To the person who sent me their character for Taki (thanks…hehe) I've been debating…and I like the idea you had of her being Kenji's sister…so I'm 'gonna' use it. But it's going to take me awhile to get her in there, because the plot and climax of the story are just around the corner, so it's going to take some work figuring out how to wiggle her in. Okay the point of this chapter (since it hasn't one at all) is to start the setup of Kagome and Inuyasha's relationship. And too slowly have the mentioned two fall in love. Also the mentioned building in this story is false…even the tournament is false. (That goes to the person who asked me that.)
Sion Barzahd is Sion from the Playstation 2 video game called The Bouncer. All right for those of you who've never played this game…what are you stupid? Just kidding. If you are wandering, I know Sion's name doesn't sound Japanese but I promise you in the game he looks just like any other anime character. (Only cuter-sorry he's my favorite character of all time…I couldn't help myself.) If you seriously don't know who he is, just drop into the review section, leave your email address and I'll send you a picture of him…if you don't feel comfortable leaving your email address then email [psycokitty15(at) aol (dot) com] me and I'll email you back…but not before you review, o_-.
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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Oh how do I hate the…let me count the ways.
Kagome sighed as she dug her face deeper into her pillow. It was hard and warm, but comfortable. It had a tranquil earthy scent. Kagome felt something brush against her cheek. She couldn't help but smile as she felt her bangs being brushed away from her face. Kagome slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze was fuzzy at first, but once her weary eyes focused on her surroundings, she realized she was in someone's arms. Kagome subconsciously glanced up to see Inuyasha's sleeping face. Kagome smiled up at him in her drowsy state.
Kagome had no idea why she was letting him touch her. But for some odd reason she…she liked it there. She would chew him out later. Kagome laid her head back down on the dog demons T-shirt before she drifted back off to sleep.
~*~*~*~
Miroku glanced around his seat to see how Kagome and Inuyasha were doing. The biggest grin possible slid across his face.
Miroku hastily tapped Sango on the shoulder and then pointed at the back seat 'couple'. Sango followed Miroku's gaze when the evilest smirk possible burned into her cheeks.
"Awe…how cute. They're sleeping together." Miroku sighed.
Sango rolled her eyes. "You know they're just acting to piss Kikyo off."
Miroku nodded, "yeah, but don't you think it would be funny if they got together in the end."
Sango shook her head no, "No, I think it would be bad…" She leaned in close and whispered in Miroku's ear. "I'm not so sure it's safe. I mean it's okay for humans and demons to mix cause I mean Inuyasha's parents did it. But…"
"But what?"
"But I honestly don't think it would be a good idea to mix demon and miko blood…I'm afraid something bad might happen. Like their child might, you know…die. Or even worse, something terrible might even happen to Kagome."
Miroku looked at his girlfriend with a raised eyebrow. "I didn't say anything about having kids…I just thought they would make a cute couple."
Sango sighed. "You and I both know that those two are perfect for each other. What do you think could happen if they did end up…well, you know, falling in love.
Miroku nodded sadly. "First comes love, then comes marriage."
"Then comes Inuyasha with a casket."
~*~*~*~
Kagome was just in the middle of a really good dream about Brad Pitt as a vampire; you know that movie Interview with a Vampire? He was just about to tell Kagome that he loved her when Kagome felt her body jerk and she fell to the harsh reality of the bus floor.
Kagome moaned as she glanced around at all the other people moaning in pain from the harsh halt. The bus had stopped.
Rei quickly stood up in front of the teenage mass. "Ok folks we're stopping for some gas. If you need to go to the bathroom, please do so now. We won't be stopping until lunch."
Kagome glanced down at her watch: Ten thirty.
Inuyasha stood up before he hastily grabbed Kagome's arm and pulled her up on her feet. "You alright, Kagome?"
"Yeah."
"I'm 'gonna' go buy a bag of chips or something. You want anything?"
Kagome thought for a moment, "no…I'm fine."
"You sure? I don't mind."
Kagome smiled. "Can I have some gummy worms."
Inuyasha smirked. "Candy hmm? And you haven't even had breakfast. Well aren't you the little rebel." And with that, he disappeared off the bus leaving a banged and bruised Kagome behind.
Kagome glanced around the bus; half the people had left. Kagome smiled and waved over at her sister. Kikyo just scowled at Kagome. Ha…in your face…in your eye!
