Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha
A/N: Well here's Chapter 18. It's just something I quickly put up so you guys have something to read. I didn't want to leave you guys hanging like I did last time for a long time. How's life so far? I loved reading the reviews. They are great, and thank you for those who complimented me. I'm glad you liked it so far. Though there were some pretty weird reviews.....lol. Anyways, enjoy!
From Here to There
Chapter 18-The Heir to Takashi Corp.
By: KNE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------She was exhausted. It was only an engagement party, not an actual wedding and she was already thrown into decision making. She wasn't actually planning it, but choosing flowers and colors and since the invitations had already been sent out, they were choosing dishware and menus. A stupid engagement party that she didn't even want it. Even as a child she had never really had a dream wedding, or even a dream engagemet party.
"Which one do you like Miss. Higurashi?" the lady with the bun on top of her head asked. Kagome stared at the five different colors held before her. A white color, off white, beige, cream, and light beige. There was purely no difference. Kagome pulled on the beige fabric and the lady gleamed. "Wonderful choice!"
"Wonderful my ass..." Kagome muttered as a huge book slammed on the desk she sat on.
"Now...the lighting..." The woman reached out and turned to the first page. Kagome mentally groaned.
"How about Christmas lights?" Kagome asked, closing the book and sliding it away. The woman confusingly stared back at Kagome and laughed, taking it as a joke.
"Oh! Miss. Higurashi! You've got such a great sense of humor!" she laughed and slid the book back to its place in front of Kagome. "Now...we can only choose from the second half of the book, since your father said it will need to be dimmed at points. Especially if the party is going to be held inside and outside of your home..." Kagome bit her lip. Why wasn't it Kouga choosing the stupid lights?
"I think I'm going to take a break now..." Kagome said, closing the book again and standing up. She headed out the office and into the main hall, where hundreds of workers were busy preparing for the party. It had been two weeks since her birthday, since the announcement, and since she had last seen him. She missed him, she really did. Maybe even more than she had when she had to leave Kyoto. Maybe because now she knew she couldn't possibly live without him.
Kagome felt her throat tighten up and she stopped walking. Where was he now? "Inuyasha..." she whispered, bringing her hand up to the purple sphere around her neck. The engagement party was only a day away and she couldn't stop thinking about him. She was so worried that he probably had gotten himself hurt. Inuyasha couldn't control himself at times.
"Miss. Higurashi! Look at these beautiful orchids!" Another woman in a business suit and notepad called over to her. Kagome glanced over at the workers bringing in a whole bunch of flowers. It sucked that she had to go through this alone now. She had chased Inuyasha away, and now she had to do her job and marry Kouga. Everything was her fault.
"Stupid Inuyasha...." She muttered. "Why do I have to fall in love with you now??" Letting her hand drop from the necklace, Kagome turned and headed out towards the balcony. She really needed him right now, even if it was only as a friend.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"Are you really sure this is where we are supposed to get off?" Shippo asked, as he and Sango walked around the bus. Sango glanced from building to building.
"Trust me Shippo, I've been to Tokyo a thousand times. I know what I'm doing." The two crossed the street and over to the map.
"I can't believe I'm in Tokyo..." Shippo said, looking around at all the fairly dressed people who all looked like they were in a rush. "It's so different from Kyoto!" Sango snorted.
"I can't believe that you have never been here either. You and Inuyasha! Kyoto is only like three hours away on bullet train."
"I can't afford to come here!" Shippo whined. Sango groaned and then pointed at a red dot on the map.
"Anyways...we're here." Shippo nodded. "I have to find Kagome, and you have to find Inuyasha." Shippo nodded again, staring down at the piece of paper with Takashi Corp, written on the top.
"What if Sesshomaru doesn't know where he is?"
"He will know. He may not show it but he always keeps tabs on Inuyasha," Sango lifted her finger that had Kagome's address on it.
"What if I don't find him?"
"Then call me."
"And you'll be at Kagome's?" Sango nodded.
"I'll try my best to get a hold of her. Shippo....just find him." Shippo nodded. After one last word of advice, the two were finally on their way to find Inuyasha and Kagome.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------She hated how he scratched his ear. Now it seemed like every little thing irritated her. Kouga Kanzaki. Kagome Kanzaki. Did it even work? Kagome stared at the notebook. She had written her future name at least a hundred times but it never seemed right. Kanzaki Kagome. Kagome frowned and tore the paper from the notebook. If she stared at the name any longer she just might end up hating her name altogether.
Kagome sat back down and stared at the next blank piece of paper. A smile formed on her face as she picked up the purple pen and scribbled down his name. Inuyasha Takashi. Takashi Kagome. Maybe to other people it might have not sounded half as good as Kanzaki Kagome, but in her mind Takashi Kagome sounded a hell lot better. The smile turned to a frown again and she crumbled the paper
"Better not to think about it. It's hopeless."
"Think about what?" Kouga's deep voice rang in her ears as his arms wrapped around her. He had been really intimate with her since they shared their first kiss in front of everybody. She blushed and forced a smile.
