Yo, I'm back. Sorry for the pathetically long delay due to several valid reasons. Which were; final exams, my job, holiday shopping, retarded computer, etc. Speaking of holiday shopping a fight breaks out the other day. Guess some people really are getting into the spirit because it was funny as hell. I, along with other employers were rooting on who would win out of the mob of quarreling shoppers. Oh well, tis the season to be jolly.

Inuyasha

Fate's Course and Forbidden Love

Chapter 2: Fateful Day

Three days has past every since Kagome met that wonderful silver haired boy with the dog ears. While his appearances was sort of strange to her it was also very appealing. She sighed blissfully as peered out an open window, wondering if she'll ever really meet him again. She was burning hot in amour.

"Inuyasha, we have some unfinished business to tend to." She mused rather aloud, catching the attention of a close (and nosey) friend who happened to be present while she was obviously day dreaming. "Business? Business with who?" Asked a female's voice.

Kagome grimaced at the voice and directed her visage towards the source of the voice.

"Well, out with it." The girl requested.

"Ayumi you're quite the nosey one are you?" Sighed Kagome.

"Well yeah." Ayumi replied, tossing her thick wavy hair. "Besides, what are friends for?"

Kagome sighed again and returned her gaze to the open window. "I've met a really interesting fellow on the road the other day." Her eyes began to have a mysterious, dreaming quality to them, all set on that unusual, handsome creature. This prompted Ayumi to arch an brow.

"Isn't it always when venturing outside of the valley?"

"No. . ." Kagome answered.

Ayumi eyes became wide in slight surprise. Kagome's last statement made her all the more skeptical to learn more about her mysterious paramour. Ayumi's lips curled into an malicious smirk. "I see that this guy really have you love struck, Kagome. What did you two do?" She aver slyly.

At the sound of that inquiry, Kagome's face instantly flushed red. "What!? N-no! It was nothing like that! Ayumi, you're so gutter minded."

"Eri! Yuka!"

'Oh no! Not them!'

In an instant two girls rushed inside the shelter. Sometimes Kagome resented the three girls for being so nosey and inseparable. . .especially now. Knowing them, if they succeeded to squeeze some 'juicy' information from her, the whole village will know about it in a matter of hours. The pressure made her sank in a corner. "Come on now Kagome. We know that you're hiding something from us." Ayumi intruded.

Kagome made a nervous chuckle, trying her best to be as unnerved as possible. 'Damn! All eyes on me.'

"Well. . ." The three persuaded.

Kagome suddenly felt the weight of the world on her shoulders Her face was as red as a fresh apple. She opened her mouth to speak "It was a. . . it wasza. . ." was all she could manage to say. Ah, the dreaded foghorn stutter, a perfect confirmation of guilt. It was quite ridiculous, really. The three girls burst into laughter at her. Making her even more uncomfortable.

'Damn it. Why am I blushing like this? I've been doing this a lot lately. Darn you, Inuyasha.' She thought angrily. "It was just a really cute guy I've met. There! Happy now?" She confessed.

It was true. This had the girls looking in shock. "I knew it! I knew it was a tryst!" Yuka confirmed.

"No, guys! You're jumping into conclusions here!" Kagome shouted. Shrinking in embarrassment. The girls began to chorus an infamous taunt at her. Which wasn't very nice.

"~Kagome and the cute guy sitting in a tree. . .~"

"Hey stop that!"

"~. . .F-U-C...~"

"Hey you guys." A voice interrupted. "It's almost time for Kyudo training." The girls halted in their taunting and Kagome sighed with relief.

"Oh Kikyou. Am I glad to see you. Excellent timing."

Kikyou arched an eyebrow. "Huh? Are you feeling well Kagome?"

Kagome made a funny expressing before replying. " Why yes Kikyou, I am. Off we go, now."

She didn't realize she misplaced her quiver and bows.

* * *

"Always remember that the way of archery requires patience, calculating mind, physical determination, and a sound spirit." Kikyou lectured. She is the chief instructor of archery in the entire valley. Yet at times it seems doubtful considering her age. Kikyou, a woman in her early vigesimal years has been an expert in the field every since she was fourteen. The only other person that comes close to matching her was Kagome.

And speaking of Kagome, she had finally arrived on the archery grounds. The search for her missing quiver and bow took longer than expected.

"Kagome-san. You're late." Kikyou acknowledge coolly.

Ayumi, Eri, and Yuka went into giggles among the group of archer women in training.

"Sorry. I had a lot on my mind today." Kagome replied.

"Yeah that she had a fling with a man and now wondering was she any good." Eri commented. Kagome gaped at her in embarrassment. Kikyou however, was not in the least bit amused.