Katsumi giggled as she leapt back to the back of the bus and wrapped an arm around Kagome's neck. "My Kagome. I didn't know you were such a 'lil' player…you pimp you."
Kagome smirked before she hung her arm around Kitty's shoulder. " P-I-M-P." Kagome laughed in a mocking voice.
~*~*~*~
Inuyasha groggily pushed through the gas station's glass doors and paced up and down the short aisles until he found a bag of Potato Chips and Kagome's gummy worms, his CD player at hand; the music blaring into his ears. Asuka giggly ran up and jumped on Inuyasha's back wrapping her arms around his neck and locking her legs around his waist. She removed his headphones and whispered evilly into his ear. "How's my favorite dog demon?"
"Hey Asuka." Inuyasha moaned, not really paying much attention to the monkey on his back.
"Well gee aren't we the grumpy old grandpa." Asuka laughed as she slid off his back and handed him his headphones. "So…since when did you and Kagome get so friendly?"
Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders as he examined a pack of tempting caramel candies. "I didn't know we where."
Sweat drop.
"I was right." Spike snickered loudly as he walked up next to his stepsister. "I knew I was right that night Kagome sang at 4-C…" Spike began poking Inuyasha's cheek irritatingly. "Inuyasha's in LOVE…and don't deny it either."
Inuyasha just shrugged his shoulders again. "I didn't deny anything."
Asuka and Spike looked at each other excitedly, "AWWWEEEEE!"
"Just not with her." Inuyasha interrupted without even glancing away from his caramels.
Asuka and Spike both sighed in unison.
"Oh come on." Asuka groaned.
"I dare you to say that to my face with a straight face." Spike challenged.
Inuyasha turned around and stared Spike right in the eyes…
~*~*~*~
Damn it! Inuyasha growled as he stomped across the pavement towards the bus. I really hate those two. Poor Inuyasha had failed his little tribulation. Spike and Asuka are never going to let me live this down.
~*~*~*~
That night Kagome sat on her bed alone in her hotel room. It had been a pretty weird day, what with acting like she was dating Inuyasha. Dear God what was I thinking. But for some odd reason he was all she could think about. It was as if his image was burned in her mind, his laugh and voice rang through her ears, and his scent flowed through the air around her. "DAMN HIM!" Kagome screamed as she chucked her pillow across the already trashed room.
Kagome moaned as she collapsed on her back and stared up at the ceiling. I have a boyfriend already, what am I doing? But even though she told herself how foolish she was acting she couldn't help but close her eyes and dream about the day she had had with him today. Kagome winked open one eye and glanced up at the clock, eleven thirty. God it was good to get off that bus. Kagome had a cramp in her back from where she had been sitting all day. I suppose I'm just acting foolish. God help me.
~*~*~*~
Sango, Katsumi, and Asuka blindly walked along the hotel hallway side by side by side, chatting away about what ever came to mind.
"I think it's funny." Katsumi laughed. "I mean come on just think about it. I can see the newspaper headlines now." She joked. "Extra-extra read all about it. ' Worlds Worst Enemies Patch Things Up and Talk about the Up Coming Wedding'."
Asuka burst into giggles. "I have to admit it's something I never would have suspected…Kagome and Inuyasha…."
Sango sighed. "Although I think it's not a very good idea…I think that even though they've hated each other since day one…I agree with Miroku…they are suited for each other."
Katsumi nodded. "Yeah. I know what'cha mean. Those two act like they despise one another. But, they do have a lot in common."
Asuka pumped her fist in the air. "I think we should try and hook 'em' up."
Sango stared at the carpet floor skeptically as Katsumi pushed the elevator call button and began waiting for it to arrive. "I don't know you guys…what if I'm right…I, I'm scared for Kagome."
And just like clockwork, Sango heard a small ding before the doors separated. The trio pilled into the metal box and pushed the level three button. The doors closed slowly after a pause for any other passengers. And then the elevator jerked up to it's requested floor before the doors parted like the Red Sea and let the girls escape.
Katsumi placed a hand on Sango's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry Sango…I bet it's nothing. I'm sure nothing could happen."
Sango smiled. "Your probably right." But that still didn't change the fact that she was worried about her friend.
