Disclaimer- The cakes are MINE MINE MINE! Mwahahahahaha!...Sadly, nothing else is…
Chapter 18- Behind White Doors
"You got the strawberry!" Sango's voice sliced through the air as she glanced over at her black haired friend, who now looked frantically for the last part of their masterpiece.
"I know it's here somewhere, I put it here before I grabbed the frosting!" Kagome searched the area of their table, pushing the utensils aside. "I can't find it!"
"Well we need to hurry up; the boys are going to catch up. And we can't lose; we're got too much at stake." Sango quickly glanced over at the other table, seeing Miroku add the final bit of frosting to their cake. "All they have to do it put the words on, place their strawberry and they're done."
"I'm trying here!" Kagome took a second to glance at the boys, watching the three cabin boys work on the dessert. Or what the real situation came down to, two fought and one worked.
"I say we do red." Inuyasha said, throwing Miroku the utensil used for writing. Before Miroku could start, Kouga stuck his opinion in.
"Green would look better, plus it's a much cooler color." Miroku went to grab the green, but stopped when Inuyasha spoke again.
"Says who, Betty Crocker? Just because you watch the cooking channel for your personal tips doesn't mean that we have to listen to you. Now, go with the red."
"Take that back!" Kouga growled, though Inuyasha only rolled his eyes.
"And if I don't?"
"Then I'll show everyone who the better two of us are."
"Is that a challenge?" Inuyasha cracked his knuckles as he glared at Kouga, whose lips were now turned upwards into an arrogant smirk. He glanced away from Inuyasha towards the girls behind his camp companion.
"Hey girls, the cake's coming along good." Both girls looked up from their frantic searching to smile weakly at the boy.
"Thanks Kouga." Kagome said, watching with slight confusion as Inuyasha glared over at her.
"Stop bothering my partner, stupid." Kagome's eyes widened slightly as Inuyasha grabbed Kouga's arm, dragging him back to their cake. "Miroku, what happened to the red!"
"And where's the green?" Kouga asked, watching Miroku shrug.
"Well since Kouga doesn't like red, and Inuyasha doesn't like green, I decided that I had to be the mature one and chose a different color." Both boys' faces fell slightly at the explanation. Inuyasha's hand came in contact with Miroku's head, causing Miroku to rub his head. "Hey, what did you do that for?"
"You chose pink!" Inuyasha replied, causing Miroku to glance at the cake before looking back at the other two.
"Think of it as getting in touch with your feminine side?"
"Why would I want to do that, then I'll be like Kouga!"
"What did you just say?" Inuyasha glared over a Kouga before answering.
"I said why wo-"
"I found the strawberry!" Kagome quickly looked over at the girl, smiling slightly as Kagome watched her place it on the cake. "We're finished!"
"Thank god…"
"Good thing you got out of the hospital Kikyo, or else we would have lost!" Sango said, running over to the girl. Kikyo rolled her eyes as Sango hugged her, being mindful of her arm. Though she seemed annoyed, the smallest smile could be seen on the older girl's face.
"You two couldn't screw in a light bulb without me." Kikyo replied. Kagome crossed her arms as she came over.
"Hey, at least we aren't as bad as them." Kagome jerked her thumb in the direction of the group of boys, who were now fighting over who should put on their strawberry.
"Well this is amusing." Sango said, walking over to the boys.
"I put bets on Inuyasha; he's as stubborn as Kagome is dense." Kikyo said, standing next to Sango. Kagome tried to keep her temper down as she joined the other two girls, reminding herself of Kikyo's condition. Instead, she took it out of the boys.
"Boys, it's over! We won, it doesn't matter who puts it on! You three idiots fight more than cats and dogs!" Kagome screamed, silencing each teen.
"Well, how bout we let the cutest girl around put it on?" Miroku said, throwing his arm around Sango's shoulders and winking. Sango's face lit up, glancing over at the two giggling girls.
"Knock it off pervert." Sango said quietly, though made no movement to push him away. Of course you won't, this is only what you dream about. If only he didn't see me as just a piece of ass and saw the actual girl I am. Sango contained her sigh as she tried to ignore her friends, taking note that Miroku hadn't move away.
"Well haven't you two gotten sickeningly sweet. I've been out of the hospital for one day and already I'm noticing." Kikyo said. Kikyo's recovery took about a week, and had just been released that morning with a movable arm. She was able to participate in activities, as long as they didn't involve muscle strain.
As for the return of Kouga, his simple reply to where he had been for the 24 hours he had disappeared was 'around the camp', though nobody recalled seeing him the entire time. During the entire week, Kouga had been disappearing and reappearing any time that they didn't have an activity planned. Though everyone was curious as to where he went, Inuyasha seemed to be the only one who had a theory. Inuyasha was also the only one that believed his theory of Kouga having a secret boyfriend at the camp.
