A/N-Well here's chapter too. Sorry it took so long XP, it wasn't because I didn't get my 7 reviews, I just had Writer's Block. Grrrrrr~its such a hindrance to my literary progression [lol]. So since it took me like a whole month to come up with I made it extra long to try and make up for all that lost time, a whole 3,920 words (including author notes XD). But I'm still super happy that I got the 4 reviews I got, they were all nice and seriously made my month =p. so a special thanks to; ShadowXMoonlight, hisunrequitedlove (OMGEE your name inspired one of my paragraphs and so did your uber nice comment~THNX), Kidnapped by a Demon, LadyNorth76, and loveinthebattlefield. I really appreciated your reviews. And also all the hits I got via (I ttly 3 that word lol) Favorite Story, Favorite Author, Story, and Author Alerts I got. So I hear-by thank you all from the bottom of my anime/ff adoring heart! Also I decided to make Sesshomaru's beast a little different from what he is normally portrayed as…so let me know if you like MY version of his beast!
P.S. Fusuma means-Sliding doors in Japanese, but if there's another word for them that I'm unaware of PLEASE feel free to tell me. =] Enjoy!
I do not own Inuyasha…*tear*…or iPod…*sigh*…or all stars shoes…*shrug*
"Forget about what could have been
Let your new life begin…"
Chapter Two –New Found Passions
Kagome was brought back to reality by the crisp, afternoon scent of pine and vegetation. Also by the fact that she would have to lug all her heavy bags up the well. Now, she had two choices; One: She could push them out the well herself, or Two: Take her chances with Inuyasha. She chose choice Three: Get Kaede to get a few of the local villagers to do it. It's not like she had ever really asked anything of them anyway. Plus, with all those times she had saved the village, she kind of felt like they owed her…at least that much anyway.
Climbing out of the well time came much easier than it had in the past. In the past year Kagome and her mom had taken yoga together, so she was in much better shape.
When she finally got out she immediately masked her scent, a skill she had learned while meditating with Kaede before she left. But before Kagome could even take a solid step, she was nearly knocked back into the well by some giant pink blob!
Kagome was stunned, whatever it was, it had cast some blue fire spell on her. Then she began to think. 'Whydoes this spell seem so familiar…?' Then it hit her.
"Ka-Kagome?" His voice sounded timid and small all of a sudden.
Then with a small 'POOF', the giant pink blob retorted into a mere fox demon. But not just any fox demon, her fox demon. Though, he wasn't the same little Shippo who she left a year ago. He was much taller, about as tall as Souta. And his hair had grown too, he was so cute! She had really missed him.
"Shippo!" She screamed.
"Kagome!" Shippo ran towards her at speeds only a demon could reach.
She caught him though, and they both laughed when they hit the ground.
"Gee Kagome, you look different," Shippo said through sniffs as they walked," and you smell different too."
"Well, I am different." She told the young kitsune. "I hope different is good." She winked at him and they both giggled.
They took the long way to Kaede's village, around the outskirts of Inuyasha's Forest. All the while, Shippo told her about how much he had missed and how mean Inuyasha had been to him. Kagome made a mental note to 'sit' him when she saw him, which wouldn't be too long of a wait…he was with Kikyou-Kagome predicted as much. Shippo even told her about all the strange noises that would come from the visitor's hut whenever he "helped her make her futon". 'Gosh' She wondered 'What could they possibly been doing?' She rolled her eyes at the thought. But then, miraculously after being told all those things, she still didn't care.
Then, Shippo asked her something that she never guessed he would ask.
"Um, Kagome?" He asked.
"Yeah, what is it Shippo?"
"Uh, well… we already do a lot of stuff together. And you take care of me."
"Yeah…" 'Where is he going with this…?' She thought.
"Well, do you think it would be okay if I called you…mama?" He asked timidly.
Kagome stopped dead in her tracks.