~*~*~*~
The next day Kagome quickly got up at exactly seven o'clock. She hurriedly jumped in the shower, right after Kikyo was done. Kagome quickly washed her hair and body before she jumped out and let the next person in line go. Kagome hastily dried her self off and blow-dried her hair, occasionally readjusting the towel wrapped around her body.
Once she was dry, she ran out of the bathroom and over to her corner of the room where all her things were pilled up. She pulled out a pair of black denim jeans, a red short sleeve T-shirt with an advertisement for West Coast Choppers, and her favorite pair of black converses. Kagome put on all her cloths, black bra and underwear first. And then pulled her hair back into a ponytail before she put on her small amount of makeup. Miraculously getting all this done before eight.
Kagome ran out the door grabbing her key on the nightstand on her way. She glanced around and smiled when she saw Spike walking out of his room. "Shall we Mrs. Matsumoto?" Kagome giggled as she held out her arm to him.
Spike laughed. "Why thank you kind sir." He linked his arm with hers before the two bound off for the hotel's continental breakfast on the first floor. "So…" Kagome giggled. "How're you and Rei doing?"
Spike's cheeks turned bright red before he hung his head, shielding his eyes with his bangs. "She doesn't like me." He sighed.
"Nonsense." Kagome assured. "I think she thinks you're cute." Kagome reached up and pinched Spike's magenta cheek in a motherly way. "My baby boy's all grown up." She cooed.
Spike just rolled his eyes as the two made their way down the steps and headed off towards the free buffet. "Kagome…I love you to death. But I swear sometimes I want to kill you."
Kagome laughed. "Same here."
~*~*~*~
Inuyasha sat alone at his table in the corner of the hotel's miniature restaurant. He kept his gaze on the smoke flowing over the top of his hot chocolate. Inuyasha subconsciously stirred the mix with his little red straw. He never even noticed the waitress standing before him until she cleared her throat.
Inuyasha quickly snapped out of his daydream and stared up at the girl.
"May I take your order, Hun?"
Inuyasha gazed her over; she looked to be about thirty or forty. She reminded him of his aunt, Misao.
"Uh…yeah, I guess I'll take a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit."
The woman smiled. "Alright-y then." She took the menu from him and left, leaving the black haired boy to his meditation. It was then that he noticed Spike and Kagome come gallivanting through the door, laughing together.
Inuyasha shook his head in despair, until the second his eyes locked onto Kagome he felt like his sulky depressed mood just vanished. God I hate her.
"Inuyasha." Kagome exclaimed happily as she drug Spike over to the dog demon in camouflage's table. "Mind if we sit with you?"
Inuyasha shook his head no; "I don't care." And instantly Kagome took one of the spare seats forcing Spike into the other.
"Me and Spike were just talking about that time he rode his moped off the roof of his house and into his pool." Kagome snickered.
Inuyasha grinned at the memory of that incident. It was one for the ages.
"I don't see why you think it's so funny. I've still got scares from that." Spike whined.
Kagome rolled her eyes. "You're the idiot who pulled the stupid stunt…I wish I could have done it…I bet it was awesome."
Sweat drop.
"Uh…so, what's this big party thing that we're going to today supposed to be like, Inuyasha?" Spike asked hastily trying to change the subject, fearing that Kagome might try and sky dive off the table or something.
Inuyasha sat back in his chair and folded his arms behind his head as a smirk spread from ear to ear across his face. "It's the best place to pick up girls."
Kagome glared at the black haired ego freak. "Inuyasha…you-you, uh you PIG! Is that all you think about is sex."
"Feh."
~*~*~*~
Later that day
Kagome stared up at the large glass dome in awe as she stepped out of the parked bus. The Peace-center was truly a beautiful building, with its shiny glass mirror like exterior. It was huge, larger than almost all the tall skyscrapers surrounding it. It was an emporium.
"It's big ain't it?" Inuyasha asked as he glanced down at the 'nicer' Hirugashi.
Kagome only nodded, her eyes still glued onto the dome.
Inuyasha smiled. "It's said that you could fit four football fields stacked on top of each other in there. According to the places web site they have over one hundred and fifty rooms in there and ten arenas."
"Are you sure this is a peace-center." Kagome gasped.
Inuyasha nodded. "Texas State Peace-Center…biggest one in the world."
"Okay people." Rei announced as she took her spot in front of the Deep Forrest High Crowd. "Let's go." She ushered leading her fellow team members through the glass double doors.
