Chained to You
The wind blew lightly through the trees in the early morning. The dew still glistened on the grass, and the birds were just beginning to sing. From the hut nearest the forest, Miroku stepped out into the sun. He yawned and stretched, then looked towards the forest. It took him a few moments, but he saw Inu-yasha's shadow among the trees. They've had another fight, he thought. Kagome and Inu-yasha's strange love affair was starting to get old, especially since they had hit a rut in their search for jewel shards and Naraku, and that strange incarnation of his. Miroku sighed, prayed for strength during the new day, and went to speak with his dog eared friend.
"Good morning, Inu-yasha," he said as he approached the tree that Inu-yasha was sitting in. "I take it that Kagome isn't coming back any time soon?"
"Feh." Inu-yasha said.
"Well, at least you're letting her calm down. That shows that you're maturing."
"Feh."
"Don't worry, she will return. She always does."
"Don't count on it," Inu-yasha said, "She's got some new pretty boy hangin around."
"What? Kagome's with another man? But I thought the two of were- ?"
"Yeah, and that's just fine with me too," Inu-yasha lied. "I wasn't that into her anyway."
"Inu-yasha, you stubborn fool," Miroku spoke up, "I never thought you were one to give up."
"What are you talking about, monk?"
"Every time someone has spoken for Kagome, you've stepped up and fought for her," Miroku reminded him. "Kouga, Hojo, even me. You've never backed down from a situation like this. Frankly, I'm disappointed. I never took you for a coward."
"I'm not a coward!" Inu-yasha exclaimed as he jumped down from his perch in the tree. "But she's really intereste din this guy. I don't. I don't want her to be unhappy."
"She's happy with you," Miroku said as he whacked Inu-yasha in the head with his staff, "I thought that got in your thick scull by now!"
"Cut it out!!" Inu-yasha snarled as he yanked the monk's staff away form him.
"Oh, I see," Miroku said cunningly, "So you really would rather see Kagome wed to another? Oh well, I understand. It is a pity though. You know they saw that the greatest loves in history went unrequited."
"WHAT!? You think the would?" Inu-yasha whimpered at the thought. In his mind, Inu-yasha pictured Kagome at the alter, in a beautiful kimono, her face painted petal white, and that Joey guy pointing and laughing at Inu-yasha as he took Kagome's hand in his. "I can't let that happen!!" Inu-yasha declared, heading to the well.
'Sometimes I'm so wise', Mirku thought, heading back to the hut to welcome the waking Sango, 'I frighten myself.'
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"Well, look who's up this morning." Tristan said as he pulled up in front of Joey's apartment. Joey was already outside, waiting for his friends to drive by. Joey had gotten up at 6 that morning to get ready for school. He had a surprise planned.
"Hey guys," Joey said, getting into Tristan's car, next to Yugi in the back. "Is it cool if we stop by Kagome's this morning? I thought that she's like a break from having to walk to school."
"Sure, man," said Tristan. "Where's her place?"
"Sunset Shrine, on our way in. I'll point it out when we get close."
"Alright. Now hang on, kiddies, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!" Tristan said as he punched the gas.
Joey could hardly contain his excitement. In spite of Mai's unexpected visit last night, and having that strange nightmare again, he was happy. He wouldn't let either get him down. Not when he would be seeing Kagome again in just a few minutes.
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Yugi looked up at his jubilant friend. He'd never seen Joey look this happy - except when he was a eating free meal- what ever had Joey this excited was definitely on par with pizza. Yugi then looked down at his backpack. 'Huh?' he thought, 'What's that?' he opened up his pack, and inside the Millennium Key was glowing!
"Hey Yuge, what's up?" Joey asked, taking notice of Yugi's surprised face. "Dude! Is that the Millennium Key? What's that doin' in your back pack? You know Shadi said those were dangerous."
"Yeah, but this morning, I just had this weird feeling that we might need them, so I brought some of them."
"Just keep them in your backpack," Joey said, "Trust me, my Pharaoh."
"Huh!?" Yugi asked. Something was wrong with Joey's voice! His accent was gone! And he sounded older. "What did you say, Joey?"
