Gomen ne for another long wait, but I'm moving and all of my stuff is packed (including my pc) I hope the chapters (yes, more than one) will be enough to earn your forgiveness.
Summary- Kagome is a librarian that gets pulled into the world of darkness. Strange things begin to happen after she meets a vampire. Will her world have a storybook ending? Or will it end in tragedy?
Disclaimer- me no own...you no sue!
Recap-
You have all the answers you need right Inuyasha" Inuyasha grunted a reply, though he wasn't paying attention to the question. Kagome sighed and turned to leave. 'Shower and food...shower and food...' the mantra gave a beat to her pace as she hurried home. It was a little past noon, judging by the position of the sun. 'Shower and food...shower and food...'
Kagome sighed in bliss as the waters washed over her body. Her tense muscles relaxing further with each scalding drop that pummeled her form, leaving her skin pink from the heavy falls. She was already clean and only remained to indulge in what was left of the hot water. She knew that if she relaxed any further, she wouldn't be able to summon the energy to leave the confines of her porcelain sanctuary. 'Would that really be so bad?' she dazedly wandered. Somewhere in the back of her mind a small voice reminded her that she was supposed to be at work at five. A quick glance at her waterproof watch told her that she still had an hour before she was supposed to be in. She sighed again...well I guess it couldn't last. She turned off the heavenly rain, and moved the curtain to the side.
As if in a trance, she went about the routine of getting ready for work. She towel-dried her tresses, and placed them in a tight bun atop her head. Then she dressed herself: bra, panties, tank-top, white dress-shirt, natural toned panty hose, black silk skirt (knee length), and black one-inch heels. A light amount of brown eye shadow, and lip-gloss. Within minutes, she was ready to tackle her self-appointed task of shelving books, and handling customers. Simple really. Such monotony was her ideal life. Nothing changes, no surprises. Perfect.
Despite the tumultuous turn of events regarding her life, work would never change. Mrs. Stevens would come in about seven to do research on a new case. George would sit around in a plush chair and read poetry, while his daughter surfed the net. Little Ricky would devour the comic section. Common everyday events that would bring such peace to the wayward soul. In the library, vampires and werewolves were only found in the fiction section. Long lost loves and brothers dueling to the death were only in the sappy romance novels. In the library, everything was in neat order, catalogued, summarized, and shelved.
Kagome came out of her reverie, when she noticed that she had been staring at her reflection for a good amount of time. A quick glance at her watch told her that she still had thirty minutes until she had to be at the library. She usually showed up a good tem minutes early so that the transition between shifts could be ran more smoothly. Today would be no exception...but what would she do for the next ten minutes? Find something to eat? Sharpen her daggers? Those would have sounded appealing if she was hungry, or if her 'toys' hadn't already been sharpened to a surgical quality.
She stepped out of the still steamy bathroom and made her way into her room. She noticed a long forgotten instrument covered in black velvet propped innocently in a corner. It had been over a year since she had gazed upon the ivory and ebony looking keys of her keyboard. An item she had unabashedly splurged on soon after moving to her new life.
She had played it endlessly after it's acquisition, but after time, had set it aside. She now ran her fingers over the keys reverently. With quick work, it was plugged in, and turned on. She pressed the center C key and reveled in the clear note's song. With practiced accuracy, she began with the 'moonlight sonata' by Beethoven. Even after all this time, the tune was still committed to memory. She lost herself in the chords and intricate melodies as they washed over her ears. Such a dark tune was just what she needed to bring her mind out of the clouds.
When the last keys were played, she nearly wept when the silence engulfed her once again. It seemed a sin to end such a wondrous song, but as everything else in life...everything that has a beginning, must have an end. The song reminded her of life. It started out slow and mellow. Then as it progressed, it frenzied into crests and falls to where even they seemed endless. Then as it started, it ended in a slow melodic descent. That was what life was, a slow melodic descent until an ultimate and untimely end.
