword in her hands. She stopped a few feet away and turned. "Oh Inuyasha," she called. Inuyasha froze, fearing the sugary sweet tone in her voice.
"Yeah Kagome?" he asked, turning to her. Her smile was tinged with contempt as she held out her hand, palm up, two fingers pointing at him. She blew across her palm at him. "Sit."
Suddenly a faint glow engulfed his body and before he could even react, he was head-first into the dojo floor. "Fucking miko spell," he growled, struggling to get up. That fucking hurt! That bitch! All he did was comment on a fucking sword and she had to making him fucking dive headfirst into the fucking ground?! What the fuck?
Kagome ignored his muttered curses as she unsheathed the sword in a smooth motion, bunching her muscles in her shoulders, she moved with the blade in a serious of slow motion actions. The sword was like an extension of her arm as she moved her feet slowly and gracefully across the floor.
"You call me a loser,
You say I'm just a user,
But I'll just keep on moving,
Cause that's the Art of Losing"
"Look at her move," Sango whispered to Rin. Rin nodded, smiling. They stood in the doorway of the weapons room, watching Kagome's sword warm-ups. Her eyes were closed. She was simply feeling her way with the sword, practicing moves she had drilled into her brain for years on end.
Miroku joined them a few seconds later and was also taken in awe. Kagome, although aware of her audience, continued her drills at a faster pace now. The combinations of simple movements became more exotic, more complicated. She held all the grace of a fencer and all the strength of a warrior. Kagome commanded an air of true power, like a large cat on a hunt, graceful and deadly. Her feet moved lightly, barely touching the dojo floor. Her body lithely moving to a rhythm only she could hear.
"Ah, there she goes," Kaede said in a soft voice. All three teenagers looked at her. "Kagome has been very tense today. She seems to be relaxing now."
"She's very good," Sango said proudly. "I'm glad she's on our team."
"Yes, Kagome is very skilled. She has great drive and passion for her training. She is not one to slack, unlike a pair of young men that are loafing as we speak." Kaede shot an angry glare at Miroku, then at Inuyasha, who had managed to crawl across the floor to the door where everyone else was standing.
"Aw, come on Mistress! That bitch of a granddaughter of yours just used some kind of spell on me!"
"A subduing spell," Kagome said from across the room. Her senses were locked on to every person in the house now that she was in tune with her body and training. Her eyes were still closed, but she could feel their auras. First rule of Miko Training: Your body and your mind are one when you concentrate, when you accomplish that you can never be caught off guard. And it didn't hurt that she could hear Inuyasha on the other side of the street, he was that loud. "You shouldn't make fun of a miko's sword," she said in a sing-song voice.
Kaede glared at the half-demon crawling on her floor. "Never criticize a warrior's weapon, you lazy slacker! Now get off the floor and go to the front room this instant. I want to see a good spar with you and Miroku today, none of your usual hot-dogging." Inuyasha grunted as Miroku helped him up. Kagome had stopped her warm-up exercises, sheathing her sword once more.
"Are we starting now Grams?"
"Yes, come on girls. We'll get these two set up, and then I'll see to your training." They followed.
"Kaede got it out for you, huh?" Rin whispered to Kagome.
"Yeah, still as beautiful as I remembered." Kagome ran a hand down the sword's scabbard and smiled.
"What's that?" Sango asked curiously.
"This is my father's sword," Kagome told her. "Tetsusaiga."
Kaede, true to her word, made Miroku and Inuyasha spar hard that afternoon. She had set up Sango, Rin, and Kagome up in the weapon's room to train. Rin was practicing a few knife techniques in repetition. Sango had a sparring sword fight with Kagome. Kagome was good, very good, but Sango was better. After an intense fight, she was able to disarm the other girl. Kagome laughed, pulling a roundhouse kick to Sango's arm, making her drop her sword. "Now we're even," she laughed. In hand-to-hand, Kagome was unbeatable no matter what Sango tried.
"I'm really glad you joined our team," Sango panted after a while. "You're fantastic!"
"I do this a lot," Kagome laughed. "And I've been teaching hand-to-hand to my little brothers for years. I'm the queen of basic moves."
"You have little brothers?" Sango asked, suddenly perking. "I have a little brother too! His name's Kohaku, he's fourteen." Kagome grinned.
"I have two little brothers. Souta's eleven and Shippou's nine. Shippou's adopted though. His parents were killed by demons when he was a baby, so we took him in."
"Aw, poor guy," Sango said sympathetically.
"Yeah, he's a little baby. He's so affectionate, but kind of a coward. But he's still little, you can't expect a fox demon to have the heart of a lion at such an age." Sango looked at her funny for a moment. "What?"
"You just said that he's a fox demon?" Kagome nodded, stretching out her legs. "But I thought you were, I dunno, kind of leery around demons. I mean, you and Inuyasha conflict like oil and water!"
"That's because Inuyasha is a jerk. Shippou is an adorable little ball of fluff. He may not be mine with blood, but I practically raised him myself. I don't understand why everyone thinks I'm prejudice against demons just because I'm immune to Inuyasha's animal magnetism." Sango blushed. Those comments about her hating demons were hitting home hard with Kagome. Did she really give off the vibe of a demon hater? She didn't try to... But then she began swimming in memories she'd rather avoid.
"I didn't mean it like that! " Kagome shrugged. Rin had come over to join them in a few cool-down stretches. "We have more practice tomorrow, after school," Sango explained.
"Every day after school until the Nationals, two weeks from Saturday," Rin commented. Kagome twitched her nose.
"I'll have to come up with a good routine for the weapons freestyle event. I know just the song too!" Kagome got that scheming look in her eye. Rin and Sango looked at each other, grinning. That's when Inuyasha and Miroku trudged into the room, looking beat.
"I'm going to...kill you," Inuyasha threatened Kagome, holding his lower back painfully. "That little 'sit' of yours fucked up my back." Kagome walked up behind him and placed two fingers on his lower back. Inuyasha was about to whirl and yell at her when he felt a lot of pressure in that spot and a flash of pain. "FUCK!" he yelped, jumping a foot into the air, then turning around and advancing on her. "What the fuck is your problem bitch? It's not enough you fucking make me sit but now you have to rub it in? What the hell?"
