InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Promises ❯ Sesshoumaru and the Shikon No Tama? ( Chapter 13 )

Disclaimer: I don't and never will, unless there's a miracle, own Inuyasha or any of the characters. Besides, I would probably just corrupt them. (Except for probably Naraku)

Ok I'm really sorry I didn't update earlier, but I had stuff to do. And fortunately for you, I will finish that mushy ending on Valentine's Day! I was gonna make a sad ending, but I don't like rotten veggies-*dodges a rotten banana*-or rotten fruits! *reader grumbles and walks away* Yeah you better go away! Wait...*slow brain thinking hard*...reader...r/r....reviewer....REVIEWER! WAIT! COOOOOMMMMMEEEEEE BAAAAACCCCCKKKKKK!!!!!!!! *ahem* you can just continue *chases after reader* Hey you!

Chapter Thirteen:

Kagome sat on her bedside, gazing worriedly into her mirror. `Where is Karena? Usually all those spirit people come when I don't even tell them, and now she won't come at all. Karena! This is important!' She growled frustratingly, clenching her hands around her knees. Snow still pounded on her window, begging to be let through. She closed her eyes, like she saw those psychics do. `Karena...Karena, messenger of the gods...come to me...come to me...I need to speak to you...' Avidly, she slowly opened one eye, peeking through nervously. No one was there. She plopped on her bed, exasperated. `Poopy...'

She flipped her head to the side, gawking at the snow that was brushing against the window, and wondered how something how light could be so loud, or dangerous. After blowing out a puff of smoke, she turned again, this time to face her alarm clock.

"I guess I better get ready now," yawned Kagome.

She stumbled down the stairs, woozily. Mumbling a `good morning' to Kaede and Shippo, who were quite awake, she plopped down on the kitchen seat and gulped down her morning glass of milk. The two peeked at her worriedly.

Kaede asked, "Are ye all right, child? Ye haven't been the same since ye met that Inuyasha fellow."

Kagome threw a reassuring glance back to her. "Don't worry Kaede, I'm fine. And besides, I didn't start acting weird when I met Inuyasha. If I'm acting weird at all, it started when I started eleventh grade!"

Kaede gave a shrug, but looked at her unbelievingly. Shippo glimpsed at her curiously, as he chewed on a sugary fruit loop.

"Well, all right Kagome. But do not stress yourself too much."

Kagome sighed as she wiped a milk mustache from her lip. She slipped upstairs to change for the day.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

It was the second day of winter play rehearsal. Kagura rubbed her temples as Inuyasha yelled at Shippo, who hid behind Kagome who fumed at Inuyasha. Adding onto that, Hojo and Kouga were both trying to pound Inuyasha for making Kagome upset. Then, everyone else was trying to hold back Kagome, Inuyasha, Hojo, and Kouga, so they didn't kill each other. Growling came from all four (yes, even Kagome and Hojo, the dense one). Finally, as she let out a huge sigh, Kagura stood up.

"ALL RIGHT! THAT'S ENOUGH! NOW IF YOU WANT TO GET A PASSING GRADE, YOU'LL SHUT UP AND DO WHAT I SAY, OK?!!!!"

The whole class became so silent; Shippo swore he could hear crickets chirping.

"Wow, Ms. Kagura. Can you teach me how to do that? No one listens to me."

"It takes years of training, young grasshopper, years of training. Plus a little manipulation."

"Aaaawww."

"Now Shippo, it's not nice to manipulate or yell at people. Only teachers are allowed to do that," lectured Kagome.

"Fine, but one day, I'm going to be a teacher just like Ms. Kagura."

At this point, Inuyasha rudely interrupted and yelled, "Enough with the pointless blabber! Can we start now?"

All glaring at Inuyasha, who still couldn't understand what he was missing, they all went to their spots.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Sesshoumaru crept across the stage fearfully, chains rattling in the air. Suddenly, they disappeared, and all was silent. As he slowly climbed into the huge canopy bed, the clock chimed deeply, resonated across the empty room. Sesshoumaru shot up, with panic written in his eyes. Gradually, the wind became stronger, until it was pounding against his door. Its muffled groaning grew louder and louder. Just when it seemed like a thunderstorm, the windows blew open, the curtains flapping at the sides. Kagome drifted in, powdered white with makeup. Dressed in a white kimono with pale green bud designs sewn on and gold silk, plus a cherry spray tucked in her hair, she was a perfect ghostly example of a Japanese ghost of Christmas past. Through the rush as Kagome brought the "amazed" Sesshoumaru through his past, lavender light seemed to glow in Sesshoumaru's pocket. Puzzled by it, Kagome rushed over to Sango, who was preoccupied in the stage-making, as soon as her scene was over.

