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Kagome watched Inuyasha as he eyed her, noting his perturbed expression. Just what was he doing? Clearing her throat to get his attention, she gave him a questioning look. Inuyasha sat down in front of her, looking rather frustrated.
"Why didn't you say that that demon hurt you?"
Kagome's eyebrows shot up, surprised by his remark; how did he know that? She had not said anything or even asked for a break until it was almost dark. Looking away, she answered, "I didn't want to slow us down, but I'm fine." When she met his gaze, she tried to convince him with a smile and a "really." It did not work.
"Right, and I'm full demon. Stupid weak humans – you can't hold your own and then don't get help when you need it. Where are you hurt?"
Kagome pursed her lips, trying to glare at him for his insult; but he just glared right back. Sighing, she finally gave in, pointing towards her ribs. She was not entirely sure what was wrong with them herself; she just knew that they hurt more than normal bruises did.
"Let me see."
"What?! Are you kidding?" Kagome hollered, smacking him over the head and scooting away from him. "You pervert!"
Taking a moment to rid himself of his confusion, Inuyasha gave her befuddled expression when he could not come up with an explanation. When she glowered at him, he sighed in annoyance again. Did she really think he was going to try something now?
"I didn't ask you to take all you clothes off or anything; just lift your shirt high enough for me to see. Idiot, if I was going to do something to you don't you think I would have done it by now? Not like I had anything else to keep me busy in that cell, ya know."
Kagome blushed, realizing he was right. She moved back over to him and cautiously lifted the bottom of the too-big shirt, but only high enough to show her black and blue ribs. Inuyasha reached out to feel of them, trying not to hurt the girl; she seemed unbreakable sometimes and so fragile at others. This just happened to be one of the latter.
She winced as his clawed hand brushed one of the more sensitive areas; she did not want to look weak in front of him, but it really hurt. Inuyasha gave her an apologetic glance, jerking his hand back as he felt her tense. Leaning back, he shook his head.
"Well, you broke at least a few of them; you should get some rest before we move on. I knew this was a bad idea; a human will only slow me down," he ended, his voice attempting to regain its callousness as he went. Kagome shot him an angry look.
"Don't blame this on me; we don't have to wait here. I can keep going as long as you can," she said, her determination manifesting itself in her face. Inuyasha only laughed mockingly.
"If you keep going, you'll only make your injuries worse and then we'll have to stop for longer. It's better to just rest now."
"I can keep going! Don't stop on my account."
Inuyasha's expression turned serious as he looked at Kagome sideways. He could sense her determined spirit radiating off of her; she was one impressive girl. Maybe she would be able to help out on this journey after all. The hanyou shook his head. No. He would not trust another human; he was going to have to do this on his own strength. But he did need her knowledge of this new world, and that meant that he had to keep her alive.
"Feh," he said, turning away to lie down on the roof. "Fine, we'll keep going; but once we're out of the village, I'm carrying you and I don't want to hear any complaints. Got it?"
Kagome nodded, smiling slightly. He was actually worried about her well being; it was nice to have someone care after all those months in the lab. Maybe they could become friends after all. She snuggled down into the most comfortable position she could, seeing as how they were on a flat cement surface, and waited for sleep to claim her.
Within a few moments, Inuyasha could hear the girl's rhythmic breathing, signaling that she had fallen asleep. It would take a while for him to find rest, he knew; he had far too much on his mind. It had really been an interesting day.
Kagome woke after Inuyasha, he having risen as soon as the sun had. Her body protested as she moved stiff limbs to sit up; the concrete did not give much in the way of comfort. She woke she kinks out of her neck and yawned, stretching her arms above her head. Inuyasha looked over at her, tearing his gaze from the city view.
"Morning. I thought you weren't ever gonna wake up. You ready to go?" he asked, not even bothering to ask how she slept. Kagome wrinkled her nose at the suggestion of setting out so soon and was about to protest when her stomach growled. Her cheeks reddening a bit, she asked if they could eat first.
"Fine."
"So, what would you like? We have a few cereal bars, pastries, bread...anything sound good to you?" she asked as she rummaged through the grocery bags that had been forgotten the night before. Inuyasha thought for a moment before making his suggestion.
