Inuyasha stared at the scene before him with what some might consider a very comical expression. He let his old, battered sword sink to the floor slowly. He wouldn't be needing it.
His amber eyes disappeared behind his lids for a moment, shortly reappearing. What was going on? He slid his Tetsusaiga back into its sheath that was belted to his hip, and slowly approached the sleeping girl and kitsune as quietly as he could. His bare feet made no noise on the cold floor as he padded his way over to the intruders.
The girl looked to be roughly the same age as him. She was sleeping at an awkward angle, with her back against the wall, right below the painting of the imperial family. She had her legs pulled, subconsciously, close to her body. As though she were sheltering herself from something wicked. Or maybe she just positioned herself like that for warmth. Her ebony locks spilled down her shoulders and curled at her breast.
Inuyashas gaze flickered from her to the small fox demon that was curled up quite comfortably on her lap when his exposed foot twitched slightly, signaling that he was dreaming.
How had they gotten in? He crouched down near the girl, careful to leave a few feet of space between them. Why had she come here? He glanced up at the extravagant painting above her and quickly back down at the sleeping girl. He hated looking at that painting. It was almost painful.
He immediately did a double take anyways, his intense gaze lingered on the young Kagome Higarashi, the one everyone was now looking for. Her bright childish smile was frozen in the picture as were her luminously dark eyes. Her thick black hair was half-pulled back and held with a scarlet bow that matched her dress.
He studied the sleeping girl before him . . . Same raven hair . . . milky complexion, facial structure. She was just about the expected age. Maybe . . .
He stood and walked quickly back to Miroku and Sango.
"Hey! Come on you guys, get your lazy asses up. Up!"
Sango frowned darkly at the rude wake up call and promised herself revenge on Inuyasha when she was ready to wake at a decent hour. "It's too early. Go back to sleep." She mumbled, and tried to roll over on to her other side.
She was confused when she found she couldn't. Now that she thought about it, something unusually heavy was draped across her torso.
"She's right Inuyasha. Return to sleep."
That was Miroku's voice...and it sounded really, really close. She opened her eyes and blinked rapidly.
"Ah! Miroku you are going to die! You have just signed your death warrant, and I mean it this time!"
Inuyasha watched the pair with an unamused glare. Leaning against the door with his arms crossed in front of his chest he waited for Sango to finish beating Miroku unmercifully with a pillow. Miroku, futilely, blocked her blows with an upraised arm.
Normally he would have enjoyed seeing Miroku getting pummeled. But under current circumstances he had to resist the urge to pull the pair apart and drag them to his find. Instead he waited with a patience uncharacteristic to him, knowing that if he interrupted now Sango would turn her raging temper on him.
"If you two are finished I think I might have found a solution to our problems."
Sango and Miroku turned to Inuyasha, matching mildly surprised expressions on their faces. They had forgotten his presence in the room. Sango released the death grip she had on the front of Mirokus shirt and stood.
"What do you mean?"
"Come on." Inuyasha commanded and left.
Sango followed close behind. Miroku wobbled unsteadily as he got to his feet and followed them cautiously out into the dark hallways, rubbing his abused throat as he did so.
He noticed the lead Inuyasha and Sango had on him and jogged to catch up. He stopped on the other side of Inuyasha, opposite of Sango, he made sure as he noted the warning glare she shot him.
"This ought to be good." Miroku said eyeing Inuyasha curiously.
"Hmm." was Sango's murmur of agreement. She had remembered how early it was and wished she were still asleep on the couch, curled up by the fireplace.
Inuyasha said nothing, only continued to walk on. The building they resided in was very large so neither Sango or Miroku could guess where they were being led until Inuyasha turned down the hall that led to the entrance of the grand hall, heart of the entire building.
"I don't see why you - " Sango stared to say, clearly annoyed.
" - A girl." Miroku stated, slightly stunned.
"Girl? Where...oh." Sango caught sight of the strange girl.
Inuyasha moved to stand directly in front of her. Sango followed.
"I don't understand the importance of this, Inuyasha." Miroku told the smirking dog yokai.
"Look." He said simply pointed to the little girl in the painting. He then dropped his finger to the girl below the painting.
Sango and Miroku studied the painting, then the girl. They both stared, unable to believe the resemblance. And the girl wasn't even awake!