"Kouga! What are you doing here so early?" Kouga let go of her and walked around to face her.
"I just missed you so much lately. You've been distant...." His eyes were filled with concerned as he place his hands on her. Haven't she always been distant with him? Kagome pulled her hands away and brought it to her necklace.
"Oh...I've just been tired. You know, with all the plans and engagement party and all..." she trailed off looking out the window to avoid eye contact. She had always sucked at lying. Inuyasha said so himself. Kouga smiled again and pinched her nose.
"I'm so happy that I will live the rest of my life with you by my side." He leaned in for a kiss, but Kagome pulled back. Once was already enough to last a life time.
"Me too..." she whispered and stood up. "Are you hungry? Should I ask Kaede to bring something up?" Kagome hurried over to the speakers., completely avoiding Kouga. Kouga leaned back and stood up. He stared down at her notebook, running a hand on the outside edges.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sango tugged on her headphones and waved a hand in the air. There were so many taxis, yet no one was pulling up to her. Didn't they want any money. Popping a potato chip in her mouth, Sango groaned and kicked the curb. It had already been an hour, and she was still lost as hell. There was no way she would tell Shippo that. The kid got it easy. All he had to do was find Takashi corp., and it wasn't like anyone wouldn't know where THAT was.
"Stupid. If only the two of them would answer their stupid phones once in a while, me and Shippo wouldn't be stuck worrying about them..." she trailed off, closing her eyes. "Maybe I should have gone to find Inuyasha so I could kick his ass...." She was cut abrupt as she ran straight into someone. It really wasn't her day. She should be excited to see Kagome.
"Sorry..." she mumbled, looking up at the person. Violet eyes beamed down at her.
"No problem..." the man said, rubbing the back of his neck. Sango shifted to her left leg and looked away. He was still staring at her. Wow...the boys in Tokyo were really fast. She stepped around him awkwardly and continued walking.
"Weird..." she muttered.
"Hey!" the man called after her. Sango quickened her pace, only to feel a hand grip around her arm and jerk her around.
"Let go you pervert!" Sango screamed, shoving him away. The man stumbled backwards, surprised by her outburst.
"What the hell!" he yelled, rubbing the sore spot on his chest.
"What do you want!?" Sango yelled, glaring at him. She was a black belt and was great at Tae Kwon Do. If he tried anything sneaky she was ready. The man snorted at her and held up a yellow piece of folded up paper.
"You dropped this," he muttered. Sango blushed. It was the piece of paper with Kagome's address on it. Now she really felt like an idiot. Slowly lowering her head, Sango rushed over and tried to snatch it from his hand, only to have him jerk it away from her reach. She glared up at him.
"Can I please have that back?" she demanded. Her patience was running out and there was no way in hell she was going to waste any time chatting with some weirdo on the street when she should be out find Kagome.
"You're pretty. Have I seen you somewhere?" he asked. She blushed again. This time ten shades darker. Who did he think he was?
"No. Never." He pursed his lips together and leaned back. Sango took the opportunity to look him over. He was tall, about Inuyasha's height and had quite a good build. His hair was tied in a very short pony tail, and he wore a black dress shirt and pants. He was actually really handsome. Different then most boys in Kyoto.
"You sure? I swear I've heard that voice before..." he trailed off. Sango cleared her throat and made a fist.
"I think I would have known, if I've met an idiot like you before. Give me the paper back!" Sango half screamed. The man winced and covered his ears.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes! I am sure!" Sango quickly ripped the paper from his hands. The man grinned.
"Are you hungry? I'll buy you something to eat," he said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. Sango stared at him dumbfound. Was he asking her out?
"N..no thank you," she said, lowering her head. "I have to be somewhere." He raised an eyebrow and pointed at the paper in her hands.
"Is that the address?" he asked. Sango glanced down and nodded. Maybe he could help her out. "Okay then...good bye!" The man turned the opposite direction and started walking slowly away obviously knowing that she needed his help. Sango looked around desperately.
"Excuse me! Sir!" She called out, jogging next to him. The man stopped, smiling devilishly.
"Is there something I can help you with?" he asked. Sango bit her tongue and held up the paper.
"Can you tell me where I can find 150 Shikon Lane?" She thrust the paper in his face. "I'm kind of lost..." The man focused his eyes on the address written in neat handwriting and glanced over to her.
"I know where this is...." He said. Sango's eyes widened and she smiled.
"Can you tell me how to get there?" Better yet, could he take me and save me all the trouble? Sango clapped her hands together. Maybe the guy wasn't so bad after all.
"Why would you wanna go there?" he asked. Sango frowned. Was it really his business to ask what she wanted to do there?
"I have my reasons.....now can you please..."
"Are you going to the engagement party?" he asked. Engagement party? What? Sango lowered her hand and stared at him.
"What?" she asked. The man shrugged again. "What are you talking about? I just need directions to get there. I would be very thankful if you helped."
"I can take you there..." he said. Sango raised an eyebrow. "I drive a limo. I can take you there...." He repeated again. Sango took a step back. Just seconds ago she had actually wanted him to show her the way. Now it didn't seem so safe.
