Thank you all for actually reading this. I'm so glad some people actually like it.
Disclaimer: Sure, I own Inuyasha... the Wallscroll! PUhahaha.. you can't take that away from me! I bought it! Anyway...blah blah... the LEGAL rights belong to Rumiko Takahashi. But who says anything has to be legal wink wink? That's why we have the internet!
Chapter Three: A Simple Gesture
Kagome sat at the base of a Sakura tree in one of the gardens that she had passed earlier. She let out a sigh and tilted her head toward the sky. Stars emerged from their daylight hiding places, but it was too early to see the new moon take form. Leaves rustled silently as Kagome thanked Kami-sama for helping her escape Sesshoumaru's interrogation.
Flashback
"Where is this "Tokiyo" that Rin speaks of? I have never heard of such a place." Kagome had to think up of something quickly. Sesshoumaru sensed her heartbeat go faster.
"Eh…um… Well, it is quite far away. It is a quiet little village, but there are a lot of people there. It is kind of overcrowded, nothing special really."
"And your clothes, they are very… unique. It seems inappropriate."
"It's the fashion in my village. You know how it is, everyone has their own little… thing."
"Of course," Kagome felt uncomfortable under the gaze of the inu youkai. Her mind started racing. She needed to think of something quickly no matter how lame it would sound.
"Arigatou Sesshoumaru-sama. This was such a wonderful dinner. I've eaten so much and it's making me tired. Do you mind if we continue this conversation some other day?" Sesshoumaru took notice of the sudden change in topic, but decided not to press the matter.
"Very well." Kagome stood up and left the room while holding her breath until the dining room doors were shut firmly behind her.
End Flashback
'He's not as bad as I thought…KAGOME…NANI YO!' Kagome smirked as she shook her head slightly. She leaned on the tree and placed her hands on her knees. The light from the lamps and the numerous fireflies created a mystic atmosphere. The smooth flow of trickling water from the waterfall completed the mood and Kagome was instantly mesmerized. Her eyes began to droop slowly. Several times she tried to open her eyes but to no avail. She finally gave up the struggle and fell into a light slumber.
Sesshoumaru sat at the dining table concentrating considerably on the girl named Higurashi Kagome. She appeared to be a simple ningen, but she kept many things hidden from him. He had sensed her reluctance to speak about herself and her past. This interested him. Normally, any being who had the honor of meeting the mighty taiyoukai would have spoken endlessly about themselves and their accomplishments in a vain attempt to impress him, yet this girl felt no need to behave in such a manner. Also, from what he gathered while watching her travel with his dim witted kyoudai, she seemed to carry peculiar objects and bring strange gifts to her friends. She even smelled cleaner and wore clothing that didn't smell of earth or sweat. Sometimes the ningen would disappear for several days without a scent to leave behind a trail. When he had sent Jaken to find out more information on the girl, he returned with an eccentric tale.
Flashback
"Sesshoumaru-sama…Sesshoumaru-sama," Jaken sighed inwardly wondering where his lord had gone. Sesshoumaru appeared behind Jaken startling him.
"Jaken, what have you discovered about the girl."
"The villagers near Inuyasha's forest have been spreading rumors about a young miko who appeared in their village and saved them from youkai attacks. They say that she is the reincarnation of the miko Kikyou who died fifty years ago, the same wench that Inuyasha fell in love with. Her name is Kagome and she is from a distant village. She is also the one responsible for the broken Shikon No Tama."
"Is there anything else that you know about the girl?"
"Gomenasai Sesshoumaru-sama. There is nothing more."
'Kagome, a mere child, has pulled the Tetsusaiga from its confinement. Did you plan to taunt me father? You deviously planned this, didn't you?'
End Flashback
Sesshoumaru felt irritated. He did not want to think about the miko child any longer so he got up in search for a peaceful setting. Past a few corridors, he found himself intuitively walking toward one of his many gardens. The area seemed serene enough though here was someone there, the miko. His mind told him to leave, but his feet moved forward anyway. He didn't mind as long as she kept quiet.
Even from a distance, the taiyoukai could sense Kagome's slow breaths indicating that she was sleeping. As he followed the girls scent, he noticed her leaning against a Sakura tree. When he stood in front of her, he felt a slight change in her youki. She seemed to be disturbed. Sesshoumaru thought it was probably the result of the uncomfortable position that was in, but there was something else that he did not comprehend.
Kagome's Dream Reality
Kagome and Inuyasha sat near a blazing fire at the edge of a forest. Suddenly Inuyasha sniffed the air and spotted a Shinidamachuu, but decided to ignore it. He sighed and gazed at the fire.
"Inuyasha, aren't you going to go look for Kikyou? It looks like she wants to talk to you."
Silence
"Inuyasha…"
"Gomen, Kagome."
"What for?"
"I don't know. I'm just sorry."
"Look, if it's about Kikyou, then I understand. Remember, I already told you that I would always remain by your side. I'm happy when I'm near you and I know that you still love Kikyou. After all, it was Naraku's fault that you two were deceived. Think of it this way, maybe she was resurrected so that you two could have another chance together and her soul could finally be at peace." She smiled while her bangs covered her eyes to hide the tears that threatened to escape. She had to concentrate really hard to keep her voice steady. Sesshoumaru starred at the strange girl. She was crying?
"Kagome…" Inuyasha knew that he was hurting Kagome, but what was he suppose to do? He felt stupid. He loved two people. Though they shared the same soul, one was full of compassion and kindness while the other was just like him.
"But do you have to die? Can't you just stay a hanyou and live? You promised that you would always protect me. How can you do that when you are dead? I love you just the way that you are, a hanyou…Inuyasha," Inuyasha pulled Kagome into an embrace and she cried into his hitori. Now, tears fell freely from her closed eyes. What was this girl dreaming of? He was answered when she softly whispered the hanyou's name which angered the youkai for some strange reason. He continued to stare at the sleeping figure.