"Eri-san, would you like to demonstrate on your progress?" Kikyou requested politely. Eri felt a lump in her throat, feeling guilty in the spotlight.

"Who? Me?"

Kikyou nodded. "Yes. Test your accuracy." She skewed her visage and pointed towards five targets on the meadows several yards away.

'This should be interesting.' Kagome thought as she went to sit on a wooden fence.

Reluctantly, Eri emerged from the group of women. She received a bow and a quiver of arrows from Kikyou. She drew in a deep breath and exhaled. "Here's goes nothing."

"Take your time, Eri-san. Concentrate." Kikyou instructed.

"You can do it Eri!" Cheered Kagome.

The gang of women whipped around to regard the girl on the fence. "Shh." "Oh! Sorry. . ." Kagome whispered clasping a hand over her mouth.

Eri had an arrow at ready. Hesitantly, she aimed, drew the strand and released it. Soon enough the arrow landed right in the center of the first target. A bullseye! That was followed by a small applause. That made Eri become confident in herself. But yet she knew she wasn't finished yet.

'Only four more to go. . ." She mused hopefully. She noticed the layout of the remaining four targets was becoming increasingly difficult. She expected that. She prepared the second arrow, aimed and released it. The spearhead made it's way and landed very close to the center. Pretty good. Another round of applause followed. Most of the girls was impressed. Kikyou, on the other hand kept her cool demeanor and Kagome was preoccupied stroking fur on a corpulent tom cat.

"My goodness! Buyo you really need to go on a diet, buddy." She said aloud, forgetting that all was to remain quiet during the testing. The glares of the women chided her again and she zipped her lips shut showing a nervous smile. Kikyou sighed and turned around just in time to watch Eri released her third arrow. Unfortunately the arrow nearly missed it's target completely. It landed on the outer edge of the target.

No applause followed that time.

She bit her lip as she pulled out the fourth arrow. With a mental prayer she hoped that she could at least reach the far off targets. She released it and the spear landed in the tree bark right below the target. 'Damn it!' She really shouldn't take prayer for granted. Really. Kikyou sighed disapprovingly at this and Eri was now sweating bullets.

'Shoot! The last target is going to be a doosey.'

By now she was shaken by intimidation. Now she really didn't want to shoot the last arrow. Kikyou noticed this, her cool gaze never leaving her. Forcing Eri to prepare the last arrow and firing it. Poor Eri! She really needs to train more with her accuracy. The misguided thing completely missed the target. . .even the tree it was on. That was followed by eerie, dumbfounded silence, that is, until Kagome began applauding.

"Hooray! She really tried her best! Give her an applause!" She laudated. Kikyou and the rest didn't think so and their scowling told her so causing her to shrink.

"Kagome-san I guess that you want to try your hand at this." Said Kikyou.

In a flash Kagome hopped from the fence and walked right in front of Kikyou. "Don't mind if I do!" Kikyou's eyes narrowed as she noticed an unusual bow in Kagome's hand. "Hmm. Why a crossbow?"

Kagome smiled and prepared five arrows all at once on the wide weapon. With great articulation she aimed and fired the arrows. The group of young women witnessed her perfect accuracy in awe. Every last five of them landed on their designated targets. "That's why."

The women burst into applause.

Kikyou chuckled at this "Show off."

"Kagome you really have to show me how to do that." Eri requested.

"Aww shucks! No need to do that girls." Swooned Kagome.

Kikyou was laughing happily along with the rest of the girls until she felt a tug behind her. With a yelp she spun around and saw the village messenger. Her little sister, Kaede. "Goodness! You really scared me Kaede! That wasn't very nice!"

"Sorry big sister. I'm running messenger errands today." Huffed Kaede, preparing to make announcements. "Ahem. For the kendo trainers the sessions are cancelled today due to sensei Atsuko's illness."

Off in the distance a chorus of 'yes!' can be heard.

". . .Someone needs to feed Neko before she decides to have someone for dinner. . ."

A few gasps was now audible before most of the women scattered for their lives. Kikyou chided at Kaede "Stop the childish jokes, Kaede."

"I am not childish! I am a fifteen year old mature young woman." Scoffed Kaede. "Besides I'm not kidding about Neko at all."

She didn't know any better.

"Well. . ." Kagome intervened ". . .I'm bad for her health before she decides to eat me." Kikyou rolled her eyes at Kagome's stale, unnecessary little joke/comment. She diverted her attention back to Kaede " Go on, little sister."

"Lastly Kagome needs to confer with Yoriko-sama."

"Kagome Futagoino?"

"No."

"Kagome Meitachi?"