"How do I know if I should trust you or not?" she asked. The man dug in his pockets and pulled out his wallet.
"This is my I.D, and identification number. My name's Miroku..." he said. Sango glanced down at the picture and then at the card. It did state that he worked as a driver. "Do you trust me now?" Sango glanced back up at him. Should she?
"Can we walk there?" she asked. "Better yet, take a taxi?" Miroku grinned.
"Still don't trust me, eh? I'm a well respected man....." he was cut off when someone tapped him on the shoulder. Miroku and Sango both glanced at a young high school girl standing before him.
"Can I help you, miss?" Miroku asked. The girl's face turned a bright beet color and her eyes welled up in tears. Sango winced at the sound of her hand connecting to Miroku's face.
"You....you....jerk! You never called me back!! You pervert, you scum sucking ass hole! Go to hell! You player! You....you...ughh!" she stomped away calling out rash names directed at the boy. The two were left speechless. Sango raised an eyebrow and looked back at Miroku, with a new handprint on his face. She couldn't help but stifle a laugh, trying to escape her throat.
"Well respected man, eh?" she asked quietly causing him to blush.
"Anyways....we can take a taxi if it makes you feel any safer," he spat and pushed passed her to the curb of the street. Sango grinned and walked up next to him.
"I'm Sango..." she said quietly.
Sango?? He had heard that name before. Miroku rubbed the side of his cheek as a yellow cab pulled up next to them. But where? Sango? Well...whoever she was, she managed to make a fool out of him by laughing at him seconds earlier after that bitch had slapped him. Who was that girl anyways? Miroku grinned to himself. Maybe a girl he and Inuyasha had met at the bar.
"Shikon Lane..." Miroku muttered to the taxi driver. This girl must have not been from around here. Everyone knew where Shikon Lane was. It was a famous street, where the most richest and biggest mansions were. But, 150 Shikon Lane?? Wasn't that the Higurashi household? As in Kagome Higurashi? As in Inuyasha's best friend who was engaged to Kanzaki?
"So you're a chauffeur?" Sango asked, tucking a strand behind her ear. Miroku noticed that she was absolutely gorgeous. She wore a jean jacket over jeans that shaped perfectly over her curves. Her headphones rested around her neck and she wore little makeup. He could have sworn he had seen her somewhere before. Maybe in a picture or something.....
"Yeah...I am, or kinda am..." he said, scratching the side of his face. Sango bit her lip.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well my previous job, I was a full time chauffeur. But now I drive around if I have to or for fun..." Sango stared back at him, utterly confused.
"What?"
"I mean, I drive for work too. But it's not as strict as before. My boss now is actually my friend, so you can say we're not really boss and employee..." he said. Sango nodded her head.
"But you still get paid?"
"Yeah...and I stay at his penthouse..."
"Penthouse!?" Sango's eyes widened. "Who are you working for?" Miroku laughed.
"Yeah it's huge, we own two floors. Or he does. But he's only living there for the summer I guess. I mean we've only been living there for like two weeks only...." Sango nodded.
"Wow...he must be rich." Miroku almost laughed. If he told her he was friends with Inuyasha Takashi, how would she react? To think Sesshomaru Takashi even had a brother, and to think that Miroku was friends with someone as rich as Inuyasha. Even he was surprised.
"Yeah....he owns a big company and all. I think he's like one of the richest man..."
"Shikon Lane, right?" The taxi driver cut it, glancing back at them. Miroku nodded and looked back at Sango. She was really pretty.
"So...what brings you to Tokyo? Or are you already from Tokyo?" he nervously smiled at her.
"I'm looking for my friends. I actually came here with my other friend. We split up...." She trailed off, distress coming over her face. Miroku swallowed and sat straight.
"Are they missing?"
"Not really. It's just that I get the feeling things are going all wrong for them..." Sango tucked another stray hair being her headphones. "You see....these friends of mine were in love before they even came to Tokyo, but they never knew it. And now...." She trailed off. Miroku brought a hand up to his head. He could have sworn he heard that story somewhere. It wasn't exact but it sounded similar.
"So what's at 150 Shikon Lane?" he asked.
"One of my friends."
"Oh." He looked out the window as he saw the mansions on Shikon Lane pass them by. "We're almost here..." he said. The taxi driver made a stop in front of the huge mansion that Miroku would drive Kouga to everyday. Sango stepped out of the vehicle and glanced through the gates. Her eyes were wide and she gripped onto the black iron steel.
"Are you sure this is the right place?" Sango asked. Miroku walked up next to her and peered in. He could see lots of people working outside, probably planning the party and all.
"As right as ever. You're looking for a Higurashi aren't you?" he asked. Sango looked over at him and nodded.
"But it's so big!"
"What were you expecting? An average size home?" he laughed at his petty joke and looked down at her.
"Well....yeah..." she trailed off again, seriousness taken in her tone. Miroku tensed. Did this girl even know anything about her friend? Sango continued to stare in a bit more until she turned to him. "Well thank you. I can take care of myself from here on." She bowed and grinned up to him. "Thank you very much. I appreciate it."