'Is this really happening to me?' She thought. 'This is like a dream come true. I'm so glad he feels the same way.'
"Of course you can Shippo!" She was ecstatic. sure she already considered him a son, but never had she thought he would be so compelled as to ask her permission to make it…official.
So after another heart-felt embrace, they continued their stroll. They came across a small beach attached to a cave, carved out of the side of a cliff…it was absolutely breath-taking. There were vines crawling up the sides of the cove walls, with peach-colored flowers. Each one in mid-bloom, sprouting up every few inches. The water was crystal clear, and the sand was gently swaying with the breeze. There were hundreds of small shells and stones of all colors. The whole thing looked straight from a post card.
"Are you coming mama?" Shippo asked standing a few feet from her.
"Huh?" Kagome had standing there, idle, mesmerized by the site before her. "Oh yeah, I'm fine honey. Come on, I should let Kaede know I'm here." She took Shippo's hand and they continued their walk to the village.
"Mama how did Miroku and Sango know when you would be coming back?" Shippo wondered because they had both said that they'd be back one year's time.
"Well," She began," before I left last year, I left them each a letter to let them know that I would be back."
"Oh."
After about ten minutes they made it to the village. Kagome caught up to Kaede after Shippo ran off to play with some village children.
"It's good to see ye, kagome. Have ye faired well?" Kaede asked.
"It's good to see you too Kaede." She said with a smile as she hugged the elderly woman. They then took a stroll.
"So, I still stay with you, right? I know you told me I could before but-"
"I, child, that's what I told ye. But also fear for an orphan in the village, so she shall say with me." She then explained.
"Oh, I see. So do I need to make arrangements? I haven't unpacked yet," Then Kagome added with a laugh," I haven't even pulled my bags out of the well yet."
Then Kaede proceeded to explain to Kagome that she already had had a hut arranged and ready for her to move into.
"Oh wow, really Kaede?" Kagome had tears in her eyes, and when Kaede nodded she was elated. "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!" Kagome screamed. "I'll go get my bags then-"She was interrupted by Kaede again.
"Hai, child, I had ye bags delivered for ye after I sensed ye aura. All ye's belongings are at ye hut."
So with that, and another mountain of 'thank you's, she was off to see her new residence.
Kagome found her 'feudal home' to be quite the humble and charming little abode. It was a bigger than Kaede's, although everything else about it was pretty much the same. Though, there was more shelf space, a cabinet next to the Fusuma doors, a small table with four turquoise cushions, an extra window, and a large vanity with a beautifully crafted mirror that sat comfortably against one of the walls. When she entered the cozy dwelling, she noticed a few flower pots that Kaede often made during her free time, and really felt at home. And she was, this cute little hut was hers…well at least it would be after she added her own personal touches.
Two hours, five suit cases, and three bandages later, it was perfect.
Kagome had put up a framed collage of her and her friends, which they helped her make during her year away, she also added pretty colored stones, candles, and pictures of her family in the cabinet next to the Fusuma doors. Then she had set up her hair and make-up station on the vanity. It was absolutely adorable.
That's when it hit her; she had nothing else to do. 'Hummm' she thought 'what could I do to pass the time, it's only around 7 o'clock…I guess I could help Kaede or something'. She aborted that idea, she felt absolutely useless. With Shippo being so much more independent, Miroku and Sango gone, and Inuyasha uncaring about her existence; she was at a loss.
'This is utterly tragic' She chastised herself as she fidgeted on her comfy new futon. 'It can't be like this the entire time you're here Kagome. I need to find a man. No, I will find a man.
