Three Memories: The Trilogy CH 8: Not A Fool, But A Friend, an inuyasha fanfic

Demon Tenshi: Thank you for the reviews and I want to thank everyone!! Look below for your beautiful names!!

Disclaimer: I do NOT make the songs in here!! And I DO NOT own Inuyasha…! I wished I do and if my Fairy god mother would come to me, I would wish that I did own it…so then Kagome and Sesshoumaru are together…but too bad, anyway, Inuyasha is the next best thing…right?

The First Love: CH 8: Not A Fool, But A Friend

As she opened her eyes, she could tell that it was already morning, she needed to prepare a lot of things. She sat up, wiping some of her tears away from her face. Her whole body felt weird, but she would ignore it, she wouldn't want to ruin someone's birthday just because of a little body pain. But the strange thing was, it wasn't pain she felt. Looking around, she realised it was just a dream, everything... Why couldn't she get over him? Sometimes, a part of her would say that it was because she holds the memories of him and her together all too precious. But, she wanted to. She knew it was probably stupid in the eyes of others, but as she thought about it, a person without memories...are they a person at all? Aren't their memories a part of who they are now?

Kagome stood up from the bed as she felt her hair move because of the wind. But as she started to walk to close the window, she thought she heard something. It sounded like Inuyasha's voice. It was stupid, after all this time she still thinks of him often, after all that has happened. As she stood there she could see it, like a play being played in her mind. The memory of how he would sit down on her bed, while she tries to study. You could see the frustration shown on his face and his glare straight at her back. It has been a long time since that has happened, yet she was still here remembering it.

She mentally shook her head, as her gaze went on her study desk. Her gift for Souta was on it; it was a Game boy game, pokemon. Deciding that she will need to prepare the house soon, Kagome walked towards the desk and started to work on it. She needed to wrap it up, and now seemed to be a very good time to do so.

'I hope he likes this.' She thought that she really hoped that he would like it, because it cost a lot of money and she wanted to give him something special. "Every kid seems to like this show lately..." She said, not realising that she was again thinking aloud.

"What show?" A voice behind her said. Kagome jumped slightly from the voice. Turning around, she saw Sesshoumaru staring at her while his hands was on the door.

"You scared me. Oh well... I'm glad you're awake." She gave him a warm smile and kept working on the present. "This is the gift for my brother." She said while she placed a decorative ribbon on top. "Well, that's done." Kagome smiled at her work, she was good at wrapping up presents, since in the past she has given many people many presents and wrapped them all. She took in a long breath as she placed her present on the table and stood up, and started to walk out of her room, walking pass Sesshoumaru's form.

His gaze never left her form, but as she left and her form disappeared, he walked a little closed to the 'present' and looked at it for a while, before deciding that he will follow the miko. He walked down the stairs, hardly making any detectable sound. As he stopped, he found the miko holding something it her hand as she lifted up furniture here and there.

Feeling the presence of Sesshoumaru in the room, Kagome said. "I'm cleaning up before they arrive. They will be here soon." Kagome frowned as she stopped her work and looked up at Sesshoumaru. "I didn't buy you anything to give to Souta." She turned her eyes to the side, looking very worried as she started to scratch head.

Realising what she was talking about, Sesshoumaru wanted to sigh, if she wanted him to give her little brother a gift, it was no problem, for he, Sesshoumaru owned many things. Though, he never really gives anything. "Miko, do not worry... This Sesshoumaru has something in mind." He could tell that she was surprised that he actually had something, but he always had something.

"Really?" Kagome asked in disbelief.

Sesshoumaru looked at the miko stoically, as he watched her innocent face gave a serious look. "Yes," he answered plainly, as he turned his gaze to the door. He could hear their footsteps, for he was after all a youkai. "Humans will be here soon." He said, as he looked down at her again.

Her eyes widened as she heard him say those words, if her family would be here soon, then she should surprise them. "I want to surprise them, Lord Sesshoumaru..." Kagome didn't even think of what she was doing, as she grabbed a piece of very big clothing and ran towards Sesshoumaru, covering him with it and ran away hiding herself.

He grimaced; she dare do that to him, Lord Sesshoumaru? The human miko dare cover him with such clothing without even asking him? In most circumstances, Sesshoumaru would have just torn the piece of clothing to shreds and end the life of whomever that did it, but right now, it wasn't the situation. He stood there, his face as stoic as ever, as he waited for the Miko's family to arrive. He would cooperate for now.

Souta, Miss Higurashi and Kagome's grandpa walked in. All of there eyes widening. The boy was first to speak. "Kagome?" Sota asked. Looking around the house, it was so pretty and clean. He knew the only person after his mother that could clean this good, Kagome, his sister.

"SURPRISED!!!" Kagome yelled by herself, as she went out of her hiding spot behind the couch. She stopped as she looked around and saw that the taiyoukai didn't even say it with her, but she knew that he wouldn't. She was actually surprised that he remained where she left him.

"Oh honey!! Thank you!!!" Her mother said, as her mother looked around and stepped in the house.

Kagome smiled at her mother and jumped towards her and hugged her. "That's ok." She said as she patted the head of Souta. "Happy birthday brat." She smiled at him.

