A Wish upon a Star

Hmm... here is a head start: A wish upon a star will be ending on chapter thirty! No more, no less!

Now, secondly, let me tell you about my lack of updates. See, my exams just finished, but guess what? Schools still not over – so now I'm loaded with projects! I'm trying to find time to update faster, but I guess I won't speed up until school holidays start. Argh... and because I've been loaded with homework, I'm closing my notify list (meaning I wont send mails throughout it) until summer hols. start and I have some free time. And, no – this chapter doesn't have anything to do with strawberries; I just thought that strawberries are sweet... so this chapter has a tinge of... sweetness?

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Chapter Twenty- Four

A Tinge of Strawberry

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Kagome giggled as she looked over to the blushing Inu-Yasha who was fiddling with the string that fastened his pants. Hearing her giggle, he snapped his head up and narrowed his eyes evilly.

"I'm going to get you for that..." He said as he secured the string and stood up and jumped to make sure it wouldn't fall off.

"Oh... I'm so scared" she said back at him and rolled her eyes, though her frown didn't stay for long as she broke into a smile as he scowled when he noticed that he had lost his sash, meaning he couldn't put back on the top of his kimono.

"I hate you" he drawled out as he searched the grounds for his sash, finally finding it on a rock nearby.

"Please don't taunt me with your words of hate" she sighed out and rolled her eyes.

He snapped a glare at her and Kagome stuck her tongue out as a reply.

"Enjoy your fun while you can because my revenge isn't going to be anything sweet" He said as he crossed his arms and snuck a glance at the sun and put back on his upper kimono.

Kagome, who noticed the expression on his face as he eyed the sun, looked over and squinted at it as the light shone at her eyes. "It's not healthy to look directly at the sun, you know"

"Well then who told you to look at it?" He said and looked at the sky.

"Oh, shut up Inu-Yasha" she said and waved her hand at him.

Inu-Yasha peered at Kagome, who had started to play with the water and seemed like she wasn't paying a least bit of attention in him.

He smirked, the timing was much too perfect.

Creeping up to her, he walked over behind her and crouched down. He heard her hum a tune he was unfamiliar with and out of no where he grabbed Kagome around the waist.

Kagome screamed as she felt two arms encircle her waist and pull her up, making her stand on her feet. She looked back and saw Inu-Yasha's smirking face. "Crap – what are you gonna-."

She screamed again when he swung her over his shoulder, his grin on his face looking nothing less than mischief.

"Inu-Yasha!!!" She screamed out as she felt him start to walk.

He laughed and made no intention of putting her down.

Kagome's face was bright pink, one quarter of it with embarrassment, second quarter of it with all the blood rushing to her head, third quarter of it with anger, and the fourth quarter of it from all the screaming and kicking she was exclaiming.

She furiously kicked her legs as she noticed that they were approaching the waterfall. She grabbed fistfuls of his shirt and wailed and yelled as she kicked, screaming at him to put her down.

"Sorry, no can do" He replied and Kagome screamed as she felt him jump, almost causing her to fall off his shoulder.

"INU-YASHA, IF YOU DROP ME, I'LL BASH MY HEAD ON THE ROCKS!" she yelled out as she felt him leap to another rock.

"Don't worry; you'll only suffer brain damage" he grinned as Kagome wailed from behind and tightened her grip on his shirt.

Kagome clenched her teeth and held on to him tighter for her life as he leaped higher and higher on the rocks up the waterfall.

She felt her Goosebumps rise as she noticed how high up they were beside the waterfall. Inu-Yasha who noticed this laughed at her irony.

"So the tough girl is scared of heights?" Inu-Yasha mocked her as he leaped yet up another rock.

"Well, it isn't pleasant being dangled upside down and having to stare down the side of a waterfall at hard stones rocks!" she replied back and screeched when she felt the spray of the waterfall on her side.

"Would you stop wailing? I have a good mind to drop you this instant!" he snapped at her and stopped at a rock near the top of the waterfall for a rest.

Kagome clenched her mouth shut and bit her tongue, where was the sympathy? Closing her eyes in fear of the height she clenched onto his shirt and whimpered to herself.