"Can we have some of that stuff I ate yesterday?" he asked hopefully. He still was not sure that it was entirely edible, considering that he had not been able to chew it; but it had tasted pretty good. Then again, anything different from what they had fed him in that cell for the past ten years was bound to be good.
Kagome laughed. "Well, the only way that we can eat the ramen is if we have some hot water. The only way we can get that is from a sink, which we don't have access to, or from a fire, which we aren't allowed to build in the city. We can have some as soon as we're out in the country, though; I promise," she ended, seeing half-hidden disappointment cross his features; her promise seemed to cheer him up.
"I'm gonna have a cereal bar. Would you like to try one?" she asked, holding one out to him. Inuyasha reached out and slowly took the crinkling package from her and sniffed at it. It smelled strange. Kagome giggled at the face he made at the bar and took it back.
"You have to take the wrapper off, silly," she instructed as she opened it for him. Inuyasha again smelled of the food when she handed it back, this time without any packaging. Grunting his approval, the hanyou bit into the bar to taste it. Apparently it was satisfactory as he was done long before Kagome had even taken her first bite.
As soon as he was finished, Inuyasha began dumping the contents of the sacks into the bag Sesshomaru had given them. He was going to be carrying it, and there was no use in taking more than one bag if everything would fit. The hanyou finished quickly and began impatiently waiting for Kagome to finish eating and making herself look slightly presentable; she simply refused to leave before straightening her hair and clothing as best as possible. The store had sold hair care items which had pleased her greatly, but they had not had any clothes. Thus, she was stuck in the large boys clothes she had worn the day before.
After about a half hour, they were finally on their way, marching through the streets at an even pace. Inuyasha slowed his pace a bit for Kagome even with her protests. He did not care how fast they went at the moment; as soon as they left the city, they could go at his speed. As for her saying she could keep up with whatever speed he chose, the demi inu youkai did his best to tune her out, involving himself in watching the people and strange events around him.
Before afternoon had arrived, they were nearing the outskirts of Tokyo. The tall buildings and rushing traffic had long since disappeared which was very agreeable to Inuyasha. Small houses lined the narrow streets and were becoming farther spaced; they were definitely getting close to the countryside that lay just outside the city limits.
Kagome was beginning to slow down by this time and asked for a break, but Inuyasha refused. Flinging her words from the night before back at her, he said they were stop for a while once they had left the "village." The girl's shoulders heaved as she sighed, but she continued to follow her hanyou leader.
It was mid-afternoon when they finally left Tokyo and stopped. Inuyasha was at last able to take off the cap to uncover his ears; it was not like they were going to run into anyone way out here, especially since the commandeering hanyou had decided they should steer away from the roads. He explained that more people were likely to go that way and that cutting across the fields and through the forests would be a less conspicuous way for them to travel. Surprisingly, Kagome had agreed quite quickly, knowing how many people actually did travel on the highways just outside the city.
Kagome turned to look back at her home before sitting to rest, trying to memorize everything about it. She was not sure that she would ever see it again, did not know if it would ever be safe enough to return. Feeling tears welling up in her eyes, she put a strong face. She would go back and see her family again if it was the last thing she did. That much was certain.
"Oi, girl," Inuyasha called, bringing her back to the present, "we need to get going again pretty soon, so rest while you can."
Kagome nodded as she sat down in the tall grass, Inuyasha watching her closely. He still could not figure her out; she was upset and had started to cry – he had smelled her tears – but she looked determined. She was brave for a human. What was it about her that made her so different from the others he had known?
The girl looked up, meeting his amber eyes with her own chesnut ones. He searched them as if he would find his answers there but soon realized that he was staring at her. Quickly turning his head away, he shoved the thoughts from his mind, counting the time before they set out again.
AN: Hey hey! 2 chapters in one day! :) I'm really sorry that it took me so long guys; I have finals this week and I've been so busy. Hope that this made up for it ;) Anyway...Next Chapter: They've made it through the jungle of the city, but what will they find in the forests of Japan? Maybe it'll be more what Inuyasha's used to than modern day Tokyo. Please review!! :)
Reality – Wow, you're fast! I don't think that chp. 12 had been up for more than like a couple of hours. I'm impressed :) I hope that you liked this chapter! There is plenty more coming. Thanks so much!
