InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ His Heart & The Only One Who Can Save Him ❯ Chapter Fourteen ( Chapter 14 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: IYsShardDetector 
Read..u guys know the drill
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Romance / Suspense | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.12.2005 | Pages: 3 | Words: 8.0K | Visits: 250 | Status: Work In Progress
Read..u guys know the drill
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Romance / Suspense | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.12.2005 | Pages: 3 | Words: 8.0K | Visits: 250 | Status: Work In Progress
’s Note
I want to apologize again for all of those annoying e-mails that got sent to you all when I was trying to fix a Type-o I had made, I thought it may confuse some readers later on if they re-read this and saw that I had Northern and Southern instead of Northern and Eastern….but have no fears you all will meet the Southern Lord soon enough!A little fluff again (now if there are a few spelling mistakes please forgive me…ever since chapter what? Chapter 12 maybe…when I 1st had fluff, my editor--a.k.a my bro--has decided that this is like gross… anyway) fluff a bit, new mention of a relationship from….ahhhhhh thought I was going to tell ya huh? Well you’ll have to read and figure that out::evil laughter: So come on as we deal with the trouble brewing back in the past and Sota’s 13th birthday ….not to mention the planning of yet another party the following day!
SammySama
-------------------------------------------------- Chapter 14: Two Parties to Plan & Trouble Through The Well
The sun began to rise over the horizon, waking most of Tokyo and signaling for the busy workers to get ready for work in a few hours. The grounds of the Higurashi Shrine were quite, the birds sang giving the area a tranquil feel. This peaceful morning was cut short as a loud shout was heard from inside the house, the birds flying off, frightened by the sudden loud noise.
“Mom!” came the loud shout of a young boy now proud to be called a teenager.
“What dear?” Came the response from the kitchen from Mrs. Higurashi who was finishing up the last work on their breakfast.
“I can’t find my permission slip!” Sota called from the top of the stairs, “I need it for my field trip today.”
“It’s right down here Sota.” his mother called as the young boy made a sharp turn, slinging his bag over his shoulder and glancing toward his mother standing by the sliding door holding a slip of paper. The piece of paper; about two inches wide, five long, and a light orange color, blew gently from the soft spring breeze coming through the window.
“Thanks mom!” Sota said, snatching the slip from his mother, “Bye.”
The young boy hastily slid the door to the kitchen open then shut it behind him and dashed off.
“He’ll be back.” Mrs. Higurashi said to herself, giggling at her son’s forgetfulness when he’s rushed, as she returned to put the finishing touches on the rest of the family‘s breakfast.
Not two minutes later the door burst open once again as Sota, red in the face and frustrated looked around for his mother, “Mom I forgot my…”
“On the table in the brown bag.” His mother said, never taking her eyes off her work, “there’s a cupcake in there for you and one for your friend for later dear.”
“Thanks Mom!” Sota said as he once again made his way toward the sliding door, opening it and dashing out, shutting it behind him and shouting loud enough for his mother to hear from the open window, “Good-Bye Mom!”
Quickly making her way to the abused door, gently sliding it open watched her son get half way through the yard when she said, “I’ll call the school and tell them you’re running late all right.”
“Thanks!” Sota called.
“Be good and have a good day Birthday Boy.” Mrs. Higurashi called as her son made his way around the corner and started down the stairs.
With a last shout of, “Don’t worry Mom, I will,” he was heading down the stairs and off to school.
Quietly shutting the door, entering back into the kitchen, turning off the stove and removing the pans, placing them on hot-pads on the counter next to the stove. Silently making her way over to the phone, she picked it up and dialed the number for the school. Mrs. Higurashi explained that Sota would probably getting to school today a little late, thanking the secretary at the office desk she hung up the phone and returned to the food cooling off on the counter.
Mrs. Higurashi returned to the counter, taking four plates out of a cabinet and setting them down in a row next to the hot pans. Placing two pieces of her fresh cooked bacon on each plate followed by a good amount of eggs with a fresh piece of toast.
“What smells so heavenly in here?” Kagome’s grandfather said, rather loudly as he walked into the kitchen, thinking that his daughter and himself were the only ones currently occupying the seemingly empty home.
“Keep it down, let Kagome and InuYasha sleep a bit more.” Mrs. Higurashi hissed as she turned to face her father standing near the door frame. The two had come home late the night before and had immediately went up to Kagome’s room and went to sleep. She had been a little worried when she saw the slightly darkened area’s under her daughter’s eyes and the light pink tint on her cheeks which looked to be the remains of a fever. InuYasha had not looked to be his normal self either, he also looked tired and walked with a very slight limp, not noticeable most of the time but having raised her two children and their natural adventures selves had learned to notice even the smallest of limps or injuries.
Not a moment after she had said that she glanced behind the old man and saw a tall figure leaning against the door frame, “Never mind.”
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The room had been quiet, the two tired teens trying to get some much needed rest. With all that had happened in the past week they had been stressed; physically, mentally and emotionally as well. The two furry triangles atop InuYasha’s head twitched as a low growl rumbled from his throat at the shouts which had awakened him from his sleep.
“Damn kid.” InuYasha mumbled as he opened his eyes, a blazing amber eyes glancing around his surroundings. Stretching from his place at the end of Kagome’s bed. His gaze landing on the stirring Kagome as he unfolded his legs, standing to stretch his legs, then kneeling down to her level as her gorgeous auburn eyes opened.
Upon hearing the shouts below from her younger brother, Kagome began to stir. Not completely wanting to get up from her nice cozy bed, it wasn’t every night she was able to rest this comfortably. A little over two years ago she would have never expected to wake almost every morning curled up in a rather large sleeping bag in the middle of no where but, she thought that it was a reasonable sacrifice to be able to stay with InuYasha. Giving off a small yawn, she opened her eyes to come face to face with InuYasha, his amber eyes shining from the rays of sun that had so unwelcomingly made their way through her curtains.
“Morning.” InuYasha said to the half awake young maiden before him, leaning in to press his lips to hers in a soft kiss.
“Morning InuYasha.” Kagome said groggily, smiling with an ever so slight pink tint on her cheeks from his gentle show of affection.
“You going to get up now or go back to sleep?” InuYasha asked, knowing that she probably needed a bit more rest from everything they had been through recently.
“No I’m getting up, I just need to change my clothes and then I’ll head down.” Kagome responded as she sat up, swinging her legs over the edge of her bed as she stretched her arms high above her head.
InuYasha stood up, his nose sticking high in the air as he got a few good whiffs of the sent in the air and said, “What ever you mom’s cooking down there sure smells good.”
“Well,” Kagome said, standing up to stand next to InuYasha, “Why don’t you go ahead downstairs and eat. I’ll be down in a few minutes, okay?”
“Fine.” InuYasha said, lowering his head to meet hers once more, giving her a gentle kiss, then left the room closing the door behind him.
Kagome got up then headed over to her closet to find something to wear for the day. Opening her door she looked inside, pulling out a pair of black jeans along with a black tank-top with ‘Some days you‘re the dog, and some days you‘re the hydrant‘ written in red, cursive text. Discarding her old clothes, she hurriedly put on her new ones and then proceeded to look in the bottom of her closet for the items necessary for InuYasha’s party. Upon finding what she’d been searching for she gave a slight squeal of excitement, pulling out a rather large box labeled, ‘Party Supplies.’
The night before, Sango and her had decided that somehow Kagome was to get the decorations back to her and Miroku and they would set it up for the next day. Sango had agreed to go around to the villages and gather all of their friends and the people they met or helped and invite them to the party. That would most likely take most of the day. The only problem Kagome seemed to have was getting everything back through the well with out InuYasha finding out.
Sliding the box across the room and under her bed she sighed, “I’ll have to talk to mom and see if she can give me a hand.”
Getting off the floor, she stood and made her way over to her bedroom door, closing it as she left, she began to make her way toward the kitchen to get some of the delicious smelling food.
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InuYasha had made his way down the stairs and headed into the kitchen after his conversation with Kagome. Reaching the bottom, he noticed that Kagome’s grandfather was already up.
‘Great, the geezer’s up.’ InuYasha thought to himself as he reached the door way into the kitchen and leaned up against the frame, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched the two people before him.
Mrs. Higurashi was trying to remain as quiet as possible and trying to get her father to do the same but he seemed to pay no attention to her. Noticing InuYasha in the door frame she said, “Never Mind,” catching the young hanyou’s attention.
“Would you like something to eat, InuYasha?” Mrs. Higurashi asked sweetly, “I hope I didn’t wake you up, is Kagome up as well?”
InuYasha nodded and then she made her way over to the counter and retrieved the four plates and headed to the table as the young man answered her other questions.
“No you didn’t wake us,” InuYasha replied, “Sota was yelling his head off about something and this old man couldn’t keep his voice down if his life depended on it. Kagome told me that she‘d be down in a few minutes and said to go ahead and start eating.”