"I don't believe it." Sango whispered. "And we didn't even have to look for her."
"Definitely a good omen. We are bound to succeed." Miroku chirped.
Inuyasha crouched down once again. "Exactly. This girl just delivered herself. Now all we gotta do is convince her she's a Higarashi...or maybe she'll go along with it herself."
Even as he spoke the girls dark lashes that had laid against her cheeks like crescent moons fluttered open, revealing dark brown eyes that were, indeed, identical to the eyes in the painting. Her hand reached out and caught Inuyasha soundly across the face. The sound of flesh on flesh resounded across the room.
With an outraged yelp the demon fell backwards.
Sango, Miroku, watched as the girl sat up straight, bringing the same hand she had thwacked Inuyasha with to her mouth so she could cover her yawn.
She blinked the last remnants of sleep away and looked around. Her small mouth formed a surprised O.
"Oh! I'm . . . so sorry! I hadn't thought anyone lived here. This place looked completely abandoned, and, and. . . I swear I didn't mean to intrude."She inclined her head slightly with a truly apologetic look in her dark eyes.
Sango swiftly bent down so that she was eye level with the girl careful to block out Inuyasha. "No worries. It's fine. I have to admit that this place does look quite run down. We know you didn't mean any harm." She glanced at a steaming Inuyasha. "Well, not much harm."
Kagome looked into the girls smiling face. "You mean it?" Kagome asked hopefully, shooting an impossibly bright smile back at the girl who seemed so nice.
"Of course." Sango assured her. "But may I ask why you came here in the first place?"
Sango watched with interest, and knew Miroku whom was standing behind her did the same, as a guarded look came into the girls soft eyes that had been so trusting and hopeful barely a moment before.
Kagome let her gaze drop to Shippo. He was still curled up in a tight ball under the warmth of her coat. She carefully moved the kit onto the ground beside her, making sure the coat protected him from all sides.
"Well, I was walking down the street, minding my own business really, when five guys came out of know where and tried to attack Shippo and I." She explained carefully, nodding her head at Shippo when she said his name.
"That's horrible." Sango sympathized. "Go on."
Kagome cleared her voice and continued. "Not much more to the story. I was frightened and ran when I got the chance. . .threatening didn't work. . .I just happened to run past here and thought it would be a good place to stay for a while. . ." she finished off lamely.
"I'm afraid I don't understand." This was a new voice, not the voice of the girl that was sitting in front of her clad in blue jeans and a green turtle neck sweater. She looked up and examined the guy that stood behind the girl. He was watching her carefully. His azure eyes were very serious.
"Why didn't you just return to your home?"
"Um. . ." Kagome raked her brain for anything but the truth. But to no avail. "I really don't have a home to return to."
Miroku and Sango exchanged meaningful glances.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I don't have a real home. I lived at an orphanage ever since I can remember. Shippo and I ran away. But don't think I'm irresponsible or stupid, or, or anything like that. It's just I - I couldn't stand it there anymore! The people are horrible, it's a miserable place to grow up. Its so dank and dark, and - it smells like cabbage!"
"Oh, miss we understand. Please calm yourself." Miroku said soothingly, fearing that the girl would start crying soon if she were allowed to continue.
"Miroku is right." Sango said pointing to Miroku briefly. "We understand completely."
Kagome wondered briefly why they looked like they were about to break out into song. . . My, wouldn't that be something to see?
She quickly favored them with a grateful smile. "That's a relief. I guess I was worried you would make us go back."
"No! Not at all." Sango and Miroku said in unison.
"Quite the opposite in fact. It just so happens that we have a place here you could stay if you wanted." Miroku asked smiling brightly at the girl. . . Whom he found very attractive.
"Oh!" Kagome looked absolutely shocked, unable to believe her luck. "That. . . Would be wonderful."
Sango mentally gave Miroku a high five.
"Yes! I remember. Your more then welcome to stay with us."
Sango nearly lost her balance when the girl launched herself and caught Sango in a tight hug.
"I'll take that as a yes." She said patting the girls back lightly.
"Well, if were all going to be living together we need to know everyone's names, correct?"
"I'm sorry, how rude of me. My name is Kagome."
Kagome wondered is she had said something wrong again because these two looked like they were going to brake out in song again. But they quickly recovered themselves as went on.