What did she do to deserve this horror? Oh, she would get him back so bad...

By now, both of them were once again, soaking wet as the water from the waterfall had started to spray the two head to toe due to the close proximity of them both.

Kagome gasped as she heard or rather felt a gush of water over her body.

"Oh, are we standing underneath the waterfall now?" she yelled at Inu- Yasha, both with anger and curiosity.

"No, we're just pretty close!" he yelled back over the deafening sound.

Kagome growled silently and gasped for air as she felt Inu-Yasha take a final giant leap and end up at the top of the waterfall. He settled himself on a rock right before the edge of the waterfall and finally, grabbed Kagome off of his shoulder.

He grinned at her pink and almost red face and laughed when she tried to send him a glare but was distracted by the scenery and at the place they were.

"Inu-Yasha, if I slip I can fall right off the rock and go screaming down the waterfall!" She yelled at him and clutched his arm for dear life.

"My plan exactly!" He replied with a smirk.

Kagome gasped at him in horror. "You wouldn't dare!"

"Come on, it's fun!" he replied, laughing at her fearful expression.

"No, it's not fun! Jumping down a... thousand foot waterfall is not fun!" She replied and wined when she noticed Inu-Yasha's stubborn yet playful expression.

"Oh, be reasonable, it's barely a thousand feet!" He replied and Kagome rolled her eyes in frustration at the irony of his answer.

"Of course it's not; it was just an expression to tell you how afraid I am of jumping off this waterfall!" Kagome yelled at him, hoping he got the point and would return her safely to the ground.

However, returning her safely back to the ground, was the last thing on his mind.

Grabbing her by the waist, he pulled her up bridal style and smiled at her evilly before speaking up.

"At the count of three, I'm going to jump off and it looks like you have no choice but to come with me" he said, laughing as she tried to wiggle herself out of his grasp.

"Inu-Yasha, please don't!" Kagome said as she felt herself dread the number three.

"One..."

"I'll do anything! I'll wash your laundry, clean your room..."

"Two..."

"Read you to sleep, bring you breakfast..."

"Three!"

Kagome didn't have chance to continue her list of deeds as at that moment, Inu-Yasha decided to jump off of the rock.

She screamed when she felt herself being blown down at the speed of a hundred hounds all together. Clutching on to Inu-Yasha she made a mental note to kill him after this.

She didn't have a chance to scream any longer as at that moment, she splashed into the pool below and had to close her mouth and eyes as water barricaded them from all directions.

As the finally broke the water barrier and appeared above the water, Kagome gasped for air and held on tightly to Inu-Yasha as the foam from the splash surrounded them.

Inu-Yasha laughed as he felt Kagome press onto him tightly, the waves of the splash still crashing around them. He smirked as he felt her heartbeat hammer against her chest coursed shudders throughout his arms.

Kagome cussed at him when she felt the water calm down, leaving her hugging tightly to Inu-Yasha.

"You're such a whimp!" he said to her as she slowly let go.

Kagome pushed him away, her insides still shaking from the sudden drop. Blinking open her eyes she angrily pushed Inu-Yasha back.

"You're such a bastard!!!" Kagome yelled out and gathered all the hair that was plastered onto her face and placed them behind her shoulders.

"Come on! It was fun!"

Kagome glared daggers at Inu-Yasha. "No it wasn't" she said and splashed water on Inu-Yasha's face.

"Ah!" he said as he felt a slash of water hit him directly on his face. "But it was fun!"

Kagome growled in frustration and rolled her eyes at his stupidity. "No it wasn't!"

"Yes it was!"

"No it wasn't!"

"Yes it was!"

"No it wasn't"

........................................

Rin walked happily down the corridors, thinking over her decision in life. Staying in the castle wasn't that bad... not when you had to sleep in the prince's room.

She smiled, "Yep, it isn't so bad at all" then her smile turned into a frown. "But it will be when he gets engaged"

"Who gets engaged?" Hojo's voice came from behind, making Rin jump a little.

"Oh – um... my cousin" She smiled, covering up her conversation with herself.