Miroku knew he was blushing. He scratched the back of his head.
"Awe...shucks. I don't know what to say...." Her smile turned to a glare and she rolled her eyes. Miroku nervously crept over to the taxi. "Bye then." He waved and got into the taxi, while he watched her continue to stare through the gates. "Good luck getting in..." he muttered and turned towards the taxi driver.
"Where to?"
"Can you take me back to where you picked me up? My car's there." The taxi driver nodded and Miroku looked back at the girl. Sango. Should he just leave? Maybe he might never get to see her again. The car started and Miroku strained his eyes on the seat in front of him. Something kept bothering him. The name Sango. The fact that she was visiting her friend who happened to be a Higurashi, and the story she had told him. "Too familiar..." he said. "Wait till I tell Inuyasha..." he laughed. His eyes widened when he realized that Inuyasha was also part of the story. Sango. Kagome. Inuyasha. Love. The phone call he got from some chick with the same name. The picture that fell out of Inuyasha' wallet that one time.
"HOLY SHIT!"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sango rubbed her eyes again. 150 Shikon Lane? Maybe there were more Shikon Lanes out there. The house or should she say mansion was gigantic.
"Excuse me Miss. Can we help you?" a security guard asked, as he waltzed up to the gate on the other side. Sango nervously swallowed.
"Is Kagome there?" she asked, sounding like a five year old idiot asking her friend out to play. The man stared back at her.
"May I ask you who you are?" Sango nervously began squeezing each of her fingers with her right hand.
"My name's Sango. I'm a friend of Kagome Higurashi from Kyoto. I came here to visit her...." Sango trailed off as the man stared at her.
"I'm sorry, but we can't let you in without any identification or appointment with Miss. Higurashi."
"What?" Sango's hand flung out and she grabbed the bars once again. "What are you talking about?" The man took another step.
"We cannot let any strangers into the mansion grounds. I'm sorry mam. Perhaps next time you can make a phone call first...."
"Phone call?? How the hell am I supposed to do that when no one every picks up or gives the phone to her? I demand to see her at once!" Anger was rising from Sango's body.
"Sango?" a familiar voice rose from behind the security guard. Kagome's little face peeked out from behind him.
"Kagome?" Sango smiled. "Kagome! It's me, Sango!" Kagome smiled and hurried to the gate.
"Sango? What are you doing here?" Kagome glanced back at the security guard who looked completely shocked at Kagome's sudden arrival.
"What the hell are you doing? Let her in!" she shouted, even surprising Sango. Kagome was usually so polite to people. Now she looked mad and irritated. The security guard hurried towards the green button on the side of the small security house and pressed it, allowing the gate to open. Kagome rushed to her side.
"I came here to find you. We were so worried!" Sango smiled, hugging her friend. "I mean, we couldn't get a hold of you at all....and no one would tell us where you or Inuyasha were...." She trailed off when she noticed the figure she was holding was shaking. Kagome was crying. "Kagome? What's the matter?"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Miroku stopped his limo in front of the large glass building. Business men and women hurried out the revolving doors frantically. Miroku sighed. The business world was so extreme that even he was afraid of it. That was probably why his mother had told him he was useless. Miroku snorted and leaned onto the car. Looking at his watch, Miroku grinned. So the girl he talked to on the phone was no other than the girl that he met today. What a coincidence! And Inuyasha might at least be half as delighted to hear the news.
"She was pretty, just as sexy as her voice was. I'm in love. Miroku you're in love you bastard!" he said to himself. He noticed a boy standing near the revolving doors, staring around. He really did look out of place, wearing dirty jeans, a orange collar shirt that went well with his bright orange hair. He almost looked foreign. And to top it off, he had a backpack twice his size on. Maybe it was some elementary school kid lost at a field trip or something.
"Yo! Kid!" Miroku yelled out. The boy snapped his head around to search for the person who had addressed him. "You! Yeah you!" Miroku yelled again. The boy brought a hand up to his chest, confused.
"Me?"
"Yeah you!" Miroku yelled again. The boy was a pipsqueak! The boy walked slowly over to him, nervously running a hand through the orange hair. "What are you doing here?" he asked. Miroku looked closely at the boy's face. Something was familiar.....Miroku mentally strangled himself. It seemed that lately everything seemed familiar.
"I...I...I'm look for someone by the name of Sesshomaru Takashi..." he said. Miroku raised an eyebrow and then burst out laughing.
"And why on Earth would Sesshomaru Takashi want to talk to a sixth grader for?" Miroku scratched his cheek.
"I...I...I..."
"Did you go to the lobby and ask the reference desk yet?" Miroku asked. Shippo nodded his head.
"Yeah...but they said I needed an appointment, but I don't have one. But this is an emergency and I really have to see him!" Miroku watched as the boy began to practically hyperventilate. Obviously the boy had never been to a big city before.
"Calm down kid. What's your name?"
"Shippo."
