(Quick Author Rant- So righto, I am holding a contest so that two lucky peoples may become characters in this story! Tch, how cool is that. For details, read the author notes.)

All's Fair in Love and War

Chapter Twenty Two

Prepare Yourself

He held the flyer in his hand. Apparently, Kagome had slipped it into his pockets, because he had no idea how it got there. It was printed in bright shiny letters on salmon colored paper and read:

Kieuseru's Wonderland

Come one, come all! On this so wondrous and famous October night-
Awaits a slumber from what's real,
A time of ghouls and spirits aflight. On this so wondrous of a night.
Take this invitation as thou feel.
In Furisho's barren fairground, where we lay our scene
Comes the traveling circus, of spirits and freaks.
Magic and trickery, excitement in deceit, a night to see and not be seen.
But only under moonlight, when through the grass it streaks.
Hidden entertainment, and masked be those who come
Noise and laughter, with no face.
Time to frolic and places to run.
Though within there is- a resting place.
Come forth whence silver touches the sky
And dance in this beauty, beheld by thine eye.

This was an invitation? He could scarcely read it, much less understand what it meant. Lets see. 'Famous October night.' Today was the thirty first of October, so it meant it was on Halloween. He always loved Halloween as a child. Since everyone was dressed up weird he could blend in and for a night, he was normal. He noticed people were nicer to him on that night. They couldn't tell what he was.

'Take this invitation as thou feel.' Let's see. That must mean to interpret the sonnet as one thinks. Furisho's barren fair ground.' The name sounded familiar to him. He knew of an empty lot that was used whenever local festivities would occur so that must mean it took place there. He laughed. Barren was the perfect word to describe it. Come to think of it, he hadn't seen any preparation for the festival when he saw it last. Don't they need like a week or two to prepare for these things? Never mind that.

'A night to see and not be seen.' What does that mean? A night to see and not be seen. Maybe he should just ask Kagome later. Though this was soon cleared up by the line Hidden entertainment, and masked be those who come' So I have to wear a mask do I?' Come to think of it, he didn't own a mask. He also didn't own decent clothing. But he figured a hooded sweater would suffice.

He figured that the line: But only under moonlight' meant that the festival would only occur during night time. So he figured he should get there around seven. He hadn't exactly clarified with Kagome when to meet but he figured that he'd find her somehow. That was about all he needed to gather from this so called invitation', so he put it into pocket again.

So Shippou, should I wear this piece of shit or this one? he said, holding up two equally ugly pieces of clothing.

said Shippou, curling his nose in distaste, The one that smells less. he decided.

You're probably right on that one. he said, tossing a torn pair of old jeans to the corner of his room'. On second though, I could just stop by Kagome's before I go and use that haori her mom gave me. She might be able to find pants that go with it, and if all else fails I can use the archery robes. asked Shippou. She's gonna be there too? Shippou had never met Kagome but he had heard all about her. All. About. Her. And from what he gathered, she was a kind hearted, mysterious young girl in Inu Yasha's class that had taken a liking to him. He liked her, but only because he knew how happy she made him. He recognized the steady rate of change in him from the beginning of the year when Inu Yasha had taken him in, scared, lonely, and frail, to what he was now; A confidant stronger half breed with no mom and an abusive father. His daddy, and he was proud to bear that title.

Oh yeah! he said, suddenly remembering he hadn't told Shippou about their new guest. She's going to come with us to the festival. I told her I'd meet her, but we can surprise her and go to her house early. Sound fun? We can sneak around the Higurashi estate. he said. Shippou nodded.

I like to prowl. Shippou said quite randomly. I can be really sneaky, like this one time He drifted off into a story of how he had snuck up on an animal of some sort and killed it. Inu Yasha smiled and nodded and pat him on his head, though, truth be told, he wasn't exactly listening completely. The traffic in his head was too busy for him to do much but anticipate the night. Come to think of it, that poem was pretty cool.

And he wondered, what kimono would Kagome wear? He was sure she would look pretty in it. What food would they have at the festival? How would Kagome look when she saw him in her house earlier than he should be? Inu Yasha? Inu Yaaaashaaa He came out of his thoughts. Anyone there? The small boy rapped his knuckles against his head.

Inu Yasha's eyes widened as he looked over at Shippou, banging his fist against his head lightly, to get his attention. Oh! Um, sorry! I was listening! I swear! he snapped.

Shippou asked. Silence ensued.

He checked his watch. It's five thirty. Wanna head over to Kagome's now? he asked.

Inu Yasha, we there yet? Are we, are we? Shippou pounded on his skull lightly and continued. How far are we? How long is it until we get there?

Kids.

Inu Yasha tried his best to ignore the comments, but a twitch developed in his brow and he decided it wasn't healthy to let it stay like that. We'll be there someday! And if you don't be quiet then I am not going to carry you the whole way! he yelled. It is important to discipline children sometimes.

Shippou apologized and sat quietly on Inu Yasha shoulder.

And if it is important to discipline them it's also good to apologize for it because Inu Yasha silently murmured to Shippou for yelling at him.

They had just passed the market place Kagome's mom had talked about once before so he knew they weren't far. He turned corner and the pointy roof of Kagome's home came into sight. Hold tight Shippou! he told him and burst into the air. He landed with a thud on Kagome's roof.

Soft cherry blossom lips. Deco pink blush cheeks. Eyelids painted the color of the night time sky. Eye lids glittering with the twinkle of stars. Smooth silky fabric printed with the motif of baby blue butterflies and soft pink sakura blossoms. She twirled around once and watched the kimono's edges flutter away from her ankles.

Perfect.

So, who are you trying to impress? her mother asked slyly, eying her as she leaned against the girls bed room door.

