Disclaimer: The following song is Mandy Moore's Only Hope.
- - Previously - -
"Promise you won't tell anyone," she murmured.
Again, she shocked him. He had expected another defying remark. "Very well. You have my word."
When he touched her cheek with the pads of his fingers, she looked at him, startled at the contact. Her eyes were lavender, as he had somewhat predicted. What he had not anticipated was the half sun on her forehead.
"You are heir to the Eastern Lands," he stated.
- - - -
Despite staying up late to study, Kagome slept better than she had in a long time. The fact that she had been able to reveal the truth to another had lifted the burden of secrecy from her shoulders slightly. And he had not hated her for not telling him before, he had not been averse to her new appearance, and he would not tell anyone else. Perhaps he understood that the secret was hers and hers alone to tell.
The banter resumed again the next day, though it was much more subtle than before, with no physical damage done. No one at the school seemed to understand why Sesshoumaru had saved Kagome, but they would not dare to attract his wrath by overtly harming the ward he seemed to have taken under his protection. Some speculated that Sesshoumaru was simply guarding his band's pianist, but the theory was not widely accepted. Miroku, after all, could play keyboard as well.
Kagome, however, was almost immune to the vindictive scoffs and rumors. Her friends appeared more upset by them than she was. Nothing anyone said about her seemed able to shadow her lightened mood.
Kikyo simply could not allow her cousin to shine. Seething, Kikyo attempted throughout the school day to devise a new plan to prove her cousin's inferiority, to no avail. Her failure only served to intensify her irritation.
The final bell rang, and Kikyo glared at her cousin's back as Kagome and her two friends walked off campus. If only Kagome had never been born, Kikyo's life would have been perfect now…
The notion stayed with her, and she recalled some interesting information that she had considered worthless when she had first heard it. Without a second thought, Kikyo approached her blissfully ignorant cousin.
Kikyo, flanked by her closest followers, stepped into Kagome's path. Kikyo did not even bother to conceal the sneer in her voice. "So, Kagome, I heard that you nearly drowned yesterday. Another failed attempt on your part?"
The color drained from Kagome's face. "What?"
"You heard me," Kikyo scoffed. "You're such a failure. You can't even take your own life." Kikyo smirked. She had drawn the attention of much of the school, and students now gathered around them.
"How did you…?" Kagome asked quietly.
"Your mother called mine when you tried."
Kagome was silent a moment. "So that morning… you knew, and you said nothing." Kikyo had treated her as usual, asking for the newest song. Kagome had thought Kikyo had not known of the attempt. Her own cousin…
"You failed, didn't you? Honestly, Kagome, I didn't know you were that weak." Several people behind Kikyo snickered, while others simply stared. "You don't deserve to be the lead singer. You'll fail at that, too."
"Kagome…" Sango began to speak, but Kagome only turned and ran. The crowd parted obligingly.
Blinded by tears, Kagome paid little attention to where she ran. She just wanted to be alone. Everyone she passed gave her odd looks, as though the news was spreading faster than she could run.
She was angry and embarrassed, saddened and confused. Kikyo had not reacted in the least to her attempted suicide. Was her cousin really so selfish?
Kagome's feet met stairs, and she followed them up as far as they would go. She stopped only to open the door, and found herself on the roof of the school.
A harsh breeze, chill with the promise of winter, dried the tears on her cheeks. But she had finally found privacy. Giving a final sniffle, she dropped her supplies carelessly on the ground and approached the low barrier. It barely reached her knees.
Cautiously, she stepped up onto it, finding its width to be about the length of her foot. Looking down, she watched as students continued to disperse from the school, ignorant to her presence above.
The entire school would know by tomorrow. How could she face her classmates and teachers? How differently would they treat her? Her shoulders sagged. How could Kikyo do this to her? Did her own cousin hate her that much? A feeling of vertigo hit her, and she swayed slightly. She forced herself under control and regained her balance.
"Kagome."
A voice, velvet smooth, but laced with a hint of worry, met her ears. Turning her head, her eyes met those of Sesshoumaru.
"I guess you heard, huh?" Her voice cracked slightly. For a reason unknown to her, she worried about Sesshoumaru knowing. Would he think her weak? She found herself silently praying that he did not. Looking away again, she added, "I wasn't going to jump, just so you know."