"I told you 'keep 'em in your backpack' bud." Joey said normally, giving Yugi a questioning look, "You gettin' hard of hearin' or something?"
"Must be," Yugi said, uncertain, "You just sounded a little different. That's all."
"Tristan! Watch out for that truck!!!" Tea squealed as Tristan swerved around a huge tow truck in front of them.
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Mai watched as Joey got in Tristan's car. If she knew how guys thought, and she'd dated plenty to know how they think, Joey would get Tristan to go by his fling's place. Guys liked showing off cars and bikes, even ones that belonged to a friend. She waited a minute, to get some distance between her car and Tristan's. Then she went roaring down the road, following them as closely as she dared. She came all this way for one reason: Joey. She didn't care if he was dating a supermodel or a superhero, Mai was not letting some little girl have him without a fight.
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Kagome sat in front of her vanity brushing her hair. For once, she was not in a hurry. She woke up at a reasonable hour even though she had had a late night. She supposed it was because she wanted to see Joey again so much. Last night was the most fun she had ever had. And that kiss. She felt like she was floating on a cloud. The day was perfect, too. The sun was bright, the sky was clear, birds were singing, and a light breeze was blowing. Anything was possible on a day like this, but all that was on Kagome's mind was getting a good breakfast and heading to school to see Joey.
After she got on her socks and shoes, she grabbed her back pack and headed down stairs. She was humming a happy tune as she opened the door to the dining room.
"Good morning everyone," she said joyfully.
"About time you came down," said a familiar gruff voice.
'Oh no!' Kagome looked and sitting in her spot, was, "Inu-yasha?!?"
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The red Honda came to a screeching stop in front of the stairs to the Sunset Shrine. Tristan put the car in park, turned to his right and said, "Alright Tea, the car's stopped now." But Tea wasn't there! "Tea?" he asked. Then, he looked in the back seat, where Tea was sitting in Yugi's lap, clinging to him for dear life.
"Um, Tea," Yugi said, his face redder than a candy apple, "You can let go anytime you want to. No rush." No rush indeed for little Yugi had a perfect view down the front of Tea's shirt.
"Geez, get a room," Joey joked as he unbuckled his seat belt, and and hopped out of the car. "I'll be back with Kagome in a sec, guys."
"Hold on," said Tea through the window, "I'm getting out of this death car!" she opened her door and jumped out, followed Yugi, who added, "I've never seen a shrine before. And I bet the view's awesome from up there."
"Wait," Tristan said, getting out as well, "You guys aren't leaving me behind."
"Alright," Joey said to them as he ascended the stairs. "but let me go in alone. I wanna surprise Kagome."
"Fine with us," said Tea, as she, Yugi, and Tristan slowly followed Joey up the stairs.
'This is gonna be great', thought Joey. 'I can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees me.'
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"What are you doing back? Mom, why is he here?" Kagome asked as Inu-yasha got up and started walking towards her.
"He was sitting outside the mini shrine," Kagome's mother said. "I brought him in for some breakfast."
"I came back to say I'm sorry," Inu-yasha said. "I know I acted stupid last night, and I'm sorry I made you so angry."
"Well," said Kagome, feeling guilty about being so mad at him in the first place, "It's ok. I forgive you Inu-yasha."
"Alright," said Inu-yasha, taking Kagome's hand, "Then let's get going."
"What are you talking about?" Kagome asked, surprised, and yanking her hand away. "Don't tell me you said all that just to get me to go back to the Feudal Era with you!"
"Well, how else was I supposed to do it?"
"Typical! I should have known. I can't believe I thought you had grown up!"
"Just come back! What's one more day? Unless you're planning to go off with that Joey guy again?"
"He's got nothing to do with it!" she said, blushing. "I have a test today! I've missed too many days already"
"Then why do you look like a tomato?"
"I don't!"
"Will you two stop this nonsense." Kagome's grandfather said as he put his bowl down. "If it's not one thing it's another. I'll just call your school and tell them you're sick again. What's the harm?"
"She's been out too much, papa," said Kagome's mom. "I for one would prefer that Inu-yasha wait until she comes back this afternoon at the very least."