"What's so important?" Miroku asked. "About a million people want to talk to the guy a day, and they actually have business problem. There's no way a Takashi would waste time....you need a good reason." Shippo stared up at him.
"It's a family problem though...."
"Do you think Sesshomaru would care about your family problems?"
"They're not mine. They're his...." Shippo said, crossing his arms over his chest. Now THAT, completely threw Miroku off course. Here he was, lecturing a little kid, and now the kid said he knew Sesshomaru's family problem.
"What did you say?" Miroku asked, leaning in. Shippo stomped and looked back towards the doors.
"Stupid Sango. Giving me the hard job to do. I don't want to talk to Sesshomaru!"
Miroku's eyes widened. Did he just say Sango??
"Say that again?"
"What?"
"You said Sango!"
"She's my friend. We came here together from Kyoto...."
"This is great!" Miroku yelled jumping up. "That means you're friends with Inuyasha, right??" Shippo stared back at him.
"You know Inuyasha?"
"Of course I know Inuyasha. And you know Sango! What a coincidence!!" Miroku threw his hands up in the air and started dancing.
"B...but, I'm looking for Inuyasha....do you know where he is??" Miroku slapped the boy on the back hard and laughed.
"Sure I do! He'll be out in about twenty minutes! Just wait here with me!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sango's hand flew to her lips as she heard the words come from Kagome's mouth.
"You're engaged?" Kagome nodded slowly, tears falling from her face. "Since when?"
"Two weeks ago. The party's tomorrow...." She said. "That's why there are so many people here." Sango reached out to grab her friend's hands.
"But...why? You're only seventeen!" Kagome swallowed.
"I won't get married until after I graduate from the university. But Kouga is my fiancé. There's nothing I can do about that. It's already all been set, Sango." Sango stared at her friend. For the past hour and a half Kagome had been telling her everything about since she saw Inuyasha at some party. And now Kagome was engaged?
"What about Inuyasha?" Sango asked. "What does he think about all of this?"
"He hates it of course. He doesn't approve, and now he probably hates me. I asked him to wish me and Kouga luck in our marriage..." Kagome swallowed again, looking down at the bed sheets. Sango's lip quivered.
"Why would you ask him that?"
"Sango. My father's threats always come through. No matter what I can't be with Inuyasha. I can't be selfish. His safety....everything would be destroyed."
"But they don't know who he is!"
"It doesn't matter who he is!" Kagome yelled. "He's still Inuyasha! He's only seventeen and if anyone finds out, it's like putting a bounty on his head. The moment he was born he was already a dead man. I just lit the fuse...."
"But why would your father use me and Shippo to threaten you?" Sango hugged the pillow.
"He'll do anything to get me to marry Kouga and to defeat Takashi. Sango, I can't let Inuyasha get hurt..."
"But..."
"Sango, if there was any other possibility I would have probably done it. But I can't." Tears began falling from her eyes. "And I haven't seen him. I'm so scared! I miss him!" Sango reached out to hug her friend again.
"Kagome...." She whispered. "I'm so sorry. I want to help, I wish I could. But...unless you stop thinking about others, you're never going to be happy. Me and Shippo are fine. Our families can handle it!"
"No! I don't want to be the reason why you guys starve. And I'm not going to be the reason why Inuyasha dies. He almost did Sango!" Sango lowered her head. Poor Kagome. "I'm so glad that I have a friend here though. Please stay here for as long as you want. Come to the party..." Sango felt her own tears coming.
"Inuyasha....but you love him?" Kagome nodded slowly. "He loves you too Kagome." Kagome shook her head.
"No he doesn't. He hates me now."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------"The most important people are coming to this party, Kagome. Don't ruin it!" Mr. Higurashi said, glaring at his daughter. Kagome stared dully at the china in front of her. "The party starts at four. The hair style list and makeup artist is coming at eight in the morning. Your dress will be brought at nine." Kaede said, gently patting Kagome's arm.
"The caterers will be working all day and all night. Your cake is on its way..." Mr. Higurashi continued. Kagome reached out to pick up a copy of the invitation. A white plain card, written in golden letters. How typical. She might as well get married. Tossing the card aside, Kagome looked back at her dad.
"Is there anything else? If not I would like to go to bed." Her father looked at her with intense eyes and nodded his head in approval. Kagome nearly spat at his face. He was a monster. Monsters didn't deserve wealth and fame. She crept up the long stair case quietly. Tomorrow at the exact same time, she would probably be forced to dance with the pig of a fiancé of hers. Everything seemed to be happening so soon. "Sango?" she called out as she entered her room. Sango was lying on the bed staring up at the ceiling. She was probably very upset.
Inuyasha, Sango and Shippo had always been her best friends. How did it feel to know that one summer was going to break it all apart. Kagome smiled sadly, and it was all her fault.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The day started off fast. Kagome had to wake up exceptionally early in order to complete her father's wishes. Hair, makeup, and everything was already there by the time she walked into their own personal salon. Her dressed was hanging in her room along with Sango's. Sango too, would have everything done since she was Kagome's special friend.