Giving InuYasha a glare that could kill he said, in his worn voice, “If it wasn’t for Kagome you’d have been purified a long time ago, just remember that.”
“Sure old man, whatever you say.” InuYasha retorted, giving the elderly man the same look. “You couldn’t hurt me if you tried, you don’t even have ¼ the power Kagome has. Hell, do you even have any at all?”
InuYasha knew that in some small way, deep down-VERY deep-that he liked the old man, maybe ‘liked’ isn’t the right term, more like respected him maybe.
“Why you!” Kagome’s grandfather shouted, rage beginning to burn in his eyes.
“Cut it out you two.” Mrs. Higurashi said as she sat at the table, having just placing a teapot and cups by each plate. “Come and sit down and eat. Do you want any tea InuYasha?”
“Yes please.” InuYasha said, remembering what Kagome had told him many times about being polite around her family. Taking an empty seat on one side of the table, next to Mrs. Higurashi at the head and an empty seat for Kagome to his right.
InuYasha looked down at his plate with interest, it smelled so good, however he’d never had anything like this before.
“Um…Mrs. Higurashi?” InuYasha questioned.
“Yes dear?” She said, finishing a mouth full of eggs before responding.
“What is this exactly?” He continued, “I’ve never seen this stuff before, well, not prepared like this anyway.”
“Well you see that yellow stuff?” She asked, explaining each item on his plate, “That’s just scrambled eggs with little bits of bacon mixed in. The long brown things are just slices of bacon, you know pig meat. Well the square golden-brown piece there is just a piece of toast.”
“Okay.” InuYasha said, giving the food one more sniff he took a small bite of his eggs with the chopsticks that Mrs. Higurashi had provided for him and his eyes lit up, “This is great!” Placing his sticks down he then turned to the long brown strips and took a bite, “But this is the best!”
Giggling softly Mrs. Higurashi said, “Glad you like it.”
InuYasha nodded his head and then began to stuff his face with the wonderful food before him. He had almost finished with all of the food when he suddenly stoped, hearing the sound of someone laughing from the door frame. Looking up from his plate, InuYasha locked eyes with a red-faced Kagome. Unable to hold in her laughter anymore she burst out in a huge hysteric fit of giggles.
“InuYasha you eat like a pig!” she managed to say in between laughter.
“Do not!” InuYasha said, growling playfully.“Yes You do.” Kagome said, her laughter calming down to the point where she could talk again.“I do not eat like a pig.” He said, a scowl on his face.
“Fine you don’t.” Kagome agreed, taking her seat next to the aggravated hanyou, “You eat like a dog.”
“That’s better.” He growled playfully, giving the young miko a light push.
‘Now I know where she gets it from,’ InuYasha thought to himself as he looked down at the young maiden sitting next to him, ‘She’s so kind and forgiving like her mother, but there’s no doubt that she gets her stubborn attitude from her grandfather.’
The rest of the meal was eaten in silence, InuYasha eating almost five helpings of the food Mrs. Higurashi prepared in the time it took Kagome to eat her first.
InuYasha sat back in his chair and looked around at the family before him. His gaze landing back on the young miko, a though instantly popping into his mind.
“Hey Kagome,” InuYasha said with a puzzled expresion, “Why aren’t you in school today? Sota headed out earlier so why haven’t you left?”
Kagome gave the hanyou a confused look, then it dawned on her-today was a school day and here she was sitting down with her family and InuYasha eating breakfast. She looked frantically looked up at the black circular clock which hung on the wall behind the table and nearly choked on her last bite of food.
“It’s 8:30!” Kagome exclaimed, “I totally forgot today was a school day! Why didn’t anyone tell me?”
“Relax dear.” Mrs. Higurashi said, standing to collect the empty plates. “I called the school today to tell them you weren’t feeling well and asked if there were any tests today or if there where any that you needed to study for and they said that the final exams are in about three weeks and that you wouldn’t miss anything today.”
“Thanks mom.” Kagome said, a sigh of relief escaping her as she asked, “So do you know how I’m doing in the classes?”
“Oh I Talked to your principal, Mr.….. oh what was his name?” Mrs. Higurashi said, pausing before picking up Kagome and InuYasha’s plates, placing a finger on her chin in deep thought.
“Oh Mr. Gonzo.” Kagome replied, filling in the blank for her mother.
“Yes, that’s right.” She said, “Slipped my mind for a moment.” Giving off a slight laugh she reached down and picked up the two remaining plates and said, “He told me that you need to work on your Math quite a bit but other then that you’re passing all of your classes. He also wanted me to tell you that you are receiving an award at the end of the year for your outstanding achievement in your History class.”
Standing to help her mother with the dishes Kagome laughed, “I wonder why? Most of the class this year has been on Feudal Era, so I really didn’t have anything to worry about.”
Her mother laughing at her statement looked back over her shoulder to see her daughter following her.
“Oh honey,” Mrs. Higurashi said, “You don’t have to help, I’ll take care of it.”
Shaking her head, shifting her raven tresses slightly from side to side, “No it’s okay, I want to. Besides, I haven’t been around in so long and I need to help out. I need to talk to you about something too.”
“Oh, alright dear.” Mrs. Higurashi said, returning her gaze on the sink as she carefully placed the dishes to the side, running warm water into the large sized sink, applying a good portion of soap to the water.
“Well I think I shall go out and set up the shop for the day,” Kagome’s Grandfather said as he walked over to the sliding door, slipping on his sandals and making his way out to the shrine’s store.
“All right dad.” Mrs. Higurashi said to the retreating man.
“So,” InuYasha said, “What should I do?”
“Why don’t you go and watch some T.V.” Kagome suggested.
“Some what?” InuYasha asked.
Kagome sighed, looked over toward her mother and said, “I’ll be right back.”
Turning her attention back toward the hanyou she said, “Okay InuYasha, follow me.” waiting for him to get up and follow her, Kagome lead him into the living room and pointed toward a velvety chair and motioned for him to take a seat.
InuYasha walked up and stood beside her as he gave her a quizzical look and awaited for her to tell her what to do.
“Okay InuYasha, why don’t you go and si-” Kagome was suddenly interrupted as a clawed hand latched itself over her mouth, followed by the annoyed voice of the man beside her.
“Now, I’ve been good lately and have done nothing to deserve being sat.” InuYasha said giving Kagome and annoyed glare.
“Right, sorry.” Kagome said sheepishly, her voice muffled, “Okay then how about this..”
InuYasha cautiously removed her hand as he awaited for her to continue.
“Plant your butt over in that chair and I’ll tell you what to do.” Kagome continued, careful not to use the word “sit.”
Giving her his trademark, “Feh,” InuYasha sat down in the velvety chair and made himself comfortable, crossing his arms and looking expectantly up at the young miko.“Comfy?” Kagome asked.
“Very.” InuYasha retorted.
“Good,” She replied, reaching down to the near by table and picking up a thin black object. She handed it to the hanyou who in turn just stared at it with a confused expression.
“And what pray-tell do I do with that?” InuYasha shot.
“Well here, if you push this little red button here you turn on the T.V.” Kagome said, aiming the remote toward the large black box in the corner. With a soft click, the screen flashed a dull grey and came to life. Bright colorful pictures moved about in front of the screen as Kagome continued to explain how to work the T.V to the young man from the past.
“Now you press these triangular buttons to move through channels okay.” Kagome said, “Think you can manage to keep yourself occupied for a bit while I help my mother in the kitchen?”
“Feh, course I can.” InuYasha said, taking the strange object from the young woman.
“Okay then, I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.” Kagome said, turning around and heading back into the other room to join her mother.
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Making her way back toward the kitchen, Kagome walked in and headed toward the sink where her mother was currently washing dishes, shutting the door behind her. She walked over to the sink, grabbed a black and white checkered dish towel and began to dry the newly washed plates.
“Mom,” Kagome said, “May I ask you about something, I could really use your help.”
“Sure honey,” Mrs. Higurashi said in a sweet tone, turning to look at her daughter as she spoke, still washing dishes as she gave her full attention to the young woman next to her, “What do you need to talk about?”
Giving her mother a strange glance, never imagining how well her mother could muti-task, but then continuing with what she needed to speak about.
“Well tomorrow’s InuYasha’s birthday and I was wondering if you could help me prepare for it.” Kagome said, “I need to get the party supplies through the well and the cake with out him noticing, in fact I still need to get the cake.”
“Well how bout I bake the cake for you.” Mrs. Higurashi offered.
“That sounds great!” Kagome exclaimed, “That takes some of the pressure off.”
A comfortable silence fell over the room as Kagome retreated into her thoughts, she still had to think of a way to get everything back through the well with out the hanyou catching wind of what she was doing.
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InuYasha sat in the chair Kagome had told him to and was currently flipping through channels, but his mind was wandering all over the place.