"Inuyasha," she said, regarding him calmly.
"What?" he shouted.
"Does your back still hurt?" she asked.
"Of course my back still hurts you fucking bitch--" he stopped yelling because he realized then that his back didn't hurt anymore. She smiled at him triumphantly, then turned and walked out of the room.
"Two Three Four,
Woahoahoah (It's the Art of Losing)
Woahoahoah (It's the Art of Losing)
We're the kids
We're the kids
We're the kids in America"
Okay, here we are faithful readers! Chapter 3 wrapped up with a bow! Please remember to review! (I'll be chillin' wit da OCC) Shout outs!
Pruningshears: I do not think you underprivaliged cuz you never heard of American Hi-Fi. They aren't really that famous, but I love them anyway! Well, I kind of look at Kagome as a reflection of myself in some ways. My talent in the kitchen is one of my traits that I have given to her that makes it easy to write her character. Yes, everyone really seems to like Kagome's attitude. I'm glad, I do too! I always thought Kag was a bad-ass, and there will be much kicking later on. She fights with Inuyasha later on, to let you know, and more then just their insult-foreplay, lol. Yes, the Old Navy thing is something that I actually do, hehe. And there will be a lot of subtle Justin Timberlake bashing in this fic because I seriously hate that guy. Enjoy this chappie!
DespitefulSaint: I'm so glad you like it! Kag is bad-ass in this, I just love her that way! I try to add the right amount of humor to my stuff, but be warned that Chapter 4 is super angsty. But then I'll get fun-fun again. Remember to review and keep reading! Thanks again!
Jaded Hanyou Girl: Hehe, everyone likes Kagome as a bad-ass. I'm so glad! I thought everyone would get mad at me for making her that way. But yeah, she's a reflection of a me in several ways, except a few obvious ones. But I really like writing her that way. Down with Timberlake! And I'm honored to be your favorite writer, I really am! *gets teary eyed*
blooddorpkiss: I'm glad you decided to read my AU. I work really hard on my AUs and I'm really happy you like it. I'll get more out to you as soon as I can, enjoy chapter 3!
Nite1: This chapter is for you! I hope you like it, I liked writing it. Inuyasha-abuse is my hobby, lol. I'll get ultra-angst chatper 4 up quick as I can, thanks for reading and reviewing. Please continue, lol.
Dark Hikari The First: I'm glad you think it's pretty good. I think so too. It gets funnier and more serious and more action-packed later on. Right now I'm trying to make it more dramatic, setting it up before I introduce other things. But yeah, I'm sorry I didn't make it clear before, but despite the names and all, this takes place in America. No specific city, just a city and a school, in the middle of an alternate universe. Just because I know nothing of Japanese schools and too much about American schools, lol. Thanks for reviewing!
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or American Hi-Fi, I do own this story and I do own the American Hi-Fi cds, woot!
Chapter 3: School Days
Monday morning was rather dreary. Gray clouds hung in the air and the moisture that clung to the morning breeze was stick with the promise of rain. Kagome was up early and feeling refreshed. Kaede had made her breakfast, which was a huge treat for Kagome, who was usually responsible for all the meals made in her home. Sunday had been spent training all day, one on one, with Kaede. Her grandmother had been exceedingly pleased with her skills, which had improved since the summer due to Kagome's frequent practice.
Kagome dressed casually for her first day of school, in a pair of baggy blue jeans, a tight fitting black tee-shirt with an air-brushed angel design, and her leather duster over the top. She also sported her mirrored shades, as usual, along with a pair of sneakers. For some reason, she had been tempted to wear the personalized golden locket that she hadn't even remembered bringing with her. When wearing the locket, it brought attention to the delicate curve of her neck. Kagome had also spent a few minutes braiding a dozen tiny braids that hung with her loose locks.
"My, don't you look lovely," Kaede commented when Kagome came down the stairs. Kagome, even in leather and sneakers, looked striking. But nothing was more beautiful then her unique eyes, that were rimmed with black eyeliner. Kaede didn't understand why she did so when her eyes were always covered by those glasses. She sighed inwardly, knowing that her granddaughter had no idea how beautiful she really was.
That was very true. Kagome had never felt 'pretty' before. She had seen some of the looks that boys from her old school sent her, but she had never returned them. She never really looked at boys before. Kagome's life had always been too hectic and busy to bother with such a trivial matter as a boyfriend. She was too preoccupied with training and taking care of her brothers. But she did take the time to make herself presentable, and the results were stunning to even the most aloof male.
"Thanks Grams." Kaede gave Kagome her transfer papers from her old school, fixed to accustom her new identity and allow her to enter school during the middle of the semester, it was, after all, the beginning of November. Kagome had tucked the papers into her lucky backpack, preparing to take off to school so she could get there early and get set up before classes already started. "Damn it to hell!" she cursed, noticing the time when she finished eating. "I have to go Grams, or I'll be late!" She kissed Kaede on the cheek, then sprinted out of the dojo to her motorcycle.
"Last call and now I'm outta time
And I don't got no valentine"
That lyric pumped in her head as she quickly started the bike and, throwing on her helmet, rocketed into the street to get to the high school. Kagome the speed demon was still as fast as ever, so the drive was quick. She didn't pay much attention to the cars she cut off, but she did notice a pair of rather disgruntled teenagers in a red sports car yelling at her as she wizzed past them. Kagome paid them no mind.
She roared into the school parking lot, pulling into an empty space in the back of the parking lot. She felt out of the way was better, there'd be less confrontation them if she parked in some designated space. She also didn't find out until later that she was the only student in the school who actually drove a motorcycle, which singled her out in a big way. Kagome jumped off the bike, pulling out her sunglasses and putting her keys away in her duster pocket, but she left the helmet on. She was going for mysterious.
