Three Days
A/N: I don't own Inuyasha. Thanks for all your reviews and comments. Enjoy. I think I mentioned this before but I split up all the chapters, originally eight, into fourteen chapters to make the chapters shorter and easier to read. So for those who have already read some of this story previously, technically the new stuff starts on chapter four. Enjoy.
Please Note: If you find any 'bugs' in my story please ignore them this is more for the holiday and good ole fluff! This is fan fiction is primarily fluff, romance and perhaps a little drama. Creative criticism would be nice although all the chapters and the plot itself can't really be altered.
Chapter Three: The Cruelty of Fate
"Time goes by so fast; people go in and out of your life.
You must never miss the opportunity to tell these
People how much they mean to you."
The cold actually began to bother him and now he wished he hadn't left that blanket back at the hut—twice. Now he was a stupid human stuck in a stupid blizzard halfway to the well and freezing half to death.
Damn this cold. Damn that moon. And yes, damn Kikyo.
Inuyasha knew he wouldn't be having this problem right now if it wasn't for—he shook his head.He didn't want to think about any of those things. Plus it was his fault for thinking he could believe in her.
Inuyasha bit his lower lip and ignored the cold as best as he could. But his kimono wasn't all that warm now. But he pushed this aside. He had a mission to complete. I have to reach Kagome and explain. Please Kagome, just listen to me…don't shut me out!
xXx…xXx
Kagome entered the house and dusted her blanket from the light snow. Then the young woman noticed something afterwards. She was hearing caroling.
"Kagome, you're back early. I thought I'd see you tomorrow." Her mother greeted her with a hug but she was glad her daughter was back regardless of her being early.
"Change of plans, mama." Kagome said, glancing away.
Her mother nodded. She looked around and frowned. "Where's Inuyasha?" Her daughter didn't reply. Her mother sighed. "Oh I see. You two got into another one of your lover's tiffs, right?"
Kagome blushed. She couldn't believe it. "Mama!! It was hardly that!" She glanced away again. Her voice was low. "It was…just a…uhm…m-misunderstanding." …on my part.
Her mother shook her head. "Kikyo, I presume."
Kagome blushed. She didn't nod nor shake her head. How humiliating! Oh gods, am I that transparent? Wait a second! How did she know about Kikyo anyways?
Uma, being a rather resourceful woman, easily answered the unsaid question. "When you're away at school, Inuyasha and I talk over two hot bowls of Ramen. When Ramen is involved and a good ear, he's rather open about himself. That was why Kikyo got mentioned a few times."
Kagome stared. Ramen? That was all it took for Inuyasha to spill the beans? It was like giving a drunk some alcohol in the bar and he'd tell his life story to the bartender. Or so she had heard.
"Listen, Kagome. What you and Inuyasha are going through—well not truly normal when a dead 'ex-girlfriend' showing up—" Her mother just giggled at that, much to Kagome's confusion. "But this will only make your love stronger. Whether it seems like that or not, it's true. Conflicts such as these bring people closer together even though we think it's quite the opposite."
Kagome didn't look too convinced.
Her mother hugged her and spoke gently. "No matter what, remember this: words spoken in anger are never from the heart. So when someone says something in anger, it is best to let things cool over before asking them if they meant it. Usually they don't. They just meant to hurt you during the fight."
Mama's always been wise. Kagome nodded. It was true, after all.
"Now you see? It's the time has come for you to fight for your man!" Uma exclaimed happily, giving her the thumbs up.
Kagome gawked at her mom and nearly fell over. She'd gone from serious to high spirits in a blink of an eye before her. And hearing her mother say what she had just said made Kagome's face went through ten different shades of red before choosing the brightest shade. "Mama, I—"
"—Kagome." The young woman turned and knew who it was. There before her was Hojo standing with a cup of Eggnog and smiling brightly at her.
Oh…Great… "Uh…Hojo…" Kagome glanced at her mother with a why-is-he-here look.
Her mother shrugged and smiled politely at Hojo. "Yuka and the girls showed up to bring you your presents and brought Hojo over. A few of your uncles and aunts arrived and the party was starting so I offered them some eggnogs and well…"
A ding was heard.
"Oh, the cookies are done. Excuse me, will you?" Uma muttered something else that sounded along the lines of 'saved by the bell,' and scurried off.