The building was only three stories high, but below her was the parking lot. Landing on a car could mean death.
She did not see him visibly relax somewhat at her proclamation. "I already knew."
In her surprise, she looked up too quickly, and nearly lost her balance again.
Sesshoumaru was beside her in an instant, his arm wrapped securely around her waist. "Why don't you step down, now." The request was more of a command.
Kagome nodded, but he did not release her until she stood solidly on level with him. She sat down with her back against the short wall, and Sesshoumaru listened as her pounding heart quieted. He was silently thankful that, since she still held her concealment spell, she could not hear the frightened beating of his own.
"How long have you known?"
"I overheard when your friend discovered the truth."
She was silent a moment. "Do you still want me in the band?"
Sesshoumaru was inwardly surprised by her question. "Why would I not?"
Kagome shrugged uncomfortably. "After all that has happened… I just seem to be complicating everything."
"Life is complicated," he responded monotonously. "You must learn to disregard what spews from your cousin's mouth." He began to walk towards the door, but then paused. "You will not try again?"
"No," she said evenly. She could not deny that, deep down, she felt as though, if Sesshoumaru were near her, she would be all right.
He nodded. "Have a new song by Saturday's practice." He left.
Kagome was momentarily confused, until she realized the significance of the order.
She was still in the band.
- - - - - -
Sesshoumaru was distracted from his homework, thinking about Kagome's predicament. Kikyo was becoming more than an annoyance, especially with her influence over the school's populace.
What was required was a way to strip her of her grandeur, and to prove that Kagome truly was superior to Kikyo.
Sesshoumaru sighed and placed a recording of one of their recent practice sessions into his stereo. Kagome's voice sounded through the speakers, but he preferred the purity of hearing it in person.
His lips twisted into a satisfied smirk. For anyone else, the plan that formed in his mind would be near impossible. But he was student body president.
- - - - - -
The next day Kagome walked forward to silence in the crowded hallways of her school, and left in her wake cautious whispers from mouths hidden behind hands. Of those who would meet her eyes, some gave her sympathetic looks, and others confused ones.
She did not want their ignorant pity. She doubted any of them understood her. None had certainly made any effort to try to. Kagome had always felt invisible, so why could she not disappear now? Why was her secret broadcasted now, now that her life had begun to take a turn for the better. Was Kikyo so set on ruining Kagome's life?
"Hey, Kagome. You okay?" Sango greeted her. Miroku stood beside her, the first uncertain smile on his face that she had ever seen. "You kinda disappeared yesterday. We were worried."
Kagome sighed and nodded. "I'm fine. I was more angry at Kikyo than upset, I think."
Sango appeared relieved. "That's good." Suddenly, she scowled. "I can't believe that bitch did that."
"Now, Sango, calm down," Miroku said soothingly, wrapping a comforting arm around her waist. But when his hand moved further down, he was rewarded with a slap.
"Hentai," his girlfriend muttered.
"You must have seen that coming, Miroku," Kagome said, biting back a smile. Silently she thanked him. Whether he had the intention of doing so or not, he had successfully lightened the mood.
Miroku shrugged while rubbing the reddening handprint. "It was worth it," he said with a lecherous grin.
Sango huffed as the bell rang. "See you at lunch, Kagome," she said, pulling Miroku behind her as the couple went to their class.
Kagome was working on the long math question the teacher had given them when an announcement sounded over the intercom. She was surprised to recognize Sesshoumaru's voice, until she recalled that he was the study body president.
She half-listened as she neared completion of the problem. The word 'assembly' reached her, followed immediately by the cheering of her classmates. They would be missing next period for a special meeting in the auditorium.
Class ended. Kagome had finished the calculation, but the teacher gave them five additional, and more difficult, problems to do for homework that night. She was simply moving with the flow of her fellow students towards the auditorium, going over the math in her head, when she was suddenly pulled aside.
Startled, she looked up to meet a pair of golden eyes. "Um, hello, Sesshoumaru. Is there something I can do for you?"
An eyebrow rose momentarily. "I suppose you could say that." He waved her confused look aside. "Come with me." Sesshoumaru turned and left without looking to see if she would follow.
