Disclaimer: You know, I think I love Inuyasha more than books... And that's saying something people! But sadly, I do not own Inuyasha, as of yet...
A/N: Ah, I'm so sorry I haven't updated lately! If you haven't read my bio, a friend of my band died last Saturday, and I haven't felt like writing anything. But I know that you guys are itching for the next few chapters, which I'm gonna write ASAP. I know what it's like to wait when you wanna read the next chapter, and it's not there! So I'm writing and updating as fast as I can. Anywayz, here ya go. Enjoy!
Life of a TeenagerChapter 15: The Village Miko and Inuyasha's Forest
Everyone stared in shock at the petite girl asleep in Inuyasha's arms. They were in the Feudal Era?! And she had done it? Remembering the glowing light that had blinded everything, it made sense. But how? That was the real question. Looking around, they noticed nothing. Not even... the Demon Gang? Where were they? Cradling Kagome to his chest, Inuyasha stood up. The rest of the gang followed. They were tense now, edgy, waiting for the expected attack that never came. It was as if the rival gang had disappeared into thin air. Making a decision, Inuyasha turned to the rest of the gang, ready to take charge, when he noticed them staring at Kagome and him. "What?" he questioned, unnerved. "What are you staring at?" Wordlessly, Sango pointed at his and Kagome's clothes. Looking down, he realized for the first time that they were dressed differently than usual. While he had been wearing jeans and a T-shirt, and Kagome had been wearing somewhat of the same, they wore completely different things now. Kagome was dressed in red pants that fell all the way to the bottom of her feet, which were in old-fashioned wooden sandals. Her shirt was white, with overlapping edges, and her hair was pulled back into a low ponytail. It was longer and straighter as well, he noticed, and her bangs were cut in a line, where they had been somewhat messy before. He, on the other hand, was wearing what seemed to be baggy red pants and a matching red outer coat, with a white one underneath. It seemed to be made of some sort of fur, but was very light, all the same. His hat was also gone, he noticed faintly. All in all, Kagome looked like one of the priestesses of old, and he was a demon that had no need to hide his heritage. Shaking his head in confusion, he ignored it for now and turned back to the group. "The first thing we'll need to do is find somewhere to spend the night. Failing to do that, we need to make camp. Kagome is completely drained and needs rest," he said, ignoring the blush he could feel on his cheeks and the knowing looks he was getting from the group. For some odd reason, Kouga was glaring at Kagome as Inuyasha held her in his arms. Inuyasha raised an eyebrow; what was his problem? Unexpectedly, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise, and he growled faintly at Kouga, as if warning him off. Kouga returned with a growl of his own, tensing up for an attack. The rest of the group stood back and stared in shock; what the hell was going on? "Um, Inuyasha, Kouga? Kagome still needs a place to sleep and we're gonna need some food before night falls," Miroku put in. Blinking, the two turned to look at him, faintly bewildered looks on their faces. Shaking his off, Inuyasha headed determinedly toward the forest, leaving the gang to follow.
