"The Meteor Garden Story"
An Inu Yasha A/U Fanfic by Nozomi
[A/N: Okay, now I'm SURE some people don't read author's notes. I just read my reviews and got this anonymous review from "unknown":
YOU STOLE SOMEONES STORY! YOU KNOW YOU DID!
Caps lock and all? Get with the program dude, RTFM! The title was already a dead giveaway about what this story is about, so were the author's notes for my first 2 chapters. So here's my reply to you:
YOU CAN'T READ PROPERLY! YOU KNOW YOU CAN'T!
Ahhh, that feels better.
Oh yeah everyone, Sorena has updated her fic! Whoohoo!
Jazzy: I'm glad you see the differences. Although after Chapter 3 or 4, you will see where the real differences are. ^_^ I've already got plots for the next few chapters, I just need time to write 'em all down. And Hojo will play the same role as he does in "The Red Card", simply because no one else in the Inu Yasha cast is as clueless as he is. *grins*
Morlana: Hmmm… that's an idea. I'll think about it. But I soooo like how Shan Tsai stuck a red card on Dao Ming Sz's forehead *giggles*.
Candace: Thank you, thank you, I think Sorena's fic is great too! I like how she fits everyone into roles.
Mizu-Crystal: Yeah, I thought about that, but starting this chapter, I'm slightly breaking off from the original MG storyline so that I can mesh everyone's characters with the roles I think they fit best. So no, I probably won't follow the entire storyline, though the events sequence will be adhered to. Obviously, it ends with Kagome and Inu Yasha together, but I think *how* they get together will be the fun part to read, ne? ^_^
Steelblade: It's gonna sound the same all the way, except maybe for the last few chapters, but I'll still stick to the MG story. ^_^ I'll *try* to keep updating everyday, ok?
SurfAngel: Sorry, MG's storyline won't let me bring her friends in for reinforcements, but she does get rid of her braids.
The Unnamed Demon: Here it is!
Emerald Dragon Hanyou: Thank you for all those things, especially not writing flames. I'll tell you something, I actually started out with only accepting signed reviews (in my other fic, my first one posted here), until a fellow author suggested I allow anonymous reviews so I can get more. I see the pros and cons of allowing anonymous reviews, and as an author, I will respect others' wishes to accept signed reviews only. But if I do see an author whining about not getting enough reviews, I'll be sure to tell them that accepting anonymous reviews gives them more leverage. ^_^ ]
Disclaimer: I do not own Inu Yasha and company, Meteor Garden, Hana Yori Dango, or any of the brands I mention here.
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Chapter 3: Declaration of War
"That… that… ooooh. That incredible jackass!" Sango seethed.
Kagome grinned at her friend's loyalty. It was Friday evening, and she had just finished telling Sango about Inu Yasha's remarks earlier that afternoon.
"If I ever meet this guy, I am going to pound him!" she bit out. "It was a good thing you didn't show him any weakness, or I'm going to pound you too!"
Kagome laughed. "I'm glad you and I were friends back in elementary and high school. Otherwise, I'd have to watch out for you over the years."
"Yeah, I remember when we used to beat up the bullies in our class together," Sango chuckled. "So what's changed, Kagome? What is it about Shikon Academy that inhibits you?"
"I-- I don't know. Maybe it's the atmosphere or the people. I couldn't even believe I didn't stand up for Jinenji when everyone bullied him." Being reminded of the injustice to one of her few friends at Shikon brought a new spurt of anger from Kagome. Sango gave her a sly grin.
"Are we gonna stand up for this?"
"Of course not!"
"Are you going to let them keep on bullying you like that?"
"No way!"
"Is Kagome going to let those preppy boys get away with it?"
"HELL NO!"
And those words sparked the beginning of a weekend the girls spent together, planning out a strategy that kept them in high spirits.
~*~*~*~
Monday morning found D4 lounging in the cafeteria, having breakfast.
"So, what should we do to Kagome this week?" Inu Yasha asked his companions. He had been thinking about her all weekend.
"You're still on about that?"
"Well yeah, she hasn't dropped out yet, has she? What's that gonna do to our reputations? We gotta work at her till she goes!"
"Speaking of…" Kouga started, pointing his finger behind Inu Yasha. "She's on her way here, and I have to say that look on her face is interesting."
Inu Yasha whipped his head around in his chair, and his brain had only enough time to register that Kagome had let her hair down out of those braids, before--
-SLAP- -SLAP- -SLAP- -SLAP- -SLAP- -SLAP- -SLAP-
All he could see now was red, and for some reason, he couldn't move him arms to pull off whatever it was she had stuck at her face. He found he couldn't stand either.
"This is my declaration of war to you D4, to let you know you can't push me around!" Kagome said in a voice loud enough for the whole cafeteria to hear. Then she made her way quickly to the exit, giddily oblivious to the stares of her fellow students following her out.
Sesshomaru, Miroku and Kouga looked with fascination at their friend, who was sitting in his seat in the most comical position.
"Yash?"