Then, soon enough she was reminded of the taiyoukai that she had covered with a piece of clothing. Walking carefully to the tall, still figure that was still covered in the big clothing, Kagome took the clothing off of him. She tore her eyes away from him fast enough that she wouldn't be able to see his facial expression. "We should start the party." She said, trying to quickly get her family's attention, as she had heard them all gasped, when she took off the clothing off of the taiyoukai...whom probably now was glaring at her deadly.

Sesshoumaru stood still, as he glared at the miko, who still hasn't returned any of his glares. He could tell that she was nervous and writhing beneath his glare, as she now knows of the stupid thing she had done.

Souta eyed the man, who resembled Inuyasha, but he wouldn't say anything yet, as he could see that the man was giving his sister a deadly glare. "Yes... I invited my friends, and your friend Hojo. And hey, where is Inuyasha, he should be he-?" He stopped, as he could now see that the deadly glare of the man who resembled Inuyasha, was now giving him the deadly glare. He was scared and this man looked as if he could eat him or kills him at the spot he stood on.

Kagome let out a shaky fake laugh, as she jumped towards her little brother, pulling him close and whispering something to his ear. "His the half brother of Inuyasha and he doesn't like Inuyasha, ok?" Kagome felt the shaky nod of her brother's. She wouldn't want her brother to die on his birthday and anyway, even though her brother was annoying at times, she still love him. Giving her brother another pat on the head, Kagome stood up straight and glared daggers at the taiyoukai for even trying to scare any of her family members. She was just about to walk towards Sesshoumaru when...

"Demon, I will send you to the--!" Kagome jumped very high this time, as she covered her grandfather's mouth.

Kagome pulled his ears closed to her mouth and whispered something. "He is Inuyasha's half brother, grandfather. You don't need to do anything to him and I doubt that you can, I mean..." Kagome lifted her grandfather's face to looked at Sesshoumaru, who now wore a very scary look. "...You wouldn't stand a chance." Letting her grandfather go, Kagome walked towards Sesshoumaru, this time much more careful. She could tell that the taiyoukai was loosing his patience with being around so many humans.

She stopped in front of him and looked at him Right Square in the eye. "Please, forgive their mistakes, they do not know you." Kagome looked down, she didn't actually like to apologise to arrogant jerks, like him, but to keep her family safe, she will.

Then the doorbell rang again and Kagome ran to open the door, this time to find Hojo by the door. "Hey Hojo!!" She said, giving him a big smile.

"Hey Kagome... So today your brother's birthday?" Hojo asked, as Kagome led him in.

"Yup..." Kagome smiled and turned to Sesshoumaru. "Well... lets start the party!" She said cheerfully. But then, she felt everyone stares on her. Looking around, she saw that they are all staring at her clothes. She looked down at herself and found that she still wasn't even ready for the party. She was still wearing her pyjamas. Blushing, Kagome ran up the stairs, while she heard Hojo started to laugh and soon everyone followed except the taiyoukai.

To Kagome's opinion, the party was really going well, because Sesshoumaru has still yet to kill anyone. And Kagome found herself not hating Souta's friends. Most of them were boys, but well behaved - in front of her anyway. The whole crowd - with the exception of Sesshoumaru - sang out loud. Otanjiyoubi Omedetou! (Happy Birthday!) It was great, but what Kagome didn't expect was for the party to have some young women and Kagome found her self not knowing any of them. Most of them - as Kagome could tell - liked Sesshoumaru's looks and tend to get a little carried away trying their best to show off to him, while Sesshoumaru tried his best not to get annoyed.

She wanted to laugh maybe his words were true. Many young women would love to go for him, but she wasn't one of them. Maybe it was because she knows what he was like, but even, as she thought about it, she wouldn't. Even if she placed herself in the situation of the other young females' place right now, she wouldn't go after him. As Kagome looked around, she could see that Sesshoumaru had just walked away to another corner of the room, ignoring the women that were just in front of him. She was scared that maybe he would lose his patience and actually kill one of them in the process, but gladly he was behaving.

As Kagome sat down between her mother and her brother, she couldn't help but overhear the conversation of her mother and one of the young females.

"Miss Higurashi, don't you think it's only suited that as one of my gifts I give your son and the rest of the people here a taste of my voice?" The young woman asked, as she eyed Sesshoumaru while speaking.

Hearing a laughed from her mother, Kagome watched as her mother grabbed her hand secretly and squizzed it. "Of course, we would love to hear your voice, but why just you?" Her mother asked the young woman as she tried her best not to laugh. "Why not a singing contests?" Kagome's mother suggested, squizzing Kagome's hands tighter this time.

Unfortunately for Kagome, she heard all of the young women in the room gasped and all went around her mother. It was irritating, she must admit, and pathetic to know that many women would go to such lengths just to get a man to noticed them. She sighed; maybe it was all for the best, as she saw that the young women had left Sesshoumaru to practice their voices.

Kagome watched as the same girl who wanted to sing in the first placed, grabbed the microphone and started talking, standing up and giving a very seductive smile towards the taiyoukai. "Ok... Hello everyone!" She said while holding the microphone in front of her mouth. "My name is Minako and I will sing to all of you people a song. Ahem... Music. The name of it is 'Promise Of Love'"

Sesshoumaru's ears wanted to bleed. And he wasn't quite sure, maybe it already has. The voice of the human wench that now stood with that thing in front of her mouth, was plainly irritating and very high speech. He watched as she smiled at him seductively, as he only turned his head to the side, not even wanting to see the pathetic human female make a fool out of herself.

