Disclaimer: The song is Stand Here With Me by Creed.
Kagome did not contemplate much about what Kikyo might do as a result of Sunday night's outcome. Kagome did not even consider that Kikyo would try to retaliate.
Perhaps she should have.
Monday began like any other school day. Kagome woke to her annoying alarm, showered, dressed, ate, and made sure her appearance was human before leaving the house. Kagome looked at her arm warmers. Only a couple more days and the scars would be completely gone.
She walked to school and was greeted by Sango and Miroku, as well as, much to her surprise, Inuyasha and Kouga.
Kagome did not see the incensed glares that were sent at her by Kikyo's clique, but Sesshoumaru did.
By the time her second class started, Kagome was aware of the consequences of surpassing one as influential as Kikyo.
Everyone knew that Kagome had replaced Kikyo as the female lead singer. The overwhelming majority had not heard, or spoken to someone who had heard, Kagome sing. In rumors undoubtedly started by Kikyo's closest supporters, because Kikyo had not shown up at school that morning, the entire school learned that Kagome had unfairly stolen Kikyo's deserved position.
Kagome received frequent seething looks from her classmates. Several students would huddle together and whisper angry and spiteful words about Kagome loud enough for her to hear. Walking through the hallway, her supplies were constantly knocked out of her hands. If she could not pick them up quickly enough, they were stepped on.
At lunch, Kikyo arrived at school with the appearance of being depressed. Her followers commented sympathetically at the dark circles under her eyes and the slouch she walked with. They were conveniently unaware that Kikyo's makeup, hair, and clothing were as flawless as usual. If possible, the looks Kagome received became even more hostile.
Sango wrapped a protective arm around Kagome's shoulders and glared right back. Miroku looked more serious than normal.
"We heard the gossip, Kagome," Sango said, concerned laced in her voice.
Miroku sighed. "If only they could hear you sing. Then they'd understand." At a look from Sango, he quickly added, "Not that they should be acting this way in the first place."
"Lay off him, Sango," Kagome gently scolded. "He didn't do anything."
Sango sighed and nodded. Miroku inched closer to his girlfriend. "I know a way you can make it up to me," he began suggestively.
Sango smacked him when his hand landed on her behind. "Not at school, you hentai!" she hissed. She then turned her attention back to Kagome. "At least we have PE together. I can keep an eye on you then," Sango stated hopefully. Kagome nodded, silently hoping that the reprisal did not get any worse or come to involve her friends.
The three walked together until they had to go to their separate locker rooms. After roll call, the unpleasant announcement came that they would be divided up by year, and each year would do a different unit, rotating every few weeks.
Kagome was a junior; Sango and Miroku were seniors.
Sango and Miroku did their best to keep an eye on their friend, but nothing happened. The most likely reason being that the teachers were watching.
Kagome inwardly sighed with relief when the teacher blew the whistle and told them to go in and change. She was tired, so she did not run like some of the others. Occasionally a small group would jostle her as they passed her, but Kagome tried her best to ignore them. She did not notice when the teachers disappeared from sight.
"Kagome!" Sango called out to her friend, waving to get her attention. She saw her friend turn and return the gesture. Kagome walked a few more paces to stand in the shade of the high dive to wait for Sango to catch up.
They would never know whether or not what happened was an accident.
A group of walkers passed by Kagome, who was stationary. Kagome felt someone push her again. But when she moved to regain her balance, she was shoved yet again. Her foot caught on something, and she fell.
Sango later wondered whether she imagined hearing the sickening thud, but she knew she heard the splash.
"Kagome!"
Miroku heard Sango's pained cry, and was struck with fear when he saw the crowd gathering around one corner of the pool. Sango was trying to make her way through, but the crowd was not quick to comply with her demands to move.
Miroku began sprinting towards the pool to try his own luck. Suddenly he heard a splash, soon followed by another, and the crowd hastily parted.
Sesshoumaru stood in his school clothes, holding a limp Kagome in his arms. Both were completely drenched, and a large puddle formed quickly under them. A small cut was visibly bleeding above Kagome's temple.