"Oh let them be, all that matters is that we won the bet!" Kagome grinned in victory, though it wavered slightly when Inuyasha rolled his eyes at her.
"Does that make you feel special or something, because it's not a big deal?" Though Kagome did worry about her disappearing companion, nothing was more confusing to her than the change in Inuyasha's behavior. It started off small, though gradually grew until she could barely stand in the same room as him without being insulted. He had even stopped going to the window at night, leaving her alone with the wind as her only companion.
Though she tried to shake off the personality freeze, she couldn't help but notice the glares he always sent her. The strangest part was the sympathetic glances that Miroku threw her way.
"Oh don't be upset that we won and you lost. Just because we're better than you in cooking doesn't mean you can thrash out on Kagome." Sango seemed more angered by the moody boy than Kagome. She noticed her friend's sorrow and in turn, it fueled her fire. Sango tried to figure out what happened between the two, though everything had been different since the pool experience.
"Yea, let us have our time in the spotlight. Now, what was the bet that you three willingly took up?" Kikyo asked, circling around the three boys. Kouga only glared at her as she went by. "Kagome, can you help me out here?"
"I think it was that each one of them would be our personal slaves for a week. Of course, I could be wrong…" Kagome replied, winking at Sango. The girls enjoyed a laugh at the empty expressions on the boys' faces.
"Oka, who thought of this bet!" Inuyasha shouted, glowering at the other two boys.
"Hey, it was Kikyo and Sango, not us!" Kouga replied. Both girls looked at each other, shocked looks on their faces.
"Kikyo, I don't recall us being the evil, do you?" Sango said her voice much softer than normal. It took Kikyo's whole being to keep a straight face.
"Why no Sango, I don't remember it at all. We are much too innocent for that." Kikyo replied. Both girls started to laugh at the growl that Inuyasha produced. He looked at the third girl, though his eyes soften slightly when he noticed the unfocused look spreading on her depressed face. She was facing the group, though her eyes lead out towards the window. Stupid girl, always daydreaming…but why does she look so sad? I've never seen her like this!
"Hey idiot, what are you looking at?" Inuyasha asked, walking over to her. She peeked up at him, though didn't make eye contact.
"I was just thinking." She replied quietly. He continued to stare at her, and she proceeded to look away. Finally, a hand dropped onto Inuyasha's shoulder.
"Hey, Miroku wants to talk to you about something." Kikyo said, giving a look that spoke better than words. He shrugged her hand away from him before walking away from the two girls.
"What do you want Kikyo?" Kagome asked. Kikyo looked at her sadly before speaking.
"There are reasons behind every change. The only way you'll know why is by confrontation." Kagome locked eyes with Kikyo, trying to find a lie behind her advice. When she saw nothing but sympathy, she frowned.
"Why would you help me? I thought you hated me?" Kikyo only let a ghost of a smile pass onto her lips before walking away. Kagome stood there in utter confusion before shaking her head, following Kikyo back to the group. She noticed as she approached that the counselors were now in the group.
"Well hello strangers." Sango said.
"I think I remember your names…ah yes, Rin and Sesshoumaru! I knew that history was my best subject." Miroku said, watching the girl's counselors laugh.
"I'm guessing that the cakes went well right?" Rin asked.
"Yea, we even made a race out of who could make the fastest cake." Kagome pointed to the two cakes behind them.
"Who was victorious?" Sesshoumaru watched the boys drop their heads in defeat. "Ah I see. Fools. Clean this mess up before the cooks come back, since you failed." The teens looked around before finally realizing the kitchen looked like a tornado had swept through.
"This isn't fair, we already have to be their slaves for a week." Kouga said, letting out a frustrated sigh.
"When did this happen?" Rin was slightly amused at the outcome of this activity.
"Sango and Kikyo made a bet that if they won, we had to be the girls' slaves. It went the other way if we won." Inuyasha explained.
"Isn't there a camp rule against this type of bet?" Miroku asked, looking at the two counselors. Both shook their heads.
"The only thing you prohibited is gambling. We don't feel like getting arrested for your stupidity." Sesshoumaru replied.
"Well you boys have fun cleaning this up, and when you're done, inform us where you are going. We'll be in the counselor's cabins. Look for number 39 Oka?" Rin waited till each nodded before continuing. "Around seven o'clock, be back at the cabin Oka? We're going to be having our first bon fire with all the other campers, and it starts at eight.