"Mom," Sota said, tugging his mother's sleeve.
"One minute sweety,"
"Mom, someone's at the door. Can't you hear the bell?"
"Oh my, who could it be," Kagome's mom said as she got up and went to the door.
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Mai pulled up to a stop when she spotted Tristan's car. It was parked at the stairs of some local shrine. 'So this is where the girl lives', Mai thought as she parked her car and got out.
"At least it's not the Trump Tower," she joked out loud. "But still, if I'm going to fight for Joey, I need to see what my competition looks like." And she ascended the stairs.
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"Good morning, Mrs. Higurashi," Joey said. "Has Kagome left for school yet?"
"No, Joey," she replied loudly, "It's so nice to see you again. Would you like to come in for a minute? She'll be out soon."
"Okay, where's she at?" he said as he stepped inside to the nicely decorated house. It was a lot nicer than his and his dad's apartment anyway.
"She's in the kitchen, but she'll be out shortly."
"Alright." He sat down on the couch as Mrs. Higurashi left the room. Joey looked around. The room was full of oild antiques and knick- knacks. Relics from forgotten days, and ages past. Before long, he saw Kagome come in quickly, a smile on her beautiful, radiant face. He stood up immediately, and said, eagerly, "Hey! Good morning. What's-"
'Good morning Joey," Kagome said, rushing and taking hold of his arm. "This is such a great surprise! Shouldn't we be going?"
"What's the rush?" he asked, gently pulling her away from the door. "We ain't late or nothing."
"I know," she said with a nervous laugh, "but, uh- " Before she could say anything further, an angry voice shouted at them.
"Where do you think you're going?! We're not done talking about this! And get this stupid hat off my head!"
Joey looked, and coming through the hallway, followed by Kagome's family, was the guy who Kagome argued with last night. He had on the same cap, but this time his clothes were weird. He was wearing a red kimono.
"You again?" said Joey, getting ticked. "What are you doin here in Kagome's house? And why are you dressed like that?"
"Inu-yasha works here, as my apprentice," Kagome's grandfather said, "He helps me run the shop and care for the grounds."
"You big fat liar," Inu-yasha grumped.
"Keep quiet," Kagome's grandpa nudged, "How else an I supposed to explain you?"
"Oh, I get it," said Joey, stepping forward, in between Kagome and this Inu-what's his face. "You think that just because you work here, you can mess around with the boss's granddaughter?"
"What are you babbling about?" Inuyasha snarled. "We're not messing around. I happen to have very deep feelings for Kagome." "What a load," Joey said. "I've heard all about you, man. You get jealous when she sees someone better for her, and then you go sneaking around behind her back! Guys like you make me sick when you take advantage of sweet girls like Kagome."
"Inu-yasha's not like that," Souta said, defensively, "Inu-yasha's my hero! And he looks out for Kagome, making sure bad people don't hurt her, and being there for her when she's in trouble. He's her best friend!"
Th'at's right,' she said to herself, remembering all she and Inu-yasha have been through, 'We have always stuck together.'
"Well let me tell you something," Joey said, taking Kagome's hand, blocking her from the white haired thug, " She don't need a dog like you to tell her what to do, or to run her life!"
"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?!" Inu-yasha shouted.
"I called you a dog," answered Joey, "And it's true. You're nothing but a lyin, no good dog. Come on, Kagome," he said, leading her out the door.
"Adog am I!?! I'll show you a DOG! YOU GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER!" Inu-yasha cried as he charged at Joey. Joey let go of Kagome, pushing her out of the way, and ducked, just as Inu-yash made a swing at his head, slicing through the boy's jacket instead.
When Joey looked up, he saw Inu-yasha's hat on the floor, and then, he looked up higher, at the intense, raging yellow eyes, the snarling fangs, and the pricked back dog ears!
"What? Joey stammered, "What the heck are you?!"
"You're worst nightmare!" said Inu-yasha. Then Joey looked at the freak's hands. Those weren't nails. Those were claws! And they were getting longer! 'What the heck is this?' Joey thought.