Sesshoumaru released a growl that had half the assembly fleeing in fear for their lives.
Sango was suddenly at Kagome's side. "She's not breathing! Put her down!" Sango ordered. "I know CPR." Miroku recalled that Sango's mother was a nurse.
Sesshoumaru complied, and Sango quickly set to work. Soon Kagome was coughing up chlorinated pool water, but she was breathing.
Kagome moaned, holding her head with one hand, and tried to sit up.
"No, Kagome," Sango said hastily. "Lay down, and I'll go get the nurse."
Both Sango and Miroku were shocked when Sesshoumaru lifted Kagome and began walking away, but they said nothing as they followed him to the nurse's office.
- - - - - -
The moment Kagome felt her head hit the hard surface of the pool edge she fought to remain cognizant. The blow left her stunned, and the pain clouded her mind. She clung to her last thread of consciousness, praying that her concealment spell held.
Awareness returned to her suddenly, and she quickly gagged on the water in her lungs. Her head was pounding, but she still attempted to rise.
She heard Sango's soothing voice and strict orders to lie still.
Before Kagome could protest, she felt dizzy as a pair of strong arms unexpectedly lifted her into the air.
When Kagome woke an unknown amount of time later, she worried that her secret was discovered. She encountered no strange looks or questions from her friends, however, so she knew with relief that her secret remained hidden.
She was shocked, though, to see that Sango and Miroku were not the only ones in the room.
- - - - - -
After they had seen Kagome delivered to the nurse, Sango and Miroku left to contact Kagome's family.
Shortly after they left, the nurse informed Sesshoumaru that Kagome would be fine, and that she just needed to rest.
He took the seat near her bedside. Placing his elbows on his knees, he rested his chin on his folded hands, and he watched her as he recalled what had happened.
He had heard Sango cry out Kagome's name, and needed no other indication that something was wrong. He had heard the rumors as well.
Once he saw her lifeless body underwater, he not bothered to hesitate before diving in to retrieve her. When he exited the water, the gathering had instantly parted before his icy glare.
Sesshoumaru had not bothered to hold back his enraged growl at the thought of so many onlookers that had chosen not to help Kagome. Fighting to maintain his control, he had not noticed that Kagome was not breathing until her friend had informed him.
Sango had performed CPR, and the Sesshoumaru had decided to convey her to the nurse himself.
As he had traversed down the halls, he had become very aware of how her wet clothing stuck to her body like a second skin. He had glared at anyone who looked for too long while trying to prevent himself from staring at her form.
Which, despite himself, he was currently doing.
Sesshoumaru reached one hand out to her arm and lightly ran his fingers over the scars. The nurse had dressed her in an extra PE uniform, removing Kagome's wet clothes, including her arm warmers.
His eyes narrowed. The wounds had healed surprising quick. He brushed the thought aside as a result of her miko powers.
The fact that she had inflicted the wounds herself left him wondering if he could have prevented her attempts. If one word… one action… would have given her reason to want to live.
He released a sigh when he heard her friends returning. Retracting his hand, Sesshoumaru stood and left to change into the extra set of clothes he kept in his locker. The ones he was wearing were still soaked.
When he returned to the room, Sango informed him that Kagome's mother was on her way.
After a moment, Sesshoumaru nodded. "We shall go to practice, then. Tonight Miroku will have to play Kagome's part."
"Can we at least wait until she wakes up?" Sango asked.
Sesshoumaru neither consented nor refused, but he remained in the room with them until Kagome opened her eyes.
Soon after Kagome woke, her mother arrived. Sesshoumaru told her to rest before he left. Sango and Miroku told her they would see her the next day and wished her well and followed.
Kagome's mother signed her out of the nurse's office and took her home. After another short nap, Kagome rose and showered. Checking the cut near her hairline, she saw it was healing swiftly. She brushed her hair to conceal it. Her mother had a large snack ready for her when she descended the stairs.