Kagome was just about out of the parking lot when the same red sports car she had cut off a few minutes ago pulled in and stopped in front of her. A tinted window rolled down and Kagome's ears were assaulted by the sound of Linkin Park. (Sorry for all you Park-haters. I like them, some of there songs are good for a fight scene, tee-hee.) Suddenly a silver head appeared in front of her visor.
"Jesus Christ, you fucking bastard! You could've killed us!" Inuyasha yelled at her. Kagome inwardly smiled. It would have made her job so much easier if he had died in a traffic accident rather then getting her hands dirty. That was a thought...
"Aren't you even going to apologize?" said another voice. The passenger of the car. Miroku. Kagome tilted her head to look at him. His hair was spiked and he looked good! Kagome could see now why he was such a popular pick with the ladies, even if he was a pervert. Somehow, through no fault of her own, Kagome's eyes were more drawn to the silver haired half-demon who was busy glaring at her.
Kagome lifted a hand to pull off her helmet and shook out her hair. "Well excuse me for driving offensively," she said with a wicked grin, placing her sunglasses over her eyes as she stared at their startled expressions. "It's not a crime for a girl to want to go fast." Both boys simply blinked at her.
"Uh...Hi Kagome," Miroku said with a small smile and a wave. "We um...didn't know it was you."
"Apparently, otherwise dog-boy over there would have been a little more offensive and called me a bitch instead of a bastard." The 'dog-boy' in question quickly turned his look of surprise into a scowl.
"Bitch," he muttered, pulling himself back into the driver's seat and pulling into the nearest space. Kagome waited for them to get out and catch up with her. She hefted her backpack a little higher on her shoulder and tucked her helmet under her arm.
"How are you this morning Miroku?" she asked, suddenly glad she hadn't killed Inuyasha in a traffic accident because that would have meant Miroku as well. 'Oh well, I'll think of another way,' she thought sadly.
"I'm just peachy," he replied with a grin. His violet eyes sparkled with mischief and Kagome quickly took a step out of his reach. He sighed, tucking his hands in his pockets, but the smile in his eyes never wavered.
"Do you ever wear anything not made of cow?" Inuyasha asked suddenly, trudging along next to them. Kagome looked at him with mild disinterest.
"Why? Does my clothing choice make you uncomfortable?"
"No, it makes me hungry," he said casually. He suddenly flashed a grin at her and Kagome couldn't suppress a laugh. Leather...what a weirdo.
"So," she said after a moment. "I was gonna meet Sango and Rin, but they aren't here this early. Come to think of it, why are you guys early?" She looked back and forth between Miroku and Inuyasha.
"I don't know. Why is the sun blue? Why is the grass red? Why is the sky green?" Miroku said dramatically. Inuyasha whacked him in the back of the head and he began spewing the lines in the right way.
"You have to jump start his brain sometimes. It's like an old car. It stalls." He grinned at her again and Kagome laughed.
"Oh hey, could you guys take me to the main office?" she pleaded, clinging into Miroku in a dramatic way. "I need to go register for classes and stuff."
"Sure," he said, coping a quick feel before she backhanded him. Then he began leading her through the halls of the surprisingly small high school. "It's small because our district in the city is the smallest," Miroku explained. Kagome's old high school had been three times the size that this one was. Presently, they came to a room marked 'Main Office'. "Here you are Kag," Miroku said, reverting o her nickname. Kagome felt fuzzy suddenly. This was the most anyone had referred to her in such a friendly matter in all her life.
"Well, I guess this is where we part. Check ya later dudes!" she said, snapping off a salute as they heading back outside and Kagome walked into the office door.
"Singled out, now I stand alone
The underdog in a modern world"
Two middle aged woman were running around the office, preparing for the day of classes and difficulties. Kagome walked up to the desk and rang the little bell, making them both aware of her presence. "Good morning," Kagome said with an innocent and shy smile. One of the woman quickly scuttled over to her. "I'm here to enroll for senior classes?"
"Do you have transfer papers, dear?" the little woman asked her. Kagome dug them out of her pack and handed them to the woman. She scanned over the papers, making sure everything was in order. The woman smiled and looked up at her. "Well Miss Isharugi, welcome to Shrine High. I think you'll be very happy here. It says on your transcripts that you made very good grades at your old school." Kagome blushed. "Just follow me and we'll get you all set up."
The office secretary, who never divulged her name to Kagome, took her around the school to get things in order. A guidance counselor got her a schedule quickly and she was assigned a locker, lucky number 428. She was taken to the library to get her books for classes, and had her picture taken for a student ID card. It was the only time she took of her sunglasses, using the old excuse of them being prescription. She was taken to the nurse to be weighed and measured. The nurse took down all the measurements that Kagome herself already knew.
"We're going to assign you a student representative," the secretary explained. "They will show you around the school and then take you to your homeroom. Enjoy your day, dear," she said, scuttling away.
Kagome was approached from behind by a boy the same height as she was. His hair was a dusty brown color, and it hung over his face and into his eyes. Eyes that were light brown and friendly. He had a sweet face, the face of an innocent boy. Totally naive was the conclusion Kagome drew from him, even after only just meeting him. He smiled at her and she smiled back.
"Hello," he said, holding out hi hand. "I'm Hojo, the student representative."
"Hey, I'm Kagome the new girl," she said, shaking his hand.
"Yeah well, its obvious that you're new." Kagome crinkled her brow.
"Really? Why? Is it the outfit?" She looked down at herself. Shirt was not tucked in, leaving a few centimeters of skin bare on her midriff, if she raised her arm too high it exposed her navel. Her pants were baggy, covering most of her sneakers, but they weren't ripped or stained. And the duster was conservative leather. Something she had saved up for for two years to buy.
"No, not the outfit," Hojo assured her. Kagome watched out of the corner of her eye as Hojo looked her up and down. Most guys had a problem with tall women. The reactions she got most of the time was that she was good enough to fuck, but not to date. Somehow she didn't get that vibe from Hojo, but he still he put her off. "I know everyone in the school, but I've never seen a pretty face like yours."
