AN: So how does everyone like it so far? I think it's going pretty well! Here's the next chapter, remember I love your feedback so much!
I DON'T OWN INUYASHA!
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It was the day of the big game; Academy's home opener against one of the rival high schools in the city.
Kouga sat in the stand with Hakkaku and Ginta, two other members of the soccer team, as well as his closest companions since childhood.
"Please remind me why you two wanted to come here again?" asked Kouga. "Do we really need to watch the mutt play football?"
"Come on Kouga, everyone from school is here!" said Ginta cheerfully.
"Besides," added Hakkaku, "Ayame is cheering tonight too! She will be happy you came."
Kouga rolled his eyes. No offense to Ayame, but she could tend to be a little overwhelming at times. Nevertheless, she was still a friend and confidante, and the bond they shared was not to be taken too lightly. He looked down at the cheerleaders to see her green eyes flash as her gaze connected briefly with his. However, Kouga's attention on Ayame soon faltered when he noticed the beautiful dark haired girl standing beside her.
"Who is that?" asked Kouga as he pointed.
Hakkaku and Ginta looked at the girl with confused expressions. "I don't know Kouga; I've never seen her before. She looks young, perhaps she is a freshman," suggested Ginta.
"Why don't you ask Ayame?" said Hakkaku.
Kouga smirked, "Not a bad idea, gentleman, not a bad idea at all."
Kouga jumped up from his seat and rushed down to the sidelines. He saw an excited Ayame rush over to him, flashing him her most radiant and dazzling smile.
"Hi Kouga, I'm so glad you came to watch me cheer!" Ayame exclaimed hopefully. "The first game of the season is always the biggest turnout. How's soccer going so far?"
"It's great…say Ayame, I have a quick question for you."
"Sure, Kouga, what is it?"
He pointed to the girl, standing only a few feet away. "Who's the new girl?"
Ayame looked and smiled, "Oh that's Kagome! She's a freshman and I've kind of been showing her the ropes. She's really been getting the hang of things. Why do you ask?"
"Just wondering that's all…"
Ayame looked at him suspiciously. A warning shot fired in her head. "Do you like her or something?" she suddenly asked him.
Kouga glared at her. "I was just wondering, Ayame. You don't have to get so defensive about it. Besides, so what if I did like her, it's not like you can do anything about it."
Ayame's eyes flashed angrily at him. "Kouga if it weren't for all these people around…"
"You'd what?" laughed Kouga. "Throw those grass blades of yours at me? You'd have to catch me first."
"Just remember one thing, Kouga: I can run just as fast as you can without breaking a sweat!" she retorted. "I can't believe you like another girl, even after all those lousy promises you made to me so many years ago!"
"What promises?" demanded Kouga.
"You know what I'm talking about Kouga! You and I are supposed to be together! It's not supposed to be you and some petty, worthless, human!"
Kouga grabbed her wrist sharply, "Keep it down, will you," he whispered fiercely. "I never said anything about liking her, I was just wondering who she was." He loosened his grip, "Relax, Ayame."
Ayame smirked at him and backed away slowly, a small smile playing on her face. Her green eyes twinkled mischievously. She turned to walk back towards the squad, but not before she shouted over her shoulder to him, "Go ahead, Kouga, do what you want! But be careful, I hear she has a thing for dogs, if you catch my meaning!" She winked.
Kouga smirked. "A thing for dogs, huh?" he said to himself out loud. "We all know how I love a little competition."
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"Kagome!" said Kaede as she walked up to the sidelines.
Kagome turned around to see Kaede walking up to her, followed by a small boy and a girl who looked to be Kagome's age. The boy looked to be about ten or eleven years old. He was short for his age, with red hair and big, playful eyes. In his blue pants and green shirt, Kagome found him to be absolutely adorable. The girl on the other hand, looked to be about Kagome's age. She was tall, slender, and beautiful. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail and her eyes stood out with the hint of pink makeup she wore over her eyelids. Overall, her smile was sweet and friendly, and Kagome found herself liking her instantly.
"Hi, Lady Kaede, you came to watch the game?" Kagome greeted.
