Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters. Rumiko Takahashi does.
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Keeping The game a secret wasn't the hard part. No, that my friends was the easy part. The part that Kagome couldn't get around was waiting. Sure, for Kagome's whole life she had been a patiant girl. And Kikyo had not been. But now, it appeared Kagome and Kikyo changed places. Kikyo was waiting for the perfect moment to get Kagome back, and waiting was apart of revenge.
Presently, Kagome sat in her aunts large living room. She was watching some stupid cartoon on the large black flat screen t.v. The black leather couch that Kagome sat on was bliss. Everything in this mansion was pure bliss. But Kagome wasn't paying much attention to the way everything felt.
If Kikyo strikes at me, what will I do to get her back? It has to be just as good or better then what she'll do to me. But, then when will she strike? Oh I hate games! Souta was always the pro at them, not me! Kagome was beyond frustrated. Why did she agree to this in the first place? And what kind of prize was Inuyasha? She didn't want that jerk! But then, winning a prize doesn't always mean you have to want it.
Kagome couldn't just stay here. If she did she was going to go insane because of her own thoughts. I know! I can go explore Hawaii! I haven't done that! Kagome pushed herself up and walked out of the room to the flight of stairs up to her brother's room.
"Souta?" Kagome stuck her head into Souta's door way and wasn't surprised to find her little brother and cousin playing video games in his room.
"What! Can you see I'm playing a game!" Souta yelled over the blasting t.v
"Just tell Tyoshi I went out for a walk if she asks where I am."
"Yeah ok!" Souta used one hand to grab a pillow that was next to him, and threw it at Kagome's head. "Just get out of my room!"
Kagome glared as she took a few steps back then slammed Souta's door closed. "Fine! Jeez take a hissy fit!" Kagome rolled her eyes before jumping the stairs two steps at a time and landed on the marble floor infront of the door. Kagome straightened her blue jean skirt and navy blue long sleeved shirt then opened the door and was blinded by the sunlght instantly.
Kagome shielded her eyes with her arm, then began to walk around the fountain. Kagome stopped and stared at the statue with the odd girl in armor stood. She was very beautiful and looked familiar but she couldn't tell how. Kagome shrugged it off and walked out of the large gates that Kagome and Souta had gone through in the limo when they first arrived.
Kagome walked along side the sidewalk and stared around her. There were many huge houses but nothing like her aunts. Kagome knew this was the rich side of town. She supposed that when she attended a school it would most likely be a private school. Kagome had never been to a private school before. Any school was bad if Kikyo attended at it. The poor studants.
Children around her were laughing and screaming from happiness. Playing ball, hop scotch, you name it. Kagome smiled at the children. One time at one point, she had been that happy. Kagome's smile faulted alittle as she continued on her way. What happened...?
Kagome walked past malls and cafés with people crowded in them. Kagome let out a soft sigh when she realised she had no money on her. Just my luck.. Kagome shrugged alittle but continued on her way.
There was no daubt this place was beautiful. The houses, shops, the entire place ingeneral was beautiful. Better then Tokyo. But at the same time not even close. Kagome shook her head when she realised she was thinking to much. Bad habit's.
Kagome stopped in a few places to go window shopping. Knowing almost everything was to much to buy. She suddenly stopped at a book shop and stared in the window. Different kinds of old books were in the show case, some about histroy, some about what could have happened. Kagome was a sucker for mythogicol books because of everything her grandfather told her. Even with no money, Kagome decided to go in the shop just to browse.
The shop was small, alittle dingy, but had book shelves all over the free spaces of the room. Kagome didn't want to sound mean, but she wondered why a little, not as expensive as the other shops, was doing over in this part of town. Kagome walked over one shelf and skimmed her finger over the books.
"Ah, I can tell you like the fantasy books... am I right?" Kagome jumped alittle and nearly caused a book to fall off the shelf. Kagome turned around quickly and was greeted by on old women. Maybe in her sixties. She had gray hair pulled into a tight bun and an eye patch over one eye.
Kagome nodded. She watched as the old women walked to a shelf over to Kagome's right and looked the shelf up and down. "I have plenty of those... but one that stands out very much and for most.. Where is it.."
Kagome watched the old women reach up high then she could, but managaed to grab a hard covered novel looking book. She walked over to Kagome and handed her the book. "This book holds every story this has ever been... I haven't let anyone see it, but you look appropriate enough.."
Kagome stared at the women without a word then glanced down at the book. It was greatly detailed with flowers, tree vines and a large tree in the middle of the book. Kagome ran her fingers over the markings and smiled alittle. "SenGoku Jidai..." Kagome muttered to herself.
"Many stories are in there I'm sure you'll enjoy. Most of which circle around the Tree of time."
Kagome looked up into the women's one dark black eyes. "Tree of time?"
