Last Straw
By: Ookami no Anubis
AN: Gah!!!!!!!! I haven't updated in over a year! I'll explain at the bottom. On to the fic!
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(Shippo's POV)
I woke up to the sound of Kagome's alarm. I felt her pick me up and move me to the side though I was still half-asleep. I blinked myself awake and looked over to Kagome. She was rushing around and trying to find a clean uniform. Kouga was blinking sleepily at the rush and noise. At first, I couldn't figure out what was going on, but then I remembered. I was going to Kagome's school! And then, I was getting candy and toys! I am one lucky little kitsune!
(Kouga's POV)
I woke up to a racket. First, the cursed 'alarm clock' started buzzing. Then Kagome nearly stepped on my head as she jumped up and started digging through her 'closet'. I had a good night. I had many good dreams, but all that was spoiled in the awful noise. I heard Kagome shout at me, but at first I was too sleepy to hear. Then my hearing cleared up. I really wished it hadn't.
"What are you two doing? Get up! We have to get ready! Hurry up!" Kagome shouted in her frenzy of movement. I wonder if all people are like this here. Loud and panicky. Kagome scooped up Shippo and ran out of the room to change with her usual clothing tucked under one arm.
Mrs. Higurashi popped her head in a few seconds after Kagome left and tossed me some clothes. As I changed into those annoying garments, I wondered if she was psychic, or if it was just a thing all mother's can do. I could smell breakfast, so I jammed my clothes on as fast as possible and shot down the stairs.
Ginta and Haggaku were all ready stuffing down their food by the time I arrived at the table. My food was waiting for me, so I ate as fast as possible. I noticed Kagome come into the room. She stopped, shook her head, and then sat down to her food. Man, humans were slow eaters. Souta had gotten here way before me, and he still wasn't done after I had cleaned my plate. They had it way too easy.
After what seemed like an eternity, the Kagome finished her plate and dragged us into the TV room. She started to pace in front of us like one of those 'sargents' on the TV. "All right, these are the rules for going to school and the mall. First, school. Stay out of sight, I don't want anyone seeing you. Don't make a sound. Don't touch anything, I don't want anything broken. That rule also applies to the mall. As for other mall rules, stay close to me. I don't want to have to track you down. Also, no attacking anyone or anything. Don't let anyone see your tails or ears. Do you understand?" she asked as she stopped pacing and stared at us.
She definitely looked like she should be on a military movie, so Ginta, Haggaku, and I saluted and answered. "Ma'am, yes. Ma'am!"
"That's it, no more military movies for you!" She said as she poked me in the nose.
"Kagome," Ginta whined. "That's not fair!"
"I make the rules, so you better obey them!" She declared as she loomed over Ginta. Man, Kagome was one scary female. I'm so glad that wasn't me.
Mrs. Higurashi's voice drifted out of the kitchen. "Kagome, you should be leaving soon!"
"All right mom! I'm leaving now!" Kagome shouted to her mother. "Put on your shoes and let's go!" she told us as she swung her bag onto her back. All of us put on the cursed 'hats' and 'shoes' and left out the door. I was once again confronted with the evil stairs, but I made it down without tripping.
As soon as we reached the bottom, Kagome handed Shippo to me. "All right, take him and stay in the trees. Wait, can you get around in the trees at all?" She stopped to ask.
"Of course, don't worry about us. We'll do fine." I assured her.
"That's not what I'm worried about," Kagome muttered. If I weren't a demon, I never would have caught that. I really wondered what she meant and was about to ask, when the harpies appeared down the street. "Go! Go!" Kagome said as she pushed us towards the trees. All three of us hopped up. I was glad she didn't want us to be seen. Those harpies are awful. I have no idea as to why Kagome puts up with them. I put that question away for now. I could always ask later.
"Hey Kagome! It's good to see you're finally well enough to go to school. Can we come over after school to see your cute friends again?" the one I remembered was called Eri asked.