She felt as though she was forgetting something, perhaps as a result of the hit to her head. Kagome concentrated…
She looked at the clock and then turned to address her mother. "Hey, Mom? Would you do me a favor?"
- - - - - -
"Kagome?"
Sesshoumaru turned when he heard Sango's surprised voice. Kagome was making her way towards them.
"Sorry I'm late," Kagome said with a sheepish smile. "And I apologize for missing practice, too."
"I thought I told you to rest," Sesshoumaru stated unemotionally.
"I did. Really. Then I got a ride here."
"Why would she need to rest?" Kouga inquired, overhearing their conversation.
"Yeah, and why'd you miss practice?" Inuyasha added.
Kagome repeated the story of falling into the pool, for she had told her mother as payment for the favor of being driven to the club. During the second telling, however, Sango and Miroku helped to fill in the gaps.
Kagome was amazed, grateful and slightly embarrassed to hear that Sesshoumaru had saved her. That he had explained his attendance in the room when she awoke.
She sent him a grateful smile, but she did not think he would appreciate her voicing her thanks.
Kouga and Inuyasha were fuming by the end of the story, but Miroku pointed out that they could do little to prevent what had happened.
"Something like that could happen again," Kouga protested.
"I doubt it, not with the way Sesshoumaru growled at them," Miroku replied with a slight chuckle, earning him a threatening glare.
Before anyone else could speak, a stagehand informed the band that they needed to get on stage.
They heard the presenter begin, "And now the moment you've all been waiting for. Or at least you ladies…"
Excited screams drowned out most of what followed.
The others followed Sesshoumaru onto the stage, and he inwardly frowned when Kagome sat at the keyboard. He still thought she should be recovering at her home.
Sesshoumaru's eyes scanned the spectators, the majority of which were female. All knew this performance would most likely be the last chance they had to have the legendary Sesshoumaru sing to them. He was watched with hungry, hopeful, anxious, and excited eyes.
He reached a decision quickly.
Turning his back on the audience, he walked up to Kagome and presented his hand to her as he had done to a different female at each of the past concerts.
Kagome's surprise made her hesitate, but after a pause she placed her hand in his. As he helped her to rise, his eyes met Miroku's and Sesshoumaru tilted his head towards the keyboard.
Miroku understood instantly. He set aside his bass and took his place as Kagome's temporary replacement.
Kagome was lead to stand near the microphone. Many audience members looked upset at the unexpected turn of events, but as the band began to play, and Sesshoumaru began to sing, the viewers found themselves enjoying the live music nonetheless.
You always reached out to me, and helped me believe
All those memories we share
I will cherish every one of them
The truth of it is, there's a right way to live
And you showed me
So now, you live on, in the words, of a song
You're a melody
'Cause you stand here with me, now
'Cause you stand here with me, now
Kagome was mesmerized, hearing the words she had written flowing from Sesshoumaru's perfect lips. Ironic that she had composed the song with him in mind, and now he sang it to her. Did all of the other girls who had stood where she was now feel as though he was singing just to her?
Just when fear blinded me, you taught me to dream
I'll give you everything I am, and still fall short of
What you've done for me
In this life that I live,
I hope I can give love unselfishly
I've learned the world is bigger than me
You're my daily dose of reality
His eyes captured hers in a stare neither seemed to want to break away from. She began to lose herself in the golden orbs. Kagome felt her concealment slip, and hastened to put it back in place. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed slightly. Had he seen?
'Cause you stand here with me, now
'Cause you stand here with me, now
Kouga began singing his repeated line as Inuyasha did his. Sesshoumaru repeated a line as well, his voice quieter than both of theirs, and their voices blended together.
On and on we sing
On and on we sing this song
'Cause you stand here with me
Then all sound ceased, and Sesshoumaru said his part one final time.
'Cause you stand here with me
The audience cheered.
A/N: After a nice, long chapter, time for some disappointing news. In the beginning of August I will be out of town for about two weeks, with chances of internet access being slim to none. I am bringing my laptop, and will work on the story when I can and update ASAP upon my return. I will try and have another chapter up before I leave. Thanks!