The women nodded. "The Tree of time is a large tree that has been around for five hundred years. The tale of the tree is in the book."
Kagome's eyes widened alittle. "The.. The Tree of time that is presently in Tokyo at the Higurashi shrine?"
The women nodded. "Yes. You know of it?"
Kagome nodded, then looking back down at the book. "I used to live at the shrine.. before I had to move that is... I never knew there was a book about the tree though."
"You are a Higurashi?"
"Kagome. Kagome Higurashi. And may I ask who you are?"
"Kaede. The owner of the book store. Would you like this book?"
Kagome looked up, then shook her head no. "I didn't bring any money with me."
"I shall loan it to you. Until you can pay me back." Kaede smiled alittle at the shocked face from Kagome. "How's that?"
"Oh.. I don't know.."
"I insist." Kaede nodded. "Did you enjoy the Tree of times?"
Kagome ran her finger over the tree on the book and nodded alittle. "I did. All my memories are with that tree. I got so used to it."
Kaede turned to the window and gazed out of it. "There is a tree quite similar to the Tree of time around here. It is known as the Tree of ages and it is also in that book. It is in the forest just down the street. Do you wish to see it? Most people don't even know it exists."
Kagome looked up. The Tree of ages and the Tree of times. Kagome's grandfather had told her about the tree's often when she was just alittle girl. Souta was to young to remember the tales, but Kagome remembered many. Her grandfather was her number one favourite person. The book looked so tempting, and going to see the Tree of ages did sound like some fun.
"I would love to see it!" Kagome smiled excitedly.
Kaede pointed out the window. "Just go down the street and go straight once you get into the forest. You will know what tree is the Tree of ages."
Kagome nodded and walked up to the women and bowed. "Thank you so much Kaede! And I'll pay you back the book I promise."
Kaede nodded and smiled. "It is no problem. Now go have some fun."
Kagome waved as she ran out of the door and jogged up the street with the book in her hands. That was alittle odd... but the Tree of ages is the tree my ji-chan used to tell me all the time. I never knew it was here though! I can't miss this opertunity.
Kagome jogged past busy people and children, not stopping. It was only about one o'clock so she had enough time to go explore the tree and read a tale in the book. Once she saw the tree she would read the book outloud to herself, then who knows? Whatever else life throws her way.
Kagome gasped happily as she saw the woods coming up towards her and picked up her pace. She gripped the book harder and stopped once she made it to the beginning of the woods. She huffed alittle from her jogging and took a small break before continuing and walking through the forest. All I have to do is go straight...
Kagome pushed past some branches and nearly tripped over some roots from the trees. You think it would be easier to just go in a straight line or something... Kagome suddenly found herself sitting hard on a root with twigs all in her out fit and hair. "I'm not liking this!"
Kagome sucked it up, and continued on her way. Kagome looked up and could see one tree that was higher, stronger, and wider then the rest. Something told Kagome that that was the tree she was looking for. Kagome smiled and pushed herself harder and was happy when she pushed past one more branch and now had a perfect view of the tree of so many tales.
Kagome stared up at the tree in wonder. The three was large and wide just like her own tree at the shrine. It was as high in height also, but something about it was different. The branches seemed alittle more crazier and more free style then her own. The whole area around the tree was something Kagome had never seen, yet seen in every tree she had past in her life.
Kagome was about to step out and get alittle closer when she caught a glimpse of black in the leaves at the top of the tree. Kagome peered harder and could make out a body of some sort wearing red and black, kinda like the hair. Who is that? She thought to herself. Kagome took a few silent steps forward to get a better look. Her eyes widened for the second time that day when she realised her could be prize was currently sitting in the tree, eyes closed, as if asleep.
Inuyasha at the moment, seemed to be fast asleep. His hands were placed at the back of his head to support it against the tree branch. He had one leg hanging off the tree. His eyes were closed and he had a peaceful look on his face.
Kagome stayed as still like a deer caught in someone's head lights. She was afraid that if she moved to much, Inuyasha might just wake up. The last thing she wanted to do was deal with was him. He wasn't one of the most sensitive men in the world. Not to mention just looking at him made her start to freak out mentally about the game and Kikyo. Speaking of Kikyo, why wasn't he with her at the moment? Wasn't he her lost love sick puppy?
Kagome shook her head. No, she came here to check out of the tree. She came here to look through her new book, read it outloud to understand it all, then think about all the things her grandfather had told her. She had it all planned out. Now here Inuyasha is, ruining her whole plan without even trying. I'm going to read even if it kills me! I don't care about Kikyo's boyfriend. I'll do what I want!
Kagome nodded and lightly walked on the grass infront of the tree. She stared at it for awhile then ran her hands up the front of it. It was smooth like her own tree back home. It seemed so normal but according to her ji-chan, the tree was evil while her own tree was not. It was odd how two tree's could be completely different. Yet come from the same ground.