"Right, I had to tell you something" He said and approached her, smiling broadly. "I was-"

He froze and widened his eyes as he looked at Rin, as in horror.

Rin raised an eyebrow. "Uh, Hojo? What happened?"

"Oh god..." he said, and with that he turned around and scampered off.

Rin stood there, confused. What had just happened? Shrugging, she made up her mind that he must have had an illusion and had freaked himself out. Walking down the corridor, she raised her eyebrow as passing maidens and servants widened their eyes at her and scampered off to the other direction.

She let out a sigh of frustration when she noticed that as she entered the kitchens, the maidens and the servants hushed their voices and stared at her as if she was an alibi to the enemy.

She narrowed her eyebrows as the maidens to her right began whispering and pointing.

Not being bale to take the tension anymore she turned around and hurried straight out of the kitchen, only letting herself bump into Sango.

"Oh, I'm sorry my lady" She fumbled out as she remembered her status in the palace. Sango nodded and smiled warmly at her.

"Oh, it's okay" she said and was about to leave when she noticed something very peculiar.

Rin raised her eyebrow as Sango leaned over to her and examined her neck closely. Thinking that Sango could in fact be 'gay' she jumped back and covered her neck with her arms. "...excuse me!"

Sango jerked back and blushed at what Rin's perspective of what had just happened popped into her mind. "Sorry, but it wasn't that – it was –that-."

Rin raised her eyebrow. "It was what?"

"That small red stripe on your neck – I could swear that it's what I think it is" Sango replied and leaned over again to examine her neck.

Rin furrowed her eyebrows in confusion and touched her neck slightly... it didn't seem like anything was there.

"Here, use this" Sango said and took out a small golden mirror out from her pocket.

Rin took it and placed it four inches in front of neck and looked into the mirror, widening her eyes as she took in what was in reflecting in the mirror.

"What the hell is that?" She exclaimed, forgetting her maiden manners immediately.

Sango grinned and took back the mirror from Rin. "It seems to be some sort of mark"

Rin peered at her, still confused.

"It's like a mark – when a demon places a mark, it warns off other men to stay back – or else he's going to come and kill them" Sango stated simply and smiled at Rin. "Looks like something's going on between you and a certain demon" she smirked and winked at Rin.

Rin stood there in horror... oh, how could he?

"Well, I've got to go..." She lowered her tone. "Were setting up the hall for the upcoming engagement/marriage ball" she finished off in a mere whisper.

Sango smiled and left there, leaving a stunned Rin.

"I'm going to kill you Sesshomaru..." She drawled out and narrowed her eyes in revengeful scheming.

........................................

Kagome smiled warmly as she looked up at the sky which was lit with pink and golden streaks. The air was warm with a hot breeze drifting in the air, making Kagome blissfully thank the icy cool water of the pool.

She was sitting at the bank of the pool now, under the shade of a banana tree, her clothes fully dry.

She glanced up at Inu-Yasha who was resting underneath a large banana leaf in one of the large branches of the tree, hiding himself from the hot rays of the sun.

Kagome yawned, a little tired from the 'wet' and playful day. Having nothing else to do that stare at the sunset, her mind drifted off to the mortifying situation she was in.

She finally knew why she had been hunted down thrice and what was going on in Inu-Yasha's head all the time.

How in the world did he survive every day for four years straight with guilt of thinking that he had been the main reason his mother was dead? However, the topic that was overloading her mind was Naraku.

He was going to come back, and both Inu-Yasha and Kagome knew it.

Kagome gulped, she had been the verge of death four times now, and now she was preparing herself for the worst. Worry washed over her face; did Kikyou even know what was going on?

Kagome buried her head in her hands. The engagement was two weeks away... "...only two weeks..." and there was a maniac after her life as well who didn't only want her dead, but Inu-Yasha as well.

Kagome felt her guts twist into knots, creating a nauseous feeling course throughout her body. She sighed and tightly shut her eyes. The feel of knowing the fact that a murderer was after you could make anyone scare themselves lifeless.

How could Inu-Yasha take this so calmly for four years straight and running?