"Sango, do you see that?!"

Peeking over Kagome's shoulder, she whispered to her friend, "What, do you mean Sesshoumaru?" Pausing for a moment, she smirked and said, "Do you have a crush on Sesshoumaru?'

"What?! No way!" She blushed as she thought of his slender, silver hair, and his handsome face. "Not Sesshoumaru, Sesshoumaru's pocket!"

"Oh, so now you're interested in Sesshoumaru's POCKET!"

"What?! No, I didn't say that!" she murmured sharply, trying to hide her blush from the rest of the class. "Don't you see that purple glow?"

On the tip of her toes, Sango said, "What do you mean, `purple glow'? All I see is that beautiful, dark blue robe, which, might I say, I made."

Kagome sighed, and replied, "Stop being so ridiculous! That purple glow, in his left pocket!"

"Kagome, why don't you stop being ridiculous? There is no purple glow."

Sango left Kagome confused, as she was mending Hiten's cloak. Kagome sneaked over to the other students, who were watching the play intently. As Sesshoumaru came closer, Kagome leaned forward and tried to peek into his baggy pocket, but the thick folds covered the insides. However, in her attempt to see the source of the glow, she tipped forward, smashing into Sesshoumaru himself. As they toppled back, a small object bounced out of his pocket. Kagome sat up from he sprawled position with scarlet cheeks. She glanced over at Sesshoumaru, who was collapsed on the ground, clearly stunned by the girl who just knocked him over.

She rushed over to him, practically dragged him up and blubbered, "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to push you over. Are you oka-"

She stopped short as she saw the small jewel on the ground, sparkling in the stage light.

"The Shikon No Tama..." she breathed.

Quickly she snatched it up before anyone could see, but Sesshoumaru grabbed her arms before she could get away.

"Excuse me, but that is mine."

Solemnly, he pointed to her clutched fist and opened his palm indicating his command.

She looked up into his deep bronze eyes (A/N: Shiny....) and blushed as she stuttered, "But...but...but..."

But, before she could say anything, Kagura interrupted with her booming voice. "Kagome! Stop distracting Sesshoumaru and let us get on with the show!"

With all the looks people were giving her, she had no choice but to give in and let Sesshoumaru have the jewel.

As she sulked away, Kagome quickly glanced back to Sesshoumaru. `He has the Shikon No Tama. I need to get it back. Wait...but doesn't that mean that Sesshoumaru...is...my prince?' Silver hair flashed before her eyes. `It all fits! The Shikon No Tama, the silver hair...he's the one I lost. But...how will I tell him? What if I'm wrong? I don't want to be wrong! I don't want waiting anymore! I want...my prince..."

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

As the ashen snow fell across her shoulders, Kagome worriedly sat at the base of the Goshinboku tree, pondering over her dilemma.

`So...all this time, Sesshoumaru was the one. The one in my nightmares, the one I forgot, the one with the Shikon No Tama, the one...who was my prince. But how can I tell him? Hey Sess! You're my prince! No...I'd probably just scare him off.' Pausing a moment from her thoughts, she gazed up into the sky. She quietly curled into a ball, holding her knees to her chest. She closed her eyes, and snowflakes tangled themselves in her hair. The dim sun brought light upon her cheeks, warming them just a bit. `I wish life was simple, perfect, the opposite of mine. I have to tell Sesshoumaru someday.....oh, how I wish Karena was here. No, I won't be weak. I will take care of myself.'

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Sesshoumaru fingered the fragile jewel in his big, slender hands. Occasionally, sparks of light would fly out, warming his fingers. `So...this belongs to Inuyasha. I wish he would talk to me. *sigh* But of course, he's as stubborn as a mule. He'd probably never give in. I might as well leave. I need to track down Naraku; I've no time for schoolwork. That's it. I'm leaving this weekend.' He gazed sadly down at the Shikon No Tama. `Perhaps this will be a souvenir of my almost brotherly bonding.' He snapped the clasp behind his neck and tucked it beneath his silky white shirt. The crystal felt warm against his skin, almost urging him to rest a while, but he shook the drowsy thoughts away, confused by the strange effect.