By the time the two of them were done, Kagome was already exhausted and it was two o'clock already. So much for time. Sango had been very accept ional in Kagome's decision. She was upset but there really wasn't much of a choice. Inuyasha's safety was the main issue. Kagome spent the day listening to people talk and yell over each other putting the finishing touches on the decorations and flowers. It was practical wedding and cost probably over a million already. How big would the wedding be?
Kagome made her way out to the balcony that over looked the freshly cut grass and tables, with lights set everywhere. One more hour and it would finally begin. Music, laughing, talking, bragging, smiling....crying, sadness, thinking...about Inuyasha. Where was he? Maybe it hurt just a little that he hadn't contacted her in over two weeks. Today was her engagement party. After all, after today she would be officially Kouga, and seeing Inuyasha would be impossible, unless by chance god decided to torture her even more.
"Inuyasha...." She whispered. The limos were already starting to pull up, and soon some servant was going to run over to her and tell her that she had to be downstairs to greet them. How great was that going to be. Tonight she was wearing a dark royal blue dress. It was really pretty, even she had to admit to like it. But she couldn't enjoy it. It was strapless and clung to her body, with a thin shimmery layer.
"Please go find Miss. Higurashi!" she heard someone shout from downstairs. Kagome lowered her head and stared out at the sky.
"I guess this is goodbye Inuyasha...." She whispered. "I'll probably never get to tell you how much I love you, or how much you've made me happy." The tears were now forming once again, but she couldn't hold them back. Screw the makeup. Taking another step forward she swallowed. "You've always been my best friend....and even though I never knew it I have always loved you. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm sorry that I can't be next to you, watching baseball or playing soccer in Kyoto. I'm sorry that I've made you mad and I'm sorry that I lied to you...."
"Miss. Higurashi!" she hard someone call her name.
"And I'm sorry that I have to marry Kouga. And I'm sorry that you can't be the one to give me away...." She trailed off. "And I'm sorry that we can't be together like we've always been. But the truth is I will always love you..."
"Miss. Higurashi! Your father is calling for you!" A woman hurried onto the balcony. Kagome quickly reached up to her eyes and dabbed her cheeks with the back of her hands.
"Is he?" Kagome asked. The woman nodded, completely oblivious to Kagome's tears "I'll be down there then." Kagome walked passed her and into the mansion filled with lights and excitement.
Kagome was not a bit least hungry at all. There were at least ten different courses and she couldn't even finish the appetizer yet. How the hell could anyone eat the much. Rich people didn't starve, it was the poor people who did. What a waste. Kouga sat next to her, chatting along with all the guests. Kagome sat along with Kouga, her father and the Kanzaki's on a long table at the foot of the dining hall. Hundreds of tables were filled with rich and wealthy people dining away. Didn't she feel special.
"Kagome dear, are you hungry? Have some of these...." Kouga said, lifting what looked like crab legs from his plate and onto hers.
"Thank you..." Kagome said, managing a weak smile. Kouga grinned down at her and turned to talk to her father about some unimportant matters. Kagome groaned. It was only seven, and they weren't even half way through the party yet. Not only that, but guests were arriving constantly. They just kept coming in. If the invitation said 4:00, why did they come at 6:00?
"Kagome-Chan, your dress is rather exquisite." Mrs. Kanzaki, held the wine glass to her mouth.
"Thank you..." Kagome said between gritted teeth.
"How much was it? Do you know darling?" Mrs. Kanzaki asked. I bit my lip. How much was it? She didn't choose it, nor did she even look at the prices.
"Um..."
"Half a million...." She heard her father said. Half a million????
"Goodness!" Mrs. Kanzaki said, bringing a hand to her chest.
"Oh my god!" Kagome shouted, startling her father along with Mrs. Kanzaki. "You paid half a million for a freaking dress. What the hell is wrong with you?" In an instant she covered her mouth. Her outburst had probably surprised a lot of people as well. "Excuse me...." Kagome said, sitting down again. She tensed when she felt Kouga's hand cover around hers.
"It's beautiful though. You look absolutely stunning." Kouga leaned forward and gave her a small peck on the forehead. "You're going to make a beautiful bride one day." He smiled again.
Kagome could feel her father's ice cold glare, making her nervous. Stupid engagement party.
"I wonder where he is...." She heard her father say randomly to Kouga. "I heard he was coming as well." Kouga smiled and snorted.
"That man probably thinks he's too good to attend this party...." Kouga said, reaching for his wine.
"If he does show up...."
"Kagome dear, have you thought of what you would like to major in?" Mrs. Kanzaki cut in, smiling sweetly. Kagome opened her mouth but closed it again. She had always wanted to be a professional baseball player but that wouldn't be too proper, now wouldn't it?
"Medical. I want to be a doctor," she said. Mrs. Kanzaki smiled.
"That's wonderful dear!" The clinking glass was becoming annoying, and Sango was no where in sight. How long would this go on for? The people around her chatted away, laughing at insanely stupid jokes. They wore jewelry that cost more than life itself, and they all talked as if they were the center of attention. The world seemed so different now. Now that she wasn't Kagome from Kyoto, but Kagome Higurashi from Tokyo. She watched as a short bald man in a suit hurried over to their table and to her father's side. He leaned over and whispered something in his ear. Kagome watched as her father's eyes widened.