Kagome sat down on one of the roots of the large tree and leaned back against it. She placed her new book in her lap and slowly began to open the cover up to the new page. Letters littered the page all only just one story out of hundreds that were probably placed in it.
Kagome took a deep breath and began to read outloud quietly. "It wasn't such a backward world back then, in this time, as it is in yours. In one place you could see the same as we do, you could see the same as I do. But that wasn't how things are supposed to be right? Not supposed to be as simple as they make it sound. Where would all the fun be in distraction and chaos if there weren't complacations?"
"In a land far from the west, there once was a small village full of hungry, hard working villagers that had many fears as most humans did. Finding food, harvasting, but number one of course, was the demons. Demon's littered the land of the white and snow, feasting on things that they don't even need. Feasting for there own pleasures. It is what demons do, it is the demons life, yet not one can relate. The humans were slightly more afraid of one demon in paricular. One demon that killed relentlessly, without thought. No emotions for anyone or anything, he was the perfect demon. On the outside." Kagome paused and looked up. Inuyasha was still asleep thankfully, so she continued.
"Perfect with structure, thought, speed and strenth. But perfection isn't always what it seems. The demon carried a secret that not many knew about. This demon was that of a hybrid of two different species. One of course, was a demon. A strong lord that died in a great battle, and a beautiful human women his father fell in love with. Now, in your day and age, that would have never been a problem. But back in this time, hybrids are not that welcomed. Shunned, dispised, loathed, a half demon was the lowest thing next to dirt. This hanyou grew up learning that the hard way, but does not let it show."
"You see, back then, in that time. There was something that could help wonders for any hanyou. Any one that wished to be a full feldged youkai could have it in a instant. If they had the will that is. Back then, there was something even more precious then riches and treasures. It was a circular object that many demons feared and wished to obtain. Even some ningens, hearts full of malice wished to have the small pure jewel known only as the Shikon no Tama." Kagome knew excacltly what the jewel was, and could do. It could grant any wish anyone wanted, evil or not. But if it was an evil wish, the jewel would be filled with malice and taunted.
Kagome continued. "Yet at the time the Shikon no Tama was being gaurded by a certain powerful miko. Her powers were known all over the lands. Her mastery with a bow and arrow was more then any demon could bare, and because of that, many were slayed by her and her powers. Many demons in fear would not go anywhere near the village because of the young miko, but the young hanyou tried never the less. Everyday. And everyday, he would be caught by the miko. Yet for some reason no one knew at the time, she would never kill the man. No matter what he did, no matter how he did it. He would never kill her, his powers never matched hers, anytime he tried he would fail miserably."
Kagome leaned back on the trunk of the tree. "Yeah... Ji-chan told me this story often. About the hanyou and the Miko. How they hated each other in the begining, yet fell in love. But then sadly the day the miko was to give the hanyou the jewel to turn into a full human, she was attacked and believed the hanyou did it. She pinned him to the Tree of time, while she died and burned the jewel with her body. A sad tale indeed.."
"There's more to it then that strands."
Kagome's head snapped up as she saw a smirking Inuyasha had finally awoken and was now looking down at her from his position at the top of the tree. She stared at him then stood up slowly. "Oh? And what do you know about the tale?" A rich brat like him, knowing a story like that? I don't believe it!
Inuyasha pushed himself into a sitting position then shrugged. "When the miko was to deliever the jewel to the hanyou, she was attacked by a man that disguised himself as the hanyou. She was wounded badly, but had enough strenth to return to the village and pin the hanyou to the tree."
Kagome was surprised as he answered. Yes, that was true. Her mother had told her that part when she was eight. But how could he know? Inuyasha just didn't seem the type. "She didn't kill him, she only pinned him to the tree. Did she love him that much that she couldn't kill him?" Kagome's question was more directed to herself, but she found herself listening to Inuyasha's answer.
"Maybe. Makes you think if the hanyou was worthy of that love." Inuyasha then suddenly lept down from the high branch and landed just a few feet from Kagome. His long raven hair was in perfect place as was his smirk, settled on his face. "But what I want to know," He began turning to violet hues to Kagome's. "Is why didn't the miko use the jewel to keep herself alive?"
Kagome rolled her eyes. "That's an easy one. She didn't want to the jewel to be tainted with malice. That wish would have done it for sure."
Inuyasha shook his head. "No shit Sherlock. I mean, why didn't she wish for another chance. If she loved the hanyou enough not to kill him, why didn't she wish for another chance to change things. Malice or not. Isn't love worth the sacrifice?"
Kagome was surprised again. She didn't think Inuyasha was capable of thinking this deep about anything. She was more surprised that she was actually having this conversation with him. Out of anyone in the world, how could Inuyasha know about this story. "It makes you double think that huh?" Kagome asked as she glanced down at the book. "It's funny how someone can tell a story but not have the answers to the simplest answers."