‘How are we going to track this demon down.’ InuYasha thought as his absent mindedly flipped through the channels, nothing catching his attention. ‘ I mean I know her sent but we haven’t had time to track her down. She’s probably long gone by now but what if she attacks. I want to get her before she gets us, that’s for sure.’
His thoughts were broken as he landed on a channel with a strange man sitting behind a wooden desk.
“And in America,” The deep voice of the man boomed through the speakers of the Television, “The space shuttle has landed and NASA has said that it was a successful mission.”
InuYasha sat there transfixed as an image of a strange object appeared on the screen. It was white with black cone shapes on the end of it and it was the strangest thing he’d ever seen. The screen changed to show footage of it’s launch which apparently had happened about a month ago. Hearing a door open from behind him and soon followed by the sweat smell that he knew all too well, he decided to ask about the strange object.
“Kagome, what is that thing?” InuYasha asked curiously, pointing to the screen as the footage soon changed to show the rocket launching taking the shuttle high into the air and out of sight.
“Oh, that.” Kagome replied, reaching the chair he was sitting in and leaned over the back to pear over his shoulder. “Do you remember how I explained to you about rockets and space travel back before we met the Thunder Brothers?”
“Vaguely.” InuYasha said, keeping his gaze on the strange futuristic means of transportation.
“Well what you just saw was a rocket taking up a space shuttle into space.” Kagome said, watching as they replayed the recording of the launch.
“So is the long thing the shuttle?” InuYasha asked.
“No that’s the rocket.” Kagome respond, “That’s what takes the shuttle into space.”
“I thought you said that the Astro-nuts took this shuttle thing into space.” InuYasha said, turning his attention to the girl behind him.
“No, the Astronauts pilot the shuttle.” Kagome said, rubbing her forehead slightly, feeling that if this conversation continued for much longer she would have a major headache.
“So what controls the rocket then?” InuYasha said, his voice holding a slight annoyance to it, “The shuttle?”
“No, no, no.” Kagome sighed, “The rocket is launched into space by the fuel in the bottom and is shot up taking the shuttle with it, but he rocket is detached soon after leaving the atmosphere.”
“So let me get this strait,” InuYasha began, “The rocket takes the shuttle up into space where these Astro-nut things pilot the shuttle but he rocket has no other use?”
“By Joe, I think he’s got it.” Kagome said exasperatedly, some days explaining things to the hanyou was like trying to teach a five year old.
“Well you don’t have to get all touchy.” InuYasha shot at the teen behind him.
“Sorry, it’s not your fault,” She apologized, “Just under a lot of stress lately.”
“I could help with that.” InuYasha said, a mischievous gleam in his eye as he soon stood up on his feet and attempted to tackle the unsuspecting miko.
Kagome could tell he was planning something so when she noticed his sudden movement she put up a small barrier and saw with amusement at the hanyou tried to tackle her and was repelled by a small layer of pink light.
“Hey no fair.” He whined, not able to get close to the young woman.
“Sorry dog-boy.” Kagome called as she ran to the front door, pulling it open and running outside, “You’ll have to do better then that!”
“We’ll see.” InuYasha mumbled as he went after Kagome.
The chase was on.
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Snow fell from the dark clouds to land gracefully on the cold stone covered ground. The mountain was experiencing a fierce storm as a tall figure made their way toward a rather large castle. Upon reaching the main entrance to the domain, they put down the strong barrier which surrounded and protected stronghold. Making their way into the castle, they stopped close to the doorway, grabbed a lit torch which was fastened to the wall and began to make their way down a long corridor, the dark stone walls reflected the light from the burning light source.
They reached a strong oak door and placed a hand on an engraving of a full moon, the door glowing a unearthly white before slowly swinging open to reveal a dark room. Taking a few steps inside, the door closing behind them, the being turned to their right, feeling the wall as if searching for something. Finding what they were looking for, they placed a hand once again to a full moon engraving in the stone-the stone symbol being slightly larger than their hand-as a bright white glow emitted from their hand.
Soon the shape of a full moon glowed a pure white as the room started to brighten as a pattern of the phases of the moon began to appear on the wall-each phase glowed a bright white. By the time the pattern had completed it’s cycle around the room, the said room was now lit with the unearthly white as the being shielded their eyes until the light had dimmed to a level as to which they could see.
“There now I can find what I’m looking for.” Came the gentle voice of Artemis as she looked around the room. She hadn’t been in it since her parents had been killed. Her father had told her that one day, when the time was right she would need to seek the guidance of her ancestors and the protection of the line of the powerful Lunar Wolf Demons.
Walking across the stone floor, the room echoing with each step she took, she reached a tall cabinet made of a strong cherry wood with a pattern of more moon phased covering it as well as two half moon doorknobs which adorned the front panels. As she passed her hand along the pattern it glowed a dull white as the cabinet clicked, unlocking itself as Artemis whispered, “Is this what you meant Father?”
.:.:. Flashback .:.:.
“Artemis, come here please.” came the loud voice of her father as it echoed throughout their new home in the castle.
It was not long after they had relinquished their ties with the Northern Wolf tribe that the older Lunar Wolf decided that it was time to inform his only daughter of her duty as last remaining line of the powerful demon clan.
“Yes Father?” Came the reply as a younger Artemis came into the strange room, a meidium sized silver wolf on her heels as she responded to her fathers call.
“I need to speak with you both.” He said, motioning for his daughter to sit before him and the wolf she was with to do the same.
“there will be a time where you will need to come here and gain the dorment powers that are with in you.” He began, “You will one day come to this room and you will need the articles in this cabinet. When that day comes you will need them to prepare yourself for the major battle, one that will decide the fate of the world and as the last descendent of the Lunar Wolf clan it is your job to be protected and to continue the line.”
“Why are you telling me this now?” a puzzled Artemis spoke up, “Nothings happening.”
“I have a feeling that it will soon be time, maybe not now but soon and I wanted you to know before I am no longer here to tell you.” Came the serious reply of her father, “Now you will need these weapons to protect you, when the time comes you will know what to do.”
The older demon turned his attention to the silver wolf at Artemis’ side, one which has never left the young demon’s side ever since Artemis had been born. “Now if you feel that the battle is approaching yet are unsure, Shiro will be there to guide you.”
The wolf gave a nod in under standing as she turned to look at the young wolf demon beside her and licked her cheek reassuringly.
“I’m telling you this because I love you and when the time comes I wish for you to be safe.” Her father’s gentle voice rang through her head as he kneeled before her, embracing his only child.
.:.:. End Flashback .:.:.
“Well, lets see what my Father was talking about.” Artemis said as she pulled open the cabinet to reveal it’s contents.
Hung at the back of the cabinet was a black haori, the sleeves were black to about five inches past the shoulder down her arm, there it faded into a grey color and lightened till it was a blazing silver tint at the end of the sleeves. Under that was a pair of pants, (A/N: Like the style InuYasha wears…don‘t know what that‘s called…sorry) They two a back color until a foot from the waist where the same tint of grey tapering into a blazing silver at the bottom was present.
Pulling out the beautiful garbs, Artemis quickly shed her previous attire and dressed herself in the ancient garb. Looking to the bottom, she found a pair of black shoes, they were in the style of a boot only the sides going up to abut an inch past her ankle. On the walls of the inside was a set of chest plate armor, shoulder plates and on the opposite wall was a magnificent silver ribbon with the moon phase pattern sewn into it.
Carefully lifting the armor she began to equip herself in it. The black of he armor was contrasted with the silver trim and silver ties used to fit it to the one wearing it. The same style was said for the shoulder plates as she put them on. Tying her Long waist length hair up high in the back, she looked to the left to see what was mounted on the door.
There sat a beautiful silver bow, its quiver sat empty next to it as she reached toward the bow, lifting it from it’s place on the door.
“Why wouldn’t they put arrows in the quiver?” Artemis questioned as she then took the empty quiver, slinging it over her shoulder as she aimed an invisible arrow in her bow and pulled back on the bow string. Releasing the tension on the bow, she let go of he string, nodding with approval with the strong resonating sound he string made as it vibrated-signaling how strong the bow was.
She then looked to he right and noticed that there was an imprint of a sword in the door, but the weapon seemed to have been removed. Looking around the cabinet for the missing weapon, Artemis heard the door behind her open. She was no longer alone as the familiar smell of air after an ice storm with a thick smell of what could only be described as pure evil came to her nose.
“Looking for this?” Came the cold voice behind her as she turned, coming face to face with two icy blue eyes of he figure standing in the now open doorway, holding up a silver hilted sword, a black sheath protected it, a small engraving of a silver wolf near the end where the sheath met the hilt.
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Miroku and Sango awaited their friend to arrive as the sun began to sink below he horizon. Shippo and Kirara had stayed at the hut, located in a clearing not too far from the village to help organize all of the guests-many being demons of course.
“Anyone up there?” Came a sweat voice from with in the well.
“Yes Lady Kagome!” Miroku replied as he looked over he lip of the well, “Need some help?”