------Background Music Starts------

---totemo aitakute anata no heya no mae made
isoide sugu ni kite mita kedo
---Wanting to see you so bad, I tried to come
---to your room as fast as I could, but...---

As Kagome sat on the floor, she had to admit the song was meaningful but the voice of the girl was too high, that Kagome had to stopped herself from screaming out loud and telling the girl to get out of the stage, but she knew that that would be rude. Lowering her head to look at the floor, she felt someone tap her right shoulder, turning her head, she found Souta with a hopeful smile on his face. "Kagome will you sing please and join in? I mean you have a sweet voice and um... I want my friends to know." Souta had a very cute look on his face and she just couldn't let that go.

---ima wa hairenai watashi wa okubyou ni naru
moto no sekai ni modoru nante
---Now I can't go in. I turn into a coward,
---Returning to my world---

It was his birthday today, she couldn't just let him down on his birthday and what could anyone do if she sings? Ok... Well Sesshoumaru would see her sing and the possibility of him killing her on stage, but other than that, nothing. She nodded and then turned to listen to the song, as she looked at the floor. She didn't want to see the girl who was singing, because she found it pathetic how some girls would only sing to seduce some guy they don't even know. For Kagome, singing was more than that, sometimes for her, it is to express how she felt.

---nagarete-yuku toki wa hayai kedo
kawaranai egao yakusoku shiyou
---Time passes by quickly, but
---I promise my smile won't change---

Now that she was on the subject of her feelings or how she felt. She felt a sudden stab through her heart, as sadness radiated off of her form. She still could remember how she felt for Inuyasha and how she would run away. This song reminded her so much of it. Though, it sounded like a happy song the meaning was not.

---tsuyoku tsuyoku dakishimetai
itsumo yasashii me ni watashi dake utsushite yo
---I want to hold you tightly, tightly.
---I'm always the only one reflected in your gentle eyes.

zutto zutto anata ga suki
munesawagi kidzuite mo mou
hanasanai
---I love you always, always.
---Even if you notice my heart pounding,
---I won't let go any more. ---

--Instrumental--

Sesshoumaru could sense Kagome's aura change and she seems to be sadder. 'She must be thinking of the half breed.' Though, he didn't particularly like who was singing, he was fine with the lyrics. It was meaningful and that is what makes a good song.

---"itsuka konna hi ga kuru yo" to dareka ni iware
sukoshi fuan ni natta keredo
---Someone saying, "There will be days like this"
---makes me a little uneasy, but...
futari no shiawase futari de mitsukeru tabi ni
shinpai nante wasurete-ita
---Whenever we found our happiness together,
---we forgot to worry. ---

Again... She couldn't believe she is back to thinking of the one guy, that could never return her feelings.

---okashii wa ne namida dete kichau
konna ni mo anata itoshiku omou
---It's so strange... The tears just start coming
---when I love you this much.

tsuyoku tsuyoku dakishimete ne
motto tanoshii koto watashi ni mo oshiete yo
---Hold me tightly, tightly.
---Teach even me more enjoyable things.

zutto zutto anata ga suki
kono saki mo soba ni ite mou
hanarenai
---I love you always, always.
---Be close to me from now on.
---I can't leave you any more.
tsuyoku tsuyoku dakishimetai
itsumo yasashii me ni watashi dake utsushite yo
---I want to hold you tightly, tightly.
---I'm always the only one reflected in your gentle eyes.

zutto zutto anata ga suki
munesawagi kidzuite mo mou
hanasanai
hanarenai
---I love you always, always.
---Even if you notice my heart pounding,
---I won't let go any more.
---I can't leave you. ---

After that song finished, she knew now more than ever that she still is a fool. A fool to still think of him, even now that she knows of his true feelings. She grimaced, maybe she should sing. Yes, she should. For, if she then maybe she would be able to express her feelings and let it all go, her pain, her sorrow and most of all, her love.

"Kagome dear, are you going to sing?" Kagome turned her head to the source of the voice - it was her mom.

"Um... I'll go last." The singer walks beside Kagome and gave the microphone to another girl while smirking. Kagome smiled at the women, while the young woman only gave her the look that was simply saying, "You are no better than me". Kagome's frowned, this time a looked of annoyance showing on her face. She would show her...

The woman then continued to walk, until she was very closed to Sesshoumaru, as she gave him a smile. "Hey! My name is Minako. Do you like my voice?" She asked, seductively.

He thought that her voice couldn't sound any more pathetic when she was singing, but now, there was an exception, for now the women sounded even more nauseating. "No." He answered flatly, wanting to end the human woman's life for even trying to seduce him.

"Why not?" The woman asked, as she let an innocent face cross her face.

"The likes of you…" He said, as he closed his eyes. "…Should not even speak nor make any sound at all, for the benefit of all others." The girl left and mumbling about how she had the most beautiful voice and that he was just lying.

She had watched the little scene from afar and saw that the other women had also heard what the taiyoukai said. Some of the women had a shocked look on their faces and Kagome could hear that some had backed down for the singing contest. Kagome sighed, that would mean that she would have to sing sooner. Slowly, she got up and walked towards Sesshoumaru and saw that he was very much irritated as the next girl sang.