"No, Higashi, er, no Higurashi."

"When must I meet her?" Kagome asked uneasily.

"You are to see her as soon as possible." Kaede answered. "As in right now." She struck her tongue out at Kagome.

Kagome really had to laugh at the adolescent's looney gesture. Then she thought about what if Kaede still had that little habit when she's older, like say, nineteen for instance. It can be really annoying. "It's on now! C'mere you little tyke." She grabbed Kaede and put her in a playful headlock, giving her a firm noogie. Kaede did her best to struggle free.

"Ow! Ow! Stop it!" Kaede pleaded. "Kikyou-onnechan please make her stop!"

"Kikyou tried her best to suppress her laughter. "Alright, alright. Kagome you. . .hehehe. . . you're dismissed."

Kagome abruptly released Kaede from her constricting grip around her head. Kaede message her offended noggin while staring teary eyed at Kagome who held a grin on her face. "There's more where that came from. Just you wait." Kagome said before heading towards the castle that can be seen over the village peaks.

* * *

An annoyed Inuyasha sat on a wooden bench somewhere in the middle of the village market. He was agitated by Miroku's philandering antics. The monk was busy rapping away at an attractive, amply endowed brunette behind a fortune telling stand.

"So, you're implying that I'll live a long life and have plenty of children?"

"Yes. Possibly with a foreigner." The gypsy replied.

"Hmm. . .interesting." He stroke his chin. " If I'm not mistaken you hail quite a long way from Bombay, right?"

"Why yes of course." The girl answered. She's a native of India.

Miroku arched a brow and a grin graced his face, preparing to make his move. "So are you willing to bear some children for me?"

*WHAP!*

"She like's me. . ."

Inuyasha scoffed at how the monk tricks on women. 'What a dickhead! No respect! No respect!' He's a fine one to talk. Considering the way he was gawking at Kagome the other day. Literally the girl of his dreams.

"Ow. . . I am one with the earth." Miroku groaned painfully with a huge hand print on his cheek.

"Due to your lack of respect for women this stand is now closed for today. Have a nice day." The gypsy grounded out angrily. A vein popped up on her forehead.

Inuyasha nodded his head and walked towards his flattened companion and peeled him off the ground. "Tsk.Tsk.Tsk. You ain't shit you know that?"

Miroku plopped back to his normal figure. "Do tell."

"Come on. We're visiting a friend of my old man. He might hire us. Plus the old coot may let us spend a few days at his place."

* * *

Kagome ambled through the splayed corridors of Yoriko's manor. It has been years since she last stepped foot in the castle. The highly decorated labyrinth still impresses her. Something caught her attention as she reached a flight of stairs.

"Kagome." Called a voice.

She spun around at the sound of the voice. "Chizaki?"

"So you're here to see Yoriko-sama, I presume."

"Yes I am." Kagome replied trotting along the staircase.

"Kagome?"

"Yes?"

"I was thinking about your friend. The boy named Inuyasha." What was Chizaki doing pondering about him. Wasn't she trying to get acquainted with Miroku. "Yeah. So?"

"Well I noticed your behavior lately. Apparently you do like him." Not this again. Kagome's face lit up like a Christmas light at the girl's statement.

Chizaki continued. "I was wrong for picking on you about him. After all he is a hanyou, right?"

"Yes Chizaki, he's half human," Kagome replied with a sigh.

The younger girl brightened up at that. "Then maybe you can still be friends-"

"No. Yoriko will still forbid it. So I might as well forget all about the guy." Kagome dismissed tragically.

Chizaki sighed in apology and followed her. To have an infatuation with a half demon which is forbidden? Goodness, if it were her she would of been crying by now. Not Kagome however, she was really at ease about this. So it would seem. Suddenly, the girls halted in their wake at a sound. Ominous purring can be heard right before the threshold to Yoriko's room.

"Neko!" The girls shrieked in unison.

Chizaki was frightened. "God, they haven't fed her yet!?" She wimpered.

"Um, Chizaki? Why won't you go in first would you, huh? Buddy ol' pal." Kagome suggested timidly.

"No Kagome! That's not fair! You're older so you should go in first!" Chizaki countered.

"That's not- AAAAAAHH!!"

Kagome was caught by surprise and was tackled to the ground by a large white feline. That's Neko the white tiger. Chizaki nearly fainted at what appears to be a mauling of her friend. Instead the beast was roughly playing with her as it licked her face.

"H-hey that tickles!" Kagome laughed. "Stop it! Hahahaha!"

"We're glad too see you too, Neko." Chizaki sighed as a huge bead of sweat appeared at her head. "Hey! Get off of her Neko!"