"Inu-yash, STOP!" Kagome said, getting in between in front of Joey. What was she doing? This monster could tear her to shreds!
"I've had enough of this guy," said Inu-yasha. "You're coming with me, now," he said, grabbing her up, and throwing her over his shoulder.
"Put me down!" Kagome yelled. "Are you nuts?!"
"Let her go, you freak!!" shouted Joey, coming out of his shock at what was happening.
"Feh. So long, pretty boy!" shouted Inu-yasha as he leaped through the door, carrying Kagome out with him, kicking and calling him every name under the sun.
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They had been waiting a few minutes after Joey had gone in. Yugi was fascinated by the old shrine, now a shop and a house. He loved old places like this. They held so much history. Before he could muse much longer, he heard a voice call out to the.
"Hey you guys."
Yugi turned, and said, with Tristan and Tea, "Mai!"
"Hey," Mai said back to them, acting friendly. "How are you guys? It's been a while."
"It sure has," said Yugi. "We haven't seen you since Battle City."
'I know. What are you doing here anyway," she asked.
"We're waiting for a friend," said Tea. "What about you?"
"Oh, I, uh, just came to get a good luck charm. For luck." Mai said nervously.
"Mai, I've never known you to trust to luck," said Yugi, sensing a lie.
" I, uh, have a duel today and I wanted to get something, just as a little boost of confidence. A bracelet or something, you know," Mai said, sticking with her story..
"Come on, Mai," Yugi said, "You can tell us why you're here. We're your friends."
"It's, well, complicated," she admitted.
Before they could get anything else from here, they heard voices from the house.
"Put me down! Are you nuts!"
"Let her go, you freak!!"
"Feh. So long, pretty boy!" Then, suddenly, a creature that looked half human, half dog came running out of the shrine with Kagome over his shoulder, and Joey was chasing them.
"Joey?!" yelled Yugi. "What's going on?"
"What is that?!" exclaimed Tea.
"Stop him!" Joey shouted over his shoulder, "That monster's kidnapping Kagome!"
Without a moment's hesitation, the others followed Joey and the monster to the mini shrine. They saw it carry Kagome down the well, but when they got to it, there was nothing there.
"Where'd they go?" said Joey, sounding angry, scared, and frustrated, looking around in every corner. "They couldn't have just disappeared."
'There's something funny about this well," said Yugi, pointing, "I see a weird light around it."
"I don't see anything," said Tea.
"Are you sure, Yugi?" asked Tristan.
"Positive. Let's go." Yugi said as he exchanged places with Yami. "This way!" he ordered as he and Joey jumped into the well, followed by Tristan, Tea, and Mai. But as soon as Yugi's feet touched the bottom of the well, the ground seemed to vanish out from under them! They were floating through some weird tunnel, surrounded by purple, pink, and white light.
"Yugi!" Tea cried, "What's going on!?"
"Where the heck are we?!" Tristan asked.
"What have you gotten me into this time, Yugi?" Mai demanded.
"This is a time portal," Joey stated. Yugi/Yami looked over at his friend. His voice had changed again! And for a brief moment, so had his clothes! Maybe it was the disruption in the time space continuum, or maybe it was the power of the Millennium Key, which he felt surging in his backpack, but for an instant, Joey was transformed into a man with flowing white robes and gold gauntlets on his arms. Then, in the blink of an eye, Joey was Joey again. What was this? Sorcery?
After a what seemed both a life time and a singular second, the five duelists were back in what seemed to be a normal, dried up well. They looked around, got their bearings.
"Are we still here?" Tea asked.
"No," Yugi/Yami said, "Look around you. The well is different."
"He's right," Tristan said, "These vines weren't here before."
"Neither were these bones," Yugi/Yami said squatting down and picking up a femur bone
"Bones!?!" Joey and the girls screamed. They immediately started grabbing and fighting for the vines, wanted desperately to get out of this well.
After they had calmed down, they finally managed to climb out. They had expected to be in an old shrine, but instead, they were in a forest, and dozens of butterflies were flapping their wings, having been startled by the sudden appearance of humans.
"This is so creepy, guys," Tea said
"Where are we?" Mai asked.