"Yes, I always come to see Inuyasha and Miroku play, and besides, I love a good game."
Kagome smiled.
"Ah, where are my manners!" exclaimed Kaede. "Kagome, this is Shippou, and this young lady standing next to me is Sango. She is very good friends with both Inuyasha and Miroku."
"It's nice to meet you," said Kagome.
The little boy jumped in front of Kagome. "You're really pretty! Inuyasha must not know what he's talking about!"
"Huh?" said Kagome. Does Inuyasha think I'm ugly?
"Uh Shippou, why don't we go find a good seat!" said Sango quickly as she blushed. "It was nice to meet you, Kagome. I'm sure I will see you after the game!"
Kaede smiled, "Good luck, child, and remember to have fun! The game is about to begin!"
Kagome nodded and turned to rejoin the cheerleading squad. Ayame waved at her to get into formation. Kagome did so, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She stared out onto the football field where Inuyasha stood, warming up. She then looked down at her cheerleading uniform. Before she had put in on that day, she had been tentative and nervous about the whole ordeal. But, with a little encouragement from Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi, and the proper application of a little glitter, she had put on the uniform and even felt good about the way she looked. The navy blue uniform accentuated her long legs and the form fitting tank top made her waist look no bigger than a minute. So if she had felt so great earlier, why did one little comment made by Inuyasha bother her so much?
Kagome was snapped out of her thoughts by the sound f the captain of the cheerleading squad calling for formation. "Alright, girls, let's go!"
The game began and Kagome found herself caught up in the excitement of it despite her previous melancholy thoughts. She could now see why Inuyasha was considered such an admirable athlete. He was the star running back of the team, and he lived up to the name fully. He was so quick when the ball was in his hands, no other player could touch him. He quickly scored the first touchdown of the game, and went on to score two more, before the clock ran out of time. Kagome found herself admiring him all the same, even if he was always rude to her. In the end, Academy blew by their opponent with a 42-3 victory!
After the game, it was traditional to wait for the players to come out of the locker room before going out to celebrate. Kagome waited with the other cheerleaders, unsure of what she was really doing.
"Kagome!" shouted Eri, Ayumi, and Yuka.
"Hey you guys!" said Kagome as she smiled. "I'm so glad you came!"
"We just wanted to tell you great job! You looked amazing out there!" said Yuka.
"We're going out to celebrate if you want to join us," Ayumi said.
"Thanks, but I think I will catch up with you guys later. I call you tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay, goodbye!" they waved as they left.
Kagome turned and watched as the football players began to emerge from the locker room. Inuyasha and Miroku emerged and were immediately greeted by Kaede, Shippou, and Sango. Kagome watched as Shippou jumped onto Inuyasha's back and started pulling his hair teasingly. The white haired youth was clearly annoyed. They all seem to be so close to each other. What am I even doing here? I don't know anyone very well. Suddenly she felt a cold shadow pass over her.
What was that? She thought to herself. She turned around and looked behind her. There was no one there, just the empty hallway that led further into the school building. A cool breeze swept around her and blew through her hair. She could have sworn she heard her name being whispered on the wind. Kagome…
That hallway…is somebody down there? I could have sworn I heard it…She began to walk.
As she moved, her body felt strange to her. It was as she willed herself to go in that direction, but at the same time, her mind was trying to tell her to stop. Someone was down there, or something. Whatever it was, it was calling to her, and its calls would not be ignored. No matter how she tried, she could not will herself to do anything different. The sounds of her excited classmates and their friends and families drifted away from her as she walked into the darkness. There was no one around, just a breeze and a voice. And the voice told her to keep going.
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"What is that?" asked Inuyasha as his senses snapped him to full alert.
"What is it Inuyasha?" asked Sango.
"A demonic aura," said Miroku. "It's coming form inside this building. It's very powerful."
"Wait," said Lady Kaede, "Where is Kagome?"
"I saw her standing just down there a second ago," said Shippou as he pointed down the hallway.
"Let's go!" said Inuyasha as he took down off down the hallway. He sniffed the air. I can definitely smell that girl's scent, but the closer I'm getting, the stronger this demonic aura is becoming. I don't like this at all. I have to get to that girl before something bad happens!