'And then after...nothing but silence. No wonder suicide is so appealing.' Though Kagome. She didn't know where such dark thoughts came from, but decided not to question it since this was the first time she had been able to organize any constructive or deconstructive thoughts of her own. With her nights filled with temperamental vampires and recently, her day with a rash werewolf and his amorous second-in-command; her mind was spent.
She executed the power to her keyboard, but kept it plugged in for a later time. The keys disappeared from view once more as the were again covered by the velvet dust cover. She still had fifteen minutes to get to work. With a final sigh, she went into her guestroom to prepare for the trek there. Like she had promised herself before, never again will she be without protection.
Sometime Later
She suppressed a smile when she noted that Ricky had again fallen asleep surrounded in a heap of magazines. His russet hair a tussled mess, and his small snores endearing. She noted, with little concern that he had drooled all over Superman's pristine logo. Mrs. Stevens was still diligently hunched over her law texts, but George and his daughter had since left. It was about seven, and she figured Ricky should be heading home soon.
Ricky woke after only a few pokes and prods. He got the hint when his eyes unclouded and Kagome pointed to her watch. He gave a sheepish smile, rubbed a few of the page-lines that adorned his face, and helped Kagome replace the books that had been haphazardly strewn across the floor. The sun was already set, and twilight colored the sky in darkening pastels. Though the crowds were thinning out, the place would remain open, as it always had until ten.
Jenna was working the counter for the nameless few who appeared seemingly out of the woodworks. More than likely first timers. They lumbered near the counter with their small piles of texts; some with their library cards at the ready, others filing out the paperwork. Kagome replayed the events that had transpired earlier. In hindsight, she realized how abruptly she had left Inuyasha and Kouga. Her sole purpose for seeking him out had been to answer his queries, which she had done, and try to get him and Sesshoumaru on friendly terms. As of yet, that quest seemed hopeless; well, as long as Kouga kept distracting her from her purpose.
She had wanted to get Inuyasha's version of events before she could go about planning her attack, so to speak. Any strategist, who was worth anything, knew that in order to gain a decisive victory over their opponent, one had to be able to predict the opposition's moves. You had to know your adversary to do so. In understanding Inuyasha's version, as well as Sesshomaru's, she'd be able to gain a better understanding of the events, and proceed undaunted. However, due to Kouga's unforeseen interruption, such information had proved to be unobtainable. She had wasted a full day of interrogation because some guy had a crush...it reminded her of high school in a way, and she hated high school.
By now, the library had dwindled down to just her, Jenna, and Mrs. Stevens. Jenna had now busied herself with checking in a few returned books. Kagome glanced at the clock... which read seven-ten. Her day had seemed to slow to a steady crawl sometime after her shower. Funny how your day blows by when you are amused. Now though, she was just bored. There were some books to be inserted into the database, but it wasn't a pressing matter. Besides, once that was done...she would be bored...again.
This was an odd day. Usually the place was packed on Mondays; usually with university students who needed to do finish a project. None were to be found today. She hoped her week wouldn't be like today, or else she would go positively insane! Sesshoumaru would be up by now, but it was unlikely he'd show up while the place was still open. Funny how she found herself seeking his company.
Kagome walked into the back room where a few boxes rested. 'This won't register itself,' she though. Steeling herself for the task, she procured a large roll of barcode stickers and scanner. The unsuspecting books were categorized, coded, and scanned before they realized their spines had been exposed. 'Hmph, divide and conquer!' The wild frenzy of pages had officially been tamed and were now property of Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial Library.
Suddenly feeling empowered; Kagome looked around for a new quest to embellish in. Unfortunately, in her mind, there was nothing else to do...at least for the time being. She knew that though she was bored now, she wouldn't get any sleep tonight again. There would be more 'conversations' with her new bloodsucking friend.
