OoO CCTI: Chapter 5: Diary OoO
"Kagome? Can you hear me?!"
Who…is that?
"Oh, please… Kagome, wake up!"
Wake up? Am I sleeping?
Faintly, Kagome could hear someone sob loudly, then lift her up and gently, yet frantically, begin shaking her. "Kagome, what am I going to do? Wake up, please, dear! You've got to open your eyes, or I don't know what I'll do!"
BLINK!
Kagome lethargically opened her eyes and could barely make out Keiko, whose eyes were filled with fear and anxiety. Not comprehending what she was doing, Kagome slowly raised her hand and touched her face, feeling a little tear that wasn't hers slide down her pale face.
Noticing that her ward had shown signs of life, Keiko gasped out in obvious relief as her eyes filled with new hope and dragged Kagome up, bear hugging her limp form from her seated position on the stoop. Finally letting her go, Keiko watched tentatively as Kagome shook her head, trying to get her bearings.
"Thank heaven!" Keiko cried, clapping her hands together once. "What happened to you? One second, you're opening the door, and the next, you're falling on the ground seizing and scaring the life right out of me!"
Only half interested in what her guardian was saying, Kagome, very clumsily, got to her feet, rubbing her eyes, trying to remember what exactly had happened.
"…and so I'm right, aren't I?"
"Huh?" Kagome hadn't realized Keiko had continued talking. "I'm sorry Keiko, but I wasn't listening. Could you repeat that?"
Keiko huffed. "It's too soon, isn't it? You're obviously not ready to come back here and face whatever demons reside in this house. The death of your family is still too fresh in your mind, and you're not ready to face-!"
"I'm fine, Keiko," Kagome harshly cut in. Then, softening her voice, said, "Please, I already told you that this is something I need to do." Now more than ever! While Keiko had been rambling, Kagome had remembered why she'd fainted in the first place, and all the images she'd had came flooding back to her in less than a second.
Kagome added, "And I think it would be best if I did this on my own." Seeing Keiko's hurt expression, with stubbornness lying just below the surface, added, "I'm old enough to deal with my own problems." Besides, I'll need to get back to the Feudal Era soon, after I finish this; I don't want to stay here any longer than necessary.
"But-!"
"No, Keiko! I have to do this! You don't understand, and chances are, you never will, but please, just give me until the sun goes down to be alone and think. That's the only thing I need right now."
Keiko crossed her arms stubbornly.
Yeah right, Kagome! That's the last thing you need right now; being alone… Humph! Uncrossing her arms, she allowed her mind to think a little more rationally. Then again…she's been with me for the past four days. Maybe she does need some time to herself… Oh, I just don't know. I guess it really can't hurt anything, and who knows? Maybe it is what she needs.
Sighing in defeat, the older woman nodded her head. "Alright. I'll be back to pick you up at six. But, Kagome please call me if you need anything. Your phone should still work inside, I don't think they shut anything off after the investigation was over."
Seeing Kagome flinch a little, Keiko bit her lip. "Are you positive this is what you want to do? I have no problem coming with you, or waiting in the car, you can take as much time as you want."
Kagome smiled wearily. "Yes, I really do think this is what I have to do, and no, I don't want anybody else here with me right now. I just…need to hash some other things out before I leave, that's all. I promise," she lied smoothly, "to call you when I'm done."
Without waiting for a response from Keiko, Kagome gently hugged the older woman and put as much kindness and respect into it as she could, silently saying sorry for disappearing without a trace.
Keiko must have been able to sense some of it, however, as she hugged Kagome back and quietly said, "I'll be waiting then. Guess I'd better let you get to it. Be safe, and take care of yourself."
Keiko choked back tears as she turned to go, not understanding her emotions. Getting into her car at the bottom of the many steps that led up to the Higurashi Sunset Shrine, Keiko looked up to see Kagome standing tall at the top, gazing down with an unknown expression at her.
Goodbye, Keiko, and thank you for taking such wonderful care of me in my time of need. I'll never forget your unselfish ways and caring heart. Be safe, be happy, and don't worry about me when I'm gone. Kagome prayed before turning and walking very slowly to her front door once more. She turned the knob, let out a brief exhale of relief, and pushed inside.
Now that she was alone, Kagome could finally concentrate on the task she had before her while trying desperately to ignore the evil aura that still lingered. Carefully ascending the stairs, Kagome had only one thought coursing through her brain, her original plan of running for the well, never to return, completely forgotten for the moment.
I need to find that safe and see what my mom left for me.
Reaching the top of the steps and walking to her mother's room, Kagome bent down slowly and pulled the safe out from inside the closet and walked over to the bed. With growing anticipation, the suspense beginning to make her sweat with trepidation, she quickly opened the safe, suddenly wanting nothing more than to ravage the contents. Throwing the little door open, Kagome ignored the manila envelopes and important looking documents, reaching instead for a crumpled piece of paper. Grabbing it and enclosing it in her hand, she withdrew it and looked at it, her hand clutching the paper tightly.