Inu-Yasha woke up dreamily as the scent of fear and worry drifted through his nose. Yawning he sat up straight, brushing his head on the banana leaf and looked around to find the source of the smell.

He blinked when he noticed the scent of Kagome mixed with the other scent and immediately looked down at her.

Her head was buried in her arms which were placed on her knees.

Trying to look the least bit concerned though his instincts told different he jumped down and sat beside Kagome.

He shook her shoulders roughly, waiting for her to awaken.

She jerked up straight and looked around frantically, whipping Inu-Yasha's face with her hair. He yelped and clutched his red face, glaring daggers at Kagome.

She turned back to him at his yelp and laughed when she noticed what she had done. "Ack – I'm sorry" She said warmly, making tremors rush up Inu- Yasha's spine.

"It didn't even hurt" He replied then narrowed his gaze. "What's up with you anyway?"

She raised an eyebrow. "...nothing"

"Nothing my ass – I'm a demon you know, I can smell the scent of fear around you!" He stated simply and looked away when Kagome pouted.

"Just thinking about stuff" she said and stuck out her tongue at him.

Inu-Yasha looked back at her, and by the expression on her face, he immediately guessed 'what' she was thinking about. He sighed and then shook his head. "Just... don't worry about it"

Kagome looked at him, surprised at his words. "But-."

"I said just don't worry about it, I have the Tetsusaiga now, he can't hurt us now..." he said and softened his tone at Kagome's expression.

"What if he finds the Tensaiga?"

Inu-Yasha sighed, hoping he wouldn't. "Then it'll be the battle of the swords"

Kagome choked back tears, trying to push back the horrible thoughts that appeared in her head.

Inu-Yasha sighed and then hesitated, a slight blush appearing on his face. "Why don't we go somewhere to take our minds off of this eh?"

Kagome looked at him and then nodded slowly. "Fine..."

He stood up and helped her up, careful not to say anything that would release the tears that he knew were on the verge of her eyes.

"It's almost nightfall" She said as he led her slowly through the forest which was starting to darken.

"Yeah, I know" he said and then stopped. "Get on my back"

Kagome hesitated. "...wah?"

"Just get on it, and don't let go – it easier to carry you that way" He said and then crouched down, looking back impatiently at her for her to come.

Kagome nodded, slightly hesitant and walked up to him, cautious not to make any mistake and embarrass herself. She looked down at him as she reached him, waiting for some instructions.

"Ugh – just jump on!" He scowled, starting to get impatient.

"How am I supposed to do that?" she said as a slight blush appeared on her face.

He stood up in frustration and growled. "Forget it"

Kagome yelped, knowing that she was missing her chance of receiving a free ride and ran up to him, jumping onto his back with full force.

"Ah!" He yelled out and almost toppled over at the unexpected weight on his back.

"I'm on!" She said out cheerily and smiled warmly at him.

He rolled his eyes ignorant to the smirk on his face and then, leaped up into the air.

......................................

"Where are we going?" Kagome whined as she clutched Inu-Yasha tightly.

"It's another place I know" he replied arrogantly, ignoring Kagome's pout.

"How many 'secret' places do you know?!" Kagome asked, feeling slightly jealous that she didn't have any 'secret' places when she was younger.

"Well, I had a tough childhood" He replied simply.

"When are we going to go back?" Kagome sighed out and rested her head on his shoulder, feeling that they were never going to reach the destination.

Inu-Yasha felt his heart skip a beat as he felt Kagome rest her head on his shoulder. Blushing slightly, he tried to push down the blush creeping onto his face and answered her question. "I just don't want to go back right now"

"Why?" Kagome answered as she looked up and noticed that the sun was almost gone.

"I just don't"

"Fine..."

And I'd give up forever to touch you...

Cuz I know that you feel me somehow...

You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be... And I don't want to go home right now...

Kagome closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of wind whipping gently by her face as he leaped gracefully through the air, taking her with him to whatever place he was talking about.

Glancing at the sky, she noticed that only streaks of the sun were shining in the sky... what a beautiful sunset.