'Oh God, he's a flirt! I'm going to have my hands full today,' she thought. But she let Hojo take her hand and escort her around the school. She got the idea of everything through about half the tour, but her guide seemed to like the sound of his own voice too much. Kagome said her farewells, not knowing if he was even paying attention to her anymore, then headed off to her first period. It took Hojo five minutes to realize she was gone. He shrugged it off and went to his own first period.
Kagome was delighted to see both Rin and Sango in her first period class as she entered. She pulled down the hem of her shirt, clasping the duster firmly together to her things, covering her entire upper body in the warm black leather. The sunglasses remained. She handed the pass to the teacher and he read it over quickly.
"Okay class," he said in a monotone voice. "We have a new student. This is Kagome Isharugi. Kagome, you can have a seat over in the back next to Sango. Sango, please raise your hand." Sango waved, grinned, and then squeaked as Kagome plunked herself casually in the seat next to her, propping one foot on her desk and the other hanging widely over her chair. It made everyone in the class stare open-mouthed. Everyone except for the four seniors in the class who had every idea how this girl played it. The teacher shrugged and went back to teaching.
"Suburbia is hot tonight,
But nothing seems to feel alright,
I don't want your sympathy,
I just need a little therapy,
At least that's what they say to me."
"You're fearless," Sango whispered to her as Kagome readjusted herself to sit normally. All the students turned back to the teacher, except some of the boys who tossed her glances now and then. Kagome didn't notice.
"I just don't care what they think," she said nonchalantly. "I mean, this is me. I couldn't give a fuck what they think. They want to know me, then they know me. If not, screw 'em. That's what I say." Rin, who sat just in front of Kagome, turned around and beamed at her cousin.
"I love you Kag," she said happily.
"I know, I'm just so amazing, aren't I?" She heard a snort from a few chairs over. She turned to see Inuyasha lounging back in hi chair, flicking a few glances her way. Miroku was sleeping on his open textbook, snoring slightly.
"Jerk," she whispered at him.
"Bitch," he whispered back. Inuyasha pulled down the skin under his left eye, sticking out his tongue. Kagome flipped him off while blowing him a kiss.
"You shouldn't do that, you know," she whispered to him. "You're eye could get stuck that way. Then how would you whore yourself?" He choked, leaning forward too fast and waking his head on the desk.
"FUCK!" he shouted, rubbing his head fiercely.
"Mister Inutoya, please restrain your sexual urges until after my class," the teacher commented lightly. Everyone in the class snickered. Kagome hid her face in the open textbook, hoping he wouldn't see how much she enjoyed that. But then again...what did she care if he knew she hated him or not? For some reason...that thought depressed her.
"Hey Ho, let's go,
I'm gonna start a riot,
you don't wannt fight it"
Kagome followed Sango and Rin to their lunch table in the cafeteria. When they sat down, she noticed some of the other people look away and move to another place. "What up with them?" she asked.
"Oh, don't mind that," Rin said with a shrug.
"We were marked," Sango said, rolling her eyes.
"Marked?" Kagome asked, raising an eyebrow. "It's that when a gang or something points a finger at you. 'You're gonna get it missy!'" Rin and Sango laughed.
"Something like that. But you see that table over there?" Rin asked, pointing to a table farther away. From her angle, all Kagome could see was a row of bleach-blonde heads, and a row of massive shoulders. Then she saw a flash of silver and saw Inuyasha sit down at the end of that table. Miroku was sitting there too, looking very bored. He noticed their looks and waved. Then one of the massive-shouldered boys glared at him and he dropped his hand.
"What's up with them?" Kagome asked, temper rising.
"Well, that's the popular table," Sang explained, not looking impressed at all. "They didn't like the fact that Inuyasha and Miroku used to sit with us. They are two of the most popular boys in school, by the way." Kagome looked back at her, flipping her hair and getting into a character.
"Oh, you mean, like, they're, like, super cool, and junk?" Her voice was high pitched and kind of squeaky, making the other girls giggle. "Some in other words, every girl in the school wants to fuck them?" Sango and Rin nodded.
"Pretty much," Rin confirmed. "But only the choice girls get a chance at them. The fact that we even breathe the same air as they do is a crime!" Kagome shook her head. It was the same at her school.
"So why don't the boys rebel? Just sit with us, you know, viva la resistance!" Kagome jumped to her feet, shouting a French battle cry. Many eyes turned to her, but then quickly looked away.
"Naw, it's better they stay there. As long as they're popular, they get good publicity for our martial arts team," Sango explained. "The more people respect you, the more people will come to see you fight."
"You two are going to the nationals with the boys in a few weeks, right?" They nodded.
"Yup, the first week of December."
"Killer! I'll be in the front row, cheering you on!"
"You should join the team Kag!" Rin said excitedly.
"Yeah, they way you kicked Miroku's ass, although that's not saying much, is proof that you have skill!" Sango agreed. "Say yes, please?"
"Well, what would I do? You guys have a well rounded team. From what Grams told me, Inuyasha is your swords master. Miroku is a master with a staff. You are in the top women's sword fight Sango. And Rin, you've got killer aim when it comes to throwing stars and knives." Rin blushed.
"But we need a hand-to-hand fighter," Sango rationalized. "You seem to have skill with that.
"We also need a dancer," Rin added. "Someone who can perform the freestyle weapons routine to music and stuff. Come on Kag, I've seen you do it. You're graceful and skilled. We can't lose with you on our team!" Kagome blushed, twitching her nose subconsciously.
"Okay, if Grams and the guys say it's ok." Rin and Sango cheered, hugging each other then running around the table to hug Kagome.
"We'll win the Nationals for sure!" they both squealed in unison. Kagome squeezed out of their hold and got up, brushing herself off and pulling her duster open to expose her shirt underneath.
"Better go ask the boys right now," she said casually, striding over to the table where Miroku and Inuyasha were sitting in silence.
"One, Two, Fuck you,
Don't tell me what to do,
I don't wanna be like you"
"Hey, Miroku, Jerk-off" she called, casually leaning over the edge of the table so she was face to face with both of them. "Can I ask you something?"