He glided down the stairs of his hotel, eager to sign out of the wretched school that did no use for him.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Kagome sat up hotly, steamed by her worrying. She roughly pushed back a loose strand of hair that brushed her cheeks annoyingly. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair was strewn all over the place. Her eyebrows knotted as a pout sat on her lips. She had had a restless nap, dreaming of Sesshoumaru and Karena laughing at her. That didn't bother her too much until Inuyasha came. She had believed it was only because he was Sesshoumaru's twin. However, as he came closer...and closer...and as a blush formed on her cheeks, he stopped and smiled wickedly. It was a cruel laugh, piercing her ears and shattering her head. She fell to her knees and saw the Shikon No Tama before her. She raced toward it, but it rolled away. Faster, and faster she ran, but she couldn't catch the jewel. And those three familiar faces just stared at her, emotionless. She couldn't take it. She yelled and screamed and let out all her anger...until she woke up.

But the thing was, she couldn't figure out what it meant. Why was Inuyasha there and why was he laughing? What did everything represent? Suddenly, the room felt too hot and stuffy. Dizzily, she tottered to the frosted window and slid it open, sticking her head out to breathe the chilled air. Gingerly, she patted her burning cheeks. Leaving the window open to let out the heat, she walked to her dresser. Kagome took out some loose fitting cotton long pants and a shirt and stomped to the bathroom for a refreshing shower.

Steam rushed out with Kagome after her shower. She quickly dressed and plopped on her bed, shivering. The cold had slid into her room, taking away its last bit of warmth. She slammed the window down and buried herself in the quilts. She felt better, like the shower had washed away her worries and irritation. She pulled her damp hair back into a tight knot at her neck, comforted by the cold sharp feel, rather then an itchy, tangled mess. Her eyes were now a warm azure, and were only half open by her laziness. Heat from the heater had crawled into her body, and the room was nice and toasty. Kagome sighed, sitting up, and let a giant smile on her face.

She let out a nervous laugh and said to no one in particular, "What am I worrying for? I've found the Shikon No Tama and my......friend." She still couldn't bring herself to call Sesshoumaru her prince yet. "I can't rely on Karena, or anyone else. I need to take control myself. If that is what was meant for me....after all, everyone is gone....I can't lose anything..." she gazed at her dresser, and the bow and arrows lying on it. "...except, perhaps, Inuyasha?"

She thought of him, and of all her dreams, her times with him, and a pang crept into her chest, that wouldn't go.

She forcefully said again, "No! I won't rely on Inuyasha. And I won't wait anymore."

She glanced at the clock. Five o'clock. She threw on a coat, scarf, and boots and slipped outside past Kaede and Shippo, who were watching TV.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Miroku had dragged Sango, shivering, to the snow covered park.

"What the hell are we doing here Miroku?! I'm friggin cold!" Sango yelled, her teeth chattering.

"Now, now, my dear Sango, a dirty mouth shouldn't be on such a pretty face."

She grunted, and mumbled, "Fine, just don't try any funny business, mister."

Miroku made an innocent face, as if to say, `Moi? Never!'

She sighed and sat down on the wool blanket already on the ground and covered with snow. She closed her eyes and rubbed her mittens together, trying to create some sort of friction. As she opened her eyes, she saw a steaming mug underneath her nose.....connected to Miroku's hand. She silently took the mug and thanked him in a tiny voice.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, Sango with a dark pink hue on her cheeks.

Finally Miroku whispered, "Sango, do you hate me?"

Surprised, she just stared at his sad, cold eyes, until she could say, "No, I just...." and drifted off.

The pink circles on her cheeks now became red. Uncomfortable as she was, she couldn't help wondering if she really should tell him, or looking into his eyes and melting under his intense stare. Blushing even more from thinking those thoughts (A/N: I still haven't blushed yet!) she quickly looked away. Fortunately for her, the bush rustled and snow crackled behind them at that exact moment.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Kagome strolled to the park. Seeing Sesshoumaru, she quickly sped up her pace, wanting to ask him her questions. As she got closer, she realized he was holding the jewel, with worry written on his face. She ran up to him, lightly touching his shoulder. He twitched and instantly turned around.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you."

He shook his head and mumbled, "No problem, Kagome."