Inu-Yasha narrowed his eyes as he almost lost his balance as he felt Kagome nuzzle into his neck, giving warm tremors course throughout his body. Cursing silently to himself, he ignored the red blush and continued on the path.

And all I can taste is this moment...

And all I can breathe is your life...

And sooner or later it's over...

I just don't want to miss you tonight...

"Inu-Yasha... I'm tired, can we rest?" Kagome asked as she sighed contently in the warmth of Inu-Yasha.

He took a sharp breath in and gulped with hesitant, not knowing what the hell was wrong with him. "Just... shut up – we're almost there"

Kagome groaned. "Jeez – fine, though I don't know why we couldn't just go back to castle – it's almost night, we'll never find our way back..."

And I don't want the world to see me...

Cuz I don't think they'd understand...

When everything's meant to be broken...

I just want you to know who I am...

Inu-Yasha finally landed on a vacant clearing in the middle of the forest and gently slid Kagome off of his back, somehow feeling cold when she let him go. He growled as thoughts appeared in his head, and pushed them to the back of his head.

Kagome looked around and squealed when she saw a large tree in the middle of the clearing, the tree was tall and the branches were thick and wide, good enough to climb to the top to stargaze.

Kagome smiled when she saw some of Inu-Yasha's belongings lying on the bottom of the tree. Having his name pop into her mind she noticed he had disappeared. "Inu-Yasha?"

And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming...

Or the moment of truth in your lies...

When everything feels like the movies...

Yeah, you'd bleed just to know you're alive...

Kagome struggled to adjust her eyes to the dark, noticing the sun had completely hid itself underneath the shadows. "Where are you?"

"Eh... right here"

Kagome looked around and almost shrieked when she saw a black haired man instead of the silver haired demon standing behind her. "You're not Inu- Yasha!"

He growled, though it didn't sound demonic at all. "Yeah I am" he said flatly, avoiding her gaze.

"No you're not!"

"Yes I am!"

"No way!"

And I don't want the world to see me...

Cuz I don't think they'd understand...

When everything's meant to be broken...

I just want you to know who I am...

Kagome narrowed her eyes and stepped up to him cautiously, ready to run if he attacked. Seeing that he wasn't going to charge assault, she reached up and took a strand of his hair, feeling it in her hands.

"You're human!" she exclaimed and widened her eyes in surprise.

"...yeah, let the whole world know"

Kagome smirked with relief when she noticed that this was Inu-Yasha, who else could have such an arrogant attitude. "But... how come?"

He rolled his eyes. "It's just that every month I transform into a human because I have some human blood in me... so I have to spend my time as a human as well"

Kagome furrowed her eyebrows in concentration. "But how come I didn't see you last month, or the month before?"

"The first month I transformed before you arrived and the second month you were ill in bed, and now..." he grumbled out and started walking towards the tree, turning his back on her as if she was an ignorant fool.

"Hey, don't leave me!" she yelled out and scurried after him, eager to know more. "How come you didn't tell me before though?"

He mumbled something and Kagome had to strain to hear, though the only words she caught were 'it' and 'sucks'.

Kagome rolled her eyes and then turned to him, smiling brightly. "Well, looks like you can't call me a pathetic human any more!"

He sighed with frustration and started to climb the large tree.

Kagome stared at him. "How am I supposed to come up?" she yelled at him when she noticed his climbing skills hadn't reduced due to the sudden blood change.

"Ever heard of climbing?" he grumbled back, feeling very touchy due to the fact that this girl... a normal every day girl had squeezed almost every secret in his life out of him.

"Ah! But help me up!"

........................................

THERE!

I'm so sorry for the late, LATE update... I seriously didn't have time!

The lyrics used in this song were from 'Iris'

Its a really good song - u should listen to it .

Don't worry, the day isn't 'quite' finished yet... still some 'stargazing' to do and then... enough of the fluffy dovey moments!

Lol

Anyway!

Sorry that I didn't reply to any reviews this time but I promise I'll do it next time! I still have school you know! TEN more days, excluding the weekends! --

So until then (which I hope is soon)

Byez! (for now)