"I'm Sango Taijiya." She said standing. She pointed briefly to the other two. "That's Miroku Houshi, and he's Inuyasha Taisho."
"It's nice to meet you all." Kagome said cheerily and stood up so she could work the kinks out of her legs. "The little guy is Shippo."
"It's certainly an honor to meet you, Kagome. And I'm sure Shippo will be just as pleasant as you are."
A if on cue Shippo promptly muttered "Too bad sausage."
Everyone stared at Shippo for a moment. Miroku recovered first. "Excuse me Kagome, but I didn't catch your last name."
"Actually, that's because I don't remember my last name. I lost my memory some time ago, around ten I guess."
"I'm so sorry to hear that!" Miroku said doing his best to contain his joy.
Sango elbowed him in the ribs. "Yeah, you sure sound story." She whispered.
"Um. . . Is something the matter, Inuyasha?" Kagome asked politely, her gaze lingering on him longer then she meant it to. But she couldn't help it she had never seen someone so, so, beautiful. Well, not really beautiful because he was certainly masculine but - He was sure handsome enough. He was tall and lean with long silver hair that spilled down his back, and made her a tad envious.
As her gaze trailed upwards she spotted two triangular ear tipped with silver fur just above those unruly bangs. Dog ears she realized. Adorable. She immediately beat down the urge to rub the soft looking ears.
He had a handsome face. Clean complexion until you noticed the pink mark on his face. It strangely looked like a hand print. But his eyes were the most unique. A molten amber gold. She lost herself in them for a moment. How could anyone's eyes be so expressive, so soulful.
And right now they expressed. . .
Anger.
At her.
"She's not staying here one damned moment more if I don't get an apology." He growled baring his fangs in anger.
"Apology? Did I do something wrong?" Kagome asked innocently making herself stop looking at him.
He sputtered like a cat that had just gotten sprayed with a water hose unexpectedly.
He pointed to his face.
Kagome noticed the pink mark again. "Oh, did I do that?"
"Yeah! You did." he said giving her an exasperated look.
Kagome responded with a cheery smile. "Okay. I'm very sorry. There. You satisfied now?"
"No!"
"Yes!" Miroku cut the angry hanyou off. He turned him around and whispered "Inuyasha, it would really help if you didn't act like a jerk. Alright? We sort of need her, remember?"
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." He said crossing his arms.
"Good."
"So, Kagome. I'm guessing you didn't bring any clothes." Sango asked blocking out the two males.
Kagome's cheeks tinged pink. "No. I didn't."
"That's alright. You can just wear some of mine until you get some of your own."
"Thank you Sango-chan. But I couldn't do that. I don't want to impose more then I have to."
"Your not imposing. Don't worry about it. Let's leave these guys to talk, come on."
Kanna watched her master with blank, impassive eyes as he seemed to overflow with raw rage. His black eyes nearly took on a red tint.
"I don't know how this happened. Something must have gone wrong. That girl was supposed to die. Kagura!"
"Yes, Naraku." She said from her seat near by.
"I thought that girl Kagome was dead. Wasn't that what I was told?"
The girl had a uncaring look locked onto her features as she slowly began to fan herself with the multi colored fan she always kept near her.
"I assure you, Naraku, I thought the very same thing."
He held out one of his hands, soon something seemed to pulsate beneath his flesh and another object entirely came forth. He wrapped his long fingers around it and squeezed.
Kagura immediately doubled over in pain. Her pride however kept her from crying out. She wouldn't give Naraku the satisfaction.
She managed to bring her head up so that she could see the man standing before her. His thick black hair ran down his back at unreasonable lengths. A slight smile touched his lips. She knew he enjoyed her pain.
Naraku released the bloody organ and it faded back into his skin.
"I expect answers Kagura." He rasped. "I'm paying for someone's folly. I want this resolved as quick as possible."
She wanted so badly to turn to him and spit in his face. She wanted to yell "Of course you blame this on someone else you pig! That's just like you to blame your incompetence on someone else. Face up you smelly old gas bag. The Higarashi girl survived and you'll soon die because it! I feel more obliged to throw her a party. Not kill her for your soon to be demise."
Instead she weakly muttered "Yes, Naraku."