"That's enough, Neko." Commanded a voice. Sure enough the tiger dismounted Kagome and it sat on it's hind legs licking it's paws. "Come right on in girls. I'm delighted you made it here in good timing."

The girls obeyed and proceeded to the room. Yoriko's throne room is not what one usually expect. Not particularly a large, it consisted of tatome tiled floors, ancient Buddhist paintings and scriptures, and shelves filled with a abundance of books. Yoriko sat in the center of the room preparing tea.

"Well how do you do, ladies? Yoriko was indeed an intimidating woman. Even in her peaceful sitting position she looks powerful and threatening. Her pure white wavy hair sprawled to he floor in a low ponytail. Her narrow, deep black eyes held a mysterious quality about them. She was cloth in silver miko habiliment.

"Fine. We're doing fine, Yoriko san." Replied Kagome. The girls sat in front of her as she poured them cups of tea.

"It's obvious that I have something important to talk to you two about." Yoriko stated, sipping into her tea. "My! This tea is too sweet."

"What is it that you would like to talk to us about?" Chizaki inquired.

"Yoriko arched a brow. "I'd summoned you two here for a briefing for an odyssey you must take part in." This obviously brightened Kagome's mood.

"We're going on a journey?" Kagome piped up, excited.

"AW! Do we have to?" Chizaki dreaded. Yoriko pretended that she didn't heard that. "Ahem. . . I'm deploying you girls to Edo." She explained.

"Really? Edo!? I always wanted to go there!" Squealed Kagome. "Anyway, what's in Edo?"

'Oh god!' Chizaki thought dryly. 'I can't believe this girl! Doesn't she realize how far is Edo!?' She begins to sweat miserably.

Yoriko smiled. "I'm glad that you're excited about it Kagome."

"Why yes I am. What's our assignment once we get there?"

"Deep within that city there's a hidden village there much like our own. The Mesume."

"Interesting. There's another village like this one?" Mused Kagome.

"I've been contacting with the head of the Mesume as of late. She informed me that there are a abundance of relics and scripture that prompts demons to invade the hidden kingdom. Maybe if you to were to gather those items there and bring it to our home so that the demons will have no clue where they went." The woman explained.

"Why would demons sought out after such things, Yoriko-sama?" Kagome inquired.

"You don't read about that village, do you Kagome?" Yoriko smirked. "Well to answer your question, it is there hidden with Mesume Castle the relics there contain an great variety of mystical powers. It is rumored that the relics there has enough power to dominate the world. It is required for us to get them and keep them hidden away for civilization forever."

Kagome felt a chill going up her spine at that. "Oh? So no one is meant to tamper with that kind of power? It is beyond any mortals wildest dreams?"

"Yes. And if that power were to fall into the wrong hands?"

*Gulp* "That will not be pretty, I can guess."

"Maybe we shouldn't interfere with Mesume's affairs." Chizaki muttered.

"Chizaki if we don't do anything soon then an evil youkai is bound to get it's hands on it." Kagome stated in surprise.

"Kagome, all 'youkai' are evil." Said Yoriko, putting emphasis on that word. Kagome chuckled sheepishly. "Don't think I didn't know what happened three days ago, Kagome."

Kagome was now shocked. "Masaka! How did you know?"

Yoriko simply pointed at Chizaki. Kagome swatted the girl on her head. "You and your big mouth."

"Ow. . .that hurts Kagome." Chizaki moaned.

"Kagome, I don't care if he's a hanyou he is still demon. Nothing good can come of those. . .creatures."

"But Yoriko-sama!"

"Stop your bawling Kagome. Besides, it one of the main reasons I'd summoned you here. To test your faith in us as ."

"I'm sorry Kagome." Chizaki implored.

"In a nutshell. You are to apprehend those scriptures and bring them here. For the good of all humankind I will cast the scriptures to oblivion. You will set out on your journey tomorrow afternoon. Do I make myself clear, ladies?" She informed sternly.

"Hai." The girls said in unison.

"This task may be very time consuming, so here." She handed them both a large bag full of money. "That's for necessities and expenses."

"Arigatou, Yoriko-sama." The girls acknowledge again.

"This briefing is over. Godspeed on your journey, ladies."

* * *

Later that night Kagome was walking from the temple after praying in deep orison there. She thought of the risks of traveling to Edo. She prayed to the gods to protect them on their long journey. On her way to her shelter she met Kikyou and Chizaki on the way there.

"Kagome please do not worry yourself so. You'll be just fine. Oh I wish I can join you two on your voyage. I too, longed to visit Edo." Said Kikyou.