It was almost sunset when they came across the village. Nestled in the hills with the forest surrounding it, they probably never would have found it if Inuyasha hadn't smelled it. Kouga was pissed at this; his sense of smell was better than Inuyasha's and he should have smelt it first. Ignoring the malevolence that was coming off the wolf demon in waves, Inuyasha continued on, determined to find shelter for Kagome before night fell completely. But as the group walked into the village, they noticed the looks they were receiving from all of the villagers. Many were pointing at Kagome and Inuyasha, as if expecting something from them. Slowly, one by one, the entire village came out of their huts and began whispering. When the gang reached the center of the village, the whispering hushed and the crowd parted to reveal an old woman, dressed in the same attire as Kagome. Slowly, she walked forward, as if expecting them to attack at any moment. The group looked at one another, confused. Finally, Miroku stepped forward, self-appointed spokes person. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you possibly spare a room for us? One of the members of our ga- uh, group, has been injured and needs rest," he asked, quickly correcting his mistake. The old woman looked up at Miroku, peering into his face, as if searching for something. Then she walked over to Inuyasha to peer into Kagome's face. Inuyasha growled a faint warning when she tried to take a hold of Kagome's face and turn it towards her, away from Inuyasha's chest. Looking up at Inuyasha, the old woman ignored his growls and turned Kagome's face towards her. She inhaled sharply when she finally got a look at her, and stepped back. Peering around at the group, she finally nodded and motioned for them to follow her, still without speaking a word. Confused, the group followed her, just as silently. Who was this old woman? And why was she so shocked to see Kagome? These questions and more raced through the group's minds as they made their way through the silent village. Reaching a hut that was slightly farther away from the rest, they entered and took seats around the fire. Carefully, Inuyasha arranged Kagome in his lap, making sure he didn't disturb her sleep. The gang watched this with smiles on their faces, happy to see Inuyasha's famed sensitive side. That is, everyone except Kouga. He watched the two with eyes that glowed red in the firelight. No one seemed to notice, though. Once everyone was seated, they turned and faced the old woman expectedly. She was peering at Inuyasha and Kagome, a small smile on her face. Finally, she turned to the group at large and spoke. "Ye have traveled long." It was a simple statement. Everyone nodded in agreement. Her eyes settled on Inuyasha. "Ye are Inuyasha, are ye not?" she asked. Shocked, he could only stare at her in astonishment. "How the hell do you know who I am, old hag?" he asked harshly. She ignored the insult and answered his question. "Only two people have ever been able to travel safely through Inuyasha's Forest. Inuyasha himself and the priestess Midoriko, who passed from this world fifteen years ago," she replied. Inuyasha's eyes widened at the name of the forest, then he glanced down at the woman asleep in his arms, her breath even and deep. Well, she was the reincarnation of Midoriko... He looked back up when the old woman spoke again. "I believe it is safe to assume that yonder girl is Midoriko's reincarnation?" she questioned. Silently, everyone nodded. She sighed. "I thought as much," she murmured. "Ye may call me Kaede. I am priestess of this village," she said. "And who might ye be?" Everyone turned to Inuyasha, silently asking if this was all right. Slowly, he nodded, scooting backward until was pressed against a wall. He didn't want anyone sneaking up on him while he slept. Inuyasha was almost asleep, listening to Miroku and the others introduce themselves. Slowly, he slipped into sleep, lulled by the sound of Kagome's quietly beating heart.
"My name is Miroku. I descend from a long line of powerful priests and monks." "I'm Sango, a demonslayer trained in the arts from the age of five." "My name's Ayame. If you can't tell, I'm a wolf demon, as well as Kouga over there. We have accepted this group as our pack, but Kouga still has the odd wolf to do his bidding outside of the group." "I'm Shippo, a kitsune with shapeshifting abilities." "My name is Souten. I'm a thunder demon, though I'm still young and my older brother's are training me still." As the group concluded their introductions, they began to curl up into sleeping positions. Shippo and Souten were curled up in a ball so tightly that the rest weren't really sure where one began and the other ended. Miroku was leaning against a wall like Inuyasha, while Sango was sleeping next to the fire near his feet. She wasn't willing to admit it, but she still wanted to keep a close eye on the monk. God, what could have happened if Kagome hadn't been there...! The demonslayer felt a depth of gratitude for the young Miko and swore to protect her from that moment on. Kouga was asleep near the door, Ayame not too far from him, by the fire. Kaede looked around at everyone asleep, lingering on Inuyasha and Kagome. As she watched, Kagome shivered slightly as a breeze blew into the room through the door. Instinctively, Inuyasha tightened his hold and pulled her closer to his chest, warming her in seconds. Kaede smiled slowly; these two seemed to find each other no matter what lifetime they were in. It seemed they truly were meant to be...
A/N: Aw, so cute! This chapter's a little short and I'm sorry about that... Words have been a bit difficult lately. But for all the fluff luvers out there, this is one of your chapters! And be warned, things will get a bit more... Hmm, how to put it... intense? Anywayz, I'll update ASAP, I know I promised you guys more chapters, and you'll get them! School's just been kinda hectic lately... Not to mention my love life! I've finally decided I'm going to put aside the crush I've had on this guy since 7th grade, and considering that I'm in 10th, that's been a while... So now I'm focusing on this guy I just found who's also a MAJOR Inuyasha fan, if a bit crazy... But enough about me, see you guys next chappie! :P