""Who are you?" one of the blondes asked. Kagome blinked at her.
"I'm Kagome, not that I was talking to you." Then she turned back to the boys. "You see, here's the thing--"
"Pardon me," another of the girls sad. "But this is a private table. Please take yourself and, like, get lost."
Kagome raised an eyebrow. "Oh-no, now you've done it," Miroku said, quickly getting up and grabbing Kagome. Inuyasha grabbed her other side. "Don't do anything stupid Kag, you just got here!"
"It's not like I'd resort to violence," she said indignantly, shaking off their hold. "That little thing is too short to pose any threat." The blonde gasped in surprise. She got to her feet, ringed by three of her bleached friends.
"Excuse you," she chirped, poking a finger in Kagome's face. The girl was only five feet tall, even with Kagome's chest. Kagome looked down on her and scoffed right in her face.
"No, I think you mean excuse you. I was talking to my guys here and it was very rude of you to interrupt. Now you're provoking my patients with your appendage in my facial space." The girl only looked at her haughtily. Kagome felt the urge to show her, she grabbed the girl's' finger from were it had been hovering below her nose faster then the girl could react, and bent it backwards, sending a shooting pain through her arm.
"AHHHHHH!" the girl screamed, her free hand clawing at Kagome.
"Kagome, let her go right now!" Inuyasha barked. Kagome sent a glare at him, but dropped her hand.
"No harm done, I didn't even break it." Kagome leaned back against the table as every eye in the lunchroom turned to stare.
"What the fuck is your problem?" screamed the girl with the painful finger.
"Oh suck it up you little bitch," Kagome yelled. "It'll only hurt for two minutes. Next time you should know better then to try and tell me what to do." All the table glared at her, including the massive shouldered boys, who cracked their knuckles menacingly. Kagome got a little nervous, but she was well trained to handle such situations.
With a sigh, she parted from the group surrounding her and marched back to the table where Rin and Sango were staring. Kagome grabbed her backpack, throwing them a smile, then turned and walked out of the cafeteria. She only fled so no one would see her fear and her anger, but Inuyasha smelled it, as had all the other demons in the room. Including one with blue eyes that followed her every move.
"Can't you see, it's killing me,
I'm my own worst enemy,
Knock me down I'll keep on moving,
That's the Art of Losing."
After she stormed out, Kagome sat on the front steps of the school. When the bell rang, she'd go back in, to her next class. She just made a very big mistake. She let her pride and the adrenaline of the moment take over her sense. She was supposed to stay low-key, like she was at her own school. She was supposed to stay hidden in shadow, to observe Inuyasha and come up with the perfect time to kill him. Kill him and his family. Then she could run back to her family and hide the rest of her life. She was feeling guilty again. Even guiltier when a shadow fell over her. There was no need to ask who it was, somehow she just sensed his presence. She KNEW it was him.
"I'm sorry Inuyasha," she said quickly. "I know you're probably pissed." Inuyasha sat down on the steps next to her, leaning back casually.
"That was a hell of a show," he said, not looking at her. Kagome snorted.
"Yeah, I nearly broke the finger of a preppie. Rin and Sango warned me not to bother anything. I just couldn't leave it alone." She shook her head, ebony hair flying around her face. "God, I'm such an ass."
"No you're not. She deserved it." Kagome looked over at Inuyasha in surprise. He looked back, amber eyes filled with sarcastic humor, but she saw the sincerity in them. "They've all been riding me since last year because Miroku and I hang with Rin and Sango. They aren't what they define as the 'In crowd'. I would have ditched them long ago, but they have influence. If I endure their bullshit, they give us good advertisement for the dojo. That's what matters."
Kagome nodded. "That's what Sango and Rin told me. I dunno, something about people like that rubs me the wrong way. There's no reason to treat anyone differently just because they aren't' like you." Inuyasha snorted.
"And you're one to talk?" She looked up into his gorgeous amber eyes and saw contempt and a little disappointment. "You don't like to hang around me cuz I'm half-demon right? You're a miko. Mikos hate demons. It's cut and dry. They're rich, they hate anyone not rich. Same cut and dry."
For a moment, Kagome was unable to form rational thought. Her...prejudice against demons? Such a thing was inconceivable! "I..I don't hate you..." Kagome said quietly, head down. "And even if I did, it wouldn't be because you're a half-demon. It's true that I'm a miko, and mikos don't always get along with all demons, but we don't hate them. Or at least, I don't hate them." He scoffed and Kagome shot him a reproachful glance. "I suppose you need proof?" she asked, an idea dawning on her. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow. Kagome lifted her sunglasses off of her face to look him in the eye, then her hand went to the collar of her shirt, then inside it. She felt around until she found what she was looking for and pulled it out. The gold locket. This must be why she had decided to wear it this morning.
It was a pretty thing. Medium sized as lockets go, Inuyasha evaluated. It was in the shape of a heart and had her name carved down the side in script lettering. It smelled of real gold. It had to have been expensive. She seemed to notice his thoughts. "My father had this made for me, for my eight birthday," she explained, a sad look in her eyes. And he noticed her scent changed for a moment, somehow fluctuating in a way he couldn't explain. But she brushed it aside to open the locket. "Look here," she commanded, moving over to sit closer to him and showing him the interior of the pendant. Inside were two pictures, one on each side.
The first one was a small boy with dark hair and dark eyes. He had a happy grin and two missing front teeth. The resemblance between him and Kagome was slight, but he could pick it up. "That one is my little brother Souta," she explained, pointing to the boy he had been looking at. His eyes switched to the other picture. This boy was smaller, younger. His hair was a reddish-brown color, and puffy on top of his head. His eyes were bright instead of dark and he had pointed ears. It was a demon child! A fox or some kind of small animal, but a demon anyway. "That is my other brother, Shippou," she said, smiling. "He's adopted. His parents were killed by two evil demons that my mother slew. She brought Shippou home with her and raised him as one of us. He's a fox demon." Inuyasha turned his head enough to meet her gaze. He only then realized how close they were sitting together. His breath caught in his throat. She pulled away, closing the locket and lowering the glasses back on to her eyes.