"Gffff vhsssss ddnnng uhhhvv mmhh."
Sesshomaru, who was sitting closest to Inu Yasha, poked him in the ribs. Hard.
"Hhhhhhhhv!!!"
But Inu Yasha didn't budge at all.
Miroku took a long look at the red slips of paper stuck on Inu Yasha's forehead, shoulders, back and knees. They were supposed to represent the red cards they gave to students in school, but there was something different about these slips of paper. He looked at Sesshomaru, whose gaze was also fixed on one of the slips.
"I dare not touch them," he said quietly.
It affirmed what Miroku believed the slips of paper to be. He assumed a pose, and pulled the one on Inu Yasha's forehead first.
"Finally! What the hell-- Miroku, why are you praying at a time like this?" he hissed, glad to be able to see properly again. He felt the stares of his three comrades on him.
"Yash, do you know what this is?" Miroku spoke softly, holding out the red slip closer to Inu Yasha's amber gaze. His recognition was swift.
"Holy shit, is that an ofuda?!?!"
~*~*~*~
Kagome was still feeling pretty cocky by lunchtime, which she decided to spend at the rooftop today. She had not been
subjected to any torture this morning, thankfully. Most probably due to the stunt she had pulled on D4 earlier. As she found a shaded spot, she sat down and began to hum as she unwrapped her lunch.
A red slip of paper fluttered beside her and a pair of shiny Bass leather shoes came into view. She looked up, and a silver head of hair greeted her with a question.
"Was that supposed to be funny?"
Kagome wondered why Sesshomaru's voice had a steely edge to it, and figured he was angry about the stunt she pulled this morning. "I'm merely showing Inu Yasha he can't bully me around when he feels like it," she explained calmly, her chopsticks poised at her mouth.
"So you know what this paper does?"
The edge had not left his tone. In fact, Kagome had the impression the edge just got sharper. "The red paper was supposed to represent the red card…"
He swiftly got down to one knee, grabbed her shoulders and pinned her to the wall. "Yes I know that! What I want to know is why you used an ofuda?"
She flinched. He had not raised his voice, but the way he had asked his sentenced rang in her ears. "Because-- because you call yourselves the Demonic 4, and ofudas are used against demons. It's a matter of representation. Besides, it's harmless on humans," she added nonchalantly, refusing to acknowledge that his closeness was sending shivers up her spine.
Sesshomaru released his grip on her. She had not known… she had not known at all. She thought we were human. He looked at her and found her examining his features. He looked away, then asked her "Where did you get those ofudas? They were real, weren't they?"
Her eyes grew wide. "They were? You mean they work?! Wow! I mean, like wow! I picked them up from my grandfather's stash. He sells replicas of holy artifacts and other stuff you see. Glass balls, plastic trolls' hands…" she smiled weakly. "I never imagined the paper would be real. How do you know?"
He gave her an imperceptible smirk. "I don't. I merely asked you if they were real or not." Then he let go of her, and walked to the exit.
Kagome's hand flew to her chest, her heart beating wildly. Did he just smile at me?
~*~*~*~
She had a pretty relaxing week. Sure, she had no one to talk to or hang out with anymore, but that was okay. At least now she knew everyone's true colors, and she didn't want to make friends with anyone in Shikon any longer. Also, since the incident last Monday morning, everyone had resorted to avoiding her, which was a refreshing change from being given too much unwanted attention. She had just unlocked her bike so she could go home, when she felt someone behind her.
"Higurashi Kagome?"
She looked warily at the two men behind her, wearing dark sunglasses and black suits. "Please come with us."
When she felt a hand clutch her wrist, instincts of self-preservation took over. "Hey! Who are you?" Another hand gripped her shoulder. "Let me go! What gives?"
"If you won't come quietly, we'll have to take you by force."
"Whaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttttttt! Leggo! Who are you working for? This is abduction! This is kidnapping! This is illegal!" She was being pulled and shoved into a van. She began to kick and punch out wildly.
"Good grief, you idiot, now look what you've done!" the first guy told the other.
"It's you who turned her into a lunatic, asshole, you scared her!" the second guy retorted.
"Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeellllllllllllllllllpppppppppppppppppppppppppp!"
'Oh for crying out loud!" the first guy put the van into gear and sped down the driveway.
"Where the hell are you taking me?!? I'm going to report you to the police!" Kagome struggled from the grasp of the second man. She kicked out.
"Ouch!"
Then she lunged at the first man driving.
"Argh! What are you doing?! No, wait--!"
Students dodged left and right and leapt into bushes to get away from the unmarked black van that was zig-zagging down the road, careening precariously as the driver tried to keep the vehicle rolling straight.
~*~*~*~
Kagome woke up to a loud whirring sound near her ears. With her eyes still closed, she moved her hand up to massage the back of her neck, where she remembered being hit by one of the dressed-up men who abducted her for struggling so much… abducted!
Her eyes flew open to find a wrinkled face peering at her.
"Aghhh! Ghost!"
She got bopped on the head.