BU-DUM! BU-DUM! BU-DUM!
She could feel her heart throbbing in her chest, could actually sense it picking up in tempo as she sat on her mother's bed and spread the paper out, smoothing the fold marks that had been made when the paper had been haphazardly thrown in the safe on her lap. She stared at the paper, actually seeing the dainty, neat handwriting suddenly appear, finally legible for her hungry eyes as she read her mother's last will and testament, her eyes leaking pathetically in both melancholy humor and sadness.
Dear Kagome,
I'm sure by now you've gotten news about us. The only thing I can think of to regret at this moment is not being able to tell you that I love you so very much, with every fiber of my being. We're always going to be right there in your heart, all of us, no matter what. That, and not seeing cute grand-babies with adorable dog ears! Don't make that face, you know I'm right!
On to less important matters. Everything we own is now yours: the house, shrine, money, and any deeds are now yours to do with as you please, though I doubt that once you read this letter you'll want to stay in this world much longer anyway.
The last subject I want to hit before I say goodbye will be that you must be strong. Here's my last piece of motherly advise: Every relationship has bumps, and chances are, you're going to get bruised, but bruises can heal over short periods of time, as do relationships. Just make it work. Time runs thin for me at this moment, and I'm afraid I must now say goodbye. Please know that we all die with no anger or fear, and that things like this happen for a reason. We love you, and always will.
Mom
Kagome's hands trembled as she continued holding the letter as she finished reading it. Letting the paper drop to the floor, she folded herself up as tight as she could and fell back against the bed, her knees pressing almost painfully into her chest as she remembered event's long passed…
FLASH!
Finally, after nine long months, she had a new baby brother! Her mother had been in labor for hours on end, and after almost dying from blood loss, Souta was born. He was a bright, happy moment in the wake of her father's untimely death just two weeks prior.
FLASH!
She was in the hospital, two days before Valentine's Day, with pneumonia. Her second day there, she woke up in the middle of the night to see her grandfather seated next to her, holding a stuffed, velvet gorilla holding a big red heart, sleeping. Reaching out to touch him, she saw the little card that read, Happy Valentine's Day, Kagome! Get better soon! He'd stayed by her side the entire time.
FLASH!
There was a terrible thunderstorm, and she and Souta clambered noisily into their mother's room, shaking in fear as they crawled into her bed and slept on either side their mother while she stroked her children's hair, comforting them till they fell asleep. They were no longer frightened now that they had their mother, their savior, there to protect them.
FLASH!
Shippo, Sango, Miroku, Kilala, Kaede, Koga… Inuyasha… How'd she'd met them all…
All flashed simultaneously it seemed through Kagome's soul, and despair reared its ugly head. Burying herself in the many pillows strewn about her on her mother's bed, Kagome inhaled deeply, taking in the sweet, comforting scent of her mother. She didn't cry, just mourned, and fell asleep into oblivion for just a few moments longer.
IN THE FEUDAL ERA...
Quickly jumping back up from the well, Shippo, hungry and bedraggled looking, sat down on the edge and tried to contemplate his thoughts as he gazed into the depths of the well.
Ooh, it's not fair! Why's that jerk allowed to go to Kagome's world and not any of us?! His eyes fill up with childish tears. Smacking himself, Shippo frowned in a very Inuyasha-like manner.
"No more! I'm going to make it this time!" He called out loudly, full of adamant bravery.
And with that, the young fox demon jumped back down the well, landing on his feet, but quickly falling to his knees from lack of energy and countless failed attempts to pass through. A searing but brief pain wracked his aching body.
Switching from his knees to his butt, Shippo sighed dismally, bowing his head. His whole body hurt. Climbing up and jumping down the well was no easy task, especially for a small demon such as himself who hadn't eaten anything in four days now. His feet hurt the worst, and he thought he may have even hurt his left ankle a little bit on the last attempt to pass through the well.
Maybe I'll just stay here forever… Shippo thought as he curled up, his tail encircling his tiny body for warmth from the quickly approaching night as he strayed off into fitful sleep, unaware that a certain silver-haired ally of his was watching from above.
Seeing that the brat was finally asleep, Inuyasha gracefully jumped down the narrow opening of the well and carefully lifted the near weightless mass up off the ground. He'd been searching for the little guy after Sango had casually notified him that he'd been gone since Kagome had left. As much as he hated admitting it aloud, he did love the kid like his own, minus the many fights they usually had a day.
Quickly taking notice of Shippo's weakened condition, Inuyasha slightly growled and ran back to Kaede's hut. Making it there in no time at all, and not even glancing at Sango outside playing idly with Kilala, Inuyasha walked in without permission, brushing the grass doorway out of the way and gently lay Shippo down next to a meditating Kaede and Miroku.