"Yeah, I wanted to ask you if the one with the mohawk was single!" Yuka asked. I looked over at Haggaku. He had a disgusted look on his face as he looked at her. He obviously didn't like that girl.
"I'm feeling fine. I don't know if Haggaku is single. I don't think he's looking either, so giving up for now is a good idea. But, you can't come over after school. I've got homework, and then I promised to take them to the mall," Kagome told them as they started walking. I started to follow them by jumping from branch to branch and I could hear Ginta and Haggaku following.
The girls continued to talk, but I had no idea what they were talking about, so I zoned out. At least, I did until I heard them mention me. Ayumi was talking, "Isn't Kouga the one who you said was in love with you?"
"Yeah, why is he here? Did you finally dump that jerk?" Eri asked. Were they talking about Inuyasha? What did they mean by dump? More questions that I had to ask later.
"Yeah, he was in love with someone else, so we went our separate ways," Kagome replied. Yeah, they were talking about Inuyasha.
"Please don't tell me you're still hung up on him?" Yuka said. What did 'hung up' mean?
"Are you going out with Kouga now?" Eri asked. Argh! What is this 'going out'!
"No to both. I don't miss him at all and I'm not going out with Kouga," Kagome replied. I had started to notice more girls as we walked along. They were all wearing outfits that were the same as Kagome's. I wonder why? Grr, I'm so confused right now.
"Then I noticed them enter a place where all the people were wearing the same outfits. Well, the boys were all wearing one thing, while the girls wore the same style clothing as Kagome. What in the world was up with this place? Kagome went inside the building and I lost track of her.
(Kagome's POV)
As I walked to class, I mulled over my conversation with my friends. I wasn't going out with Kouga, that's for sure. But, I wondered if I ever would. Kouga may not be the brightest bulb in the store, but he was a sweetie and really seemed to care about me. My family loved him, and I really liked being around him and all the other wolves. When I had stayed in the den, I felt the safest I had ever been. I loved the sense that no matter what, I wouldn't be left behind. It felt so good to be in that huge family. Maybe I would some day be with him. For now, I have class.
I took my seat and class started shortly. I took notes furiously as my teacher went on with his speech. During a brief lull, I glanced over to the window. I thought I saw all four youkai looking into the window. The wolves were crouched on the tree branch and Shippo was looking right at me. I rubbed my eyes and shook my head, wondering if I had really seen them. I could sense them, so I guessed I had. I told them not to be seen! I'm going to get them so good… Wait, I barely believed I had seen them. No one else would believe that they had really seen something. I'll leave them alone for now. My teacher started the lecture anew, so I pushed it out from my mind and got back to work
(Kouga's POV)
Kagome glanced towards us. This is not good! I just hope she doesn't hurt us very badly, or take away the TV. She shook her head and went back to writing, I couldn't wait until this day was over. I was bored.
(later that day. Still Kouga's POV)
A bell shook me out of my dozing. Man, that thing was loud! I noticed all the people filing out and woke up my pack-mates. As soon as I saw Kagome, I started running to catch up with her. I was about to join her on the ground, but the harpies caught up. How I hate those girls. I fumed along until we reached the accursed stairs and the girls left. As soon as they were around the corner, I jumped down and I heard two thumps as Ginta and Haggaku leapt down as well. I handed the dozing kit to Kagome first thing. He was one deep sleeper, he hadn't woken up once on the way here.
"Come on guys, I'll get my money and we'll go to the mall." Kagome said as we headed up the stairs. I nearly fell down several times, but thankfully no one commented. If anything, my hatred of stairs has grown.
When we finally reached the top, I ran into the house and plopped down on the couch and turned on the TV. Ginta and Haggaku joined me shortly. We had kicked off the awful 'shoes' and pulled off the triple cursed 'hats' at the door. There wasn't a thing you could offer me that would make me wear those more than I had to.