“Yes please, I don’t want to drop the cake.” Kagome said, shifting the massive pile of articles in her arms.
Sango placed two of her fingers into her mouth, blowing to create a high whistle then turned her attention to the bottom of the well, “Help is on the way.”
The small two tail came bounding through the brush to comply to her companions call.
“Kirara, can you help life the cake out of the well for Kagome?” Sango asked the small cat in her arms.
Giving a slight nod and an energetic “Meow,” the two tail burst into a small ball of fire, transforming but not all the way so as to be the right size to fly into the well and back up with the rather large box.
Returning to her normal size, the small demon placed the cake on the ground at the edge of the well as the young miko came with the boxes now tied to her back.
Making her way over the lip of the well she placed the parcels on the ground and looked around at her friends.
“I can’t stay long, I just wanted to get this stuff here before InuYasha got back.” Kagome said as she bent down and picked up the box Kirara had lifted for her. Her mother had no clue how many people were going to attend InuYasha’s surprise party so she decided to make a large cake, to give you any idea how BIG this thing was, the box was about a foot and a half wide, two long and six high. All in all it was a large cake.
“So is that the cake Lady Kagome?” Miroku asked.
“Yep,” Kagome responded, “My mother baked it this morning, I think I have enough time to show you guy what it looks like if you want.”
“Oh yes please Kagome.” Sango said, looking toward the large package.
“Okay but you have to keep Shippo away from this stuff until tomorrow.” Kagome said, opening the box.
The cake was large indeed. The majority of it was taking up by a picture Mrs. Higurashi had done. She had made a duplicate copy of one of Kagome’s pictures of her and her friends from the past out of icing and it looked almost like she blew up the image and put it on the cake. It had taken almost all day, which Kagome had spent with InuYasha touring Tokyo and just hanging out. They had headed home after much debate and almost fifty bowls of Ramen later from the food court in the mall where they had gone to purchase Sota’s birthday gift.
“That looks great Kagome.” Sango said, staring at the wonderful masterpiece.
“Yes,” Miroku agreed, “Who did this Lady Kagome?”
“My mother did, she spent almost all day on it actually.” Kagome said, “How many people showed up?”
“Well, Kirara and I flew around all day, we left early so we could find everyone but I’d say…roughly,” Sango said, taping her finger to her chin as she thought, “Maybe around twenty five or so.”
“That’s a good turn out.” Kagome said, “So where are we having it?”
“Oh it’s in a hut not too far from here in a clearing, it’s the only place we could think of that would be big enough to hold everyone.” Sango replied as she pointed to the opening in the woods to the left, “Tomorrow all you have to do is follow that dirt path and it’ll take you right there.”
“Okay thanks.” Looking at the digital watch on her wrist she gasped, “Sorry guys, I got to go. InuYasha’ll be back now from getting the stuff we needed for my brother’s party and picking up Sota. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Saying their quick good-byes, Kagome jumped back into the well, leaving the duty of party planners in the capable hands of her two friends.
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With the sun setting behind them, Kane and Koji made their way down the last stretch of their journey together back to Kane’s territory in the Eastern Lands.
“So..” Koji said, looking at his friend beside him as the barrier that surrounded the valley where Kane ruled came into view.
“So…what?” Kane asked, knowing all too well where this conversation was going. Koji had been trying to pry information about his love life out of him for the past two days and he wasn’t interested in letting that important knowledge out.
“So is there anyone you find oh I don’t know…” Koji questioned, raising a hand to scratch the back of his head, “Interesting?”
“You mean is there anyone I like and plan on claiming this spring. Is that what you want to know.” Kane implored, annoyed at his friends constant badgering.
“Wow man,” Koji said, looking at the demon beside him with a look of shock and fake hurt upon his face, “You make me sound like a pervert.”
“Well you are.” Kane replied.
“Am not.” Koji said in his defense, “I just figured that since you met my mate that I should meet yours.”
“Fine.” the young Eastern Lord said in defeat.
Koji’s arm shot into the air in victory and he lowered it back down and asked, “So what she like?”
“Well, before we got together officially there was a lot of controversy between her and my family.” Kane began.
“Why’s that?” The young white wolf questioned.
“Because she’s a half demon.” Just then the two reached the barrier and got no more than two feet inside when they heard a loud shout from someone near by.
“KANE!” came the shout of a young woman as the said lord was knocked to the ground where he was pinned and kissed deeply by the force which attacked him.
Coming over the shock of being knocked down and regained his breath, the sent of spring water and roses coming to his nose as he came to his senses and returned the kiss.
“Ahem.” Koji said and coughed slightly, “So Kane, are you going to introduce me?”
Kane, upon hearing this gently pushed the person off of him and they both sat up a pink tint appearing on the demon lords face.
“Ah well,” Kane said, embarrassed as the recent events, “Koji this is my mate, Bakari”The young hanyou named Bakari bowed slightly to the Lord of the Northern Lands.
Koji then got a good look at the mate of his best friend. She had black hair going past her waist with the tips a bright red color. She was dressed in a elegant kimono with sakura blossoms decorated across the front and down the sleeves. Her skin was a tan color, meaning she spent most of her time outdoors. The Lords azure gaze locked with the young maidens, her eyes were a stunning orange with small hints of gold scattered in them. Looking her from head to toe he noticed that instead of elfin ears like the ones Kane and himself had, she had fox ears poking from the top of her head, the tips of which were black as their main color was the same red color as Kane’s eyes, giving them the allusion that they were on fire.
“It’s nice to meet you Lady Bakari.” Koji said formally.
“Thank you my Lord, it’s nice to finally meet you as well.” the hanyou replied with the same courteous tone.
“If you don’t mind me asking,” Koji said, “What kind of demon are you?”
Bakari looked up to meet the Lord’s gaze as she said, “I’m part human and part Wox. My Mother mated with a human then we moved here after he died in the war.”
“I’m very sorry to hear that.” Koji said gently.
“It’s fine,” Came Bakari’s reply, “If that hadn’t happened then I wouldn’t have met Kane.”
A while later Koji stood after conversing with the Lady of the Eastern Lands and his friend and said, “Well I got to head North and get everything ready.”
“Yes and we need to head back as well to get the preparations done.“ Kane agreed as they turned to head their separate ways.
Before running off, Koji turned to look over his shoulder and yelled, “Now do go and do something foolish Kane. We can’t have you run away from the battle field because your mate’s going to have your pup now can we.”
Blushing furiously Kane called, “Same to you Koji, same to you”With that the three made their way back to their villages to prepare for the upcoming battle.
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Kagome climbed out of the well and dashed across the yard. Making sure not to leave any evidence that she was in the well she ran into the house sliding the door open with such force it nearly smashed against the doorframe. Closing the abused door she slid down to sit on the floor, her back against the wooden barrier.
“Close one.” Kagome said between pants as she tried to get her breath back from her run of the day.
The sound of three pairs of feet came from behind the door as Kagome quickly got up from her spot and sat at a chair at the kitchen table, waiting for her brother, mother and InuYasha to come through the door.
“Kagome!” Sota shouted excitedly, earning him a growl from the hanyou behind him as he flattened his ears against his head from the loud noise.
“Hey Sota, what’s up?” Kagome asked as she ruffled the boys hair.
“My teacher gave me a D on my paper.” Sota said, pulling out the said report and handing it to his sister, “We had to pick an endangered animal we learned about at the zoo today and write about how they became endangered. My teacher said that I have a creative imagination but I needed to pay attention to the zookeeper.”
“Why would she say that?” InuYasha asked as he watched the young miko sitting at the table look over the boys paper.
After giving it a once over Kagome began to laugh.
“What’s so funny?” InuYasha questioned, curiosity getting the better of him as he tried to push past the young boy and read his paper over Kagome’s shoulder.
Mrs. Higurashi came and sat down a the table to join her children and InuYasha as she too asked, “Yes dear, what’s so funny? I haven’t had a chance to read it yet.”
Kagome composed herself and began to read the report a loud.
“The White Baboon, By Sota Higurashi,” She began, “Many people have come to believe that this wonderful creature was abundant in a time decades ago called Feudal Japan. This I have no doubt about, however the reason as to why they are now on the endangered list is totally wrong. All though hunting was a main factor, the reason for hunting is unknown to most but me.”
“I don’t see anything funny about your report Sota.” Mrs. Higurashi said as her eyebrows knitted together in puzzlement as she then looked at her daughter.
“That’s cuz’ I’m not done yet,” Kagome explained as she continued, “The real reason why the White Baboon became endangered was because of the hunting of the species by and evil demon named Naraku. This demon killed these wonderful creatures in order to make a disguise in order to fool the many people who were after him.”
The room erupted into a fit of laughter as Kagome was able to read what the teacher had written at the bottom of the report.
“His teacher wrote,” Kagome said between fits of laughter, “That his imagination and knowledge of legends provided him the material for this well written fictional explanation”The only one who wasn’t participating the laughter was Sota himself as he said, “But it’s true.”