The sound of his voice saying her name sent shivers down her spine. Why was he so cold and emotionless? Was he always like this? Or was it because of the accident? Maybe it was something else. She gave a small, forced smile, but he didn't seem to notice. Taking a deep breath, she prepared to ask him.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Sango and Miroku jumped at the intrusion. They spun around and saw Inuyasha standing behind them, grinning evilly.

"So this is what you two do in your spare time! I never would've guessed..."

Miroku jumped up and yelled, "Hey I'm a pervert, but I'm not a pervert!"

Inuyasha shook his head and said, "Man, you need to listen to what you say. Sometimes, your idiocy confuses even me."

"What, so you're the king of idiots?"

Sango crept to the bushes and gasped at the sight. Quickly, she pulled the quarreling boys to the blanket.

"Quiet!" she hissed. Pointing through the bushes, she whispered, "Look over there."

It was Kagome and Sesshoumaru, talking together. As Kagome touched Sesshoumaru's shoulder, Inuyasha felt a growl knot in his throat, and a pain in his heart.

~

"Ummm....Sesshoumaru, may I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Well...."

She paused. What would she say? She gazed at the jewel. He twirled it around, catching the bit of light the drifted through the white clouds. Reaching out a hand, she caught it, holding it still.

"This jewel...."

~

Inuyasha fell silent, looking at the two.

"The Shikon No Tama," he breathed.

"What?!" Sango asked.

Inuyasha didn't answer. What will she ask him? That's my jewel! Why does he have it? And why do I feel like this when I see Kagome with.....him?

~

Kagome reached forward and brushed the diamond still dangling from those long, slender fingers.

"Sesshoumaru, can't you see? I gave you this jewel. I gave you the Shikon No Tama. You're my prince," she murmured.

Tears threatened to flow. Please don't deny my words. Please don't tell me I'm wrong.

Sesshoumaru smelled salt in the air. He ignored his instincts and said harshly, "I have no idea what you're talking about Kagome. Now if you're done playing games, I have to go."

~

Inuyasha gasped. Prince? Shikon No Tama? That must mean....

Could it be that Kagome's his princess? The one eleven years ago.

~

Kagome bit her lip, forcing herself to grow up! She shook her head vigorously, showing she understood, but kept her head low and let her bangs cover her face as tears streamed down her cheeks. She sharply took in breaths, trying to drown out her sobs.

Inuyasha ran out of the bushes, followed by Sango and Miroku.

Furiously, Inuyasha yelled, "What's wrong with you Sesshoumaru?! Why'd you make her cry?!"

But Kagome burst into more tears and said between difficult breaths, "It's ok Inuyasha, it wasn't his fault. I'm just too naïve." She turned to Sesshoumaru, bowed and said, "Arigatou, Sesshoumaru. I realize I'm wrong."

She turned and ran down the snowy streets with her hair sticking to her cheeks, wet her tears. Inuyasha grabbed the jewel stormed off, leaving the three standing in the flurry of falling snow, now almost purple because of the setting sun.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Kagome plopped on the curb of her old home. The cold cement was cool against her thin pants. She sobbed into her arms until she was out of tears. She laid against the grass, gazing at the stars with sore eyes and sticky cheeks. One star caught her eye. The purple one, glowing warmly, twinkling like a little eye. But today, it wasn't welcoming. It was taunting, laughing at her stupidity in trusting life. She remembered that day her mother left. She saw the star that so resembled the Shikon no Tama.

She stood up, furious, and yelled at the star, "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! I HATE THE SHIKON NO TAMA! I WISH IT NEVER EXISTED! DO YOU HEAR THAT KARENA? I QUIT! I'M NOT A MIKO! I DON'T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE SHIKON NO TAMA! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!"

No response came.

"WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?! I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME! JUST STOP IT!"

She knelt down, feeling the snow melt beneath her fingers and the damp grass crumble.

"I don't want to try anymore. I give up. I'm going to forget the Shikon No Tama, Karena, Sesshoumaru, my prince, even Inuyasha."

She blinked angrily, as she realized she could never forget Inuyasha.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrggggggggg!!!!!! Too sappy! I'm turning into a sappy romance writer! Noooooooooo!!!!!!!! Of course, no offense to all you sappy romance writers out there....*cough*

Like I said, I will probably be finishing this tomorrow. Maybe in time for Valentines Day? I don't know. Anyways, it will be the last chapter, and as long as I can make it. Yes, it will be a happy ending for all you readers out there. Please! No fruits or vegetables!

Would you like to R/R for the sappy romance writer? ^ ~