"Don't get too comfortable, we'll be leaving again in a few minutes," Kagome told us as she walked by with Shippo in her arms. Dang it! That meant I had to wear those shoes and face the stairs again!
(Kagome's POV)
Finally home, too bad it was only for a few minutes. I told the wolves that we were leaving soon, and I noticed Kouga pale. I wonder what his problem was. He had been acting strange lately. I hope he isn't getting sick. Do demons even get sick? I'll ask Ginta later. For now, I need to get ready. I put the sleeping fox on my bed as I started to rummage around for my things.
I got my money out first. It was hidden in the back of the black hole of junk called my closet. It was the only thing that didn't get lost after I put it in there. I still haven't found my old science project, and it just barely fit in there too! I could easily lose a small kitsune, and maybe even a too curious wolf. Now for some clothes…
I need some new clothes. I've outgrown most of them since I started the quest for the shards. The waistband for this uniform's skirt was too small so it cut into my stomach all day. It took some finding, but I dug up some pants and a shirt. I'll go shopping another day though, I know the demons will hate all the noise at the mall and will want to leave as soon as possible. It's too loud for me, so I know it will be too loud for them. I hope they keep themselves in line, I don't want to deal with the damage a terrified wolf could cause in a crowded shop…
I was shaken out of my thoughts as Shippo spoke up, "Kagome, this is taking forever. Can we please go now?" I looked towards him. He was looking up sleepily from his place on my pillow.
"Not much longer now, we just have to get the wolves to put their shoes back on," I told him as I picked him up and headed down the stairs. The wolves were sprawled on the couch watching the TV. "Put your shoes and hats back on, we're leaving now," I called as I started putting on Shippo's hat and shoes.
(Haggaku's POV)
Why did she have to come now? The show was just getting good. And not only do I miss the ending, now we have to go outside with the demon 'cars' and all the people and all that cursed noise! I'm calling that adding insult to injury! Not that I have any idea what that means, really. I get the gist of it, you insult someone after you hurt them, but this place is confusing. They say one thing, but it can mean something entirely different. Like 'going out' can either mean actually going outside to places or it can mean courting someone. You have to listen to what they are saying to understand anything here. That is why I think that harpy girl wants me to court her. No way! All I want is to get home. Back where I can listen to a conversation without getting a headache. Back to where there are no evil cars, no headache inducing words, no harpy girls, and, most importantly, a place where it doesn't stink!
(Kouga's POV)
I hope we go home soon, I'm tired and I'm bored and I want to sleep in my own den. I have to pull on the shoes and hat and then go down demon stairs for the third time today. Why me?
I stuffed on the cursed things and Kagome dragged all of us out the door. Well, she dragged me out the door, Ginta and Haggaku just followed me. We had to go down the stairs, which tried to trip me. It didn't succeed! I was victorious! Take that, you, you, uh… stairs!
"Kouga, quit glaring at the stairs and move your tail!" Kagome snapped after I had been gloating silently for several minutes. What? I deserve to celebrate my victory. I gave it one more triumphant stare before I walked off.
I noticed Ginta and Haggaku staring at me like I was insane. "What are you staring at?" I snapped.
"Nothing, nothing," they both said at once. It was just one of those days…
(Shippo's POV)
I wonder why everyone is in such a bad mood. Kagome snapped at Kouga for being Kouga and now Kouga snapped at Ginta and Haggaku. Well, it doesn't concern me, so I don't care. I'm getting candy and toys! Happy day!
I saw that we were approaching a thing with a pole near it. I could see writing and a picture on the sign. I wonder what it's for? Well, I guess Kagome will explain, 'cause she just stopped in front of it.
"Sit," Kagome said. The wolves sat on the thing. I guess they knew that you are supposed to sit on that thing. Must be all that 'TV' they watch. "All right, we can't walk to the mall, so-" Kagome began, but she was cut off by Ginta.