Kagome had made a resolve. Now, she wasn't nearly as timid, or innocent for that matter, as she had been a year ago. There had been times, on several occasions, that she had experimented. She was still a virgin but it wasn't like she didn't know what she wanted either. She did. She just needed to find it…him that is. The man of her dreams would definitely be unique. He would need to be strong and courageous, not necessarily toward everyone, but at least toward her. Intelligence was a must, possession of manners of course, etiquette, and overall elegance. She needed a guy who could sweep her off her feet. Mr. Right would be there for her when she needed him, and even when she didn't. He would come for her…even when they hated each other. A guy that would selflessly defend her honor, and protect her pride. Most of all he would be unbelievably, unconditionally, unrequitedly, and disgustingly crazed…because he would be madly in love with her.
'Oh yeah' She added with a second thought 'And this mystery guy has to be hot. I need some serious eye-candy.' Kagome laughed at herself, she honestly doubted that she would find such a man-let alone demon.
Oh, yeah, by this time Kagome had already figured out that her '' would be a demon, if she ever found him anyway. After all those years of fighting, purifying, and being abducted by them, she realized she had a bit of a thing for them. They were hot, strong, and most appealing of all, they were her opposite. Just the thought of the rush she was sure to have, if she was ever with one of them had her shuddering with excitement. Fire and ice, dark and light, just what she needed…her opposite.
But after about five minutes of that, she was bored; which was something she dreaded. So she decided to give her little 'home away from home' a bit more life. Kagome was going to pick a few of the flowers that she'd seen while on her walk with Shippo. Speaking of her son, she wondered if he would want to come with her. So she put on a light, navy blue hoodie, some socks, and a pair of white All Star shoes, then grabbed her IPod and headed out.
Kagome wondered around the village for about five minutes before she found Shippo, still playing with the village children. She figured he would still want to play so she went on her way. (A/N-accidental rhyme by author! lol)
Her want along the path was uneventful so she sang along to one of her favorite songs, until she came to the flower-filled clearing. There were flowers were in full bloom everywhere. The time of day was perfect. The sky had already been expertly painted in pinks, oranges, and reds and the clouds were parted just enough to grace every few flowers with the pretty rays of sun. As she walked into the clearing, Kagome was startled by a blood curdling scream. Instincts told her to turn around and prepare for a fight, but what she saw when she did, was anything but a threat.
Running at full speed towards Kagome, with a huge grin on her face was none-other than Rin.
"Lady Kagome, Lady Kagome!" She screamed excitedly, as she ran up and jumped into Kagome's arms.
"H-hey Rin." She said as she managed to catch the young girl. "It's good to see you too."
As they walked through the pasture, they talked about various things and giggled as they picked flowers.
"So Rin," Kagome began, "this is what you do every day? Pick flowers I mean." She was curious about Rin, she had a soft spot for the girl, but didn't know much about her.
"Yes, Rin enjoys picking the prettiest flowers, especially during this time of day. It's the prettiest time, plus then this Rin is usually finished by the time Lord Sesshomaru gets back." She explained.
"Get finished with what Rin?"
"Well, this Rin likes to make Lord Sesshomaru flower crowns and bouquets to present him with. Especially now that Master Jaken refuses to play with Rin anymore, so she does this to pass the time until milord comes back."
Kagome figured that the reason Jaken wouldn't 'play' with Rin anymore was because her version of 'playing' was probably fairly vigorous. So, then and there, she decided she would take on the challenge of playing with the girl. 'Besides' Kagome thought to herself 'I have a feeling this could actually be good for me.' So with that in mind, she told Rin the good news.
"Hey, Rin." Kagome began.
"Hummm?"
"Do you think it would be okay if I came to see you more often?"
"Of course!" Rin screamed. "Rin is so happy! Does Lady Kagome promise to come and see Rin every day?"
"Sure." She chuckled. "But only if you," Kagome enunciated the word, seeing as Rin had been speaking in third person…just like a certain taiyoukai lord, "pinkie-promise to be my new best friend."
Rin gasped. "You would allow Rin to become your new best friend?"
Kagome bent down and extended her pinkie finger to Rin.
"Of course." Kagome responded with a smile. Rin then, in turn, reciprocated their vow of friendship.