She knew that she somewhat lusted for him on some level. What mortal woman wouldn't? Vampires had been romanticized to such a degree that they had become many girls' fantasy. Not only that, but the promise of immortality was too good an opportunity to pass up! To her though, it was a more of a lust of knowledge than a sexual one. The history he had experienced alone was enough to make her water at the mouth; her being the avid history fanatic she was. There was the bit of physical attraction she felt as well though. He was undoubtedly beautiful, and shone in an ever-present ethereal glow. That alone made her defensive. Kagome had never met a beautiful man that had any real interest in her, and the few who did were after a bit more than 'good conversation'. She looked forward to her visits from Sesshoumaru, and thought of him a bit more than was considered healthy, but the moment he changed his colors; she would drop their timid friendship like a disgusting habit.
"Hey Kagome, it's nine." Jenna stated. Musings pushed aside, Kagome gave a nod of consent to her underling, giving the blond-haired teen the 'ok' to clock out. In a flurry of movement; the young woman disappeared briefly only to reappear scantly clad in an assortment consisting of leather and fishnets.
"James invited to this new club...It's supposed to be some kind of goth hangout." Jenna explained after seeing Kagome eyeing her attire.
"Since when have you been a goth...and who's James" Kagome challenged. Jenna was in a black sheer long sleeve shirt that billowed at the wrist, a simple black bra covering her twins. Black form-fitting flair polyester number; held up with a spiked belt. All topped off with an envious pair of black platform boots. It was quite a change to the soft-hued sundresses or fitted blue jeans she usually wore.
"Well I met James a few days ago. We ran into each other in front of the shops off of Fifth. He invited me out to dinner and I accepted." She gushed"James' an artist, a bit eccentric, but really good. I was able to see some of his work and he's a genius! He looks like he'd be some weirdo off the streets or something with the way he dresses, but he's a real gentleman. He helped me pick out this outfit too" Kagome only raised an eyebrow at the declaration. 'A perfectly perverted gentleman.' Kagome thought eyeing her costume again. She had a feeling that poor Jersey Jenna had a bit to learn about New York men; not that she was some expert or something.
There was a honk outside. Jenna looked really excited as she proclaimed animatedly that it was James and that she had to go. Kagome gave her permission to leave and watched with a sinking feeling as she clocked out and raced out of the door. For some reason, as soon as the front door clicked shut the library seemed more like a tomb than ever before. The silence was stifling and even with all of the lights blazing their florescence; the place seemed dim and dismal. It did nothing to help brighten her feeling of foreboding.
"What's wrong" Kagome jumped when the deep masculine voice caressed over her eardrums. She turned to witness Sesshoumaru staring deeply at her. "You look like a rabbit that's been cornered by a wolf"
"I fail to see the humor in that Sesshoumaru." She stopped to think of her situation and realized, grimly, that given the circumstances his statement was accurate.
"You spoke with Inuyasha today did you not" Sesshoumaru hid his anxiety pretty well, but it was not enough to keep Kagome's ears from picking up the slight note of it. It dawned on her that Sesshoumaru was serious about wanting to get a relationship with his descendant. Now that she thought of it, though, he HAD believed that his entire family was destroyed centuries ago, and when he found a few to remain spent the rest of the time watching from the sidelines as they went about their lives. It must have been tormenting to watch them grow from infants to adults, marry, have children, then wither away and die. She suddenly had a completely different outlook of Sesshoumaru.
"Yes, Sesshoumaru. I spoke with him, but I spent most of today getting his story so I could decipher how I should go about convincing him that you are a good guy. I would have done more, but his friend Kouga was there and I didn't think Inuyasha would have been very accommodating with backup." Kagome explained.
"I see." Sesshoumaru's eyes seemed to dim a fraction, but what did he expect? Inuyasha to jump around like a child at the thought of having Sesshoumaru in his life? As nice as it would have been; no one's that lucky. Besides, if it was that easy, Sesshoumaru would have done it himself eons ago.
Try as she might; Kagome couldn't keep the image of Jenna running out the door dressed like a harlot out of her mind. She was the only person, human, that Kagome could stomach for more than five minutes. If anything were to happen to her, Kagome would never forgive herself; even though technically it wasn't her business.
"You are worried about your associate" Kagome gave a humorless laugh. " Business partners are associates Sesshoumaru; I work in a library. We're co-workers; and yes, I'm worried about her." She had been unaware that her inner thoughts showed so transparently on her face.