Mama, don't go. Don't leave me alone with him! Kagome wanted to say but didn't. It would be rude. But sometimes she hated being polite.
"I didn't expect to see you here, Kagome." Hojo said.
Kagome sweat-dropped, "Uh…don't I live here?" She clumped her mouth shut. I spoke that aloud, didn't I? Just great! He'll think I was being a jerk—on purpose!
Hojo blushed slightly, now realizing how silly he sounded. "I well…that is to say—"
"Kagome!" Her three friends beamed.
Oh there is a God! The young woman was sure glad she hadn't said that one aloud! Even though she meant it.
"Hey." Kagome responded. She was ecstatic that they'd interrupted Hojo. He was a nice guy, like Koga, but she just wasn't interested in either of them other than friendship. But both guys never seemed to realize it! And the guy she did like was just as clueless about her feelings as well.
Kagome rolled her eyes. Man what a confusing love life I have—one jealous guy, one naïve guy and one mucho guy.
"We thought you were sick. Your grandpa said it was humus-something or another." Yuka said in a matter-of-factly tone.
Eri nodded her head in agreement. "Sounded serious and on Christmas Eve too. We brought you gifts. Hopefully those will cheer up your holiday blues." She gestured to the large pile of gifts rising underneath the Christmas tree.
Kagome smiled at the three of them. "I'm sure they will guys."
"So…where is that boyfriend of yours?" Ayumi questioned, looking around eagerly. "I don't see him."
"Uhm…you mean Inuyasha?" Ack, is Hojo's naïve-ness rubbing off on me? Not good. Not good!
"Well, duh!" Ayumi exclaimed gleefully. None of Kagome's friends had ever met this guy face-to-face before 1. Ayumi was practically dying to see the biker guy. It had something to do with her love for bad boys but she'd never tell them that!
He's the possessive and jealous guy with the name that means dog-demon? He could be in a gang—or a serial killer—and Kagome doesn't know! Yuka thought.
—Possessive guy. He's a two-timer as well. Kami, Kagome can sure pick 'em! Eri thought, shaking her head in a disapproving manner.
Kagome and I need to talk! The two girls nodded to themselves.
Think Kagome. Think! "Uhm…" Oh that's brilliant—not! "He—we…"
"Got into another lover's tiff?" Ayumi supplied, looking not too surprised, as she peered at Kagome.
"What?" The young woman before her just fell over.
"Tiff?" Eri and Yuka questioned and looked at Ayumi as if she was crazy.
Has Ayumi and mom been discussing my love life together or something? Kagome thought, not sure if she should put it past them.
Kagome gulped. Eri and Yuka looked ready to bombard Kagome with questions when Souta ran in. "It's snowing." Souta exclaimed.
Thank you, Souta! Kagome thought and nearly rushed over to hug him, showing her appreciation.
Everyone looked out the windows, it was indeed snowing. So it was going to be a white Christmas after all.
"I hate the snow." Grandpa muttered and continued to drink his coca. "It's too cold."
xXx…xXx
Inuyasha hopped out of the well house and opened the doors. "Shit, it's cold."
For the tenth time since he arrived, Inuyasha sneezed. Gods, I hate the snow. Oh, it's not like we haven't heard that comment before.
He actually wouldn't mind wearing those silly 'shoes' from Kagome's time. At least his feet wouldn't feel half frozen like they were now.
Inuyasha wished he wasn't human tonight, now it would take longer to find her. He sighed and knocked on the backdoor, something Kagome said he'd have to learn just in case he couldn't get in though her window.
"Huh?" Souta opened the door. "Who are you?"
"Keh, Inuyasha."
Souta blinked. "You've got to be kidding me. Inuyasha's a demon with silver hair, golden-amber eyes, dog ears, fangs and claws." He nodded. "But you got the attitude part right. Are you related or something?"
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes. He liked the kid, he really did, but this wasn't the time. "I don't have time for this. Where's Kagome?"
"Why?" Souta asked suspiciously. "How do you know my sister? What do you want? Just who are you?"
"Because I want to see her, that's why! I know her because I'm Inuyasha!"
He's really got that attitude down! "You could at least dye your hair pal. I don't think—"
"—never mind. Move out of the way." He slightly pushed Souta out of the way. He headed for the stairs and to Kagome's room.
"Souta, what's wrong?" Kagome asked. Her brother was stuttering about 'wild man' 'bad attitude' and 'Inuyasha.'