She did, trotting to catch up. "But shouldn't I be finding a seat for the assembly?"
"You are the assembly."
"What?"
But they were already on the stage in front of the entire student populace. They had entered through a back door. Kagome gulped at the multitude of semi-familiar faces. Faces that had before watched her with uncertainty now stared with curiosity.
"They are no different than any other audience, Kagome," Sesshoumaru murmured stoically.
Kagome stared at him. Was he mocking her nervousness? No, she decided, he was trying to help calm her worry. She nodded and composed herself.
He gave her an approving look. "Stand here," he ordered her quietly, before he moved to the center of the stage, where a podium stood, to address his spectators.
Kagome looked to the opposite side of the stage to see her cousin. Kikyo was bathing in the attention of being onstage, albeit off to the side, brought her. Sesshoumaru's flowing tones caught Kagome's attention, and she turned to listen to him.
"First, I would like to give my thanks to our principal, who allowed this unplanned break in our schedule," Sesshoumaru stated coolly. Mild applause was heard. "Now, many of you know that I am part of a band—" The crowd erupted in cheers, but Sesshoumaru raised his hand and silence soon followed the action. "Then you also know of our change in lead singer. Many of you seem to disagree with the decision, so today you will be hearing them both sing for yourselves." When silence met his words, he continued, holding up a few music pages. "Because Kikyo has never written a song of her own—" Shocked and incredulous gasps were heard, but Sesshoumaru ignored them and continued. "They will both be singing a song that Kagome wrote some time ago, but which Kikyo has been exposed to as well."
Why is this happening? Kagome wondered. Is he testing me?
Stepping back, Sesshoumaru motioned for Kikyo to step forward. She moved confidentially to the center stage and brighter lights amidst whistling and clapping. Sesshoumaru saw Kikyo's coolness falter when she recognized the song, and he turned away to hide his smirk. "Good luck," he stated icily, sarcasm barely detectable.
As he moved off to the side of stage where Kagome stood, he nodded to the music teacher, who had offered to play the piano part. Sesshoumaru recalled the man's admiration of the, in his words, 'expertly written' piece.
Kikyo had stage presence, public appeal, and little else. As at practice when Kagome had presented the song, Kikyo was unable to sing it. Some notes were too high, so her voice cracked and squeaked, and she could not make the words flow as Kagome could. After listening only to Kagome sing for the past several days, Sesshoumaru thought his ears would bleed as his endured listening to Kikyo's struggling attempt with the song.
The highest note had every demon visibly wincing. From the corner of his eye, Sesshoumaru noticed Kagome's own grimace.
None too soon, the torture was over. The cheering was perceptibly less enthusiastic, but Kikyo either did not notice or ignored the fact.
Sesshoumaru stepped forward to thank Kikyo and announce Kagome.
Kagome's eyes searched the audience for Sango or Miroku, needing the reassurance of a friendly face. She was saddened when she could spot neither, and approached center stage without the encouragement Kikyo had received.
Sesshoumaru again sensed her anxiety. Was she so uncertain of her own talent? But, he remembered, amongst the crowd were the ones she was facing had laughed at her and bullied her, the ones who had harmed her both physically and emotionally.
"Kagome," he said, quiet enough that the microphone did not catch and amplify his words. "I know you can sing. You need only show them. Until you do, they will continue to harass you. I will not stand for such treatment to another band member."
Kagome's eyes widened and she nearly gasped aloud at his words. Sesshoumaru had done all of this for her. Looking into his golden eyes, she found all of the assurance she needed.
When she smiled at him, he felt her apprehension dissipate. Sesshoumaru nodded before stepping away to give her the entire attention of the audience and again signaling the music teacher.
There's a song that's inside of my soul.
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again.
I'm awake in the infinite cold,
But you sing to me over and over and over again.
So I lay my head back down,
And I lift my hands and pray to be only yours.
I pray to be only yours.
I know now you're my only hope.
Some muttering could be heard before she began, but it all ceased as her song echoed powerfully yet delicately throughout the large hall. Silencing everyone like a welcomed choral enchantment.
Sing to me the song of the stars,
Of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again.
When it feels like my dreams are so far,
Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again.
So I lay my head back down,
And I lift my hands and pray to be only yours.
I pray to be only yours.