The laughter increased as they all soon settled down and began to get everything ready for the young boy’s party for tomorrow.
I want to apologize again for all of those annoying e-mails that got sent to you all when I was trying to fix a Type-o I had made, I thought it may confuse some readers later on if they re-read this and saw that I had Northern and Southern instead of Northern and Eastern….but have no fears you all will meet the Southern Lord soon enough!A little fluff again (now if there are a few spelling mistakes please forgive me…ever since chapter what? Chapter 12 maybe…when I 1st had fluff, my editor--a.k.a my bro--has decided that this is like gross… anyway) fluff a bit, new mention of a relationship from….ahhhhhh thought I was going to tell ya huh? Well you’ll have to read and figure that out::evil laughter: So come on as we deal with the trouble brewing back in the past and Sota’s 13th birthday ….not to mention the planning of yet another party the following day!
SammySama
-------------------------------------------------- Chapter 14: Two Parties to Plan & Trouble Through The Well
The sun began to rise over the horizon, waking most of Tokyo and signaling for the busy workers to get ready for work in a few hours. The grounds of the Higurashi Shrine were quite, the birds sang giving the area a tranquil feel. This peaceful morning was cut short as a loud shout was heard from inside the house, the birds flying off, frightened by the sudden loud noise.
“Mom!” came the loud shout of a young boy now proud to be called a teenager.
“What dear?” Came the response from the kitchen from Mrs. Higurashi who was finishing up the last work on their breakfast.
“I can’t find my permission slip!” Sota called from the top of the stairs, “I need it for my field trip today.”
“It’s right down here Sota.” his mother called as the young boy made a sharp turn, slinging his bag over his shoulder and glancing toward his mother standing by the sliding door holding a slip of paper. The piece of paper; about two inches wide, five long, and a light orange color, blew gently from the soft spring breeze coming through the window.
“Thanks mom!” Sota said, snatching the slip from his mother, “Bye.”
The young boy hastily slid the door to the kitchen open then shut it behind him and dashed off.
“He’ll be back.” Mrs. Higurashi said to herself, giggling at her son’s forgetfulness when he’s rushed, as she returned to put the finishing touches on the rest of the family‘s breakfast.
Not two minutes later the door burst open once again as Sota, red in the face and frustrated looked around for his mother, “Mom I forgot my…”
“On the table in the brown bag.” His mother said, never taking her eyes off her work, “there’s a cupcake in there for you and one for your friend for later dear.”
“Thanks Mom!” Sota said as he once again made his way toward the sliding door, opening it and dashing out, shutting it behind him and shouting loud enough for his mother to hear from the open window, “Good-Bye Mom!”
Quickly making her way to the abused door, gently sliding it open watched her son get half way through the yard when she said, “I’ll call the school and tell them you’re running late all right.”
“Thanks!” Sota called.
“Be good and have a good day Birthday Boy.” Mrs. Higurashi called as her son made his way around the corner and started down the stairs.
With a last shout of, “Don’t worry Mom, I will,” he was heading down the stairs and off to school.
Quietly shutting the door, entering back into the kitchen, turning off the stove and removing the pans, placing them on hot-pads on the counter next to the stove. Silently making her way over to the phone, she picked it up and dialed the number for the school. Mrs. Higurashi explained that Sota would probably getting to school today a little late, thanking the secretary at the office desk she hung up the phone and returned to the food cooling off on the counter.
Mrs. Higurashi returned to the counter, taking four plates out of a cabinet and setting them down in a row next to the hot pans. Placing two pieces of her fresh cooked bacon on each plate followed by a good amount of eggs with a fresh piece of toast.
“What smells so heavenly in here?” Kagome’s grandfather said, rather loudly as he walked into the kitchen, thinking that his daughter and himself were the only ones currently occupying the seemingly empty home.
“Keep it down, let Kagome and InuYasha sleep a bit more.” Mrs. Higurashi hissed as she turned to face her father standing near the door frame. The two had come home late the night before and had immediately went up to Kagome’s room and went to sleep. She had been a little worried when she saw the slightly darkened area’s under her daughter’s eyes and the light pink tint on her cheeks which looked to be the remains of a fever. InuYasha had not looked to be his normal self either, he also looked tired and walked with a very slight limp, not noticeable most of the time but having raised her two children and their natural adventures selves had learned to notice even the smallest of limps or injuries.
Not a moment after she had said that she glanced behind the old man and saw a tall figure leaning against the door frame, “Never mind.”
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The room had been quiet, the two tired teens trying to get some much needed rest. With all that had happened in the past week they had been stressed; physically, mentally and emotionally as well. The two furry triangles atop InuYasha’s head twitched as a low growl rumbled from his throat at the shouts which had awakened him from his sleep.
“Damn kid.” InuYasha mumbled as he opened his eyes, a blazing amber eyes glancing around his surroundings. Stretching from his place at the end of Kagome’s bed. His gaze landing on the stirring Kagome as he unfolded his legs, standing to stretch his legs, then kneeling down to her level as her gorgeous auburn eyes opened.
Upon hearing the shouts below from her younger brother, Kagome began to stir. Not completely wanting to get up from her nice cozy bed, it wasn’t every night she was able to rest this comfortably. A little over two years ago she would have never expected to wake almost every morning curled up in a rather large sleeping bag in the middle of no where but, she thought that it was a reasonable sacrifice to be able to stay with InuYasha. Giving off a small yawn, she opened her eyes to come face to face with InuYasha, his amber eyes shining from the rays of sun that had so unwelcomingly made their way through her curtains.
“Morning.” InuYasha said to the half awake young maiden before him, leaning in to press his lips to hers in a soft kiss.
“Morning InuYasha.” Kagome said groggily, smiling with an ever so slight pink tint on her cheeks from his gentle show of affection.
“You going to get up now or go back to sleep?” InuYasha asked, knowing that she probably needed a bit more rest from everything they had been through recently.
“No I’m getting up, I just need to change my clothes and then I’ll head down.” Kagome responded as she sat up, swinging her legs over the edge of her bed as she stretched her arms high above her head.
InuYasha stood up, his nose sticking high in the air as he got a few good whiffs of the sent in the air and said, “What ever you mom’s cooking down there sure smells good.”
“Well,” Kagome said, standing up to stand next to InuYasha, “Why don’t you go ahead downstairs and eat. I’ll be down in a few minutes, okay?”
“Fine.” InuYasha said, lowering his head to meet hers once more, giving her a gentle kiss, then left the room closing the door behind him.
Kagome got up then headed over to her closet to find something to wear for the day. Opening her door she looked inside, pulling out a pair of black jeans along with a black tank-top with ‘Some days you‘re the dog, and some days you‘re the hydrant‘ written in red, cursive text. Discarding her old clothes, she hurriedly put on her new ones and then proceeded to look in the bottom of her closet for the items necessary for InuYasha’s party. Upon finding what she’d been searching for she gave a slight squeal of excitement, pulling out a rather large box labeled, ‘Party Supplies.’
The night before, Sango and her had decided that somehow Kagome was to get the decorations back to her and Miroku and they would set it up for the next day. Sango had agreed to go around to the villages and gather all of their friends and the people they met or helped and invite them to the party. That would most likely take most of the day. The only problem Kagome seemed to have was getting everything back through the well with out InuYasha finding out.
Sliding the box across the room and under her bed she sighed, “I’ll have to talk to mom and see if she can give me a hand.”
Getting off the floor, she stood and made her way over to her bedroom door, closing it as she left, she began to make her way toward the kitchen to get some of the delicious smelling food.
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InuYasha had made his way down the stairs and headed into the kitchen after his conversation with Kagome. Reaching the bottom, he noticed that Kagome’s grandfather was already up.
‘Great, the geezer’s up.’ InuYasha thought to himself as he reached the door way into the kitchen and leaned up against the frame, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched the two people before him.
Mrs. Higurashi was trying to remain as quiet as possible and trying to get her father to do the same but he seemed to pay no attention to her. Noticing InuYasha in the door frame she said, “Never Mind,” catching the young hanyou’s attention.
“Would you like something to eat, InuYasha?” Mrs. Higurashi asked sweetly, “I hope I didn’t wake you up, is Kagome up as well?”
InuYasha nodded and then she made her way over to the counter and retrieved the four plates and headed to the table as the young man answered her other questions.
“No you didn’t wake us,” InuYasha replied, “Sota was yelling his head off about something and this old man couldn’t keep his voice down if his life depended on it. Kagome told me that she‘d be down in a few minutes and said to go ahead and start eating.”
Giving InuYasha a glare that could kill he said, in his worn voice, “If it wasn’t for Kagome you’d have been purified a long time ago, just remember that.”
“Sure old man, whatever you say.” InuYasha retorted, giving the elderly man the same look. “You couldn’t hurt me if you tried, you don’t even have ¼ the power Kagome has. Hell, do you even have any at all?”