"Now we are warning you now, if there is any mischief tonight, you'll be in huge trouble. Remember, Fourth of July celebration is this weekend, and I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss that. We are also going into town the Thursday before, in case you want to buy anything for the party."
"What are we seriously going to do, run around naked?" Miroku jumped back at the death glares that were sent from everyone, causing him to laugh. "I was only kidding, I don't even know how to streak!" Both counselors looked weary at the admission, but the only shrugged and walked away.
"Let's hope that this idiot doesn't get us in trouble." Inuyasha said. Each person nodded except the convicted, who only pouted.
"Well boys, I hope you have fun cleaning this up, I'm going to get a tan at the pool side." Kikyo said, waving at the boys before leaving. Sango watched her leave before looking back at the boys.
"That sounds kind of fun, but I think I'm going to ride Grace for a little while. Miroku, will you be stalking me when you're done?"
"Anything for time with you love!" Miroku grinned, though Sango ignored him.
"Kagome, want to come ride with me and Grace? I'm sure Marshmallow misses you." Kagome smiled before nodding.
"That actually sounds like a good idea. I haven't been able to ride with her for a while, and you need someone to go with you." Kagome replied. Kouga's eyes lit up as Kagome said that, causing him to step away from the other two boys.
"Well I'd love to help you out, but I need to be with my buddy and make sure that she doesn't get hurt. I don't want to get in trouble with Sesshoumaru now would I? See ya!" Before anyone could protest about the lifeguards that would make sure she didn't get hurt, Kouga was out of the door.
"Why that little ass, he leaves us with all the work! Wait till tonight, he'll regret messing with us." Inuyasha said, causing the other three to laugh.
"Well have fun you two, just don't blow anything up Oka? Wouldn't want you two to get hurt." Kagome said.
"We're not stupid like you, I think we can handle a little cleaning." Inuyasha hissed out, causing Kagome to step back.
"I don't know why I even bother caring about you! All you do is yell at me!" Kagome said, watching him cross his arms and look away from her.
"Who says I want you to care? It's not a big deal if you don't." He couldn't bring himself to look at her, though he knew she was close to tears. He would have apologized, if not for the words that run through his head the entire week. Remember Kagome, you're always mine. And just as I proved, some things Inuyasha can't protect you from.
"Fine, I'll just go then. Bye Miroku. Goodbye jerk!" Kagome tried to stay strong as she walked out of the room, though everyone knew she was torn.
"I can't believe you, how could you treat her like that! Can't you see she cares about you, she just wants you to be happy!" Sango screamed, waiting for a reaction from the lively boy. But when he didn't even turn his head to look at her, the sudden urge to rip his head seemed to dwindle away.
"I know she does." His words dripped with regret as he forced himself to turn away from the doorway Kagome ran through. "Come on Miroku, let's get this cleaned up."
"I'll see you later Sango." Miroku tried to send a reassuring smile, but the mood reeked of distress. She nodded before hurrying after her best friend, hoping to cheer her up. "Inuyasha..."
"You have no fricken idea how hard it is, so don't even start with me." Inuyasha snapped, shoving a broom into his hands. "This is unfair, I shouldn't have to act like this around her."
"I know, but do you want her to figure out what you are?" Miroku asked, pushing the flour into a pile. Inuyasha's shoulder's sagged down as he shook his head.
"But this is torture." He muttered. Miroku smiled coyly as he jabbed Inuyasha in the ribs.
"I didn't know you had such strong feelings for her." Inuyasha's eyes enlarged with surprise as he let his eyes fall onto his friend.
"I never even said I had feelings for her! I just hate fighting with her, she gets all emotion and shit, and I don't like it when girls cry."
"Uh huh, sure you don't. I bet that's exactly why it's 'torture'." Miroku quickly ducked under the broom that now came swinging at his head. "I was only joking!"
"Well tell another one you fool because I ain't laughing." Inuyasha said, watching Miroku draw his broom like a sword.
"Are you asking for a duel Sir Inuyasha?" Miroku asked, watching a blank expression pass Inuyasha's face.
"Are you mentally insane Sir Miroku!" Inuyasha grabbed the broom from Miroku, chucking it over his shoulder. When he heard the sound of the plastic handle hitting metal echo through the kitchen, Inuyasha looked back to see the broomstick had landed in the closet.
"Hey! That was my sword you scoundrel. I should have you hung for treachery against King Miroku, ruler of Mirokuland!"
"Oka, first off, you really need a girlfriend if you're making up countries with your names in them. Secondly, did you hear that noise the broomstick made? It almost sounded like it hit something metal." Miroku shrugged at the comment.