In most cases, she would have just yelled at the person who made a comment like the one Sesshoumaru had just said. But this time, he was right and she must agree. As she got near him, she saw his face; it was slightly down with his eyes close. But as she got near him, she saw him lift it up, she guess it was because he remembered her scent. "You know, saying those words..." She paused as she observed his emotionless face. "...Will not earn you any female's heart." She watched as he gave an 'Hn', clearly saying that, 'I, Sesshoumaru, do not need a human female's heart.' Kagome sighed, "I hope you won't make a comment like that to me." She smiled.

He could feel the glares of jealousy that surrounded Kagome, but she seems to not mind. "You, miko, will be singing?" He stated it more than questioned, but Kagome knew that that is the way he asked questions.

"Yes, my little brother told me that I should." She watched, as his eyes showed the clear question, 'You can sing?' Kagome suppressed the urge to sigh again; she seemed to be doing that a lot lately. "It is no big deal, I like music and write my own songs." She said plainly.

"Tell me miko, why do you want to sing? What is the reason behind it?"

"Well... today I will sing my heart out." Kagome closed her eyes and as she opened it, she smiled. "I'll sing my heart out."

Putting the words together in his head, Sesshoumaru actually thought about what she said, it could mean in so many ways. She could sing her heart out, could mean that she would sing and in the process, her heart would come out. Or maybe...

Seeing the look on his face, she giggled. "I didn't mean it that way. I meant that today I will tell through my song how I feel for umm.... you know... so if I sound stupid please just cover your ears. I'm going last." Not wanting to see the expression on his face, she quickly turned around and walked towards her mum, who smiled at her.

Now he was curious. He never knew that the miko could sing, or that she even sings. But now that he thinks about it, her voice did sound melodic in his ears. Not too high nor too deep, just perfect that her mere laugh was pleasing in his ears. He mentally shook his head. What was he thinking? But this time, he wouldn't deny it, he was very curious to know what she would sound like. As he again closes his eyes, Sesshoumaru could hear the other girl singing, her voice was too deep that Sesshoumaru thought she sounded like a man.

After every other woman was finished, Sesshoumaru was again allowed to think properly. All of the human females that sang were the worse he have ever heard. He thought of them sounding worse than pigs squealing to death.

The second last girl had finished her song. Kagome shakily sighed as she saw her mother walk to her destination and stopped in the middle of the room. Her mum grabbed the microphone from the last girl, who gave Kagome a proud look. "Now last but not least, Kagome, my daughter. She is here to sing a love song that she has in fact written and composed herself! Sorry... But I have never heard her sing this one before, so this is a surprise for all of us." Her mother said, and Kagome could hear that her mum was quite proud.

Standing up, Kagome took in a shaky breath. She would get through this and try her best. Her mum handed her the microphone and Kagome took it, her fingers shaking slightly. Taking in another breath, Kagome looked around, she could see all the young women glaring at her, her mum smiling happily at her, and she could see that her younger brother had stopped his friends from playing for them to be able to listen to her song carefully. But what she didn't particularly like was, she could see Sesshoumaru's gaze focused on her form, making life much more difficult.

Closing her eyes, she gripped the microphone tighter and took in everything to her head, Kagome started to speak. "I dedicate this song to someone... someone who is special to me. I named this song 'My Will'" Again, she closed her eyes, opened it, this time her hands loosing it's tight grip around the microphone, as if she had just calmed down.

-----Background Music Starting-----

My Will - Japanese

Smiling, Kagome sang out the words...

---sotto mezameru
hakanai omoi zutto
donna toki demo negau yo
anata ni todoku you ni to...
---Quietly awakening...
---I always, always wish
---that these fleeting thoughts
---would reach you... ---

Sesshoumaru knew that she would be the best in this pile of females that he would hear tonight, but what surprised him, was that her singing voice was the best he have ever heard. It also surprised him that a human could have such a beautiful voice.

---"ato sukoshi" to yuu kyori ga fumidasenakute
itsumo me no mae wa tozasarete-ita no
aitai aenai hibi wo kasaneru tabi ni
tsuyoi tokimeki wa setsunasa ni naru yo
---Unable to move forward across "just a little more" distance
---The way I see before me is always blocked
---Every time the days I want to see you but can't pile up,
---My strong heartbeat turns into heartbreak. ---

Kagome was trying hard not to burst in tears as flashbacks come to her. Inuyasha's and her first kiss together, when he hug her and said 'I love you', when he told her he will always protect her. When he made her smile. When she said sit a hundred times just for him to let her go in the well. Even when they fight, she even treasured that.

---moshimo eien to yuu mono ga aru nara
toomawari shite demo shinjite mitai
"bukiyou dakara KIZUtsuku koto mo aru" to
wakatte mo tomaranai mou dare ni mo makenai
---If there is such a thing as "eternity,"
---I want to believe, even if I have to take the long way.
---Although I know that I've been hurt before because I'm clumsy
---I won't stop; I won't give in to anyone. ---

The words that she sang out were powerful, full of pain, full of sorrow and most of all...full of love. After seeing the future with her, this is the moment that amazed him most. He didn't want to like it, but he also couldn't hate it, knowing that, his memory will stay with him...forever.