"So you see," she explained. "It's not because you're a demon."
"Then why do you hate me so much?" he asked, really wanting to know. From somewhere in him this question burned to be answered. Kagome opened her mouth, trying to think of a good lie, but was saved the trouble when the bed signaling the end of lunch rang.
"Because you're a jerk," Kagome said as she walked inside. "That's all."
"Fit the mould and do what your told,
Get a job and start growing old,
9 to 5 can make your dreams come true,
But I don't wanna be like you"
Kagome went the rest of her first day without incident. Evidently she had become one of the 'marked' since she was sent either evil glares from the popular girls and boys of the human and demon variety, or gazes of worship and idolization from the rest of the student population. Rin and Sango tried to behave as if nothing had happened. Kagome was grateful; her day had not gone as she had hoped it would, not at all. Miroku had made a few very bad jokes about the incident, but quieted after being attacked repeatedly by all three females. Inuyasha, on the other hand, had been shooting her thoughtful glances, as if trying to figure her out, or at least learn what she meant from that brief moment of peace between them on the stairs. It bothered him for unknown reasons that this girl felt malice toward him for a reason other then his demon heritage. What other reason could there be? No other girl had ever behaved this way around him. Inuyasha decided that she was one mystery that he would try to figure out, in his own subtle way.
When the bell signaling the end of the day rang, Kagome walked silently to her locker to retrieve her helmet, then walked to the parking lot. Her senses were humming due to all the demon auras around her, but she tried not to pay any attention. She was used to the feeling of demon aura, but so much in one place was still a little unsettling. She spotted Rin and Sango sitting on the hood of Rin's car which was parked next to her bike, waiting for her. "Congregation party?" Kagome asked with a raised eyebrow. Rin beamed at her delightedly.
"We were waiting for you so we can all drive over to the dojo. We've stepped up our practices for the martial arts team now that the nationals are so close."
"Inuyasha and Miroku are meeting us there," Sango explained. "Do you need a ride?"
Kagome grinned. "Nope," she replied, pointing her thumb at the motorcycle in the next parking space. "Do you need a ride?"
Sango's eyes widened when she looked at the bike, then broke into a wicked grin. "You drive fast?" she asked. Kagome and Rin giggled, knowing the speed demon tendencies of the owner of the bike.
"Is the Earth round?" (Actually, the Earth is oval, but I like that little phrase so I'll use it, tee-hee ^-^)
"Hell's yeah, I'll take that ride!" Sango yelled, hopping off the hood to stand besides Kagome.
"Here, you'll need this more then me," Kagome stated, shoving her helmet into Sango's hands. Kagome straddled the motorcycle, putting the kickstand up with the back of her heel. Sango hopped on behind her, arms wrapped around Kagome's waist. "We'll see you at the dojo Rin," Kagome called, as she backed out of the space, then pulled her legs up and took off out of the parking lot. Her speed was more controled with a passenger, but Kagome could not be denied a little speed.
"Grams, I'm home!" she called as Sango followed her inside.
"Hello Kagome, how was school?" she called from upstairs.
"Oh, it was alright, you know." Kaede came down the stairs and spotted that Kagome was not alone.
"Oh hello Sango dear, are you here for practice already?"
"Kag gave me a lift over from school. I hope it's alright for us to hang out until the others get here for our class."
"Of course it's alright!" Kaede assured her. "I'm happy to see that all of you are getting along so well with Kagome." Kaede busied herself and Sango took the opportunity to push Kagome forwards.
"Ask her about joining the team," she hissed under her breath, tilting her head in Kaede's direction.
"Alright, no need to be hasty," Kagome said with a sly grin, shimming up beside her grandmother. Kagome went the extra mile and removed her sunglasses. "Hey Grams, Rin and Sango asked me to join their martial arts team." Kaede looked up at her with a raised eyebrow and a small smile. "Would that be okay?"
"It's fine with me Kagome. The Isharugi Dojo could use your skills in the Nationals Tournament. However, are you sure this won't interfere with your reasons for being here?" Sango looked interested, but Kagome looked pensive--and more then a little darker then before.
"No Grandma, it won't distract me from my goal. But it would help me with my training."
"Then go ahead Kagome."
"First I have to ask the boys, and I know they won't be too happy..."
"I'm not cool and I'll never be,
I break the rules and I guarantee,
I don't want your sympathy,
I just need a little therapy,
At least that's what they say to me"
Rin arrived shortly and Sango happily told her that Kagome was now an official member of the Isharugi Dojo Martial Arts team. All three girls jumped around the kitchen. "This is awesome!" Rin exclaimed.
"What is?" asked a voice that Kagome knew to be Miroku's. He had a knack for questioning the obvious.
"Miroku, Inuyasha!" Sango cried happily, running up to them. "Kagome's joining the team!"
"What team?" questioned Inuyasha indignantly. "Not our team I hope!" Kagome smiled, remembering all the pent up anger she held in her heart for this boy and his family. 'Inutoya', she thought. The guilt and doubt that had been surrounding her since lunch all but evaporated.
"Yeah, looks like we're stuck together dog-boy."
"Whoop-de-doo," he said very sarcastically, flashing her an annoyed look before taking his duffel bag and huffing up the stairs to change.
"Wow, this is really cool Kag!" Miroku said happily. "Yet another beauty to adorn our team." Kagome rolled her eyes, but smiled.
"I'm going to go change into something a little more martial arts friendly," she commented, waving a hand at her jeans and duster. Then she ascended the stairs to her room.
Sunday had also given Kagome the chance to unpack not only her clothes from home, but also the new ones that she bought. She pulled out a black sports bra, and a pair of sweat pants. Then she tied her hair up into a high ponytail, but left her eyes unobstructed. The delicate golden locket was taken off, but Kagome felt such a loss when it no longer rested warm against her skin. She was barefoot as she padded out of her room and walked into Inuyasha as he exited the bathroom in the same white training clothes he had worn the day they met. His silver hair was also tied out of the way, giving her a better view of his face.