Kagome watched Inuyasha as he eyed her, noting his perturbed expression. Just what was he doing? Clearing her throat to get his attention, she gave him a questioning look. Inuyasha sat down in front of her, looking rather frustrated.
"Why didn't you say that that demon hurt you?"
Kagome's eyebrows shot up, surprised by his remark; how did he know that? She had not said anything or even asked for a break until it was almost dark. Looking away, she answered, "I didn't want to slow us down, but I'm fine." When she met his gaze, she tried to convince him with a smile and a "really." It did not work.
"Right, and I'm full demon. Stupid weak humans – you can't hold your own and then don't get help when you need it. Where are you hurt?"
Kagome pursed her lips, trying to glare at him for his insult; but he just glared right back. Sighing, she finally gave in, pointing towards her ribs. She was not entirely sure what was wrong with them herself; she just knew that they hurt more than normal bruises did.
"Let me see."
"What?! Are you kidding?" Kagome hollered, smacking him over the head and scooting away from him. "You pervert!"
Taking a moment to rid himself of his confusion, Inuyasha gave her befuddled expression when he could not come up with an explanation. When she glowered at him, he sighed in annoyance again. Did she really think he was going to try something now?
"I didn't ask you to take all you clothes off or anything; just lift your shirt high enough for me to see. Idiot, if I was going to do something to you don't you think I would have done it by now? Not like I had anything else to keep me busy in that cell, ya know."
Kagome blushed, realizing he was right. She moved back over to him and cautiously lifted the bottom of the too-big shirt, but only high enough to show her black and blue ribs. Inuyasha reached out to feel of them, trying not to hurt the girl; she seemed unbreakable sometimes and so fragile at others. This just happened to be one of the latter.
She winced as his clawed hand brushed one of the more sensitive areas; she did not want to look weak in front of him, but it really hurt. Inuyasha gave her an apologetic glance, jerking his hand back as he felt her tense. Leaning back, he shook his head.
"Well, you broke at least a few of them; you should get some rest before we move on. I knew this was a bad idea; a human will only slow me down," he ended, his voice attempting to regain its callousness as he went. Kagome shot him an angry look.
"Don't blame this on me; we don't have to wait here. I can keep going as long as you can," she said, her determination manifesting itself in her face. Inuyasha only laughed mockingly.
"If you keep going, you'll only make your injuries worse and then we'll have to stop for longer. It's better to just rest now."
"I can keep going! Don't stop on my account."
Inuyasha's expression turned serious as he looked at Kagome sideways. He could sense her determined spirit radiating off of her; she was one impressive girl. Maybe she would be able to help out on this journey after all. The hanyou shook his head. No. He would not trust another human; he was going to have to do this on his own strength. But he did need her knowledge of this new world, and that meant that he had to keep her alive.
"Feh," he said, turning away to lie down on the roof. "Fine, we'll keep going; but once we're out of the village, I'm carrying you and I don't want to hear any complaints. Got it?"
Kagome nodded, smiling slightly. He was actually worried about her well being; it was nice to have someone care after all those months in the lab. Maybe they could become friends after all. She snuggled down into the most comfortable position she could, seeing as how they were on a flat cement surface, and waited for sleep to claim her.
Within a few moments, Inuyasha could hear the girl's rhythmic breathing, signaling that she had fallen asleep. It would take a while for him to find rest, he knew; he had far too much on his mind. It had really been an interesting day.
Kagome woke after Inuyasha, he having risen as soon as the sun had. Her body protested as she moved stiff limbs to sit up; the concrete did not give much in the way of comfort. She woke she kinks out of her neck and yawned, stretching her arms above her head. Inuyasha looked over at her, tearing his gaze from the city view.
"Morning. I thought you weren't ever gonna wake up. You ready to go?" he asked, not even bothering to ask how she slept. Kagome wrinkled her nose at the suggestion of setting out so soon and was about to protest when her stomach growled. Her cheeks reddening a bit, she asked if they could eat first.
"Fine."
"So, what would you like? We have a few cereal bars, pastries, bread...anything sound good to you?" she asked as she rummaged through the grocery bags that had been forgotten the night before. Inuyasha thought for a moment before making his suggestion.