---anata no koto wo omou
sore dake de namida ga
ima afuredashite kuru yo
hakanai omoi zutto
donna toki demo negau yo
anata ni todoku you ni to...
---I think of you
---and that alone is enough
---to make the tears start to flow now
---I always, always wish
---that these fleeting thoughts
---would reach you... ---

As the words came out of the Miko's mouth, Sesshoumaru couldn't help but drown in them. They were meaning so much, saying so much and he knew what they were.

Souta watched his older sister; as he looked to the side, he could see that his friends - for once - really stopped playing with his gifts and was now just watching Kagome sing intently. He knew that the voice of his sister would get everyone's attention, and now as he looked around, he could see that everyone's attention was on her, even the brother of Inuyasha's.

---tsuyogaru koto dake shiri-sugite-ita watashi
dakedo ano toki kara mayoi wa kieta yo
---I've known all too well about pretending to be strong.
---But since then, my doubts have vanished. ---

Kagome remembered how Inuyasha would hug her. When she was in controlled over by Naraku, when she tried to kill him and he simply wouldn't hurt her back. How sometimes he would look at her with those beautiful amber eyes, embraced her powerfully and said the words that meant so much to her, that stayed with her.

---misetai to omou mono ga kitto atte
kikasetai kotoba mo takusan aru
egao nakigao mo zenbu mite hoshikute
matte-iru watashi wa yamete
"CHANSU" wo tsukamu yo
---There's definitely things I want to show you
---And so many words I want to hear
---I want to see all sides of you, when you laugh and cry
---So I'll stop waiting
---And seize my "chance." ---

Enough this was enough, with all her heart she sang out, she has to forget him. She has to be happy with knowing he will never be there again for her. She would keep all this feelings that she had held for him this past two years. But now she has to move on. It was simply unrequited love.

---anata no koto wo omou
sore dake de namida ga
ima afuredashite kuru yo
tookute koe ga todokanai dakedo itsuka wa
kanarazu todoku you ni
shinjite la la la la la la...
shinjite la la la la la la...
shinjite la la la la la la...
---I think of you
---And that alone is enough
---To make the tears start to flow now
---My distant voice can't reach you now, but so that someday
---It definitely will...
---Believe. la la la la la la...
---Believe. la la la la la la...
---Believe. la la la la la la... ---

This was the song she started to write two years ago, this song was the song full of love. How could she forget? This explained most of her feelings. She then set the microphone down to her chest and smiled at everyone who seems to be amazed by her song. Everyone - with the exception of Sesshoumaru - gave a loud clap. As she looked around, she saw that the taiyoukai was staring at her, and then, she saw him nod, as an approval that he was fine with her voice.

"You were great sis." Souta said, as he jumped up and embraced his sister.

Standing up and smiling, Hojo went straight to Kagome's side. "Hey! Now can you go out with me?" Hojo joked. He knew that he wouldn't even have a chance, knowing what the future for her was.

From the corner of her eyes, Kagome could see some women's glares on her, but some with mouth wide open. "Oh my god! Tell me how to sing like that!!" The girl Minako said to her face, with a smiled.

Kagome sighed as she smiled back at the girl. She needed some air, looking around as the bunch of people crowded around her; Kagome noticed that the wall Sesshoumaru was leaning against was empty. Deciding that she needed some air and needed to know where Sesshoumaru went to, Kagome asked. "Can I be excused?"

"Ok... Kagome, but you have to come back in until we choose who the winner is." Kagome's mom gave her a reassuring look. Kagome didn't really care about winning she only wanted her feelings out and to give Souta a good birthday. But she had known all along that her mum wanted her to win.

Excusing herself from the crowd, Kagome walked out the door and stood beside the tree outside, not noticing her company. "Oh... finally peace and quiet." She said, as she placed the palm of her hand on her forehead, taking in a deep breath.

"Miko, your song, was it true?" A deep yet angelic voice asked. Turning around to see who it was, she saw Sesshoumaru leaning beside the tree, which Inuyasha usually leans on.

Letting a worried look cross her face, Kagome walked closer to him. "Don't worry next time you hear me sing it will be a happy song." She said and tried her best smile at him, trying to hide the fact she was worried. She was trying to change the subject, she knew that Sesshoumaru might actually say some horrible words to her and it scared her a bit.

"Answer me, miko, was it true?"

"It was true, I started to write that song two years ago. But I never really had the courage to sing it out loud." She said as she turned her gaze up and looked up at the God Tree. "Now, I simply sang it to help me out of this situation."

"You wrote that song, for the hanyou?" His voice sounded strange to Kagome's ears somehow, like for once in his life, he didn't know the answer to his question. Because as she seem to find out that nothing really surprises Sesshoumaru, but now it seemed as if he was actually surprised. She nodded, "Tell me... Would you still love him now?"

"I sang it to get over him, but yes, I would still love him, he was my first love."

Hearing her words of truth, he knew that she was a fool, but now he didn't exactly know what to call the miko... A fool? It wasn't quite right, it seemed as though she was more than that...more than a fool. For she had reasons to back up what she does or do. He could feel her nervousness around him, as if she was expecting something bad to come out of his mouth. "Miko, you sang well," Sesshoumaru watched as Kagome's eyes widen. "For a human," he added, seeing the widening stop. The compliment he gave her wasn't entirely true, but he didn't exactly know how to give compliments. To think about it, that was probably the first time in his life that he had given a compliment to anyone at all.