Souta took a deep breath. "Some guy with black hair and violet eyes showed up at the backdoor. He said his name was Inuyasha but he didn't look like Inuyasha and—"
"The new moon…" Kagome murmured to herself. 'Inuyasha's time of the month' a phrase Miroku and Shippou would always say to him in a sing-along tone on the night of the new moon.
Souta was really confused. He didn't get what that had to do with a wild man upstairs. "Huh? New moon?"
Kagome shook her head. "Oh never mind. Where did he go? What did he want?"
"Upstairs and he said he wanted to see you."
"Buyo!" Uma called from the front door, sounding both worried and annoyed. "Buyo!"
"What's wrong, mama?" Souta asked.
"That cat ran off—well as fast as his legs could—out into the snow."
"Why would he go outside? He hates snow as much as grandpa—Buyo was running?" Souta looked more than shocked. The cat usually didn't walk five feet without flopping on his large stomach. Not only was he lazy, he was never motivated to do anything but eat and sleep.
"We've already established that Souta. If that's true, that means the front door must've been left open for quite sometime." Kagome said in a matter-of-factly tone, knowing she had closed it when she came in. So who could've been so careless?
Quietly as I go…Grandpa tried to sneak off, trying not to draw attention.
"We should've known." The three responded, sweat-dropping.
"I'm going to get your head examined next week, father." Uma said, pretending to be looking around for the phonebook.
Grandpa pouted and folded his arms across his chest. Leave the door open just once and you get your head examined by some quack.
Kagome sighed aloud. "I'll go find that stupid cat." Honestly, how far could've gone?
xXx…xXx
Upstairs, Inuyasha ran into Kagome's room and found she wasn't there. Kami, why is it that wherever I go, that wench is never there? Is she…avoiding me?
Keh. What do you think genius? I mean, after that whole 'Kikyo thing'.
What 'Kikyo thing'?
Have you forgotten already? You must be getting old on me. You know when Kikyo was hugging you and you were under her spell—the second time, might I add—and Kagome overheard her talking and stuff. You were there, I was there— remember? She's probably mad at you. Heck, I would be too, moron! You got us into this mess—again!
Keh. I'd know if she's mad. She would've sat me to Hell—
Saving Kikyo the trouble….
—And back
Inuyasha ignored his demonic self, which was usually dominated at times like these. I don't think Hell is as fun as it's cracked up to be. But hey, think of it this way. 24 hr barbecues and constant warm weather 7 days a week, 365—
Stop being a smartass.
Inuyasha hated it when both his human—his 'reasonable' side— and demon—his irrational side—blood clashed in his mind. It got so crowded and nosy! Why wasn't his demonic side dominate?
"You know they say talking to yourself is the first sign of insanity." Kagome said when she'd heard Inuyasha talking to himself about a month ago.
Perhaps he was insane. Inuyasha shrugged. It didn't matter. He had to find Kagome and explain before he went into finding out whether he was sane or not.
xXx…xXx
Outside in the cold, Kagome just shook her head. "Buyo! You stupid cat, where are you?"
How on earth did that pudgy thing walk so far? Kagome thought and glanced at the steps leading to the street. Where are—There! That cat stood at the sidewalk probably freezing his butt off and was too lazy to go back up to the house.
What could have possessed you to…Kagome grunted.
Kagome really didn't want to go down, get him and climb those stairs again. Buyo, you owe me big. He was so lucky he was a good behaving cat—and even won Inuyasha's affections over rather quickly—or else she'd leave him there. She sighed. She could never be so cruel, even if she wanted to. She loved animals and they loved her. Demons were another thing though. Especially a demon named 'Inuyasha'!
Kagome headed for Buyo but the cat decided it would be curious and scurried into the middle of the street. Kagome grumbled something underneath her breath. "I love animals…I really do…but I might be forced to make an exception in the feline department."
Sometimes we never see the warning,
And the voice in your head tells you not to go,
Shit, where's Kagome! Inuyasha thought and paused as he caught sight of pink and black. There she is! He thought. What the hell is she doing out there? He shook his head. He was going to find out and she better damn well have a good excuse too!
"The time has come. Revenge will be mine." A voice had said in the shadows. Its voice cloaked by the night wind but its spell held true. "Die priestess!"
Kagome grabbed the cat, which merely blinked at her. "Buyo, what on Earth are you doing here you silly cat. And here I thought you hated the snow like Grandpa."