They were both content as they resumed speaking about flowers, her lord, and the other great assortment of things Rin proclaimed her love for, and interest in.
3 hours later…
When Rin and Kagome finally finished their flower arrangements, Kagome noticed how dark it was getting.
"Oh Rin, I didn't realize how late it was." Kagome said while getting up and dusting herself off. "Is Jaken coming to take you to your camp?"
"Uhhh…well, Rin doesn't know Lady Kagome." She said glumly.
"What do you mean Rin?"
"Well, Rin didn't necessarily get Master Jaken's permission to pick flowers today."
Kagome laughed at Rin's slick explanation.
"Well, would you mind if I took you back?" she suggested. It only seemed appropriate since she had been with her all this time. Especially being that it was getting late.
"Yes!" Rin gushed. "Rin would love that!"
So Kagome took the girl's hand and they went on their way.
After about five minutes of rare silence, Kagome decided to finish the song she'd been playing during her walk earlier.
"May Rin listen to your tiny music box?"Her current companion asked.
"Certainly." Kagome replied with a giggle at the way Rin referred to her iPod. Then she gave it to Rin along with one of her headphones. She sang along while Rin simply listened. The lyrics came fairly easy to Kagome since she'd memorized the song.
A/N Song is-Pocket Full of Sunshine-Natasha Bedingfield
"…I got a pocket, got a pocket full of sunshine. I got a love and I know that it's all mine, oh-ooo-oh." Kagome sang perfectly in tune with the song.
"Do what you want but you're never gunna break me. Sticks and stones are never gunna shake me. Oh-ooo-oh.
Take me away
A sweet escape
Take me away
Take me way
To better days
Take me away
A hiding place
I got a pocket, got a pocket full of sunshine
I got a love and I know that it's all mine
Oh-ooo-Oh
Do what you want you want but you're never gunna break me
Sticks and stones are never gunna shake me
Oh-ooo-Oh
I got a pocket, got a pocket full of sunshine
I got a love and I know that it's all mine
Oh-ooo-Oh
Wish that you could, but you aint gunna own me
Do anything you can to control me
Oh-ooo-Oh
Take me away
A secret place
A sweet escape
Take me away
Take me away
To better days
Take me away
A hiding place
There's a place that I go that nobody knows
Where the rivers flow and I call it home
And there's no more lies
In the darkness there's light
And nobody cries,
There's only butterflies!
…Take me away
A secret place
A sweet escape
Take me away
Take me away
To better days
Take me away
A hiding-"
Technically they didn't finish the whole song, since what began with a song, turned into Kagome tripping over a root(her natural enemy) and then ended with both her and Rin laughing their heads off…at least until they were interrupted by an annoying impish voice.
"Rin? Rin! Are you there?" The unruly imp screamed from just beyond the brush.
"Ugh, yeah she's right here. Geez you honestly don't have to-"Kagome said as she helped Rin up.
"I was not speaking to you human wench! Now come Rin, before Lord Sesshomaru finds out where you've been!"
"Excuse me? I know you did not just address me as 'human wench'! For your information, I have a name and a proper title!"
"HA! As if 'ningen hore' is a proper title...or any better."
"UGH, yourude, ungrateful, sorry little bastard! How dare you! I'm the one who's been looking after Rin this entire-"
"Enough." A deep baritone voice interrupted.
Deciding to turn and look, Kagome decided, had been one of the highlights of her day. For there behind her, towering at a delicious 6 feet was none other than her 'flavor of the month', Lord Sesshomaru.
"Jaken, this Sesshomaru was well aware of his ward's location this entire time. You would have known such if you spent half as much energy on your duties, as you do ranting." Sesshomaru stated.
'Wow' Kagome thought 'I don't think I've ever heard him say so much… he should talk more often, his is easily the sexiest I've ever heard.'
Jaken's over-dramatic praising brought Kagome out of her thoughts.