"Can we have some of that stuff I ate yesterday?" he asked hopefully. He still was not sure that it was entirely edible, considering that he had not been able to chew it; but it had tasted pretty good. Then again, anything different from what they had fed him in that cell for the past ten years was bound to be good.
Kagome laughed. "Well, the only way that we can eat the ramen is if we have some hot water. The only way we can get that is from a sink, which we don't have access to, or from a fire, which we aren't allowed to build in the city. We can have some as soon as we're out in the country, though; I promise," she ended, seeing half-hidden disappointment cross his features; her promise seemed to cheer him up.
"I'm gonna have a cereal bar. Would you like to try one?" she asked, holding one out to him. Inuyasha reached out and slowly took the crinkling package from her and sniffed at it. It smelled strange. Kagome giggled at the face he made at the bar and took it back.
"You have to take the wrapper off, silly," she instructed as she opened it for him. Inuyasha again smelled of the food when she handed it back, this time without any packaging. Grunting his approval, the hanyou bit into the bar to taste it. Apparently it was satisfactory as he was done long before Kagome had even taken her first bite.
As soon as he was finished, Inuyasha began dumping the contents of the sacks into the bag Sesshomaru had given them. He was going to be carrying it, and there was no use in taking more than one bag if everything would fit. The hanyou finished quickly and began impatiently waiting for Kagome to finish eating and making herself look slightly presentable; she simply refused to leave before straightening her hair and clothing as best as possible. The store had sold hair care items which had pleased her greatly, but they had not had any clothes. Thus, she was stuck in the large boys clothes she had worn the day before.
After about a half hour, they were finally on their way, marching through the streets at an even pace. Inuyasha slowed his pace a bit for Kagome even with her protests. He did not care how fast they went at the moment; as soon as they left the city, they could go at his speed. As for her saying she could keep up with whatever speed he chose, the demi inu youkai did his best to tune her out, involving himself in watching the people and strange events around him.
Before afternoon had arrived, they were nearing the outskirts of Tokyo. The tall buildings and rushing traffic had long since disappeared which was very agreeable to Inuyasha. Small houses lined the narrow streets and were becoming farther spaced; they were definitely getting close to the countryside that lay just outside the city limits.
Kagome was beginning to slow down by this time and asked for a break, but Inuyasha refused. Flinging her words from the night before back at her, he said they were stop for a while once they had left the "village." The girl's shoulders heaved as she sighed, but she continued to follow her hanyou leader.
It was mid-afternoon when they finally left Tokyo and stopped. Inuyasha was at last able to take off the cap to uncover his ears; it was not like they were going to run into anyone way out here, especially since the commandeering hanyou had decided they should steer away from the roads. He explained that more people were likely to go that way and that cutting across the fields and through the forests would be a less conspicuous way for them to travel. Surprisingly, Kagome had agreed quite quickly, knowing how many people actually did travel on the highways just outside the city.
Kagome turned to look back at her home before sitting to rest, trying to memorize everything about it. She was not sure that she would ever see it again, did not know if it would ever be safe enough to return. Feeling tears welling up in her eyes, she put a strong face. She would go back and see her family again if it was the last thing she did. That much was certain.
"Oi, girl," Inuyasha called, bringing her back to the present, "we need to get going again pretty soon, so rest while you can."
Kagome nodded as she sat down in the tall grass, Inuyasha watching her closely. He still could not figure her out; she was upset and had started to cry – he had smelled her tears – but she looked determined. She was brave for a human. What was it about her that made her so different from the others he had known?
The girl looked up, meeting his amber eyes with her own chesnut ones. He searched them as if he would find his answers there but soon realized that he was staring at her. Quickly turning his head away, he shoved the thoughts from his mind, counting the time before they set out again.
AN: Hey hey! 2 chapters in one day! :) I'm really sorry that it took me so long guys; I have finals this week and I've been so busy. Hope that this made up for it ;) Anyway...Next Chapter: They've made it through the jungle of the city, but what will they find in the forests of Japan? Maybe it'll be more what Inuyasha's used to than modern day Tokyo. Please review!! :)
Reality – Wow, you're fast! I don't think that chp. 12 had been up for more than like a couple of hours. I'm impressed :) I hope that you liked this chapter! There is plenty more coming. Thanks so much!