The two people stood in silence as Inuyasha stared at Kagome and Kagome kept her eyes on her book. The wind blew alittle and there hair rose just abit. The birds around them sang there songs and everything was calm. You would think this would be a serene scene, but not with those two.
"How do you know so much? About the tale I mean." Kagome asked while she kept her eyes glued to the cover of the book.
Inuyasha shrugged. "What does it matter?"
"Just answer the question."
Inuyasha turned his full attention to Kagome. "Being direct are we? Well if you just have to know, my mother told me these tales. Her and my father were history freaks."
Kagome looked up at Inuyasha. "Were?"
Inuyasha lowered his eyes some. "Yeah, were. My parents died when I was nine."
Kagome stared shocked. That was a lie. Kagome had read in the magazines before she left Tokyo about a last story about Inutaisho and Izayoi. Update too. They weren't dead, he must be lying! "That's not true. Inutaisho and Izayoi are alive. I read in a magazine.."
"Ever think things are computerized. Ever think that there are stunt doubles. Ever think someone else took over there place?" Inuyasha snapped back.
Kagome just stared at Inuyasha with confusion in her face. "Then.. who?.."
"My half brother Sesshoumaru takes over my fathers company. His mother take cares of my mothers. Everything you see in magazines is lies. That's why their in magazines." Inuyasha muttered out.
Kagome couldn't believe it. All that was a fake. Everything she read and saw. But how could someone keep this fraud up for so many years? How could someone not see through it all? Kagome just couldn't believe it. "Your.. telling the truth?"
Inuyasha was silent. He stood looking towards the ground with an emotionless face. The smirk he had on before had been wiped off his face like a hard smack. And it was all Kagome's fault for prying. She felt terrible now.
Kagome bit her lip. "When... when my father passed away when I was five. My mother... she was in great deniel and told everyone he was still alive. I wasn't even allowed to go to the funeral because my mother said there never was one. She felt that scerade up for about a year or so, until it finally sank in.."
The two sat in silence again. But this time the air had becomen alittle colder and the winds alittle harder. The serene feeling was no more as they stood in there own thoughts, eyes glazed.
"Guess we have something in common.. huh?"
Kagome snapped out of her thoughts and glanced at Inuyasha. She nodded some. "Yeah.."
"So... where did you get that book?" Inuyasha suddenly changed the subject before Kagome wanted to.
She glanced down at the book then back up at Inuyasha. "There's this old book store down the street from the woods. Keade gave it to me, the book owner. I'll pay her back though."
Kagome paused before turning to the tree. "How come you were here sleeping?"
"It was fun. What else reason is there?" Inuyasha stared at the tree.
Suddenly his watch beeped and he looked at it. "Damn... I'm late to go meet Kikyo."
Kagome let out a sigh. He was back to being the sick puppy again. Kagome felt bad for him, truely. Not just everyone was so deep in love they were completely blind.
"Well I got to go strands. I really hope we don't meet like this again. Bad for my image and all." He smirked at Kagome as he saw anger flash through her eyes.
"What image? Like you could possibly have one!" Kagome yelled back.
"Hey, hey now. Just because you don't have one, doesn't mean you you have to go ruin it for the rest of us hoping futurests." Inuyasha loved to get under her skin, and he barely knew her! Could you imagine if he knew her for years?
"Hopeful futurests, what the heck does that mean!" Kagome asked with an edge to her voice.
Inuyasha chuckled alittle as he began to walk past her. "Excactly." He smirked as he came close to the forest and was about to go through the tree's when he stopped. "Oh, and don't ever think of wearing a skirt again. Your legs are to fat to go parading around in some skimpy outfit like that. Ciao." Inuyasha waved as he walked though the forest leaving a pissed off Kagome behind.
"I can't believe him!" She yelled to the air. "He's such a jerk!" Kagome sighed as she went and sat back down at the tree. But.. the parents thing.. he didn't have to tell me... why did he? Then again, why did I tell him my story? I just don't understand him... "Men.." Kagome sighed out.
I might as well go back home, I wonder if Souta bothered to tell Tyoshi were I went. Porbably not. Hope she's not worried sick. Kagome pushed herself up and straightened her skirt. My legs are so not fat! Kagome with the book clenched in hand, began to march back the way she came through the forst out, eyes clouded over with thought.
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Well I didn't expect that tiny twist on Inuyasha's parents happening. Nor throwing the book in this chapter. Or the opening up part. Oh well, I like this chapter with all that. Sorry I haven't got a chapter out sooner, or that there was no pranks in this chapter but there will be in the next. But the next chapter wont be out for a few days ok? Review please if you liked this chapter! Til then...
Yume!