The coach speedily walked across the lobby and up to the registration counter. A scary snake looking woman peeked her head over the counter to stare at the short man. She had big round glasses that magnified her eyes to the size of apples. And her hair was pulled back in an incredibly tight bun on the back of her head that made it look like her hair was going to rip out at any second. "May I help you." She growled sternly, almost in a rude manner.
Coach Hiei just smirked as he handed the woman a stack of papers. "We're here for the tournament…Deep Forrest High School."
The woman nodded as she quickly typed away at her computer. "I see…here." She handed Coach Hiei a piece of paper. "Sign at the bottom.'
He amazingly obeyed his order.
The Serpent snatched the paper from him once he was done. "How many people are in your party?"
Coach Hiei turned around and counted the heads. "Nineteen."
The woman tossed over a pack of wristbands; you know those ones that once you've snapped it on it never comes off until you cut it. He absently handed them to his daughter, keeping one for himself, and she passed them out.
"The tournament is held in arena four; third floor." The lady snapped before she disappeared back under the large counter.
"This way." Rei announced, once again becoming their tour guide.
The small group followed the rude viper's directions taking the steep stairs all the way to the third level. They wandered around for a few minutes before they finally fount a door labeled arena four. The team entered through the doors, their jaws dropping at the sight of the large cluster of people in the room. They room was massive but it was the decorations and the crowd that really got your attention.
The room or arena was made to look like a dance club; there was at least two to two-hundred and fifty couches strayed around the walls, and there was a polished dance floor in the middle. The place was lightly lit; most of the light was the strobe lights centered on the dancing mass. And at the front of all this there was a giant stage with a band playing their hearts out to the crowd.
Kagome glanced over at a fore wall seeing a free concession stand pilled high with pizza boxes.
"Somebody pinch me." Kagome sighed as her eyes hypnotically locked onto the disco ball.
Asuka nearly made poor Kenji faint when she grabbed his wrist and pulled him out onto the dance floor. "Come on lets dance."
Kagome uneasily staggered over to an empty couch and collapsed onto the plush cushion. "…"
Inuyasha smirked as he stood before her, red lights beaming behind him. "Is it too much for 'ya' already? Feh."
Kagome gazed up at him in bewilderment as he sat down on the seat beside her. "You…you don't understand. I…I didn't know it was going to be this big." She stuttered.
"So…does it really matter."
Kagome shook her head, finally letting everything sink in and returning too normal. "Well yeah…the Style Off, stupid. I was kind of hoping I could win."
"Nah…don't worry about it…" he leaned in softly whispering in her ear. "Besides Miss miko…it's not until Thursday. So don't sweat it." And with that the amber-eyed boy stood up and walked away leaving the perplexed Kagome behind.
Kagome watched the Inuyasha's retreating figure until it was completely lost in the crowd. Just when Kagome was going to stand up Ryoko and Hiro sat down beside her, putting Kagome inside a sandwich.
"Why so glum chum?" Ryoko asked enthusiastically.
Hiro smiled, "if I'd known Kagome, I would have seen if I could have gotten PACK up there." He notioned towards the band singing on the stage. "I think you should try singing at 4-C again sometime. You and Katsumi seemed to nock the socks off of my customers."
Kagome smiled at the twenty-one year old blue Mohawk wearing man. "No thank you, Hiro. It was fun and all but I made a promise to myself to never do that again."
He smirked as he ruffled her hair. "Ah come on Hirugashi you're like a sister to me. I would never force 'ya' squirt."
Kagome sighed as she bushed her frizzy hair back down.
Suddenly the band stopped playing as the lights shot up, blinding the teenage mass. Kagome watched as the band stepped back and let a tall man walk up to the microphone. The man was, dare I say it…gorgeous. He had sleek shoulder length black hair. And surprisingly pale skin. But it was his cloths that fascinated Kagome. He had on a long flowing red velvet overcoat. A silky off white shirt with lacy sleeves and collar, fancy black pants, and black leather dress shoes. He looked like a noble man from the seventeenth century; he had vampire stamped all over him…although he had a large silver cross dangling from around his neck.
He smiled out at the multitude. "Welcome." His voice echoed. "To the annual High School Martial Arts Tournament…."
Kagome leaned over towards Ryoko. "Who's that?"
Ryoko just smiled. "That's Dante Doi. His company sponsors the tournament."