Even if he added the 'for a human' bit, Kagome was glad to know that he didn't think of her as a squealing pig. It was something to be complimented by him, even if it was only half the complimented she would usually get. "Thank you." Kagome said, as she looked up at him. "Lord Sesshoumaru?" She saw him nod his head, telling her to keep speaking. It was probably stupid of her to ask this question, but she just wanted to know and she always let her curiosity get he best of her. She gulped. "Can we be friends?"

Sesshoumaru thought for a while. Friendship... It was something hardly anyone asked him, or any female had asked him before. Most would want something more, but here is one female who only wanted friendship. He does not know much of this, but... "Why is it you ask, miko?"

"I want us to be friends." She blurted it out, not knowing what made her do so. "I know that it might be a lot to ask you, but I promised you do not have to do anything. There is nothing require for you to do, to be my friend..."

In fact, it was the easiest thing he had to do. Most would ask for much more than to be his friend, they would want an ally in battle, but she said that he not need to do much. So, why not? Yes, she is human, but also a miko. "Miko, you are allowed to be this Sesshoumaru's friend." He said, he knew that she had already gained his respect, so maybe it wasn't a bad decision. "Though, I know not much of this friendship...or it's requirements."

She had to suppress her eyes from widening, those words, she never expected them. "It is not really a requirement, but you can start by addressing me Kagome." She said happily, as she smiled.

"Accepted" He paused, should he say it? Why not? "And you may address this Sesshoumaru, Sesshoumaru." Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, not wanting to see the facial expression on the miko, Kagome, would make after his certain words. He half expected her to laugh and jump up, but surprisingly he heard nothing of the sort.

Kagome smiled sweetly at the face of Sesshoumaru who had his eyes closed. She knew that by he saying that, he just let her into his life. And being herself, Kagome would not try her best to get out of it. "Kagome?" Kagome turned to see her mother, near the entrance of the house. "You have to come in now, we are announcing the winner!" She grabbed Kagome's hands. Kagome gave Sesshoumaru a look almost begging for him to come inside with her.

As Sesshoumaru stared at the pleading face of Kagome disappearing, he was able to realise something. Yes, this miko was becoming a problem. At start he thought of her as nothing more than a human, but that soon change to miko, and now? Kagome. Strangely, he didn't find it revolting for him, Sesshoumaru to be addressing a human by her name. In fact, he found it...strangely pleasing. Shaking the thought completely out off his mind, Sesshoumaru went in the house. He leaned against another wall, not far from Kagome, as he saw Hojo give him a smirk. He thought it was unwelcoming, but just tried his best not to worry. He knew that Hojo was Kai, and if Kai was living right now, then he too Sesshoumaru should be living in this time as well.

He could see who the winner was already, for she was in the middle of the room blushing next to her mum, who was very happy. "Now!" Kagome's mother announced happily. "To announce the winner... We have all decided that the winner is no one other than my daughter Kagome!!" Miss Higurashi said, as she kissed her daughter on the cheek in front of everyone.

"Ehh...thank you?" Kagome grimaced, "I didn't want to win."

"I know dear, but you deserve it." Her mother insisted.

"Thank you then." Kagome stood up there blushing. She took the little some of money everyone gave to her as a winning prize. Everyone, except Sesshoumaru, clapped. But then, Kagome's mother stopped them all, coughing on the microphone, getting everyone's attention.

"Now. Will my daughter sing again?" She asked, as Kagome sighed.

"I will but can I sing a different song?"

"Yeah sis. The other one was too sad anyway." Her little brother said. Kagome gave him a stern look, as Souta gave a puppy look then smiled. "Which song is it? Is it the umm.... 'I want to dance'? I like that one too!" Souta said happily.

"No, but it will be a happy one. No one has heard this one yet, I dedicate this to all my friends in the celestial time and our time together." She gave Sesshoumaru a glance and smiled.

Sesshoumaru's gaze on the miko never left her, what was it that she meant by those words? Did she mean, that because he is now her friend, did she mean that he is also part of her song? He mentally kicked the thought out of his mind. He didn't want to think that, yet, until he heard the song for himself.

The microphone was again given to her. She held it up close to her lips. "My next song is dedicated to my celestial friends." Her family, Sesshoumaru and Hojo knew what she was talking about but not the others. "The name of this song is...Grip." Kagome said cheerfully.

Souta's faced raised an eyebrow. "Weird name." He commented, he must say he had never heard this one before, but he knew it to be good since his sister always made good songs.

-------Background Music Starting--------

---Aiiro ni chirabaru nanatsu no hoshi yo
Sorezore ni ima omoi wa tsunori uchikudakarete ai wo sakenda
Nigedasu koto mo dekizu ni yume ni sugaritsuku
Ikasama na hibi nado ni wa mou makenai
---Scattered about are seven purple stars
---Each, crushing our cry out for love brings thoughts together
---Unable to escape from it, we cling to our dreams
---We won't lose anymore to the everyday trickery---

He knew what the lyrics now meant, it was her adventures in the feudal era, and her words were true. It was about her friends and her journey.