Chizaki had a very despondent look on her face. "I'm going to bed. This may be my last night to sleep peacefully. If I live to see more nights."

Kikyou gasped. "Chizaki, you shouldn't think like that. No need to be pessimistic. I pray for your safe return."

"Yeah Chizaki you should be proud. We're technically saving the world. This is going to be exciting." Kagome seemed to be better now that she prayed at the temple. Chizaki groaned and made a false applause by swirling her right fist.

"Yahoo. . . we're going to be saviors of the world." She muttered darkly. "I'm glad you're taking this so well. Maybe because of that hanyou you like so much."

Kikyou nosed in. "Yes I almost forgot. I do recall Eri commenting about your rendezvous earlier today. Did something happened between you two Kagome?"

Kagome blushed "Um. . .I'm going to bed. Goodnight. With that she rushed off to the far away shelter.

"My. Kagome is really taken with this young man isn't he?" Kikyou wondered.

Chizaki bad mood instantly vanished "Maybe or travels will prove to be fun after all."

* * *

Inuyasha ambled through a mysterious, haunted forest. The eerie canopy of trees was only accompanied by the sounds of crickets chirping, hooting owls, and the ghastly whisper of the wind. The arrogant bastard wasn't in the least bit scared. Until he heard a female's voice.

"Help! Help me!"

Playing hero he follow the voice through the forest to finds it's source. He stumble upon a lake. He lost track of the voice. How could this be? His keen sense of smell was missing! Of course! His face paled as he realized it. At that moment evil demonic laughter can be heard. The terrifying laugh seemed to wave through the air infinitely. He was growing nervous now.

"Help me. Please?"

It was that voice again! It sounded familiar. He followed it again and ended up in a deep valley. The buildings there were demolished and fire was seen all over the place. He had to find that woman in need. He sprinted through the perpetual darkness and fire until he finally reached her. . .

There in all of her pulchritude was her. Kagome.

She was crying miserably on the ground. Her blue dress was torn and drenched in her blood. Inuyasha rushed to her aid and picked her up off the ground cradling her in his arms. "It's okay Kagome. I'm here for you." Kagome bawling eased at his words and she drew her lips to his in deep osculation. After a few moments she released herself from the kiss and spoke.

"Inuyasha! I'm glad you came to save me. I'm so scared and alone. Please take me with you. Please take me away from this horrible place."

"It's okay, baby. I'll take care of you. I will never let anyone hurt you. Even if it's man, woman, hybrid, or demon." He rolled his hand across her tear stained face, soothing her tears. She held on tighter as if she was to let go she'll be lost in the wicked darkness forever. And the constant evil laughter wasn't helping either. It scared her even more.

Inuyasha began to cry as well. "My love will conquer all, Kagome. Don't worry. Inu's got you." Suddenly he felt a sharp pang in his back and dropped Kagome. Kagome looked up at him in horror. A huge demon's claw was impaled through him.

"What is this!?" He shouted in rage.

"INUYASHA!!!"

He looked up and noticed Kagome was held up in the air by a huge clawed hand.

"KAGOME!!!"

The giant thumb slashed her across her hip and a radiating small jewel flew out the wound. Inuyasha looked on in horror at this sight. "Kagome! I'm coming!" But it was just one thing: he couldn't move. "What the fuck is going on!?"

It was too late the demon hand has taken his love deep into the abyss. Inyasha began crying. He lost her. . .forever. "Oh God no! It can't be! This can't be fucking happening!!" He then noticed the jewel shinning potently beside him in the darkness. What was it?

"It's all on a fateful day, my love." Kagome's voice can be heard from the infinite darkness. Inuyasha didn't understand this at all.

He heard her voice again. "Inuyasha. I love you. But it is the cruel way of fate." She sounded so sad.

"Kagome!" Shouted Inuyasha jumping out of his bed from a incubus. He looked around and found himself back in his father's friend den and Miroku was blissfully sleeping on another bed beside him.

"It was just a nightmare. But it seems so real." He mused.

"Oh. . . my goodness. . ."

"Huh?" He skewed a glance at Miroku who was talking in his sleep.

". . .you give good dome. . ."

"Keh. At least somebody's having sweet dreams." His thoughts set back on the beautiful girl in his nightmare. It was so frightening. But a dream's a dream and it was over. Then Inuyasha realized he had a dream about Kagome again. "Kagome. . ."

Next chapter: Voyagers and Drinking Partners

A/N: Phew! That's enough. Man it took me while but it was worth it. I'll update soon as I get the sufficient number of reviews. I already have an idea of where this story is going. Oh yeah for those that have it twisted this story takes place in the late 18oo's so there you have it. Over and out.