"Wow." Kagome gasped. "He sponsored all of this…he must be filthy rich."
Ryoko snorted. "You have no idea."
"How old is he?" Kagome continued with a raised eyebrow.
"Some where in his mid twenties…he's handsome isn't he?"
Kagome nodded. "Hell yes."
"I am delighted to see such a crowd." Dante continued. "What an excellent turn out."
"Yes." The woman beside him cheered. She was an attractive woman, but her cloths were just a little revealing. Her body was incredibly curvy. She had on a tight black blouse that she had buttoned only about once or twice, showing off her abnormally large cleavage. Dear God it's like the Grand Canyon. And her olive green mini skirt was way two short, advertising her long tan thighs. She wore black fishnet pantyhose and purple high heels. She looked to be maybe twenty-nine thirty. She had bright curly red hair; I mean really curly red hair. And to top it all off she was decked out with jewelry. "I agree with Mr. Doi…I do believe I've never seen such a crowd with so many potentials."
"Potentials?" Kagome asked. "Who's that lady?"
"That's Demona Sigfreed…she's a really famous talent scout."
"Talent scout? Scout for what?"
"For everything." Ryoko exclaimed dramatically. "Movies, magazines, advertisements, she even turned the guy who won two years ago into a pro boxer…she's like the god of professionalism."
"Professionalism?" But Kagome's question went unanswered.
"Wouldn't you say so Sion?" Demona asked motioning for the boy behind her to step forward. He did so stepping from out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
Kagome's eyes locked onto him. He was hot, no doubt about that. And he only looked to be about sixteen or seventeen years old. "Who's that?" Kagome asked eagerly.
Ryoko smirked as she kept her eyes on the stage. "That's Sion Barzahd. He's the winner of last years tournament…can you believe he's only sixteen. He's the youngest person to ever win; he's a junior. Most of the time it's always been an upper classmen…but he won his sophomore year."
Kagome's jaw dropped as she eyed him. He had spiky brown hair and a lean and yet well tanned muscular body. His cloths suggested he had had a rough upbringing. And almost as if on instinct Ryoko added: "And shockingly enough he's an orphan. I read about him on the tournaments web site. He lives with Demona now, in his biography it says that he lived alone, and that he had to pay for everything by himself before he won last year." Ryoko turned to Kagome and smirked. "Now he'll never have to work again…but get this…when he was a freshman, he lied about his age so he could become a bouncer for a bar…how cool is that?" (You have to know the game to understand that…sorry…if you want that's another thing I can email you about.)
Kagome nodded, still eyeing his apparel: a black Led Zeppelin T-shirt. A red jacket with no sleeves and a navy blue hood, denim capris with multiple chains hanging from them, a pair of black Vans tennis shoes, and a black dog collar with a cross bones tag. (For game critics…I know that's not what he wears in the game, and that he's actually nineteen…sorry but I didn't know how to describe his outfit properly and I thought that his actual age would be too old for my story…please forgive me.)
Sion just nodded, he had a sad and sulky look to him, and yet even though Kagome was sitting faraway from him she could tell there was great anger in his eyes.
Demona eagerly continued: "well I would just like to say that I wish everyone the best of luck. I hope you enjoy the festivities."
Kagome glanced over at another man standing beside Sion. The man looked well…like a sleek greedy crook and that was putting it lightly. "Who's that guy, Ryoko?"
Ryoko sighed. "Only the biggest rat to ever live. That's Gore Leblanch…he's the guy who owns the Peace-center."
Kagome glared at the man. He had a cocky look to him; she didn't like him already. He had long dark brown hair that he pulled back in a ponytail. His face was long and narrow, and covered in scares. And his cloths looked like they were covered in mothballs. He wore an ugly 70's dark brown Swede suit. A Hawaiian print, button up under shirt under his jacket. Brown pants that matched his Swede jacket. And steel toed cowboy boots. He looked like a bad Saturday Night Fever Extra.
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Okay Dante Doi, Demona Sigfreed, and Gore Leblanch are mine. But if you want you can have Gore…or Demona…I hate them, but Dante's mine. Sorry I based him on one of my favorite anime characters (Shido from Nightwalker, if you've never heard of it you should check it out.) I bolded what the people on the stage were saying…just so you wouldn't get them mixed up with what Kagome and Ryoko were saying, and so you would get the feel of them speaking over the intercom.