I know now you're my only hope.
Sesshoumaru smirked at the reaction of the audience. He knew that her skill was completely unexpected to them. He closed his eyes and allowed her voice to caress him as he wished her touch would.
I give you my destiny.
I'm giving you all of me.
I want your symphony,
Singing in all that I am,
At the top of my lungs.
I'm giving it back.
So I lay my head back down,
And I lift my hands and pray to be only yours.
I pray to be only yours.
I know now you're my only hope.
The breathy pause was barely noticeable before the fanatical ovation sounded.
"Well done, Kagome," he whispered to himself before he moved forward to release everyone to continue with the school day.
Kagome was lost to him as new admirers surrounded her. Reining in his jealousy, he knew that she deserved the praise, certainly more than Kikyo. He escaped the swarming mass of bodies to the relatively empty hallway.
He was surprised when he heard her call his name. Turning, he was met with her brilliant smile and dazzling brown eyes. "Thank you," she said.
Her smile made everything worth it.
A/N: I honestly cannot apologize enough for how long I took to get this chapter out. School is taking up much more time than I expected, or would like it to. All I can say is that I will try my best to get the next chapter out as soon as possible.
Owarinari: I am very sorry that I will not be able to update as fast now. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, though! Thanks for the review!
IslandPrincess: I will continue updating, but at a much slower pace, I'm sorry to say. I hope you liked this chapter, too. Thank you for reviewing!
royal blueKitsune: I was happy to hear that you liked the last chapter. I hope this one was at least partially worth the long wait. Thank so much for reviewing!
InuKago45: I finally updated. Sorry about the wait. I am glad that the last chapter made you happy. I hope this one does, too.
NyghtShadow: Thank you! I know a while has passed since you reviewed, but I will be sure to continue with this story when I can.
Inu Girl Demon: Well, I can try. I'll let you know once I have a better idea of this story's length myself. Thank you for the review! Sorry about the wait!
Kyaku-kun: Thank you very much! I will try not to make you wait so long for the next chapter, but I cannot make any promises.
IYGURL: I am very sorry for not updating sooner. I hope you still liked this chapter.
Emeraldrose13: Thank you! And everyone will probably find out soon. Perhaps even the next chapter. I am sorry you had to wait so long!
Sesshomaru's: Thanks! I went through my entire library of music before starting this fiction, and used that to get ideas for how the story would go. This story was actually inspired by a particular song that has yet to appear.
Inuyasha's hun: I love Sesshoumaru's honorability as well. I apologize for how long I took to get this chapter up. Thank you for reviewing!
LadyRedEyes: I'm sorry for not updating sooner. I'll try and do better next time. I began reading the story you recommended, but I have been too busy to keep up with it. When I have time, I will certainly look into it more. Thank you fore the review!
cuttie-blossom: I get story mixed up occasionally, too, when they do not update often… like mine. Sorry about that. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for reviewing!
Charlie911: I will, albeit slowly, for which I apologize in advance. Thanks for the review!
TheWildWind: I am continuing, I am sorry it was not sooner, though. Thank you for the review!
sesshy's numba1 gurl: I hope this chapter was somewhat worth the long wait. Thanks for reviewing!
Sesshie's Black Dominatrix: To be honest, I am not sure where I will take the idea of her father's disappearance, if I take it anywhere. It may even prove to be the sequel to this story. I'm not sure. Thank you very much for reviewing! I will try not to make the wait so long this time.
kawaii-baka4life: I am pleased that you made an exception for my story. I am currently playing around with the plot for another story or two in which Kikyo, though with a small role, is not mean. Anyway, thank you very much for the review!
Erik: I am sorry I was unable to update sooner. I am glad you were pleased with the last chapter, and I'm glad you found the tape you were looking for, lol. I hope Fae is okay. Thanks for reviewing!
KiTsUnEoOkAmI: I totally appreciate your reviews, whether every chapter or not. However, I am beginning to get so many that I may have to stop giving reviewer responses at the end of each chapter. Thank you again and I apologize about the long wait!