InuYasha knew that in some small way, deep down-VERY deep-that he liked the old man, maybe ‘liked’ isn’t the right term, more like respected him maybe.
“Why you!” Kagome’s grandfather shouted, rage beginning to burn in his eyes.
“Cut it out you two.” Mrs. Higurashi said as she sat at the table, having just placing a teapot and cups by each plate. “Come and sit down and eat. Do you want any tea InuYasha?”
“Yes please.” InuYasha said, remembering what Kagome had told him many times about being polite around her family. Taking an empty seat on one side of the table, next to Mrs. Higurashi at the head and an empty seat for Kagome to his right.
InuYasha looked down at his plate with interest, it smelled so good, however he’d never had anything like this before.
“Um…Mrs. Higurashi?” InuYasha questioned.
“Yes dear?” She said, finishing a mouth full of eggs before responding.
“What is this exactly?” He continued, “I’ve never seen this stuff before, well, not prepared like this anyway.”
“Well you see that yellow stuff?” She asked, explaining each item on his plate, “That’s just scrambled eggs with little bits of bacon mixed in. The long brown things are just slices of bacon, you know pig meat. Well the square golden-brown piece there is just a piece of toast.”
“Okay.” InuYasha said, giving the food one more sniff he took a small bite of his eggs with the chopsticks that Mrs. Higurashi had provided for him and his eyes lit up, “This is great!” Placing his sticks down he then turned to the long brown strips and took a bite, “But this is the best!”
Giggling softly Mrs. Higurashi said, “Glad you like it.”
InuYasha nodded his head and then began to stuff his face with the wonderful food before him. He had almost finished with all of the food when he suddenly stoped, hearing the sound of someone laughing from the door frame. Looking up from his plate, InuYasha locked eyes with a red-faced Kagome. Unable to hold in her laughter anymore she burst out in a huge hysteric fit of giggles.
“InuYasha you eat like a pig!” she managed to say in between laughter.
“Do not!” InuYasha said, growling playfully.“Yes You do.” Kagome said, her laughter calming down to the point where she could talk again.“I do not eat like a pig.” He said, a scowl on his face.
“Fine you don’t.” Kagome agreed, taking her seat next to the aggravated hanyou, “You eat like a dog.”
“That’s better.” He growled playfully, giving the young miko a light push.
‘Now I know where she gets it from,’ InuYasha thought to himself as he looked down at the young maiden sitting next to him, ‘She’s so kind and forgiving like her mother, but there’s no doubt that she gets her stubborn attitude from her grandfather.’
The rest of the meal was eaten in silence, InuYasha eating almost five helpings of the food Mrs. Higurashi prepared in the time it took Kagome to eat her first.
InuYasha sat back in his chair and looked around at the family before him. His gaze landing back on the young miko, a though instantly popping into his mind.
“Hey Kagome,” InuYasha said with a puzzled expresion, “Why aren’t you in school today? Sota headed out earlier so why haven’t you left?”
Kagome gave the hanyou a confused look, then it dawned on her-today was a school day and here she was sitting down with her family and InuYasha eating breakfast. She looked frantically looked up at the black circular clock which hung on the wall behind the table and nearly choked on her last bite of food.
“It’s 8:30!” Kagome exclaimed, “I totally forgot today was a school day! Why didn’t anyone tell me?”
“Relax dear.” Mrs. Higurashi said, standing to collect the empty plates. “I called the school today to tell them you weren’t feeling well and asked if there were any tests today or if there where any that you needed to study for and they said that the final exams are in about three weeks and that you wouldn’t miss anything today.”
“Thanks mom.” Kagome said, a sigh of relief escaping her as she asked, “So do you know how I’m doing in the classes?”
“Oh I Talked to your principal, Mr.….. oh what was his name?” Mrs. Higurashi said, pausing before picking up Kagome and InuYasha’s plates, placing a finger on her chin in deep thought.
“Oh Mr. Gonzo.” Kagome replied, filling in the blank for her mother.
“Yes, that’s right.” She said, “Slipped my mind for a moment.” Giving off a slight laugh she reached down and picked up the two remaining plates and said, “He told me that you need to work on your Math quite a bit but other then that you’re passing all of your classes. He also wanted me to tell you that you are receiving an award at the end of the year for your outstanding achievement in your History class.”
Standing to help her mother with the dishes Kagome laughed, “I wonder why? Most of the class this year has been on Feudal Era, so I really didn’t have anything to worry about.”
Her mother laughing at her statement looked back over her shoulder to see her daughter following her.
“Oh honey,” Mrs. Higurashi said, “You don’t have to help, I’ll take care of it.”
Shaking her head, shifting her raven tresses slightly from side to side, “No it’s okay, I want to. Besides, I haven’t been around in so long and I need to help out. I need to talk to you about something too.”
“Oh, alright dear.” Mrs. Higurashi said, returning her gaze on the sink as she carefully placed the dishes to the side, running warm water into the large sized sink, applying a good portion of soap to the water.
“Well I think I shall go out and set up the shop for the day,” Kagome’s Grandfather said as he walked over to the sliding door, slipping on his sandals and making his way out to the shrine’s store.
“All right dad.” Mrs. Higurashi said to the retreating man.
“So,” InuYasha said, “What should I do?”
“Why don’t you go and watch some T.V.” Kagome suggested.
“Some what?” InuYasha asked.
Kagome sighed, looked over toward her mother and said, “I’ll be right back.”
Turning her attention back toward the hanyou she said, “Okay InuYasha, follow me.” waiting for him to get up and follow her, Kagome lead him into the living room and pointed toward a velvety chair and motioned for him to take a seat.
InuYasha walked up and stood beside her as he gave her a quizzical look and awaited for her to tell her what to do.
“Okay InuYasha, why don’t you go and si-” Kagome was suddenly interrupted as a clawed hand latched itself over her mouth, followed by the annoyed voice of the man beside her.
“Now, I’ve been good lately and have done nothing to deserve being sat.” InuYasha said giving Kagome and annoyed glare.
“Right, sorry.” Kagome said sheepishly, her voice muffled, “Okay then how about this..”
InuYasha cautiously removed her hand as he awaited for her to continue.
“Plant your butt over in that chair and I’ll tell you what to do.” Kagome continued, careful not to use the word “sit.”
Giving her his trademark, “Feh,” InuYasha sat down in the velvety chair and made himself comfortable, crossing his arms and looking expectantly up at the young miko.“Comfy?” Kagome asked.
“Very.” InuYasha retorted.
“Good,” She replied, reaching down to the near by table and picking up a thin black object. She handed it to the hanyou who in turn just stared at it with a confused expression.
“And what pray-tell do I do with that?” InuYasha shot.
“Well here, if you push this little red button here you turn on the T.V.” Kagome said, aiming the remote toward the large black box in the corner. With a soft click, the screen flashed a dull grey and came to life. Bright colorful pictures moved about in front of the screen as Kagome continued to explain how to work the T.V to the young man from the past.
“Now you press these triangular buttons to move through channels okay.” Kagome said, “Think you can manage to keep yourself occupied for a bit while I help my mother in the kitchen?”
“Feh, course I can.” InuYasha said, taking the strange object from the young woman.
“Okay then, I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.” Kagome said, turning around and heading back into the other room to join her mother.
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Making her way back toward the kitchen, Kagome walked in and headed toward the sink where her mother was currently washing dishes, shutting the door behind her. She walked over to the sink, grabbed a black and white checkered dish towel and began to dry the newly washed plates.
“Mom,” Kagome said, “May I ask you about something, I could really use your help.”
“Sure honey,” Mrs. Higurashi said in a sweet tone, turning to look at her daughter as she spoke, still washing dishes as she gave her full attention to the young woman next to her, “What do you need to talk about?”
Giving her mother a strange glance, never imagining how well her mother could muti-task, but then continuing with what she needed to speak about.
“Well tomorrow’s InuYasha’s birthday and I was wondering if you could help me prepare for it.” Kagome said, “I need to get the party supplies through the well and the cake with out him noticing, in fact I still need to get the cake.”
“Well how bout I bake the cake for you.” Mrs. Higurashi offered.
“That sounds great!” Kagome exclaimed, “That takes some of the pressure off.”
A comfortable silence fell over the room as Kagome retreated into her thoughts, she still had to think of a way to get everything back through the well with out the hanyou catching wind of what she was doing.
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InuYasha sat in the chair Kagome had told him to and was currently flipping through channels, but his mind was wandering all over the place.
‘How are we going to track this demon down.’ InuYasha thought as his absent mindedly flipped through the channels, nothing catching his attention. ‘ I mean I know her sent but we haven’t had time to track her down. She’s probably long gone by now but what if she attacks. I want to get her before she gets us, that’s for sure.’
His thoughts were broken as he landed on a channel with a strange man sitting behind a wooden desk.