"Maybe there was just a metal coat hanger in there or something." Inuyasha walked towards the closet as Miroku continued to talk. "I don't think it's a big deal, you're worrying over nothing."
"Or maybe I'm not, come take a look at what it hit." Inuyasha said, backing out of the closet. "Found it under the broomstick, but it looked like it was hidden behind a box before." Miroku watched Inuyasha pull a shiny object from the closet, holding it with a paper towel.
"You found a knife!" Miroku asked, watching Inuyasha nod.
"Yes, now we need to figure out what the hell is a knife doing in the utility closet?" Miroku tried not to smile at the sentence. He sounds just like Kagome when he says that. Maybe the girl is rubbing off on him.
"Perhaps one of the cooks just dropped it into the closet by accident earlier or something. I'm sure it's just for cooking." Miroku said, though stopped when Inuyasha looked at the knife closely.
"Look at the area where the knife and the handle connect. Tell me what you see." Miroku grabbed the knife from Inuyasha, looking closely at the area.
"So it's got blood on it that might just be from a piece of meat or something. And it may not even be blood; we have no clue what it is." Inuyasha shifted slightly before speaking.
"It's Kikyo blood."
"Well that's a very exact guess." Miroku said dryly, though stopped when he noticed the serious look Inuyasha gave him.
"It's got her scent all over it."
"You know, you're lucky that I'm not Kagome, or else I would be freaking out right now." Miroku said, reminding him to watch his words. Inuyasha shook his head before handing Miroku a piece of paper.
"Someone wanted me to see that knife." Inuyasha said. Ocean eyes connected with two pools of russet before glancing back at the paper.
"Got fire boys? Step two of four. Better watch your girls." Miroku read the paper allowed before rereading it in his head. "What is that supposed to mean? Wouldn't they say something about the blood if it was the knife that they wanted us to focus on?" Inuyasha sifted his hair with his hand, sighing deeply.
"It's almost too obvious, you know? I mean, anyone could have found that knife, it was just a chance that I did." Miroku blinked before looking at the paper again.
"It's red again. Obviously someone likes the color red. Not to mention everything was placed as if they knew that we'd be in the closet today."
"Well I guess that rules out Kouga, he hates red. Remember, 'green is better'." Inuyasha resisted the urge to spit.
"Well whoever planted it knew we were going to be in this room today. They know our plans, and that must mean they'll know we're going to be at the bon fire tonight." Miroku said, sighing slightly. "But that could really be anyone, since the schedules are posted on the main board.
"Wait a minute…'got fire', it makes sense!" Miroku glanced over at his friend.
"I wish I understand what you were saying, because I'm not following." Miroku replied.
"Look, we need to go get the girls right now!"
"Will you just tell me what you are talking about!" Miroku shouted, though Inuyasha didn't answer at first.
"We need to keep the knife here for right now until later when we can examine it right." Inuyasha said, placing it back into the closet.
"Oka, well I get that part. But what about the fire?"
"Think about it, what is going on tonight?" Miroku thought for a moment before answering.
"The bon fire?"
"Exactly. Whoever is doing all of this is going to strike again at the bon fire." He bit his lip for a moment before glancing at Miroku. "There's another problem."
"You're getting this all from the note?" Inuyasha nodded at Miroku's question. "Well what's the problem now?"
"You promise not to get freaked out?" Miroku felt a chill trickle through his spine, plunging into the dips and filling his body with dread.
"What else Inuyasha?" Miroku's voice was void of emotion, which was different for Miroku.
"I think he's going after Kagome…and Sango. You've become a target." Miroku's lungs collapsed at the information, though he tried to stay calm.
"How do you figure that?" He asked.
"Well, we know that they somehow knew that we were going to be here. In the note, it said 'Got fire boys?' If it was just me, it wouldn't be plural and it would say Inuyasha. Also, it says 'watch out for your girls.' And I don't have one girl, never mind two."
"Why me though?" Inuyasha sighed as he looked at his best friend.
"It's because you're close to me. Take out the building blocks, and the whole building collapses."
"The higher the stage, the more blocks this person is stealing." Miroku said, crumpling the paper.
"Makes you wonder…"
"About what?"
"What will they do for the final stage?" Miroku had the sickening feeling that he didn't want to know the answer to Inuyasha's question.
Oh and look at that! Miroku and Inuyasha having to clean and finding a knife? Can another say weird? Well that's chapter 18, and I'm working on the next one! I hope that this one was good, it was a little longer than the other ones. But only a page longer… So, what was Kouga doing that whole week? Who placed the knife in the closet? Who wants to live in Mirokuland! Check out the next chapter!
Chapter 19- A Glimpse into the Past