Girl of pain and darkness: You'll find out in due time. Thanks for reviewing!
taiyoukai-chan: I am sorry for not updating sooner, but I am completely honored that you like my story so much. I will try my best to update sooner this time.
lildevil0644: I am sorry that you had to wait so long for this chapter. I hope to get the next one out sooner. As far as Kagome's father is concerned, I have not decided. That may well be a sequel. Thank you fore reviewing!
sataness-ov-desire: I know I did not update soon, but I hope the chapter was somewhat worth the wait. I do not write my own songs. I give credit at the beginning of the chapters. Thanks so much for the review!
Darkwitch17: I am pleased that you enjoy the story so much. I will try not to make you wait so long for the next chapter this time. Thanks!
lyn: I'm sorry I took so long. Thank you for the review!
darkpriestressofhell: I'm flattered. I am sorry that you had to wait so long for this chapter. Thank you for the review! I hope you continue to enjoy the story.
hermonine: Thank you very much! I will be sure to update when I can.
Ladyofthewest15: I am happy to hear that! I will try very hard to update sooner this time. I hope you liked this chapter. Thank you for the review!
midnightloon: I am glad that the last chapter answered your questions. Be sure to ask if you have any more. Maybe you'll catch something that I meant to add to the chapter, or I'll unknowingly contradict myself. Thank you so much for reviewing!
Elegant Enchantress: How sweet of your cat. Mine tends to enjoy laying wherever is least convenient for me, such as on my homework… while I'm working on it. And you were very right when you said that Kagome, deep down, wanted to reveal her secret. Few people can hold such a large secret to themselves, I would imagine. I apologize for the long wait. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thank you for the review!
HotAngelFromHell: Thank you very much for all of your input! I may take you up on that beta offer if I get too busy to proofread my own work, assuming the offer is still available. I will try and update sooner this time.
Shadow Kitsune67: Thanks so much! I am glad you like it. I'll try to be quicker at updating.
Sesshy's bitch: I am sorry that I took so long to update. Thank you for reviewing. May I ask how it is different from the others you've read? Simply curious, you do not have to tell me.
Tiney: I am sorry that my updating has slowed so drastically. I hope you enjoyed this chapter nonetheless. Thank you for reviewing!
heiying: I know it is not soon, but I finally updated. I hope you liked this chapter and continue to enjoy the story. Thanks for the review!
angelprincess22: I will try to be better about updating. Thank you for reviewing!
Night Sins: Thank you very much. The truth will be revealed soon!
lysia1982: Thanks so much! I am glad to hear that. I will try not to take so long to update this time.
The Squabbit: I love that song, too. And the DVD, lol. Sorry I took so long. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
i-wish-i-was-kagome: I am happy that you enjoy the plot. I hope the story continues to please.
Kage Bi Koori: Thank you for reviewing! And I apologize for not getting this chapter up sooner.
Tensaiga: I am sorry for not updating sooner. I hope you are still enjoying the story. Thanks for reviewing!
fox girl 7: I am happy you think so. I hope the story continues to entertain you. Thank you for the review!
Jada: I am very sorry that you had to wait so long. I will try my hardest not to cause such torture again. Thank you so much for the review!
FluffysShai: Thank you for reviewing! I will try not to make you wait so long for the next chapter.
Do a DAMN GOOGLE SEARCH: I am glad that your trip went well. I received no poor reviews, but I thank you for the offer. Thank you again for reviewing!
ymarti89: I will try to update sooner this time. Thanks for the review!
biolightning: Thank you very much! I am very flattered and honored that you think so highly of my writing. Now if only I could get a better updating schedule, right? Lol.
Mis0ka: Thank you! You're very sweet to say so.
Tamia: I apologize for your wait. I will try to update the next chapter sooner. Thank you for reviewing!
Enchanted-blood-rose: I finally updated, though not soon. Sorry about that. I will try to be quicker this time. Thank you for reviewing!
Banryuu's New Weilder: I am so pleased that you like my character portrayal. I do try, but it's through my reviewers that I know the extent of success of my attempts. Thank you very much!
Kakiomae: Thank you very much for the compliments! I do not require a certain number of reviews for an update. Personally, I think that is an unkind request, especially when the number is large. But I do not hold anything against authors who do have that demand. I update when I can, simple as that, which is why my update "schedule" is so irregular.
lady shadowsinger: Thank you! I will be sure to keep writing, and I hope you continue to enjoy the story.