"Wow, they fit you really well, Kagome-chan." Sango praised her new found friend whom just happened to be her ticket to a fortune.
Kagome smiled and thanked Sango. She had borrowed a pair of blue jeans, they were a bit long, but other then that they fit her great and really flattered her figure. She was also wearing a long sleeved navy blue shirt. Nothing special but still very nice.
"Thanks Sango-chan. I really do appreciate everything.
Kagome looked around the room once more, unable to get over the (Slightly faded and rundown) Beauty of the room. The whole house for that matter.
It was lavishly decorated, although nothing of extreme value was to be found. The walls were a dark red, almost burgundy with golden floral print. The carpet was the same red color and extremely kind to her now bare feet.
A beautiful marble fire place warmed the room and gave everything a peaceful aura.
"Wow, this place is so beautiful." Kagome said taking a seat on the couch nearest to the fireplace. She quickly checked on Shippo. The small child was finally awake and had found a target of interest. Namely Inuyasha.
Inuyasha wasn't very pleased with the idea of being Shippo's play mate.
"It should be." Sango said to Kagomes comment, also watching Inuyasha try to watch television under Shippo's rapid fire question and answering procedure. "This place used to belong to the Higarashi's. You know of them right?"
"Course I know of them." said Kagome as she brushed out her thick locks with a comb Sango had lent her. "I've heard all the stories too. And I saw the paper that was all about the missing girl. Isn't it weird that we have the same name?"
"Oh, yeah. Real weird. . ." Sango said slowly, unsure if she should start the plan Miroku, Inuyasha and her had conjured whilst Kagome was changing. She should probably wait until Miroku came back. Where had he gone off to anyways?
She turned to Inuyasha to ask him if he knew but the inu yokai was slightly preoccupied.
"Hey, Inuyasha! Put Shippo down this instance!" Kagome jumped up with an angry scowl.
"Then you tell the pipsqueak to leave me alone!"
"He doesn't have you by the tail hanging up side down!"
"Yeah! You big dummy." Piped up Shippo.
Inuyasha growled, a deep, loud throaty sound that came from the back of his throat. He released Shippo who fell with a small thud. He scampered over to Kagome as fast as his legs would take him.
Kagome hugged the kit to her chest and glared at the dog demon who in turn glared right back. Inuyasha cracked his knuckles threateningly.
Sango slapped her palm to her forehead. Inuyasha was not doing this. She was simply imagining things.
Sango had never been so relieved to see Miroku when he popped in. "Hello all." He greeted good-naturedly.
"Great timing, Miroku. . . and you've. . . brought pizza."
"Sure have. Thought we could all enjoy a nice pizza." He said as he set the box down on the table, conveniently placed in from of the television.
"Where did you get pizza at nearly six in the morning?"
"We all have our secrets Sango dearest."
Kagome temporarily forgot her previous anger at Inuyasha and giggled when Shippo spoke up, miraculously recovered from the older demons assault.
"Who cares where he got it? The important thing is he's got it!"
"See? Shippo has the idea." Miroku said grabbing himself a slice of the aforementioned pizza. He settled down comfortably on the couch and went on to find a nice horror movie to watch while they dined. Or in this case breakfasted.
The others quickly followed suit.
"No don't go in there! Hmpf. She's stupid enough to deserve to die." Kagome muttered, entirely involved with the horror flick they were watching as she happily munched on one of last remaining slices of pizza.
"Kagome I suppose you've heard of some pretty crazy things but - "
"- But why would someone go into a place where they know something bad is going to happen. It is crazy. If a house started talking to me, let alone ordering me to get out, I would get out. Ack! Get out! Oh, oh, look at that. Now she's gone and died. I knew it."
"Some how I doubt that." Inuyasha muttered darkly. Miroku quickly elbowed him. "Remember what we talked about?"
"Feh!"
"As I was saying, Kagome. Um, Kagome?"
"Hnn? Oh, sorry Miroku. Did you say something?"
"Yes. Sango informs me you know all about the Higarashi's. And you also noticed the resemblance. And not just your outside resemblance to one of Higarashi blood. Your name is also Kagome."
"Yes. What of it? Kagomes a pretty common name, right?"