"Why can't we walk?" he asked. That's what I want to know.
"Well, we could walk, but it would take too long. As I was saying, we will be taking the bus-" This time it was Haggaku who interrupted.
"Aren't 'buses' those big 'cars' that take people places and get blown up all the time?" Haggaku asked. Uh, if buses explode, I don't want to ride one. But wait, if it's dangerous, Kagome wouldn't make us go on it, right?
"You watch too much TV. Buses are a big version of cars that take people to where they need to go, but they don't normally get blown up, that's just in action movies. Now let me finish!" Kagome snapped. Again with the snapping, everyone is in such a bad mood. "We are taking the bus, you are to stay quietly in your seats. No harassing anyone, no moving either. Just sit and wait, do you understand?" she said as she stared at them.
"Yup," all three said at once. I agree with Kagome, they have been watching too much TV. That's when the thing pulled up and two doors on it opened in front of us. Kagome walked up the steps, taking me along with her. The wolves quickly followed.
But as soon as we got on, all of my fellow demons gagged. It smelled awful. My poor little nose. I put my sleeve over my face in an attempt to save my delicate sense of smell, it didn't help much. I could see that the wolves had also tried this, with no success. They were making disgusted faces. Kagome got tired of waiting, so she herded the wolves to a long row of seats and made them sit down. I can't tell you how long the trip was, but it was torture the entire time. A baby was crying loudly next to me and I could barely breathe because of the smell.
We finally got off at a huge building with tons of cars in front and many humans lingering at the entrance. I was nervous as we walked up, I could smell hundreds of strange scents and even though we were still outside, it was unbelievably loud. The wolf youkai froze, unsure of what would happen when they walked in. Kagome noticed that they had stopped and went back to them.
"What's wrong?" Kagome asked as they continued to hesitate.
"Nothing, let's just get this over with," Kouga said as he walked through the glass doors. I think he was just trying to impress Kagome. Sighing, Kagome followed to make sure he didn't get into trouble like he was sure to if left alone. I saw Ginta and Haggaku trail behind us cautiously.
As soon as we entered, all of us were hit with unfamiliar scents and the noise was deafening. I could fell my fur stand on end as I growled. The wolves were all growling in pain and looked ready to destroy everything in sight. Kagome grabbed Kouga's shoulder just as he was about to bolt. Ginta and Haggaku were slowly inching toward the exit, but she glared at them and they both froze and returned to where we were standing.
"Calm down, we won't be here for long. Just to pick up a few things," Kagome said as sweetly as possible. Kouga relaxed and nodded, even though it was obvious that he was still in as much pain as he had been. Kagome petted my head to calm me and started walking through the crowds.
The wolves ran to catch up and stayed right next to us. I could hear them growl each time someone bumped into them, but thankfully they didn't attack. I could tell Kagome was aware of this and she sped up to get this over with quickly. I would be happy when I had my candy and toy and was at home, away from all this! How the humans could take this was beyond me.
"All right Shippo, go pick out which candies you want," Kagome said as she set me on the ground in a store with rows and rows of candy. I hadn't realized we were here already! So much candy, I wonder if I can get all of it.
"How much can I get?" I asked as I drooled over the huge selection of sweets.
"A bag full," Kagome said as she pulled a bag from a pile. "Just show me what you want." Those bags weren't very big, so I need to consider this. I know I want chocolate, but what else?
I ran through the rows and pointed to everything that looked good. "That and that and some of that and a scoop of that…" I went on as Kagome got some of what I pointed at. The bag was full very quickly and I was a little upset that I hadn't been able to fit in some of everything. Oh well, I still had more candy than I was used to and got to try some new stuff. Wait a second, what about the wolves?
"Kagome, why don't they get any candy?" I asked as I stared at the wolves who were standing near the entrance, waiting for us.