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Kagome blinked. She was at the archery range, where she took her class with Lady Kaede. It was a small, outdoor courtyard. But, how did she get there? The breeze swept through her body again, and a cold shiver went up and down her spine. Suddenly, she found herself very much afraid. Kagome was not alone. A sinister laugh filled her ears.
"Who's there?" asked Kagome.
She stood, defenseless, unsure of what to do. The shadow passed in front of her, and this time Kagome was not mistaken. She was not alone. Quickly, Kagome grabbed a bow and quiver full of arrows. She strung an arrow, and readied herself. "Show yourself!" she demanded. She may not be very good with the bow, but she would do all she could, even if all she could do was try.
The laugh deepened and the shadow stood before her, before taking shape. Kagome watched and pulled back on the bow, as the shadow suddenly became the full outline of a man. It twisted and turned, forming itself around the body, melding into flesh. The man stood before her, laughing. He was tall, with creamy ivory skin, long dark hair, and stern eyes that glared at her. Kagome found she was terrified, but she did her best to hide it.
"What do you want from me?" she said as she pulled back a little tighter on the bow.
"Why, Kikyo, it is so nice to see you again. You haven't changed much have you?"
"I am not Kikyo, I am Kagome!" she retorted.
The man stopped laughing, "Not Kikyo? I find that hard to believe."
"Look, tell me what you want or I'll shoot!" said Kagome.
The man narrowed his eyes. "I want the Shikon Jewel. Trying to hide under a new name is not going to get you anywhere, Kikyo. I could sense your spiritual power the moment you let your guard down. What's makes this interesting is that I thought I had killed you two years ago."
Kagome's eyes widened. This was the man who had killed Kikyo? She grew angry at the thought. "I don't know where the Shikon Jewel is so you can forget it! And I told you, my name is Kagome, I am not Kikyo!" She let her arrow lose and watched as it flew towards the man. However, she was extremely dismayed when he simply caught it with his hand.
"My arrow!" she cried in dismay. "Why didn't it work like it did the other day?"
The man laughed and reached out towards her. His arm changed into a tentacle and Kagome screamed as he grabbed her around the waist, pulling her towards him. Kagome screamed in horror.
"Let me go! I am not Kikyo! My name is Kagome! Ka-Go-Me! Get it right and let go of me!"
"IRON REAVER SOUL STEALER!" cried an angry voice.
Kagome felt the tentacle release her and she felt to the ground roughly. She looked up to see Inuyasha standing in front of her kidnapper.
"Are you alright?" asked Sango as she hurried over to her. Kagome nodded, and stood, but she couldn't take her eyes off Inuyasha.
"So Inuyasha, I see you have come to pay me a little visit," sneered the man.
"What do you want Naraku?" demanded Inuyasha.
"You know what I want, Inuyasha. I thought I had finished off that priestess years ago, but apparently I was wrong. Her soul lives inside the body of that girl and therefore, the girl knows the hiding place of the Shikon Jewel."
"Look Naraku," retorted Inuyasha, "the girl doesn't know anything so leave her out of this!"
"Poor Inuyasha…you and your feelings towards humans is pathetic, it is your greatest weakness," replied Naraku.
"And yours," Inuyasha snapped back.
Naraku looked at him sharply. "I do not have time to fool around with you, when there is much to be done. Farewell, Inuyasha, we shall meet again!" Naraku transformed back into the shadow that he was and began to drift away.
"Get back here Naraku! I'm not done with you yet!" cried Inuyasha. "IRON REAVER SOUL STEALER!" cried Inuyasha as he charged at Naraku with his claws.
Naraku smirked, "Fool." He raised his hand and put up a red barrier that threw Inuyasha to the ground on contact.
"Inuyasha!" cried Miroku.
Inuyasha grunted as he lifted himself up, "Damn you to hell, Naraku," he muttered.
"He put up a barrier," said Sango. "He won't even come out to fight his own battles."
"Don't worry Inuyasha," said Naraku and he floated away, "I won't let you go home tonight without a good fight…" and with that his disappeared.
Inuyasha stood up and shouted, "Coward! You let other demons do your dirty work because you know you can not win!"