"You have every right to be." Sesshoumaru's stared deeply into Kagome's eyes as if reading her soul. "I know the place that she's going, and it's not the most savory, or...human friendly...place you'll find."
"Human friendly" The term made Kagome's stomach feel like a five-pound lead ball had been dropped into it. What was worse was that Jenna's new boyfriend 'James' was more than likely not the "human friendly" type as well; meaning all kinds of trouble for her co-worker. Several different scenarios of Jenna's plight formed in her mind at once. Ones of a raped and bleeding Jenna tossed among the garbage were mixed with the more gruesome pictures of Jenna's death.
"The club she's going to isn't a regular goth club." Sesshoumaru continued"It's a vampire haven." Sesshoumaru walked up to her until he was just on the border of her personal space bubble. His towering form took the momentous step forward causing Kagome to back up a bit to continue eye contact, inner musings promptly put on hold.
"You wouldn't happen to know what goes on in these havens would you? You know, other than the usual: prostitution, drugs, and bloodletting." Kagome asked timidly. Sesshoumaru only humorlessly smirked in answer.
"We could always go to find out." Kagome became afraid. The term "not so 'human friendly'" continued playing through her mind It had been ages since she had been out on a 'night in the town', and she'd be damned if she was going to let any other opportunity pass her up; but to a vampire haven? The visions of Jenna hurt returned to her, and Kagome steeled herself against her fear. 'Jersey Girl' needed her help and it wasn't like she'd be going unarmed. She had Sesshoumaru with her, and if he suddenly began to show his colors, Kagome still had her concealed daggers. Worse case scenario...She'd destroy the building and all that were in it.
Her thoughts turned to why he was asking her to go. No chance in hell this was any sort of date. Their relationship wasn't like that, it was...different. Whatever it was, it wasn't romantic. He probably just wanted to help her keep an eye for her friend's safety. That had to be it.
"Let's go" She agreed not liking the turn her thoughts had taken her. For the first time since she had started working there, the library closed early.
Here's the first chapter. Sorry it took me so long to update...I just finished moving. My father and I were kicked out of our apartment. My comp and laptop were packed up. I had to go stay with my mother for two horrible months. Some of you may ask why I didn't just take my laptop with me to my mum's? Well because in all honesty it would have been pawned the moment my back was turned...coughalcoholiccough...coughdruggycough...anywho. I thank you all for being so patient. Since I got so many reviews I've spread them out between these chapters that I have been able to finish in such a short amount of time. thank you again for sticking with me I really appreciate it. TT.
I obviously can't answer everybody, but I'll comment on those I can. So even though I may not speak of your review directly, I'll still list you here! ;. ShadowNinjaKari, Emm, LadyDiDal, Golden Rose, Natsumi, melissa.
cloud-wolfbane- I hope these chapters more than make up for my dry-spell. Contrary to your muse, mine popped in for a short time and informed me that she's built a house for herself in Timbuktu. TT. Anywho, your praises of writing style are making me blush. Unfortunately I had no hand in coming up with this. It's all thanks to my subconsious. I've mentioned that this was based on a dream I had, I just substituted the characters with the cast of Inuyasha and had them star in the rolls they seemed most suited for. ;. Thank you for reviewing.
Krystian- . Quit I'm blushing! First off, thank you for the review and I appreciate you taking the time to review me via personal e-mail. I also thank you for being so understanding, and sticking with me despite my long absence. Well the wait is over! I'm BACK! XD Bwahahahahahaha"cough" ok, now that's out of my system. I look forward to hearing from you again.
himurainuyasha- Is this length more appropriate? I hate leaving off in cliffies as well, but it's proven it's effectiveness. It's kept even my few nay-sayers coming back! The reason I didn't leave off on a cliffie last chapter was because I knew it was going to be a while before I could get back...I just didn't realize how LONG I would be gone. Well I have to cut this short or else this chapter'll never get up. Thank you for reviewing!