"Oh, my lord, please accept my most humble apologies." He groveled. "I am lowly, and am not worthy to be in your glorious presence. Please I-"
He was interrupted by Sesshomaru's boot fiercely coming into contact with his head. So with Jaken blissfully unconscious, Kagome decided it her time to speak.
"Hello Lord Sesshomaru," Kagome cooed with a slight bow," long time no see."
Taking the 'Ice' lord's slight nod as acknowledgment, she gave Rin the okay to give him her flowery gifts.
"Rin, don't you have something to give Sesshomaru?" She hinted.
"Oh!" And with that sudden 'realization' Rin took one of the arrangements from Kagome's hands, plus her own, and gave them to him.
"Here milord, Rin and Kagome made these for you today." She said while handing them to him. In return, he kept one and put the other atop her head, along with an appreciative PAT.
And how do you think Rin reacted? Well she was on cloud 9 of course.
"Looks like somebody has a…" Kagome began.
"Pocket full of sunshine!" Rin laughed.
"Well," Kagome pushed out, after forcing herself to evade a certain lord's gaze," I guess I'm gunna go."
"No! Rin wants you to stay with her." She said.
In all honesty, Kagome wanted to stay too. But she really did need to go back.
"I do too Rin… so I'll tell you what, if you let me go now, I promise to stay longer tomorrow-and I'll even bring cool stuff for us to do." She had to a happy medium!
"Alright!" Rin instantly brightened at the thought of what tomorrow would bring.
"Can I have a hug then?" Kagome teased. The young girl simply smiled and ran over to hug her. They both laughed when the breeze whipped around them, wrapping them in each other's hair.
"Wow," Rin stated in awe when she pulled away," you're so pretty Lady Kagome."
"Thank you Rin." She said blushing when she caught Sesshomaru looking at her.
"Okay well, I'll see you tomorrow Rin." She waved, and was off.
A/N- italic is Sesshomaru and bold is his beast
As soon as Kagome was through the clearing Sesshomaru was bothered by his insistent beast.
It's been far too long since we've seen the miko don't you think?
This Sesshomaru does not even remember the last time I encountered the miko.
Why are you so difficult, you know you remember.
This Sesshomaru has no idea what you are speaking of beast.
Anyway I told you to compliment our delicious miko.
This Sesshomaru has no intentions of coaxing the miko.
Well, you certainly could've fooled me… OFCOURCE you do!
No this Sesshomaru does not.
So you aren't attracted to the miko then?
This Sesshomaru has no need for a mate.
Who said anything about a mate? I was only asking a simple question…
Hn.
All you have to do is answer my question and I swear I shall not bring it up again.
Fine, I am attracted to the miko.
Finally with a purr of approval his beast was gone. For that, Sesshomaru was glad, he hadn't been too sure how much more taunting he could take. Sure he found the futuristic miko physically appealing, but it didn't stop there. He found himself yearning to know her thought and wonder. All her dreams and fantasies…he even discovered a want to fulfill those as well.
Being alone came so natural and normal to him-he knew himself and his emotions well. Or so he thought. So the want for companionship was strange-taboo. But then again, it was also exhilarating. It would be different from his past relationships, even that of his ward Rin and, assistant of sorts, Jaken. It was clear she would be more than tolerable. She was knowledgeable-in more ways than one he was sure, and she also got along well with Rin.
He came to the conclusion that he would observe her and then, when the time was right, he would pursue her. After all, the chase was only half the fun. And even more importantly he was Sesshomaru, taiyoukai, Lord of the West, and she would not resist.
That's when his beast woke up from his 'slumber' and snickered at his master's resolution.
I thought you didn't like her?
I thought you swore to never bring it up again?
What do I look like? I'm your inner beast-you can't take anything I say seriously.
You just-
It doesn't matter, you have much work to do master if you plan to win over our miko.
Hn…
It seems our stoic lord has a new found passion…
AN-Thank you for reading, leave me a comment!