Looking up, Kaede gave Inuyasha a questioning look and waited for him to speak. Slightly rolling his eyes, Inuyasha said, "He's malnourished and needs food and water to eat once he wakes up."
Inuyasha had only just gotten back from the Sacred God Tree after the previous day, and was in no mood to beat around the bush or put up with anyone.
Kaede only nodded, as did Miroku.
It was then that Inuyasha noticed a familiar, but faint smell, and he very nearly gave himself whiplash trying to find it. He dove out of Kaede's hut and found it just around the corner in the shadows of the hut. It was a small book, one that Kagome would sometimes write in when there wasn't much of anything going on. Without thinking, Inuyasha snatched up the book and ran to his tree. Jumping up onto his favorite branch, Inuyasha wasted no time in tearing open the tiny book, Kagome's scent surrounding him, making his eyes glaze over in pleasure and desire, contentment obvious.
He sighed inwardly. Kagome, come back to me soon. I miss you!
Opening his eyes, he discovered that the little pink flowers adorning the front of the book did have a lock on them, but when he'd opened the book, he'd not only ripped the flowers off, he'd broken the latch.
Oh well; it's not like she's not already mad at me. Inuyasha thought as he opened the book to the first page, reading:
This Diary is the Property of:
Miss Higurashi Kagome
Heh, a diary, huh? Wonder what she's written about in here… Inuyasha thought, his curiosity growing rapidly as he flipped through the book without reading anything yet and discovered that the book must have been purchased recently because there was only one entry.
Well, he'd come this far, and he'd be damned if he stopped himself now.
Going to the first entry, Inuyasha first glanced at the date, surprised to see that it was marked for five days ago, just one day before he and Kagome had their fight. He began to read…
Dear Diary,
Man, life is so hectic right now! We've just had another encounter with Naraku and his wonderful "sons". You know, sometimes I wish I'd never gotten dragged into this era by Mistress Centipede. Then, I could have a normal, boring sixteen year old life!
(At this, Inuyasha's ears droop in misery.)
And then, there are times when I thank God I was brought down here. If I had not, I wouldn't have met my best friend, Sango, nor Miroku, who, might I add, will end up together one of these days!
Then, there's Shippo, who's like my own adorable, perfect little son, and Kilala, Sango's faithful pet and loyal companion to all.
Last, there's Inuyasha… I don't know what to call him now; friend or foe? There are times when he's so nice, I just want to let all my emotions out at once and admit everything!
(Inuyasha gasps, clutching the poor diary to his face, desperate to find out what she wrote.)
But then, there are other times…times I don't like all that much. He and I fight so much, more than just once or twice a day, and his pride and ego is so big that no matter what I do, he's always mad at me! He's always calling me useless and making me feel insignificant, like my only purpose is to find Jewel Shards and protect them!
And then, there's Kikyo… I don't even want to think about her right now. I don't hate her, no way! It was so tragic the way she was deceived by Naraku and chose death over life because she believed Inuyasha betrayed her! But...I can't help but resent her; she hold Inuyasha's heart in her hands, and yet, it seems that she doesn't want anything to do with him unless it includes her killing him and taking him to hell with her! I don't know. He confuses me so much, what, with the way he's allowed to have two girls he gets jealous over but I can't even look at another guy! But all I really want to see is him happy, and though I say I resent Kikyo, I know deep down that he's still in love with her and that there's no more room in his heart for…someone new.
(Inuyasha growls, knowing that isn't true.)
Anyway, it doesn't matter that I love Inuyasha.
(Inuyasha almost drops the book.)
He probably wouldn't care anyway, he's so wrapped up in himself and his worries, though I don't think he knows it just yet. Anyway, I better get some sleep for tomorrow, for who knows what fate could have in store?
If only we knew… Inuyasha thought, closing the book, but not before rereading the words "I love Inuyasha", written by his Kagome.
She loves me. I can't believe it; she loves me! And I was such a…
Guilt almost made Inuyasha choke; he was so sorry. She'd loved him right up until that stupid fight they'd had nearly a week ago, despite Kikyo and their relationship with one another. Now, though...
Kikyo… I don't love her, that much I know. Still, I can't just simply abandon her on this world while her soul suffers at the hands of Naraku.
Grrrrrrr… To hell with what you say Miroku! I'm going to Kagome NOW!
Throwing Kagome's diary into his kimono as quickly as he could, Inuyasha rushed as fast as he could to the Bone Eater's Well, and jumped in with only one thought on his mind: An apology to the woman I love.
OoO
Another chapter done; yay! Really do need more reviews, it's hard to post when you've only got one or two people interested. I promise, the story will pick up here real soon!
My wedding went well, only a few mishaps for those who care; I'm now a Mrs.!
Please check out my other stories, I plan on updating Seeing Is Believing tomorrow, so please check that out as well as my one-shots.
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