"Wrong. Kagome, we've decided there are just to many coincidences between you and the missing Kagome. We think - "
"- You think I'm her?" Kagome asked with disbelief evident in her tone.
"Exactly!"
"I thought I had told you all before but I'm an orphan remember? People who are found at ten with no memory don't turn out to be some royal princess."
"But don't you see, Kagome?" Sango asked. "It's because you were found at ten with no memory this is believable. Kagome Higarashi was lost when she was ten. A demon attacked her and her family. She could have very well gotten a head injury resulting in loss of memory."
"Well, I'm pretty sure your head on with the head injury part." Inuyasha remarked.
"What is your problem?" Kagome asked turning to look at the sulking demon.
In answer he sighed. "Follow me, girl."
He stood and left once again.
"Haven't we been through this before?" Sango asked Miroku as they all got up to follow the hot headed teen.
They arrived once again at the grand entrance. Inuyasha pointed to the painting. "Look at it." he commanded.
"I've already seen it."
"Look at it!"
"Fine." She huffed turning to study the picture. She studied the painting for a long moment. She suddenly became very sullen.
"That girl in the picture looks just like you. Probably because she is you."
Kagome searched for a loop hole in this argument. There had to be some way out. But why was she so against this? And the proof was right there in front of her. All she had to do was believe it. But it was unbelievable.
She couldn't deny that there were too many coincidences. She couldn't deny that she looked so much like the girl in the painting. Couldn't deny that she was. . . Kagome Higarashi.
"Oh, my. . ." Kagome sat down right where she was. "I don't believe this."
"Believe it!" Inuyasha snapped.
She was quiet for a long time. So long that Shippo approached her worried.
Sango and Miroku held their breath and crossed their fingers and madly hoped that Inuyasha would get through to her with his less then kind tactics..
Finally Kagome sighed and pushed her dark bangs out of her face.
"Okay. Where do we go from here?"
A/N
And chapter two is done! For the second time. I was nearly done writing this for the first time and you wanna know what the computer does? It cuts off. It cuts off. For no reason! It just cuts off. I swear, sometimes I love modern technology and other times I just wanna borrow Inuyasha Tetsusaiga and destroy it.
Anyways I have to say thanks to all of those wonderful people who reviewed! (Normally I hate more then one exclamation mark, but it is needed here.)
Animedragon:
Yes. I did get the idea from the animated movie Anastasia. (Good movie, no?) And thanks to your review, I intend on continuing
Demonchik39:
I loved reading your review it was so energetic! And yeah, I did get the idea from Anastasia That is kinda ironic that you were thinking about it. . . anyways Thanks for letting me know about the wisdom teeth thing. I'm sorry you have to go through it too. It sucks! Thanks so much I loved your review.
KagomeHolic868:
Thank you very much!
SorielDegamba:
I'm glad you like it I hope you like chapter 2 as well. And as I've told everyone else I did base this on Anastasia. Seemed original, no? Thanks for reviewing!
Chimeragirl:
I'm glad you liked it! I'll do my best to update in a timely Fashion.
Weaver Of Illusion:
I'm very pleased that you liked it. I thought a Anastasia based fic would be nifty. I'm glad you think so too
Fourth Child Of Destiny:
I'm so glad you thought my fic was lovely. I hope you feel the same about chapter 2. I'll update as long as it doesn't suck, alright? Thanks
xxmitsuki:
I'm happy you liked it! Thanks for the review.
Att3nt1on D3flclt M3GGo:
First off, do you know how hard that us to spell? lol since its your username I suppose you do. I'm very pleased that you liked it so much and that you found it humorous. Thanks a lot for reviewing! I did as you asked and reviewed one of yours as well.
Sasha:
I updated. I hope you enjoyed it
Shadows Light:
Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you liked it enough to review and I hope you feel the same for chapter 2. (Did I just rhyme?) Anyways, thanks!
Thank you all for reviewing. I sincerly hope chapter two didn't let you down. If it didn't I'll have chapter three out soon, but not as fast as this since I won't have access to my computer for a few days. And if you haven't reviewed please do so I LOVE to hear from you guys. Its what makes writing worth while.
Disclaimer: I disclaim my little brother! Someone take him! He's making my ears bleed. -cough-cough- Um. . . as I was saying. I don't own Inuyasha nor do I own Anastasia from which I was inspired.