"When?" Her father asked quietly, looking more tensed than before.
"Just now...." The man said. "They arrived shortly. Should we make the announcement?" Takeo Higurashi stared hard at the man. Something was definitely up.
"The heir? What do they mean by heir?" The bald man shrugged. How interesting, Kagome though. She tensed again, when Kouga glanced at her.
"They're here," He whispered. Kagome looked at him, confused. What was going on? She watched as Kouga took another sip from his wine glass, and her father sat up straighter.
"Who's here?" Kagome asked, slowly.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" A loud voice rang through the dining hall. Kagome's head snapped towards the large doors ahead of her, where the man with the microphone stood. Who was here? The room was suddenly quiet as the man continued to speak again. "May I present...." He stopped and glanced over at Takeo Higurashi nervously. "Takashi Sesshomaru....and the heir to Takashi Corp!" The instant he said those words, the door opened, revealing no other than Sesshomaru standing tall in a black suit. Kagome swallowed. Heir to Takashi corp.? Sesshomaru still had his icy glare, as he looked straight up at her. No smile, no nothing. She felt herself shiver, and Kouga grab her hand from under the table.
The guests had pretty much shut up, surprised that the richest man had actually shown up. Not only that, but sending the coldest aura around the room. But what did they mean and heir to Takashi Corp? Her heart started beating....pounding. And from where she sat she could see the small, almost undectable smirk that formed on Sesshomaru's face that she had never seen before. Heir to Takashi Corp? She felt Kouga and her father tense around her. What the hell did that mean? And as she thought that, Sesshomaru took a slow step forward, and another figure stepped out from behind him.
Kagome's heart nearly dropped as she saw them make their ways towards Kagome's table. His hair was a bit shorter, his eyes were icier than ever, and the look on his face was something she had never seen before. Kagome felt her hand fall from Kouga's grip and her body lift from her seat as they came closer and closer.
The room was silent, and people would have noticed that she was standing, if she wasn't the only one standing. At the exact same time she felt herself stand, Kouga and Takeo Higurashi too, lifted from their seats with complete shock written across their face.
"I..Inu..." Kagome whispered as Sesshomaru stopped immediately. Inuyasha followed his brother and stared up at her table, without batting an eye or even acknowledging that she was there. Inuyasha was here, standing before her and her father.
"W...What..." she heard her father trail off, looking from Inuyasha to Sesshomaru quickly. Sesshomaru smirked knowing everything that was happening in this room already. Her father was obviously clueless to why Inuyasha was here in his home when he was about to be killed just weeks ago.
"As said, I'll take this opportunity to announce that this is my brother Inuyasha. He is also the heir to my father's company along with I." Sesshomaru's words were meaningless to himself, but the sudden announcement caused an uproar to the dining room. As soon as he said it everyone broke out into nonstop talking, and cameras suddenly began swarming Inuyasha. Kagome could do nothing but just stare back.
"Your...brother?" Takeo asked, still looking from Inuyasha to Sesshomaru. "But...we knew nothing of this...."
"He is still young. I decided back when I inherited my father's company that he was still too young to take the responsibility. I kept his profile low in case he was exposed to the media." The only word that could describe the scene was 'crazy'. Lights flashing everywhere, and Takeo Higurashi was practically going crazy. But Kagome was beyond all of that. She was still staring at him. Inuyasha had not moved or said anything at all even though hundreds of questions were being thrown at him. Instead...he kept his grounds and kept still. He almost looked identical to Sesshomaru. Kagome stumbled forward. Inuyasha was here.
Sesshomaru took his steps closer to the table, and Inuyasha followed him obediently like a dog. Since when did Inuyasha listened to anything Sesshomaru said. Sesshomaru's eyes seemed to sharpened as he reached in front of Kagome.
"Congratulations Miss. Higurashi on your engagement." All Kagome could do was stare up at him, speechless. But instead of all eyes on Sesshomaru...Kouga, Takeo, and Kagome was staring at Inuyasha. Kouga surprised that his chauffeur was a Takashi. Takeo surprised that the man he had taken for a street rat was a Takashi, and Kagome, surprised that the man she loved was standing before her once again.
"Surprised?" Inuyasha's sudden voice caused Kagome to jump. He wasn't looking at her though, but at her father instead. The mocking tone of his matched the look in his eyes. Takeo did nothing but stare back. Inuyasha smirked and then glanced at Kouga. The tenseness there was maybe even worse then ever. Kouga must have been humiliated.
"Inuyasha..." Kagome heard herself whisper. It hurt when he didn't even look at her, but instead moved on to find his seat at a nearby table. Kagome swallowed and turned away from Inuyasha's retreating figure. She forgot. He hated her. Bringing a hand up to her chest she took a step away from the table and made a dash out of the room. He hated her.