"Who are you calling a ghost? Where in heavens did you get your manners? Do you even have any??" the wrinkled face demanded pompously.
Kagome rubbed her head, wincing.
"Well, now that you're awake, we can be introduced properly. My name is Kaede, and I am in charge here. You are Higurashi Kagome, are you not?"
"Y-yes. Where am I? What am I doing here?"
Kaede coughed. "I'm not at liberty to say. I will have to apologize for the means of you getting here, though. You weren't supposed to be manhandled, but I heard you put up a great fight."
There was a hint of humor in her tone when she said this, and Kagome heard it. Sensing that she was not in any danger, she relaxed a little. Looking around, she saw professional salon chairs, tables with huge tri-angled mirrors, and dimmed lights. She could hear a faint bubbling sound by her left and found it to be coming from a Jacuzzi beyond some glass doors. There were some steamed-up windows doors beside it, and some doors that had steam coming out of them. Plus, the whole place smelled of eucalyptus.
Kaede watched her take in the surroundings. "Yes, this is a spa/salon. Our duty is to give you a makeover. I can't tell you any more than that, so I suggest you just relax and let our hairdresser finish her job, alright?"
Kagome, who had only seen beauty spas from between glass windows, decided to postpone her escape for later. The whirring sound of the hairdryer came to life as soon as she settled her head back against the seat.
~*~*~*~
"Please wait here," Kaede instructed as she left Kagome in what appeared to be the most beautiful receiving room [A/N: some of us call it a Living Room] she had ever seen. She walked carefully in the Naturalizer heels she had been given to wear, enjoying how the padded soles cushioned her feet. The black Givenchy cocktail dress she was wearing clung snugly to her figure, making her feel feminine and self-conscious. Admiring the beautiful crystal chandelier in the center, she wondered vaguely whose house she was in, loving how everything could look so spectacular.
Some picture frames on a tabletop caught her attention, and she moved over to take a closer look. The first picture she saw captivated her.
It was a picture of two young boys, both with amber eyes and silver hair.
"Like what you see?"
Surprised, she jumped, but managed to keep the picture from slipping in her grasp. Looking around at the owner of the voice, whatever calm reserve she had felt when she arrived here ran out the door.
"You!"
Inu Yasha put his hands in his pocket and chuckled. He swept his appreciative gaze up and down, looking at her from head to toe.
"See? When cleaned up, you can manage to look like a princess."
Kagome had been about to launch a tirade of curse words at him, but abruptly shut her mouth, the words lost. How could his one sentence of meaningless flattery rob her of her coherent thoughts?
"I enjoy having you around."
Her confusion doubled.
"You're interesting, and you don't cower despite the circumstances you're in."
The confusion changed to pride.
"I've decided to let you hang out with me."
Pride simmered to frustration.
"Discreetly of course, I don't want other people in school to think you've won."
The frustration boiled to a simmering anger.
"And I don't want you following me around campus just because I've allowed you to hang around me."
She pursed her lips slightly.
"You'll only come to me when I call you, got that?"
Kagome's left eye started to twitch.
"And so that you won't disgrace me, I'll give you clothes and jewelry, including what you're wearing now."
She bowed her head to hide the tick she felt developing on her forehead.
"You can thank me now."
Kagome took a deep breath and then looked up at him. She gave him her most charming smile, and sauntered over to him.
Inu Yasha gulped. The sway of her hips as she made her way to him was enticing. His heart raced as she stopped when they were merely inches from each other.
She looked sweetly up at him.
He could feel himself drowning in those blue eyes of hers.
"Thank you…" she began.
He sighed with relief. She was going along with it.
"…for showing me how much of an IDIOT YOU REALLY ARE!"
Her tiny fist connected soundly with his jaw. In all his life, Inu Yasha had never been caught unprepared, but she had certainly surprised him. Sprawled on the floor, he gaped at her.
"DO YOU REALLY THINK I WANT TO BE WITH YOU?! I MAY NOT BE RICH, BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN I NEED YOUR MONEY! YOU REALLY THINK PEOPLE CAN BE BOUGHT LIKE THAT? Well maybe they can, but… I CAN'T BE BOUGHT, BUSTER! YOU CAN TAKE BACK YOUR SHOES…"
He ducked as the heels narrowly missed his head.
"…YOU CAN TAKE BACK YOUR CLOTHES… oh, well, I'll have to give them back later… BUT YOU CAN KEEP YOUR DAMN WEALTH TO YOURSELF!"
They stared at each other, but while Kagome's expression held contempt and disdain, she couldn't quite describe the look Inu Yasha gave her.
Actually, Inu Yasha knew that he should be telling her that he could give her more than she could ever want, that money could always find a way to turn people's heads. He also knew he should be angry at her for throwing his money in his face. However, he couldn't bring himself to be angry.
Instead, he threw his head back and laughed. Hard.
Kagome was stunned. Her damaged pride made her turn around and leave, yet she wondered what she said that sounded so funny to the rich boy laughing hysterically in his living room.