“And in America,” The deep voice of the man boomed through the speakers of the Television, “The space shuttle has landed and NASA has said that it was a successful mission.”
InuYasha sat there transfixed as an image of a strange object appeared on the screen. It was white with black cone shapes on the end of it and it was the strangest thing he’d ever seen. The screen changed to show footage of it’s launch which apparently had happened about a month ago. Hearing a door open from behind him and soon followed by the sweat smell that he knew all too well, he decided to ask about the strange object.
“Kagome, what is that thing?” InuYasha asked curiously, pointing to the screen as the footage soon changed to show the rocket launching taking the shuttle high into the air and out of sight.
“Oh, that.” Kagome replied, reaching the chair he was sitting in and leaned over the back to pear over his shoulder. “Do you remember how I explained to you about rockets and space travel back before we met the Thunder Brothers?”
“Vaguely.” InuYasha said, keeping his gaze on the strange futuristic means of transportation.
“Well what you just saw was a rocket taking up a space shuttle into space.” Kagome said, watching as they replayed the recording of the launch.
“So is the long thing the shuttle?” InuYasha asked.
“No that’s the rocket.” Kagome respond, “That’s what takes the shuttle into space.”
“I thought you said that the Astro-nuts took this shuttle thing into space.” InuYasha said, turning his attention to the girl behind him.
“No, the Astronauts pilot the shuttle.” Kagome said, rubbing her forehead slightly, feeling that if this conversation continued for much longer she would have a major headache.
“So what controls the rocket then?” InuYasha said, his voice holding a slight annoyance to it, “The shuttle?”
“No, no, no.” Kagome sighed, “The rocket is launched into space by the fuel in the bottom and is shot up taking the shuttle with it, but he rocket is detached soon after leaving the atmosphere.”
“So let me get this strait,” InuYasha began, “The rocket takes the shuttle up into space where these Astro-nut things pilot the shuttle but he rocket has no other use?”
“By Joe, I think he’s got it.” Kagome said exasperatedly, some days explaining things to the hanyou was like trying to teach a five year old.
“Well you don’t have to get all touchy.” InuYasha shot at the teen behind him.
“Sorry, it’s not your fault,” She apologized, “Just under a lot of stress lately.”
“I could help with that.” InuYasha said, a mischievous gleam in his eye as he soon stood up on his feet and attempted to tackle the unsuspecting miko.
Kagome could tell he was planning something so when she noticed his sudden movement she put up a small barrier and saw with amusement at the hanyou tried to tackle her and was repelled by a small layer of pink light.
“Hey no fair.” He whined, not able to get close to the young woman.
“Sorry dog-boy.” Kagome called as she ran to the front door, pulling it open and running outside, “You’ll have to do better then that!”
“We’ll see.” InuYasha mumbled as he went after Kagome.
The chase was on.
-------------------------------------------
Snow fell from the dark clouds to land gracefully on the cold stone covered ground. The mountain was experiencing a fierce storm as a tall figure made their way toward a rather large castle. Upon reaching the main entrance to the domain, they put down the strong barrier which surrounded and protected stronghold. Making their way into the castle, they stopped close to the doorway, grabbed a lit torch which was fastened to the wall and began to make their way down a long corridor, the dark stone walls reflected the light from the burning light source.
They reached a strong oak door and placed a hand on an engraving of a full moon, the door glowing a unearthly white before slowly swinging open to reveal a dark room. Taking a few steps inside, the door closing behind them, the being turned to their right, feeling the wall as if searching for something. Finding what they were looking for, they placed a hand once again to a full moon engraving in the stone-the stone symbol being slightly larger than their hand-as a bright white glow emitted from their hand.
Soon the shape of a full moon glowed a pure white as the room started to brighten as a pattern of the phases of the moon began to appear on the wall-each phase glowed a bright white. By the time the pattern had completed it’s cycle around the room, the said room was now lit with the unearthly white as the being shielded their eyes until the light had dimmed to a level as to which they could see.
“There now I can find what I’m looking for.” Came the gentle voice of Artemis as she looked around the room. She hadn’t been in it since her parents had been killed. Her father had told her that one day, when the time was right she would need to seek the guidance of her ancestors and the protection of the line of the powerful Lunar Wolf Demons.
Walking across the stone floor, the room echoing with each step she took, she reached a tall cabinet made of a strong cherry wood with a pattern of more moon phased covering it as well as two half moon doorknobs which adorned the front panels. As she passed her hand along the pattern it glowed a dull white as the cabinet clicked, unlocking itself as Artemis whispered, “Is this what you meant Father?”
.:.:. Flashback .:.:.
“Artemis, come here please.” came the loud voice of her father as it echoed throughout their new home in the castle.
It was not long after they had relinquished their ties with the Northern Wolf tribe that the older Lunar Wolf decided that it was time to inform his only daughter of her duty as last remaining line of the powerful demon clan.
“Yes Father?” Came the reply as a younger Artemis came into the strange room, a meidium sized silver wolf on her heels as she responded to her fathers call.
“I need to speak with you both.” He said, motioning for his daughter to sit before him and the wolf she was with to do the same.
“there will be a time where you will need to come here and gain the dorment powers that are with in you.” He began, “You will one day come to this room and you will need the articles in this cabinet. When that day comes you will need them to prepare yourself for the major battle, one that will decide the fate of the world and as the last descendent of the Lunar Wolf clan it is your job to be protected and to continue the line.”
“Why are you telling me this now?” a puzzled Artemis spoke up, “Nothings happening.”
“I have a feeling that it will soon be time, maybe not now but soon and I wanted you to know before I am no longer here to tell you.” Came the serious reply of her father, “Now you will need these weapons to protect you, when the time comes you will know what to do.”
The older demon turned his attention to the silver wolf at Artemis’ side, one which has never left the young demon’s side ever since Artemis had been born. “Now if you feel that the battle is approaching yet are unsure, Shiro will be there to guide you.”
The wolf gave a nod in under standing as she turned to look at the young wolf demon beside her and licked her cheek reassuringly.
“I’m telling you this because I love you and when the time comes I wish for you to be safe.” Her father’s gentle voice rang through her head as he kneeled before her, embracing his only child.
.:.:. End Flashback .:.:.
“Well, lets see what my Father was talking about.” Artemis said as she pulled open the cabinet to reveal it’s contents.
Hung at the back of the cabinet was a black haori, the sleeves were black to about five inches past the shoulder down her arm, there it faded into a grey color and lightened till it was a blazing silver tint at the end of the sleeves. Under that was a pair of pants, (A/N: Like the style InuYasha wears…don‘t know what that‘s called…sorry) They two a back color until a foot from the waist where the same tint of grey tapering into a blazing silver at the bottom was present.
Pulling out the beautiful garbs, Artemis quickly shed her previous attire and dressed herself in the ancient garb. Looking to the bottom, she found a pair of black shoes, they were in the style of a boot only the sides going up to abut an inch past her ankle. On the walls of the inside was a set of chest plate armor, shoulder plates and on the opposite wall was a magnificent silver ribbon with the moon phase pattern sewn into it.
Carefully lifting the armor she began to equip herself in it. The black of he armor was contrasted with the silver trim and silver ties used to fit it to the one wearing it. The same style was said for the shoulder plates as she put them on. Tying her Long waist length hair up high in the back, she looked to the left to see what was mounted on the door.
There sat a beautiful silver bow, its quiver sat empty next to it as she reached toward the bow, lifting it from it’s place on the door.
“Why wouldn’t they put arrows in the quiver?” Artemis questioned as she then took the empty quiver, slinging it over her shoulder as she aimed an invisible arrow in her bow and pulled back on the bow string. Releasing the tension on the bow, she let go of he string, nodding with approval with the strong resonating sound he string made as it vibrated-signaling how strong the bow was.
She then looked to he right and noticed that there was an imprint of a sword in the door, but the weapon seemed to have been removed. Looking around the cabinet for the missing weapon, Artemis heard the door behind her open. She was no longer alone as the familiar smell of air after an ice storm with a thick smell of what could only be described as pure evil came to her nose.
“Looking for this?” Came the cold voice behind her as she turned, coming face to face with two icy blue eyes of he figure standing in the now open doorway, holding up a silver hilted sword, a black sheath protected it, a small engraving of a silver wolf near the end where the sheath met the hilt.
-------------------------------------------
Miroku and Sango awaited their friend to arrive as the sun began to sink below he horizon. Shippo and Kirara had stayed at the hut, located in a clearing not too far from the village to help organize all of the guests-many being demons of course.
“Anyone up there?” Came a sweat voice from with in the well.
“Yes Lady Kagome!” Miroku replied as he looked over he lip of the well, “Need some help?”
“Yes please, I don’t want to drop the cake.” Kagome said, shifting the massive pile of articles in her arms.
Sango placed two of her fingers into her mouth, blowing to create a high whistle then turned her attention to the bottom of the well, “Help is on the way.”