DudettRin101: I am glad we agree on that point. Thanks for the review!
foxy66: I hope you continue to like it. Thank you for reviewing!
MadMood: Lol. Naraku may appear, but most likely not. Thanks for reviewing!
NyghtShadow: Yes, I love Evanescence and I've found several of their songs coincide with where I want the story to go. Thank you for the review!
Do a DAMN GOOGLE SEARCH: Interesting. I used to read hundreds of pages a week, but then my friend introduced me to anime, so I just had to try manga. That's almost all I read now, and I do not think my writing quality has decreased. But I have enjoyed and excelled in English for a couple years now. I've had some inspiring teachers. And having an interest in what you write about always helps, lol. Anyway, thank you for the review. Good luck surviving your family, I know it can be a painful experience, or, if you do not get to read this until your return, welcome back and I hope your trip went well enough.
cuttie-blossom: Thank you! You're so sweet.
Tigermage: Thanks for reviewing! I hope you continue to enjoy!
lildevil0644: I hope you liked this chapter. Thank you for the review!
lyn: I will do my best. I am glad you like it!
royal blueKitsune: I hope you liked this chapter, too. I will be sure to look into the songs you mentioned. I do not think you insistent at all. I always appreciate suggestions and advice, even criticism. Thank you!
Sesshomaru's true mate: Thank you so much! I'm so happy you think so highly of the story.
Kakiomae: I am so glad you think so. Thank you very much!
sataness-ov-desire: Thanks so much! I will update when I can. May I ask where you were in California? That is where I live.
Kagome21: Kikyo is on Kagome's mother's side of the family. Good question. I hope you enjoyed this chapter just as much. Thank you for reviewing!
Sesshie's Black Dominatrix: I am touched that would like to read my other stories. One story is Accidentally or Deliberately under the same penname, and the other is Retrieving Raven under the penname newiceauthoress on this site. Also under that penname is a completed Fruits Basket story called Healed By Tears. But do not feel obligated to read any of them if they do not interest you. Anyway, I am happy to hear you are still enjoying this one. Thank you for reviewing!
BlueMoonWaves: Thanks so much! I am pleased to hear that. I hope this chapter was worth waiting for.
KiTsUnEoOkAmI: Thank you, but that is a limited privilege. School will be starting for me soon. I honestly cannot guess how long the story will last. The two fanfictions that I have completed are fifteen and thirteen chapters long, if that is anything to go by. Naraku is very unlikely to appear in this story. Thanks for the review!
Girl of pain darkness: I am glad to hear that. I hope the story continues to entertain you.
Elegant Enchantress: I am happy that you understand why I made her act the way she did. You deciphered my thoughts for the scene exactly. Thank you very much for your reviews and good wishes.
Kagome-Sano's grl: Thank you! I will try and update again soon.
LadyRedEyes: I am glad you are enjoying the story. Evanescence is a favorite of mine as well. I have not heard "Lies", but I will certainly look into it. As for the rating, it is high partially because I do not know if it is too dark for a T rating. Also, Inuyasha will become a somewhat more prominent character in future chapters and language may become an issue. I do not know into how much detail I will go as far as romance is concerned, either. If, at the end of the story, an M rating is not necessary, I will change it.
Owarinari: I am glad the story is still to your liking. And truly, you have my thanks for introducing me to that song. I had been deliberating over which of about three songs to use, but with your suggestion I was able to quit postponing the chapter. I think the song fit well for the chapter. Thank you!
Demoness of the Black Wolves: As requested, a new chapter. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
KamiZoe1670: I hope the wait for the chapter was worth it. Thank you for reviewing!
Emeraldrose13: She is out of the band, but she still holds authority at school… for now, lol. I hope I updated at a reasonable pace for you.
Inu Girl Demon: I have, and I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reviewing!
Erik: Lol. I actually came to like Green Day when I took my brother's CD and copied it to my computer. I am glad you are enjoying my story. Thank you for the review!