---Mezameyou kono shunkan wo
Yagate bokura wo torimaku dearou
Musekaeru you na riaru na nichijou
Taisetsu na mono wa ... nanda'?!
Zeitaku na sekai no naka ni miekakure suru eien no kakera
Sawatte tsukande bokura no ima wo kicchiri aruitekou
---Wake up right now
---Soon we seem to be surrounded
---By the REAL world choking us
---Your important person...is who?
---In the luxury world, shards of eternity are appearing and disappearing
---Touch and seize it, now let's precisely walk this way---

How can she sing such sad and happy memories, as if they were all happy? Now he was confuse, how could she just stand out there singing her words out when it can remind her of such horrible and too happy memories to remember. And she sang them as if they are all happy memories. Her song sounded happy, yet in some weird sense...sad. But Sesshoumaru must admit they were all very meaningful.

---"Koukai wa shinai" to, saki e susunda
Warau ka, naku ka? Kou ka, fukou ka?
Kekkyoku ima mo wakaranai kedo
Kawarihajimeta mirai ni hirumu koto wa nai
Sore ga jinsei no daigomi to iu mono deshou
---"Without regret" we advanced to our detination
---Will we laugh? Will we cry? Will we be happy? Will we be unhappy?
---After all now, yet I still don't understand
---In the future you start to change; don't falter
---That's life's essence---

"Without regret", as he heard her words, he knew them to be more about how she feels. Because he knew that, she has laughed, she has cried, she has become happy, but also unhappy, about the things that had happened in the feudal era. Yet, as he leaned against the wall, he could tell that the song was meant for encouragement, to prove to her friends, that life was meant for something like this. That life will always contain laughs, tears, happiness and loneliness.

---Girigiri wo ikiru bokura no dashita kotae ga
Chigatta toshite mo omoikomi demo'
Tsuyoku negaeba ii
Honmono ni nareru hi made
Reikoku na sekai no naka de tsubusaresou na aijou no mebuki
Sawatte tsukande bokura no ima ni shikkari kizamikomou
---We're living just barely, we sent our answer
---Even if it's different, and gives the wrong impression
---But it's a powerful hope
---Until that day you become the real thing
---In this cruel world, love's bud will probably be smashed
---Touch and seize it, we now we engrave it firmly---

As he listened, he knew that she deserved a much more better compliment, than the one he had given her. Maybe it wasn't after all a bad decision to be friends with this particular human.

Saigo ni, warau tame bokura no ima wo kicchiri aruitekou
---In order to smile in the end, we now walk precisely this way---

As he now could see her face, her sapphire orbs shone brightly as she gazed up at him. And at that precise moment, he couldn't help but think that she was actually very beautiful. For not even his deniable attitude would come out and say that she wasn't beautiful. He saw her smile and even if he is the taiyoukai of the west, he knew that he wouldn't be able to hate her kind all the way, if she remained by his side.

Kagome took a deep breath as she finishes and smiled sweetly. "Finish." She breathes out. She could see that her mother had already tried to stand up and was now walking up to her.

"That was wonderful! I'm so proud of my daughter!" Her mother said, as she gave Kagome a hug.

Souta just smiled happily as he could see the shocked faces of his friends. "Me too sis!! Thank you!! For the gift and your voice!!" Did he just say gift? But she hasn't given him anything yet? As Kagome looked around, he saw that he had already opened his gifts, but she hasn't even handed anything to him yet, so what could he be talking about? Deciding that she wanted to know for herself...

"Souta what are you talking about, I haven't given you your gift yet?" She said, giving a curious looked.

"Oh you mean this thing didn't come from you. I thought it could have since it looks like something that you know... comes from... you know.... that "TIME". Souta rose up a knife, it looked very ancient and she thought it to be from the feudal era. As she looked around, she saw that its beauty, except one person, more like taiyoukai, Sesshoumaru, amazed everyone. Thinking a deep thought, Kagome's eyes widened as she realised who had given the gift.

"I wished I could give you something this beautiful, Souta. But I'm afraid that Sesshoumaru was the one that gave you this." She said, as she patted him on the head. Kagome then took out something and gave it to Souta. It was her gift, and Souta took it happily. "This is mine."

Observing it, Souta gave a big smile as his friends think they knew what it was. "Thank you," Souta then walked straight to Sesshoumaru and gave him a smile almost alike to the one his sister gives him. "Thank you Lord Sesshoumaru." Souta said, while looking at the closed eyes taiyoukai.

Sesshoumaru let his eyes opened, as he looked down at the little human boy. He could tell that the little human boy respected him, so Sesshoumaru gave him a little nod, as he looked down at the kid.

She saw the little cute scene and Kagome let her lips curled up to a smirk. It would seem to her that her 'friend' Lord Sesshoumaru had a weak spots for young children. She knew that everyone would be leaving soon, so she decided that maybe she would just head outside and think. As she walked outside her house, she could see the cherry blossoms go down, and for a brief moment, Kagome thought she saw Inuyasha, with a frown on his face, sitting on the God Tree looking down at her.

'Strange,' she thought. Because usually when she is reminded of him and she knows that she could never be with him, she usually became sad. But now, as she stood out here, she realised something, she wasn't sad. Instead, she was happy. Maybe it was because now, she had become stronger. She knew it and everyone knew it. Maybe that is all what she needed to do, she just needed to become stronger to be able to keep all of the memories. Then as she stood out there, she remembered a question that was asked inside a dream by a certain taiyoukai. "Do you wish to forget?" She asked herself, mimicking the exact way he said it. "Would I wish to forget?" She asked, this time out loud. "No, I wish never to forget." She said, answering her own question, her voice sincere. She smiled; she would not wish to forget…now.