Hm, no one in particular. She replied coolly, pulling a brush through her hair. Though I hear there's plenty of hot guys at these festivals. And plenty of ones just like I or Inu Yasha.Ah, so that Inu Yasha boy is going too? Kagome clamped her hand over her mouth. No wonder you've prettied yourself up so much. You didn't get this dressed up last time we went.

Well, mom, that was ten years ago! That doesn't count! she replied.

Don't worry Kagome, It's okay if you like Inu Yasha. He's such a sweet boy. And he has such good energy. He is half demon, though he is not corrupt. He is quite special indeed. I approve. The woman nodded with a small grin.

Approve of what! she bit. There isn't anything going on between-

THUMP!

Kagome and her mother stared up at the ceiling and only blinked twice before Kagome gave her mother a Did-You-Hear-That-or-is-it-Just-Me look. Her mother shrugged and continued.

Anyways, if I were a girl your age and there was a boy like Inu Yasha in my class- she shrieked. No offense, but I really don't want to know what you'd do to Inu Yasha if you were my age.Well, I'm just saying- she said and pointed at the doorway. Her mother sighed and shrugged and left the room. Now, Kagome usually doesn't raise her voice, but the images that would have crossed her mind had her mother continued was enough to make anyone yell. Kagome giggled to herself after she left. The fact that her mother liked Inu Yasha was a good thing, but she highly doubted that Inu Yasha was ready for any kind of involvement on a serious level. Well, as serious as teenagers can get. They're such fickle things. He seemed to be struggling enough, and the last thing he needed was a girlfriend.

Most importantly, the last thing he needed was a girlfriend that wasn't herself. If somebody broke his heart, she swore to God she'd kill them herself. Though, with his social standings, she really couldn't imagine him with any girl in the world. Herself included. After all, he was her best friend. Er, wait, Sango.'

She turned around to go to the kitchen and there was Inu Yasha in her doorway, smiling that Inu Yasha patented awkward smile, standing in her doorway. She nearly screamed. Inu Yasha? she hissed, her eyes wide.

Oh, um hi. he said sheepishly, waving.

She raised an eyebrow. They exchanged confused glances.

The man at the front let me in and led me here. He must have recognized me from the last time I came here. She stared at him, the confusion playing across her features. You probably want to know why I'm here don't you? She nodded and he continued. Well, your mom gave me this haori and I wanted to wear it to the festival, so yeah.Oh. I hadn't expected you to come so early. Well at least I'm dressed. Shippou poked his head out from behind Inu Yasha's head. Who's that? Shippou? she said, starting to grin.

Inu Yasha took Shippou out from behind his neck. Oh yeah, it's Shippou. He held Shippou underneath his arms out to Kagome. She grinned and took him in her arms.

He's so cute! She squeaked in a high pitched girly voice. I can't believe you found him in a tree, of all places.

Shippou looked up at Kagom, his emerald eyes wide, and mewed. She scratched under his chin and he purred. He likes you. said Inu Yasha. He's usually pretty scared of strangers. I try to teach him to be cautious. But he warms up once you get to know him. Kagome grinned at the small lump of fur in her arms.

You know what's weird? she said. He kind of reminds me of you. Like if you were little, this is what you'd be like. Except not orange. she laughed.

He clutched his mouth and went into a high pitched fit of giggles. I'm corrupting him! She snickered and rubbed his head. Shippou, looking cautiously at his surroundings mewed and Kagome held him to her chest. He settled down.

You couldn't corrupt anything if you tried, Inu YashaHey, should we have tea while we wait? she asked. My mom would probably make it anyways. That woman, always with the tea, it's like a compulsion. We can eat food at the festival. He grinned and followed her into the kitchen.

Author's Notes

YOU COULD BE IN THIS STORY! (Read below

Anyone remotely interested or thinking about entering MUST mention something in their review! I want to know how many people may enter. Because if there isnt enough contestants, this won't work.

Yes, you could be in this story. Okay, I need one male and one female character so there will be two winners. If two females win the contest, then I suppose one will make a male character and vice versa. So ... this is how I will decide who will be in my beloved little story. A contest!

I know most of you are feeling pretty lazy and all, whatwith it being summer and all, but this thing wont work if no one enters it, so just write something, it doesnt have to be long.

For any questions or concerns, please contact me through email or instant messanger. The screen names can be found on my bio.

It is an art contest revolving around a theme.

You may pick a theme from below:

-Innocent as a child
-Something to love
-A reason to breathe

Here are the guide lines:

-The media you may use is any form of visual art. Sketches, markers, crayons, digital art, paint, anything at all. Poetry and short ficlets are also accepted. Photography is also accepted, as long as it portains to the theme and the story.

-It must be related to the story in some way.

-It must be related to the theme.

-Nudity is accepted, though for some reason, I dont see how someone could do something involving it.

-If you wish, you may submit more than one entry. Both will be judged. (For instance, a poem and a picture ... it counts as two entries. It may up your chances of winning.)

-If you post a poem or prose, please mention the story it is for.

Ways to Submit Your Entry:

As soon as you finish your piece, please tell me via review, IM, devaintArt, or email.

For Poetry or Prose: Poetry or prose can be submitted directly via fanfiction, deviant art, or through email. (My email address can be found in my bio.)

For Art: You can submit art to Deviant Art. Or if you arent on dA (which you should be because it's cool and easy to join.) then you could maybe scan it and send it through email or instant message? I think Photobucket may also work.

Due date: There is no set date to have your stuff submitted. The characters you will become dont come into use until MUCH later in the story. At almost the very end. So I'd say the sooner the better, but dont rush through it.

Please review!

Next Chapter: Patience

(A big important look into Inu Yasha's childhood. On the day that changed his life for good. Bye mommy... Angsty.)