"Kagome." Inuyasha sighed. She was right there, with only 'several hundred' of steps separating them. Who the hell had all that time to put up some many fucking steps?
Fool probably didn't have much of a life. His demon side said, and for once they agreed on something.
Kagome was still talking to that cat about his odd behavior but Buyo didn't seem to care. The snow and the lighting coming from the streetlights cast a magical picture and glow to her. It looked so mystical. Kagome was awestricken.
"Hey mama, I found that cat." Souta said. He had Buyo in his arms. "He made it to the backdoor and was meowing. He looks a bit odd though, don't you think?"
His mother looked quite confused. "That's strange. Kagome said she saw him at the bottom of the shrine's steps. I looked out the window a second ago and saw him too just before you brought him inside." Mama looked out the window and nodded. "They're still there."
A sudden chill ran down his spin as gramps closed his eyes and frowned. A serious expression was on his face. "I sense a demonic aura."
Souta and his mother looked at each other with clear disbelieve.
"Well…I do!" The old man grunted and folded his arms. "People these days no appreciation whatsoever for their elders."
Muttering something underneath his breath, Grandpa suddenly sneezed. Oh for the—he sneezed again. I hate the snow!
xXx…xXx
What's that? Inuyasha glanced up and saw some lights breaking through the snow storm.
Kagome sighed. She doubt Buyo knew what she was saying—or he didn't care. Anyways, it was getting too cold and her mother was making her favorite tonight—Oden. "Come on, Mama's making Oden and I won't let you ruin my good mood. Let's get out of here."
Those lights are getting closer…move faster, you idiot! Inuyasha thought, hating his current state all the more and began running down the steps. "Kagome!"
Kagome glanced up. Inuyasha! And he's human!
"Look out!" Inuyasha shouted. Damn this snow—damn this body!!
Look out for what? Kagome thought and turned, gasping, as she saw the headlights and now the car nearing her at a fast rate. The car looked as if it was totally out of control!
"Move out of the way, you idiot!" Inuyasha shouted.
"Idiot? Fine—" Kagome tried to but couldn't. Her feet seemed as if they were frozen to that same spot.
Damn, I won't reach her in time. It was then Inuyasha truly cursed his human side for now his incapability would cost Kagome her life.
Kagome gaped and saw Buyo's eyes were glowing red and try as she might she couldn't let go of him or move her body. "Buyo? W-what are you doing?"
"Kag—!" The screeching of tires and Kagome's scream stopped the words in his throat.
Inuyasha stopped running. Kagome had gone flying backwards and landed onto the street, blood was everywhere.
Kagome.
He ran to her as fast as he could, to him it seemed he ran faster than he ever did in his entire life.
Kagome…
Inuyasha saw the driver's head was resting on the steering wheel, the windshield cracked and bloody. He had been close to clawing that crazy driver for hitting Kagome like he did. But three things kept him from not doing so.
One, Kagome was much more important and was also bleeding way too much.
Two, when she got better she'd sit him good for that and he wasn't looking forward to a broken back.
Three, he was a fucking human—no claws.
Damn.
Preview of Chapter Four
(Randomized scenes)
K-Kagome…Inuyasha shook her but nothing came of it. Despite everything, she still didn't respond. "Damn it! D-don't you dare die on me wench! You hear me!"
Nothing.
"…Kagome?" he sounded more like a wounded puppy now as their entire three years together came flashing before his very eyes.
…
Both knew and could see that Inuyasha was so damn close to going with the flow because it was too tempting…too comforting. His human side was devastated and despite being dormant on the new moon his demonic blood was boiling. Both sides of him were calling out to the now dead girl beside him, making Inuyasha's self control and stability begin to waver. Both sides knew she was gone for good and both sides hated that.
Even in this world, I couldn't protect her. I let down the one I love the most. Damn it!!! Why can't I do anything right? Inuyasha slammed his fist into the nightstand, smashing it unto several pieces.
"Damn it!" Inuyasha shouted.
…
Sesshoumaru leaned against the doorframe and said, "Come midnight, time will pause and rewind itself. That Kagome girl will be at the same place she was three days from now on December 21, 1999. Only you and I, my present self that is, will be the only ones to remember what has happened. If you wish to tell her of this gift that is up to you."
A/N: 1 I'm pretending episode 160 never occurred. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.