The small two tail came bounding through the brush to comply to her companions call.
“Kirara, can you help life the cake out of the well for Kagome?” Sango asked the small cat in her arms.
Giving a slight nod and an energetic “Meow,” the two tail burst into a small ball of fire, transforming but not all the way so as to be the right size to fly into the well and back up with the rather large box.
Returning to her normal size, the small demon placed the cake on the ground at the edge of the well as the young miko came with the boxes now tied to her back.
Making her way over the lip of the well she placed the parcels on the ground and looked around at her friends.
“I can’t stay long, I just wanted to get this stuff here before InuYasha got back.” Kagome said as she bent down and picked up the box Kirara had lifted for her. Her mother had no clue how many people were going to attend InuYasha’s surprise party so she decided to make a large cake, to give you any idea how BIG this thing was, the box was about a foot and a half wide, two long and six high. All in all it was a large cake.
“So is that the cake Lady Kagome?” Miroku asked.
“Yep,” Kagome responded, “My mother baked it this morning, I think I have enough time to show you guy what it looks like if you want.”
“Oh yes please Kagome.” Sango said, looking toward the large package.
“Okay but you have to keep Shippo away from this stuff until tomorrow.” Kagome said, opening the box.
The cake was large indeed. The majority of it was taking up by a picture Mrs. Higurashi had done. She had made a duplicate copy of one of Kagome’s pictures of her and her friends from the past out of icing and it looked almost like she blew up the image and put it on the cake. It had taken almost all day, which Kagome had spent with InuYasha touring Tokyo and just hanging out. They had headed home after much debate and almost fifty bowls of Ramen later from the food court in the mall where they had gone to purchase Sota’s birthday gift.
“That looks great Kagome.” Sango said, staring at the wonderful masterpiece.
“Yes,” Miroku agreed, “Who did this Lady Kagome?”
“My mother did, she spent almost all day on it actually.” Kagome said, “How many people showed up?”
“Well, Kirara and I flew around all day, we left early so we could find everyone but I’d say…roughly,” Sango said, taping her finger to her chin as she thought, “Maybe around twenty five or so.”
“That’s a good turn out.” Kagome said, “So where are we having it?”
“Oh it’s in a hut not too far from here in a clearing, it’s the only place we could think of that would be big enough to hold everyone.” Sango replied as she pointed to the opening in the woods to the left, “Tomorrow all you have to do is follow that dirt path and it’ll take you right there.”
“Okay thanks.” Looking at the digital watch on her wrist she gasped, “Sorry guys, I got to go. InuYasha’ll be back now from getting the stuff we needed for my brother’s party and picking up Sota. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Saying their quick good-byes, Kagome jumped back into the well, leaving the duty of party planners in the capable hands of her two friends.
-------------------------------------------
With the sun setting behind them, Kane and Koji made their way down the last stretch of their journey together back to Kane’s territory in the Eastern Lands.
“So..” Koji said, looking at his friend beside him as the barrier that surrounded the valley where Kane ruled came into view.
“So…what?” Kane asked, knowing all too well where this conversation was going. Koji had been trying to pry information about his love life out of him for the past two days and he wasn’t interested in letting that important knowledge out.
“So is there anyone you find oh I don’t know…” Koji questioned, raising a hand to scratch the back of his head, “Interesting?”
“You mean is there anyone I like and plan on claiming this spring. Is that what you want to know.” Kane implored, annoyed at his friends constant badgering.
“Wow man,” Koji said, looking at the demon beside him with a look of shock and fake hurt upon his face, “You make me sound like a pervert.”
“Well you are.” Kane replied.
“Am not.” Koji said in his defense, “I just figured that since you met my mate that I should meet yours.”
“Fine.” the young Eastern Lord said in defeat.
Koji’s arm shot into the air in victory and he lowered it back down and asked, “So what she like?”
“Well, before we got together officially there was a lot of controversy between her and my family.” Kane began.
“Why’s that?” The young white wolf questioned.
“Because she’s a half demon.” Just then the two reached the barrier and got no more than two feet inside when they heard a loud shout from someone near by.
“KANE!” came the shout of a young woman as the said lord was knocked to the ground where he was pinned and kissed deeply by the force which attacked him.
Coming over the shock of being knocked down and regained his breath, the sent of spring water and roses coming to his nose as he came to his senses and returned the kiss.
“Ahem.” Koji said and coughed slightly, “So Kane, are you going to introduce me?”
Kane, upon hearing this gently pushed the person off of him and they both sat up a pink tint appearing on the demon lords face.
“Ah well,” Kane said, embarrassed as the recent events, “Koji this is my mate, Bakari”The young hanyou named Bakari bowed slightly to the Lord of the Northern Lands.
Koji then got a good look at the mate of his best friend. She had black hair going past her waist with the tips a bright red color. She was dressed in a elegant kimono with sakura blossoms decorated across the front and down the sleeves. Her skin was a tan color, meaning she spent most of her time outdoors. The Lords azure gaze locked with the young maidens, her eyes were a stunning orange with small hints of gold scattered in them. Looking her from head to toe he noticed that instead of elfin ears like the ones Kane and himself had, she had fox ears poking from the top of her head, the tips of which were black as their main color was the same red color as Kane’s eyes, giving them the allusion that they were on fire.
“It’s nice to meet you Lady Bakari.” Koji said formally.
“Thank you my Lord, it’s nice to finally meet you as well.” the hanyou replied with the same courteous tone.
“If you don’t mind me asking,” Koji said, “What kind of demon are you?”
Bakari looked up to meet the Lord’s gaze as she said, “I’m part human and part Wox. My Mother mated with a human then we moved here after he died in the war.”
“I’m very sorry to hear that.” Koji said gently.
“It’s fine,” Came Bakari’s reply, “If that hadn’t happened then I wouldn’t have met Kane.”
A while later Koji stood after conversing with the Lady of the Eastern Lands and his friend and said, “Well I got to head North and get everything ready.”
“Yes and we need to head back as well to get the preparations done.“ Kane agreed as they turned to head their separate ways.
Before running off, Koji turned to look over his shoulder and yelled, “Now do go and do something foolish Kane. We can’t have you run away from the battle field because your mate’s going to have your pup now can we.”
Blushing furiously Kane called, “Same to you Koji, same to you”With that the three made their way back to their villages to prepare for the upcoming battle.
-------------------------------------------
Kagome climbed out of the well and dashed across the yard. Making sure not to leave any evidence that she was in the well she ran into the house sliding the door open with such force it nearly smashed against the doorframe. Closing the abused door she slid down to sit on the floor, her back against the wooden barrier.
“Close one.” Kagome said between pants as she tried to get her breath back from her run of the day.
The sound of three pairs of feet came from behind the door as Kagome quickly got up from her spot and sat at a chair at the kitchen table, waiting for her brother, mother and InuYasha to come through the door.
“Kagome!” Sota shouted excitedly, earning him a growl from the hanyou behind him as he flattened his ears against his head from the loud noise.
“Hey Sota, what’s up?” Kagome asked as she ruffled the boys hair.
“My teacher gave me a D on my paper.” Sota said, pulling out the said report and handing it to his sister, “We had to pick an endangered animal we learned about at the zoo today and write about how they became endangered. My teacher said that I have a creative imagination but I needed to pay attention to the zookeeper.”
“Why would she say that?” InuYasha asked as he watched the young miko sitting at the table look over the boys paper.
After giving it a once over Kagome began to laugh.
“What’s so funny?” InuYasha questioned, curiosity getting the better of him as he tried to push past the young boy and read his paper over Kagome’s shoulder.
Mrs. Higurashi came and sat down a the table to join her children and InuYasha as she too asked, “Yes dear, what’s so funny? I haven’t had a chance to read it yet.”
Kagome composed herself and began to read the report a loud.
“The White Baboon, By Sota Higurashi,” She began, “Many people have come to believe that this wonderful creature was abundant in a time decades ago called Feudal Japan. This I have no doubt about, however the reason as to why they are now on the endangered list is totally wrong. All though hunting was a main factor, the reason for hunting is unknown to most but me.”
“I don’t see anything funny about your report Sota.” Mrs. Higurashi said as her eyebrows knitted together in puzzlement as she then looked at her daughter.
“That’s cuz’ I’m not done yet,” Kagome explained as she continued, “The real reason why the White Baboon became endangered was because of the hunting of the species by and evil demon named Naraku. This demon killed these wonderful creatures in order to make a disguise in order to fool the many people who were after him.”
The room erupted into a fit of laughter as Kagome was able to read what the teacher had written at the bottom of the report.
“His teacher wrote,” Kagome said between fits of laughter, “That his imagination and knowledge of legends provided him the material for this well written fictional explanation”The only one who wasn’t participating the laughter was Sota himself as he said, “But it’s true.”
The laughter increased as they all soon settled down and began to get everything ready for the young boy’s party for tomorrow.