"Hush, Inuyasha!" warned Kaede. "Naraku is gone, but something else comes our way."
Kagome could suddenly hear a strange noise coming from above them. "What is that?"
Inuyasha sniffed the air, looked into the sky and smiled, "Crows."
"Crows?" asked Kagome. "What does he mean?" she asked Sango.
"Just stay back near Shippou and Kaede and have your bow ready, Kagome" said Sango quietly.
Sango ran over to Miroku and Inuyasha. Miroku looked up into the sky, "Here they come."
"Bring it on," said Inuyasha as he smiled. His claws were sharp and upraised.
The black birds came down upon them in a fury. They attacked ruthlessly, but they were no match for Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango. Inuyasha slashed at the birds with his claws, their black blood spilling everywhere. Miroku and Sango lashed out at them with well placed kicks and punches.
Kagome stayed close to Kaede and Shippou as they swatted the birds out of their way.
"Foxfire!" cried Shippou as he released blue flame from his hand. Kagome blinked in amazement. Was that little boy a half-demon like Inuyasha?
"What a nuisance!" said Sango. "They just keep coming!"
"Everyone get back!" cried Miroku. "I'm going to use my wind tunnel!"
Inuyasha and Sango fell back. Miroku removed his prayer beads from his hand and cried, "WINDTUNNEL!" He grunted with exertion as the crows were sucked, one by one, into the black hole that consumed his hand. When the last crow had fallen in, he replaced the prayer beads and bowed his head.
"Feh, well that takes care of that," muttered Inuyasha.
Kagome walked into the courtyard. She approached Inuyasha ad placed a hesitant arm on his shoulder. He swung around and found himself staring into her brown eyes. He was shocked by her touch and the expression on her face. She looked worried as she placed a gentle hand on his forehead.
"You're hurt," she said quietly.
Her touch was light and soothing, and Inuyasha watched as a small amount of blood lay on her fingers. He placed his own hand to his forehead and it ended in the same result. He wasn't in pain, he didn't even feel it. But, he also knew that head wounds tended to bleed more than usual.
"Feh, it's just a scratch, nothing to worry about," he muttered.
"Did she just touch Inuyasha?" Shippou asked Kaede. The old woman nodded, a small smile playing on her face. "Wow," said Shippou, "he didn't even hit her back or anything!" However, before Shippou could say anything else, Inuyasha was in his face,
"What was that runt?"
"Nothing, I was just saying how you must have a crush on Kagome, or something for you to let her touch you like that!"
"Shut up, stupid!" said Inuyasha as he knocked Shippou right on the top of the head.
"Goodness, you two, really, in front of our new friend?" said Kaede as she shook her head solemnly.
"I'm just glad that's over," muttered Kagome.
"Wait," said Inuyasha as he paused from his argument with Shippou to sniff the air.
"What is it Inuyasha?" asked Miroku.
Quickly, Inuyasha looked in the direction of Kagome, but he was too late. She saw the horror written on his face and spun around to see the gigantic crow come towards her. She cried out as it stuck her body with one of its massive talons. She felt herself fall, and heard herself cry out. Pain seared through the left side of her body, and she felt tears form in her eyes. As she struck the ground, she was barely aware of the object that had flown from inside of her. It soared through the air, landing neatly, on the ground, beside her bloodied body. Kagome faintly heard the others cry out to her.
"IRON REAVER SOUL STEALER!" cried Inuyasha as he attacked the large crow demon. He slashed the bird directly in half, and its bloody corpse fell in a heap.
"Kagome!" cried Shippou.
Inuyasha turned and rushed over to the young girl who lay on the ground. He picked her up in his arms and cursed himself for becoming distracted. If I hadn't been arguing with Shippou this could have been prevented. She stirred slightly and opened her eyes. She found herself looking at Inuyasha.
"What happened?" asked Kagome. She struggled to sit up on her own, but the pain that rattled through her body told her otherwise.
"Look!" cried Miroku. He pointed towards the ground.
Everyone's eyes went wide. Laying on the ground only a, few feet from Kagome, lay the most powerful object in the world: the Shikon Jewel.