"They didn't want anything, they just want to leave," she said as she went up to a counter and paid for my candy. I looked to the other youkai again, but I noticed something was missing. It was Kouga! Kagome noticed that the wolf prince was decidedly absent. She stomped up to the remaining two and glared at them. They started to shake from fear.
"Where is Kouga?" she asked with rage lacing her voice.
The wolves looked around and started when they realized that Kouga was not with them. " We don't know, he was just here a second ago!" Ginta said as he looked out into the crowd, trying to find the missing leader. He suddenly stopped as his gaze focused on the store across the way. "He's over there!" he said as he started heading for the store. Kagome went after him and Haggaku and I were forced to try to follow.
I was having a tough time and nearly got stepped on three times before I made it in. Kagome was looking around worriedly. She spotted me and immediately ran over and scooped me up. "Oh Shippo, I'm sorry I forgot to pick you up. Poor little guy," she said as she hugged me. I was content, but it was obvious that the wolves wanted to get a move on.
"Let's go, we have to find Kouga!" Haggaku said as he decided that this was taking long enough.
"You're right, we have to find him before he gets into trouble. Can either of you spot him?" Kagome said as she went back into what was at hand. The wolves looked, but they shook their heads.
"Sorry, we can't see him and there are too many scents here for us to pick out Kouga's scent," Ginta said apologetically. I knew what he meant, this place reeked of too many scents to even begin to even sort out one. Then we heard a growl from an area that was close by. Ginta and Haggaku shot off and Kagome followed them, muttering about stupid wolves always running off.
We quickly arrived at a counter with loads of little glass bottles everywhere and overpowering odors that stung my little nose. Kouga was growling at a woman who was holding a bottle in her hands. From here I could smell that whatever was in that bottle had been sprayed on him and he did not like it. I couldn't blame him, that stuff was way too strong.
"Kouga, leave her alone, she's just doing her job," Kagome told him as she placed her hand on his shoulder. Kouga's growl became slightly quieter, but it was clear that he wasn't giving up that easily.
"You mean it's her job to spray people with stinky sprays even though they don't want to try it?" Kouga asked, not tearing his angry gaze from her. The woman looked absolutely terrified and was shaking.
"Pretty much, now let's just go. I'm sure you don't want to stay here any longer," Kagome said, trying to placate him. Kouga gave her one last glare before turning towards Kagome.
"Let's just go already. I don't want to be here any longer," he said as he started walking towards the exit. Kagome nodded and followed him out. Nothing else interesting happened, other than that Kouga smelled like that spray so much that Ginta and Haggaku wouldn't go near him. Kouga pouted the entire way to the store that had all the toys.
We left after I picked out my toy and played with it on the bus ride home. I know Ginta doesn't like my new toy, because I hit him in the head with it on accident. He got a big bump on his head and he joined Kouga in pouting while he rubbed the lump I had given him. I told him I was sorry, but he just glared at the yo-yo and went back to pouting and glaring at the bus driver. I could hear him mutter about cursed yo-yos and that he was having the worst day of his life. The bus ride seemed a lot shorter this time and we were home shortly. As soon as we came in, the wolves collapsed on the couch and turned on the TV. Kagome had homework, so I ended up playing video games until dinner.
The meal passed in silence and before I knew it, it was bedtime. I curled up to go to sleep and listened to Kouga mutter as I drifted off. I had to agree with one thing, I didn't want to ever have to repeat this day again. I hope we go back to our time soon, this place was annoying.
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AN: I'm sure that this chapter sucked, and after you guys had waited so long... I'm sorry that I haven't updated for so long. I have a good explanation though. First, I got writer's block, then the internet went down for nearly a year! After that my computer got reformatted so I lost what I had written. And then I started school… And now you're reading a chapter that was typed when I had a fever and had a headache that could knock out a rhino. Well, that's life. Cookies to everyone who reviewed! Remember to review this chapter and no flames! I can't find my joke lists, and I couldn't tell a joke to save my life, so no joke this time. Sorry!