"'Scuse me," Kagome said, taking a step back. Kagome felt a small flutter in her stomach when he looked her up and down. Blushing furiously, she turned to anger as her defense. "Do you mind?" she asked, hands on her hips.
"Naw, just surprised you aren't wearing leather," was his reply. Then he turned and walked down the hall, his right ear twitching nervously. What was she wearing?! She was practically naked from the waist up except for a small little bra-thingy. Didn't she have a scrap of decency? Obviously not because he heard her following him casually, her bare feet padding on the wooden floor.
The other three had been sitting at the kitchen table talking lightly with Kaede when Inuyasha entered, closely followed by Kagome. Miroku nearly feel over when he saw Kagome, but Rin and Sango looked unaffected. Kaede smiled at them. "You two seem ready. Are the rest of you going to change?"
"You can use my room Rin," Kagome said with a smile. The other three raced each other upstairs, their footsteps echoing in the dojo, as well as their laughs.
"Well now, until they're ready, why don't you two warm up?" Kaede suggested. "When the five of you are present, we'll get today's lesson ready." Kagome nodded and Inuyasha bowed. "Kagome dear, you can use the weapon room. Inuyasha, you can use the front room, or the weapon room with Kagome."
"Oh, Grams, is it there?" Kagome asked, eyes shimmering. Kaede laughed.
"Yes Kagome, it's there." Kagome looked like she was about to burst into tears, but she didn't. She simply turned and dashed from the kitchen. Inuyasha watched her, ears twitching. "She's an unusual girl, I know," Kaede told him with a fond smile. Inuyasha turned back with a slight frown.
"She doesn't act like Rin, aren't they cousins?"
"Well, Rin was raised in a much different way from Kagome. My granddaughter was raised to be the heiress to a great lineage of mikos. Although she has a carefree attitude, she's truly very different then how she acts." Kaede patted his arm reassuringly. "I know that you two don't get along in perfect harmony. It's because you are very much alike. Once you get to know her better, you'll understand why Kagome is...the way she is. My granddaughter is a girl with many secrets."
Inuyasha looked from the old woman's face to the door where Kagome had disappeared. He shrugged and left to train. When he stepped through the door and into the weapon room, he saw Kagome in the corner, holding a sword in her hands.
"What's that wench?" he asked, walking toward her. Kagome flinched at his voice, making him regret his words. But then she looked up at him with her normal haughty smile. Her eyes, the two-toned eyes that she seemed so ashamed of, were shining with tears she wouldn't shed.
"This is my father's sword," she said matter-of-factly. "Grams had it in a protected place for me." She looked away from him, back down to the sword. It didn't look to be that great of a thing in Inuyasha's eyes. It looked like an old-fashioned katana. The scabbard was nicked and dented in a few places, curving in a gentle line.
"Doesn't look so great," Inuyasha commented with a shrug. Suddenly she glared at him, eyes so full of anger and rage that he took a step back. She was frightening in her malice.
"Well what would you know!" she yelled, walking passed him with the sword in her hands. She stopped a few feet away and turned. "Oh Inuyasha," she called. Inuyasha froze, fearing the sugary sweet tone in her voice.
"Yeah Kagome?" he asked, turning to her. Her smile was tinged with contempt as she held out her hand, palm up, two fingers pointing at him. She blew across her palm at him. "Sit."
Suddenly a faint glow engulfed his body and before he could even react, he was head-first into the dojo floor. "Fucking miko spell," he growled, struggling to get up. That fucking hurt! That bitch! All he did was comment on a fucking sword and she had to making him fucking dive headfirst into the fucking ground?! What the fuck?
Kagome ignored his muttered curses as she unsheathed the sword in a smooth motion, bunching her muscles in her shoulders, she moved with the blade in a serious of slow motion actions. The sword was like an extension of her arm as she moved her feet slowly and gracefully across the floor.
"You call me a loser,
You say I'm just a user,
But I'll just keep on moving,
Cause that's the Art of Losing"
"Look at her move," Sango whispered to Rin. Rin nodded, smiling. They stood in the doorway of the weapons room, watching Kagome's sword warm-ups. Her eyes were closed. She was simply feeling her way with the sword, practicing moves she had drilled into her brain for years on end.
Miroku joined them a few seconds later and was also taken in awe. Kagome, although aware of her audience, continued her drills at a faster pace now. The combinations of simple movements became more exotic, more complicated. She held all the grace of a fencer and all the strength of a warrior. Kagome commanded an air of true power, like a large cat on a hunt, graceful and deadly. Her feet moved lightly, barely touching the dojo floor. Her body lithely moving to a rhythm only she could hear.
"Ah, there she goes," Kaede said in a soft voice. All three teenagers looked at her. "Kagome has been very tense today. She seems to be relaxing now."
"She's very good," Sango said proudly. "I'm glad she's on our team."
"Yes, Kagome is very skilled. She has great drive and passion for her training. She is not one to slack, unlike a pair of young men that are loafing as we speak." Kaede shot an angry glare at Miroku, then at Inuyasha, who had managed to crawl across the floor to the door where everyone else was standing.
"Aw, come on Mistress! That bitch of a granddaughter of yours just used some kind of spell on me!"
"A subduing spell," Kagome said from across the room. Her senses were locked on to every person in the house now that she was in tune with her body and training. Her eyes were still closed, but she could feel their auras. First rule of Miko Training: Your body and your mind are one when you concentrate, when you accomplish that you can never be caught off guard. And it didn't hurt that she could hear Inuyasha on the other side of the street, he was that loud. "You shouldn't make fun of a miko's sword," she said in a sing-song voice.
Kaede glared at the half-demon crawling on her floor. "Never criticize a warrior's weapon, you lazy slacker! Now get off the floor and go to the front room this instant. I want to see a good spar with you and Miroku today, none of your usual hot-dogging." Inuyasha grunted as Miroku helped him up. Kagome had stopped her warm-up exercises, sheathing her sword once more.