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Sango brought a hand up to her neck. The jewelry they put on her was way too heavy. She was ready to fall over. She took one last look at her image in the mirror. She was wearing a golden dress. The straps were made of tiny diamonds (that were supposedly real), and thousands of jewels were placed in her hair. She felt like a statue. Gently removing some of the jewelry from her head and placing it in her purse, Sango stepped out of the bathroom, only to run straight into someone.
"Ow!" she winced, falling back into the bathroom. She felt like an idiot.
"Sorry..." the person said, reaching down to help her up.
"It's alright. My fault..." She looked up to thank him, only to find herself looking back at familiar violet eyes. "No way..." she whispered.
"YOU!" Miroku shouted, pointing a finger at her after dropping her. Sango scrambled up.
"What? I should be saying that! What are you doing here?" she half screamed, looking down the halls. Miroku glanced with her and then back.
"You're Inuyasha's friend from Kyoto right?" he suddenly asked. Sango looked up at him.
"How did you...how do you know Inuyasha?" she asked.
"I'm his friend. His roommate! Remember we talked on the phone once...." He stopped suddenly and backed away. Sango made a fist and then pointed at him.
"YOU were the one I talked to on the phone?"
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Kagome hastily wiped her eyes and leaned over the railing. She could see the people beneath her talking happily to each other.
"I feel so stupid...." Kagome whispered. Not only had she bolted out of the room, but now Inuyasha just had to be right back in her life. Did he ever even leave it? Kagome knelt down and brought her head into her hands. She really needed a tissue at the moment. As if on queue on white handkerchief was thrust in front of her.
Kagome slowly stared at it and then looked up. A small gasp escaped her lips. She quickly stumbled up and backed away completely to the railing. He had followed her?
"What are you doing here? You're fiancé's downstairs," Inuyasha said, still holding the handkerchief out to her. All Kagome could do was stare. He ignored her just moments ago and now he had followed her?
"Just because I'm his fiancé doesn't mean I'm stuck with him by the hip," Kagome spat, her anger spilling. Inuyasha didn't smile but instead, he looked passed her.
"Great party..." he muttered. Why did it feel so awkward? "Feels like just yesterday the announcement was made. Now I'm actually here..." he was speaking in a sarcasm tone. Kagome made a fist. She should slug him again.
"What do you think you're doing?" Kagome choked out, swapping his hand away.
"I needed fresh air. You just happened to be here..." he said coldly. Kagome looked at him hard, trying to read pass the smirk on his face.
"What the hell is wrong with you? I told you that I can't go back to Kyoto. Just give it up Inu!" She held a shaky finger to him. "Why did you have to come back and make things harder?" His answer was a snort and he walked up next to her, grabbing her hand and stuffing the handkerchief in it.
"Didn't I tell you I wasn't going to give up..." he whispered into her ear, making her shiver. He pulled back, seriousness written across his face. '
"Why are you suddenly exposing yourself, Inu?" Kagome asked, her voice shaking. Inuyasha shrugged and he walked passed her.
"Why do you care? You do your stuff and I'll do mine," he spat, making her wince. Kagome turned to face him. He looked so cold from where he stood.
"Why are you acting like Sesshomaru?" She heard him let out a laugh and then he faced her.
"Maybe my true self is awakening alone with me taking my half of Takashi Corp." Somewhere in his voice told Kagome that this was not her Inuyasha. She grabbed him by the arm.
"What's wrong with you? Why are you doing this?"
"I'm not doing it for you. I'm doing it for me. I'm sick of people judging me. I'm sick of it..." he glared at her. "You made me realize it too, Kag." Kagome bit her lip.
"I know you're mad..."
"You have noooo idea," he smirked and glanced over at her. His eyes looked almost red. He snatched his arm away from her grip.
"Inuyasha.....just leave it alone. I'm getting married. There's nothing you can do about it!" Kagome shoved him backwards. Inuyasha smiled and looked away.
"That's right. You are getting married right?" he walked up to her and leaned in. "But I still won't accept it, Kag. You know how hot headed I am." He pushed passed her and towards the balcony doors. "You should be heading downstairs...." He called out and disappeared. Kagome brought a hand up to her eyes as a sob escaped her throat. What the hell was going on? What was Inuyasha trying to prove by exposing himself and coming back?
What difference would it make, accept make it harder for her to move on?
---------------------------------------------------------Inuyasha felt his cool confident self evaporate, and he felt himself break down once he passed through the balcony doors.
"Shit." He whispered leaning his back on the wall and bringing a hand to his forehead. What was he thinking? Taking Sesshomaru's god damn advice about being calm. How the hell was anyone supposed to do that when someone so dear to them was on the line?
"What am I supposed to do? God Inuyasha, pull yourself together!" he hissed. There was no way in hell he was going to lose her to Kouga. No way in hell.
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Well that's it for chapter 18. Hopefully you get the jest of it. Lol. Review please! I like reading them and they motivate me. Especially the long ones. I wanted to update because I have sports now, and I might be getting busier with school starting and all. I hope you enjoyed it so far, and I'll keep updating ASAP. Email me if you guys have any questions. I'll try my best to answer them all.
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