Sesshoumaru watched from behind her, he knew that she didn't know that he was behind her, but he knew exactly what she was thinking, it was the question from last night. "Why do you not wish to forget?" He asked, this time wanting an answer. He watched as she turned around and faced him, her deep blue orbs shining.

Looking up at him, she answered his question. "I want to remember," She said, as she turned around again, this time looking up the God Tree. "I know that these memories might hurt me, but I still wish to remember them, for I know that without the bad memories, we wouldn't have the good ones." She bowed her head, "And I still know that as long as I stay strong, I'll be able to keep going with all of them inside me. And when that the day comes, I will not hurt at all, like today," she turned around and faced Sesshoumaru with a smile. "I remembered him and I didn't even cry or became sad. Instead, it made me happy, that I had these memories to treasure and to hold. They have become a part of me and remember...I still have the most valuable weapon to fight my most formidable enemy," She took in a breath, and stared wide eyed at him, as a cold wind passed by, she placed hands on her chest. "In here," she added, as she smiled assuring.

Sesshoumaru's eyes widen a little, this time he was surprised. The human knew so much more about herself. She knew exactly what she needed. But then, as she said those words, a question came to his mind. "Would you still be his friend?" He asked, this time not thinking at all, before asking.

"Yes." She answered.

"Why?" He asked, this time a little confuse. For he knew that if someone had done him so much pain or given him so much to suffer for, he wouldn't be able to forgive them at all.

"Because he gave me my happy memories." She answered.

"And also your unhappy memories." He stated.

"Yes, but remember, without the bad memories, we wouldn't have the good ones " She said, giving him another sincere smile. "I think that loneliness is part of happiness."

He nodded his approval for her choice of words. They were strange, yet true. But until now, he never saw things the way she did. He wondered why she would stay and try her best to be strong, but now he knew that she is strong. For he didn't know if he could stay true to himself if he was in her position, for he knew that he would probably just wish to forget. But now...he wasn't so quite sure. "Strange answer," he saw her close her eyes, as he closed his and added, "Kagome."

She smiled as she heard her name mentioned and she opened her eyes. She wasn't quite sure if that was the first time he have ever said her name, but she knew she will treasure it. "I am strange, aren't I?" She mused, as she nodded. "Well. At least I know I have a friend like you, even with your stoic mask on, you're still a good friend, and just now, I will treasure this." She smiled at him and then grabbed his hand ever so gently. "We better get ready to go inside, tomorrow we will leave to go back to your time." Surprisedly, she didn't feel him flinched at her touch or hissed and be disgusted by her.

He was surprised at himself, that he didn't find her touch disgusting or inappropriate. Instead, he found it to be soothing and gentle. Yes, this miko before him was becoming something to him, he didn't find her repulsive and now, he didn't know exactly what to think of her. She wasn't just a fool to him now. No, she was something more than a fool, but as he tried to find an answer, he could only think of one answer.

She is now a friend.

END OF CHAPTER 8: Three Memories: The First Love

Demon Tenshi: Ok... I'm sorry if I made it too...whatever.

As you should be able to witnessed, in this story, both Kagome and Sesshoumaru are deep thinkers. I would expect Sesshoumaru to think deep before saying anything, but sometimes curiosity would always get the best of you, you know? And as for Kagome being a deep thinker, well she has to be…since she had been in love with one person for TWO years, I mean going through a lot of pain and sorrow would make you think and think, don't you think? I am trying to approach a much more different level of love, not so much say for lust…though this will have some lemon, though not for a long time and posted in another site. Single Spark.

Oh and please review, and tell me what you think so far and if you have any questions, I will gladly answer them or any suggestions I will gladly consider them. Anyway I wanted to list some of the past reviewers names…and say my appreciation to their kind reviews, so here they are!!

SweetKagome89- Thank you for your past reviews… Anyway, its wonderful that the last chapter was understandable. Cause I didn't want to give too much away, but at the same time I wanted to make sense, ya know? I guess I am being paranoid. I do that sometimes. Anyway, thank you for your reviews.
Domintsu- You definitely review a lot when I check and that's so nice. And thank you for the compliments and all that. And I was actually surprised how you know that I want Sesshoumaru and Kag to go through a lot of things, that tells me that you are a great reader!!
Ob1kanobey- Short reviews, yet lovely reviews, thank you!!!
XtopangelX- Yes it was Sesshoumaru from the future who told Kai to told the Sesshoumaru from the past to visit Kagome's house at that date and tell that advise. I'll fill that in later chapters, like future chapters. Anyway…thanks for the nice review.
Alexis Barnes- Thanks for reviewing…
Lyn- Heh…even though you don't say much, I thank you very much!
Angelprincess22- What can I say? Arigatou for the review.
Silver Wolf Kitsune- Thank you for reviewing.
Sesshys-punk-gurl- Thank you for the past review.
Inverness- Like what I said, I wanted to thank people for reviewing so thank you as well!!
Go Drink Pinesol- Arigatou for the review!
Kagome21- I like the character Kai, I also think he is sweet, I made him act that way…but he is Hojo. So I wonder if you still think him sweet?
Red Satin and Black Silk- Thank for the encouragement of updating!

Well, I know there are others, but my computer is going all stupid on me, so yeah… Anyway, I think I'll be able to update soon because it is still the school holidays!!

--Demon Tenshi