"Are we starting now Grams?"
"Yes, come on girls. We'll get these two set up, and then I'll see to your training." They followed.
"Kaede got it out for you, huh?" Rin whispered to Kagome.
"Yeah, still as beautiful as I remembered." Kagome ran a hand down the sword's scabbard and smiled.
"What's that?" Sango asked curiously.
"This is my father's sword," Kagome told her. "Tetsusaiga."
Kaede, true to her word, made Miroku and Inuyasha spar hard that afternoon. She had set up Sango, Rin, and Kagome up in the weapon's room to train. Rin was practicing a few knife techniques in repetition. Sango had a sparring sword fight with Kagome. Kagome was good, very good, but Sango was better. After an intense fight, she was able to disarm the other girl. Kagome laughed, pulling a roundhouse kick to Sango's arm, making her drop her sword. "Now we're even," she laughed. In hand-to-hand, Kagome was unbeatable no matter what Sango tried.
"I'm really glad you joined our team," Sango panted after a while. "You're fantastic!"
"I do this a lot," Kagome laughed. "And I've been teaching hand-to-hand to my little brothers for years. I'm the queen of basic moves."
"You have little brothers?" Sango asked, suddenly perking. "I have a little brother too! His name's Kohaku, he's fourteen." Kagome grinned.
"I have two little brothers. Souta's eleven and Shippou's nine. Shippou's adopted though. His parents were killed by demons when he was a baby, so we took him in."
"Aw, poor guy," Sango said sympathetically.
"Yeah, he's a little baby. He's so affectionate, but kind of a coward. But he's still little, you can't expect a fox demon to have the heart of a lion at such an age." Sango looked at her funny for a moment. "What?"
"You just said that he's a fox demon?" Kagome nodded, stretching out her legs. "But I thought you were, I dunno, kind of leery around demons. I mean, you and Inuyasha conflict like oil and water!"
"That's because Inuyasha is a jerk. Shippou is an adorable little ball of fluff. He may not be mine with blood, but I practically raised him myself. I don't understand why everyone thinks I'm prejudice against demons just because I'm immune to Inuyasha's animal magnetism." Sango blushed. Those comments about her hating demons were hitting home hard with Kagome. Did she really give off the vibe of a demon hater? She didn't try to... But then she began swimming in memories she'd rather avoid.
"I didn't mean it like that! " Kagome shrugged. Rin had come over to join them in a few cool-down stretches. "We have more practice tomorrow, after school," Sango explained.
"Every day after school until the Nationals, two weeks from Saturday," Rin commented. Kagome twitched her nose.
"I'll have to come up with a good routine for the weapons freestyle event. I know just the song too!" Kagome got that scheming look in her eye. Rin and Sango looked at each other, grinning. That's when Inuyasha and Miroku trudged into the room, looking beat.
"I'm going to...kill you," Inuyasha threatened Kagome, holding his lower back painfully. "That little 'sit' of yours fucked up my back." Kagome walked up behind him and placed two fingers on his lower back. Inuyasha was about to whirl and yell at her when he felt a lot of pressure in that spot and a flash of pain. "FUCK!" he yelped, jumping a foot into the air, then turning around and advancing on her. "What the fuck is your problem bitch? It's not enough you fucking make me sit but now you have to rub it in? What the hell?"
"Inuyasha," she said, regarding him calmly.
"What?" he shouted.
"Does your back still hurt?" she asked.
"Of course my back still hurts you fucking bitch--" he stopped yelling because he realized then that his back didn't hurt anymore. She smiled at him triumphantly, then turned and walked out of the room.
"Two Three Four,
Woahoahoah (It's the Art of Losing)
Woahoahoah (It's the Art of Losing)
We're the kids
We're the kids
We're the kids in America"
Okay, here we are faithful readers! Chapter 3 wrapped up with a bow! Please remember to review! (I'll be chillin' wit da OCC) Shout outs!
Pruningshears: I do not think you underprivaliged cuz you never heard of American Hi-Fi. They aren't really that famous, but I love them anyway! Well, I kind of look at Kagome as a reflection of myself in some ways. My talent in the kitchen is one of my traits that I have given to her that makes it easy to write her character. Yes, everyone really seems to like Kagome's attitude. I'm glad, I do too! I always thought Kag was a bad-ass, and there will be much kicking later on. She fights with Inuyasha later on, to let you know, and more then just their insult-foreplay, lol. Yes, the Old Navy thing is something that I actually do, hehe. And there will be a lot of subtle Justin Timberlake bashing in this fic because I seriously hate that guy. Enjoy this chappie!
DespitefulSaint: I'm so glad you like it! Kag is bad-ass in this, I just love her that way! I try to add the right amount of humor to my stuff, but be warned that Chapter 4 is super angsty. But then I'll get fun-fun again. Remember to review and keep reading! Thanks again!
Jaded Hanyou Girl: Hehe, everyone likes Kagome as a bad-ass. I'm so glad! I thought everyone would get mad at me for making her that way. But yeah, she's a reflection of a me in several ways, except a few obvious ones. But I really like writing her that way. Down with Timberlake! And I'm honored to be your favorite writer, I really am! *gets teary eyed*
blooddorpkiss: I'm glad you decided to read my AU. I work really hard on my AUs and I'm really happy you like it. I'll get more out to you as soon as I can, enjoy chapter 3!
Nite1: This chapter is for you! I hope you like it, I liked writing it. Inuyasha-abuse is my hobby, lol. I'll get ultra-angst chatper 4 up quick as I can, thanks for reading and reviewing. Please continue, lol.
Dark Hikari The First: I'm glad you think it's pretty good. I think so too. It gets funnier and more serious and more action-packed later on. Right now I'm trying to make it more dramatic, setting it up before I introduce other things. But yeah, I'm sorry I didn't make it clear before, but despite the names and all, this takes place in America. No specific city, just a city and a school, in the middle of an alternate universe. Just because I know nothing of Japanese schools and too much about American schools, lol. Thanks for reviewing!
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~