An Inu Yasha Fanfiction
Disclaimers: All the characters in the Inu Yasha Universe belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I'm just taking some creative liberties with the story. Don't sue, I'm worth very little…
Entwined Destinies
Prologue: A Happy Birthday
Higurashi Shrine, Tokyo.
"Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to me!" Kagome sang as she bustled about her room gathering her homework and stationery before stuffing them into her schoolbag. Outside the window, she could hear the birds chirping and she smiled at the sound. Today was going to be a special day something within her said. And Kagome did not deny it. Now a confident 16 year-old in high school, Kagome felt the world was at her feet.
Bouncing down the stairs, she entered the kitchen and the smell of her mother's birthday breakfast made her tummy growl in expectation. Looking up as her daughter bounded in, Mrs Higurashi couldn't help but smile at excited, bright-eyed girl. Her daughter was growing up so fast that at times, she could not help but to feel nostalgic about the time when her girl was still little. Bringing the bowl of miso soup to the table, she set it before the eager girl.
"Happy Birthday, Kagome-chan," her mother murmured as she kissed the top of her daughter's head. In response, the ebony-haired girl reached up and hugged her mother tightly about the waist.
"Thank you, Mama! I'm so excited about today, it seems as though something fantastic is about to happen, even though I don't know why or how," Kagome rattled on, her exuberance beginning to infect the room.
"Happy Birthday, onee-san!" Souta said as he walked in with the housecat Buyo in his arms.
"Happy Birthday, Kagome-chan," came a grizzled voice as her grandfather came up behind his grandson. "Looking forward to the day, I take it?" His eyes twinkled as he sat down opposite his granddaughter.
"Thank you, Grandfather, Souta!" Kagome grinned as she picked up a piece of gyoza from the plate with her chopsticks. "So, what did you get me?"
Her granfather's eyes rolled upwards at her brazen demands for a gift. Smiling, he reached down and pulled up a brightly decorated package tied in a red ribbon. Handing it to the now happily squealing girl, he cleared his throat to begin his speech.
"This is a very valuable gift, Kagome-chan," he began as the girl tugged at the wrapping. "It has spiritual powers and is very good for the casting of protection spells and charms. As you can see…"
"Grandpa, what on earth is this weird clawed hand doing in my present?" A sudden cold chill seemed to blow through the house at the statement.
"Ahhh… that is the clawed hand of a water sprite related to the kappa family," the old man began tentatively.
"Buyo, are you hungry?" Kagome said as she waved the thing in front of the curious cat who was swatting at it playfully.
"AHHH! Kagome-chan! Don't do that!"
Souta and his mother watched the scene in puzzlement and amusement. It never failed that Grandpa would always give them some strange relic for their birthday present. Guess he did it again for Kagome's birthday as well.
Pushing back her chair, Kagome gave her grandfather a cold look and left the gift with Buyo. Watching the old man squirm under her glare, she still couldn't help but smile inwardly. It was her birthday and no matter what, she had every intention of enjoying it. Smiling at her family, Kagome then waved a goodbye as she ran off to school. Souta was walking to school with their mother and grandpa had to go to the shops to get his granddaughter a 'proper' present.
Looking up into the bright blue sky, Kagome smiled broadly as the day started. Yes, today is definitely going to be an extraordinary day in the life of Kagome Higurashi.
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Kagome thought back on the exciting day she'd had with her girlfriends as she jogged up the steps to the shrine. After school, they had headed downtown and spent the rest of the day visiting the shops and the newest café that everyone had been talking about. Manned entirely by really cute guys, they had spent the rest of the time speculating about the availability and other possible qualities the guys had. Needless to say, her girlfriends had planned to surprise her when a group of the handsome waiters brought out a cake with candles and sang 'Happy Birthday' to her.
Blushing furiously at the attention she'd received, Kagome couldn't help but be flattered. After all, they were really cute and had such lovely singing voices. Sighing, Kagome rubbed at her cheeks trying to will away the sudden blush that was spreading over her face. Walking past the shed that housed the old well, Kagome felt a sudden chill skittering down her spine. Frowning, she glanced around trying to figure out what was causing the hairs on her arms to stand on end. Shaking her head at the absurdity of the thoughts of ghosties and ghoulies that had popped into her mind, Kagome turned towards the house.
"Tadaima!" Kagome called out as she kicked off her shoes and dumped her schoolbag by the door.
"Kagome-chan, okaeri," her mother replied as she poked her around from the kitchen door. "Are you joining us for dinner? The bath is ready so if you want to, you can join us after. Dinner is still awhile longer."
"Thanks, Mama. I'll join you guys for dinner. There's so much I want to tell you about today!"
Her mother chuckled at her daughter's eager tone and nodded her head in acknowledgement. Kagome picked up her bag and scooted up the stairs. Switching on the room light, she glanced out the window. Her eyes drifted to the dark shed housing the well and she felt another shiver creep up her spine. Shaking her head vigorously, she proceeded to collect her clothes for the bath. Before leaving, she couldn't resist pulling the curtains shut to block out the view of the spooky building.
Dinner that night was a casual affair and there was much laughter at the table. Grandpa had got her a small jewel box and Souta had made her a lovely birthday card. Her mother's gift was very special. It consisted of a gold chain with Kagome's birthstone as its pendant. Throwing herself into her mother's arms, Kagome almost cried at the generosity of her mother's present. Gently placing the necklace within her new jewel box, Kagome then proceeded to enjoy her birthday dinner.
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Author's Notes: This has been reviewed and is now the Prologue. Originally posted as Chapter One, it was too short to be considered as a full chapter in my eyes. It's still the same but with minor formatting changes. [Like first time readers actually care… ;p]
This is meant to be an AU fic so please pardon some of the repetitious bits that crop up.I know that it may seem that I've rehashed the Grandpa's gift but bear with me – it'll be the only 'copy' from here on. It was meant to be a prologue but is now a proper chapter. I'll be developing the characters along my interpretation of them as gleaned from the anime and manga. So please be patient with me. I'm rather guilty of fleshing my stories out a little too much so that's why I tend to write too much. Editing is an absolute chore and I take almost as much time as I do the actual writing. Ugh!
Anyway, please a message in the review box to let me know what you think of it. Every review motivates me to churn out the next chapter so don't forget to remind me!