"Kagome, I made a promise to Kikyou. All of this suffering that she has lived through is because of me."
"No, it's not your fault. Naraku did this to you!" Kagome pulled away from his embrace which startled the hanyou. "Don't you have anything to live for in this world? Are you just going to leave your friends? What about Miroku, Sango, and Shippou? What about … me? Why don't you want to LIVE!" Inuyasha bowed his head unable to answer. "Live!" Kagome whispered louder. Sesshoumaru decided that this episode had continued far enough. He slowly bent down with the intent of waking the miko. After all, he could not have a guest sleeping outside muttering in her sleep.
"Gomen ne, Inuyasha. Demo…" Inuyasha looked up wondering why she had apologized. Kagome was crying and he reached out to wipe away a tear. Kagome pulled his arm and put her arms around his neck. She lightly placed her lips over his and closed her eyes hoping that he would feel her love, sorrow, and hope. Sesshoumaru extended his hand to shake Kagome's shoulder, but it never reached its destination. Instead, Kagome pulled the youkai forward so quickly that he did not have enough time to react. She secured her arms around his neck and placed a passionate kiss on his lips. For the first time in his life, Sesshoumaru was completely shocked. He eyes opened wide the instant she had kissed him, and it captivated him. He had never felt anything so unique.
End Kagome's Dream
'This feels so real.' Kagome felt something warm. It didn't feel like the sun, but what else could it be. She was holding something and she could still feel the effects of the kiss. In fact, she still felt like she was kissing him. She didn't want to let go, but she had to wake up so she leisurely opened her eyes. When they finally came into focus, she nearly stopped breathing. Kagome hastily pulled her head back rewarding her with headache as she conveniently forgot about the tree behind her.
"HENTAI!" Kagome slapped Sesshoumaru's face which didn't do anything but make her hand hurt and move the youkai's face sideways. Kagome received a "you're going to die now" stare from the angry Sesshoumaru. Kagome realized her mistake and tried to speak.
"Gome…" She never got to finish. Sesshoumaru's nails started glowing with poison and he drew back his hand swiftly and aimed it for her face. Kagome gasped in fear and closed her eyes when she saw the perilous claw that would sentence her death released from its initial position. She waited for pain and darkness, but it never came. The miko cautiously opened one eye and the other. He looked angry enough to kill her, but instead his claws were embedded in the bark of the Sakura Tree. She smelled the lethal fumes that deteriorated the bard of the tree and looked her attacker with pleading eyes.
"Impudent wench! Had you been any other being I would have killed you! Remember the terms of our agreement and think before you act. This is your first and final warning!" Sesshoumaru disappeared with a blink of an eye. Kagome remained paralyzed. A shaky hand found its way to her lips.
With Inuyasha
Inuyasha woke uneasily from his sleep. He looked around Kaede's hut and saw that everyone was sleeping. Inaudibly, Inuyasha walked out of the hut and found himself near the well. He closed his eyes and leaned on the edge.
'It was so real. The way that Kagome acted and the things that we said seemed so real. Maybe I should go and check on her, just to make sure.' Inuyasha stood up and placed one foot on the lip of the well.
"Inuyasha, where are you going?" A familiar voice called from behind him. He knew who it was. "Are you going to retrieve her? I do not sense her presence in this time."
"Leave me alone, Kikyou. This has nothing to do with you." Kikyou was the last person that he wanted to see right now.
"What are you talking about? She is my reincarnation. She has my soul, or have you forgotten this Inuyasha? Tell me, do you still choose her over me." Kikyou starred at her former love emotionlessly.
"Why are you here Kikyou? Don't you have souls to steal elsewhere?" Kikyou narrowed her eyes.
"Why are you like this to me Inuyasha? Have you forgotten your promise? Don't you see? She is me. You belong to me. The feelings that you have for her are only there because you love me." The dead miko started walking closer to the hanyou who had his back to her.
"You're wrong. You have HER soul. She is different from you." Inuyasha said this in a defeated voice. Kikyou stood behind Inuyasha and placed her head on his back. She encircled her arms around his stomach.
"Will you deny me my love?" 'Gomen, Kagome.' Inuyasha lowered his head as his bangs covered the single tear in his eye.
With Kagome
Hours had passed since the incident in the garden. Kagome remained awake throughout the entire night feeling distraught. A few strands of light emerged over the horizon and she shifted from her sideways position on her futon. As hard as she tried to close her eyes, no sleep would claim her troubled mind. With an exasperated sigh, Kagome lifted her body and walked toward the nearest bathing area. She wanted to leave this place, but she had no choice but to say. 'Kuso, I bet Sesshoumaru hates me. But why was he there? I didn't get the impression that he was a hentai or anything. What is going on around here? AHHHHHHHH!' Kagome stormed through the hallway with both hands rolled up into fists. She shut her eyes and bit her lower lip in an attempt to suppress her anger and frustration. A few seconds later, she found herself on the ground with a fairly large headache.
"Itta…Gomenasai," Kagome opened her eyes and gawked at what she had hit. It seemed to be quite irritated with her. "Inuyasha?"
Author's Note: Please Review... and what to do with Kikyou. You know, she really isn't all that bad, but I hate her for trying to take Inuyasha away. Stupid Inuyasha is such a dork. I love reading the Manga and I'm going to use some of the ideas in this story. TOTOUSAI IS GOING TO FORGE TENSEIGA... FINALLY! Sesshoumaru does care about people, poor Kagura. --- This is from the latest chapter! Check it out people! Bye!