InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Something Happens... ❯ Chapter Six ( Chapter 6 )

Disclaimer: Inuyasha is the property of Rumiko Takahashi and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is the property of Karan Johar. I own this computer…that's about it

 

Kagome Higurashi stared at herself in the mirror and mentally recounted how she'd gotten to this particular junction in life.

 

Not that it was a bad place to be, she mused, some would consider it enviable. She was a pediatrician with a small practice, a lovely little condo, a suitable car, a healthy retirement fund, friends she adored, a devoted fiancé and all of her teeth. Baring them to be sure, she nodded. No, it was unacceptable that she would mope around as though something were lacking. Even if she felt it every day of her life.

 

“Kagome, dear? Guests are arriving…”

 

“Coming Mama.” she called, her voice modulated and reserved. Standing, she adjusted the simple strand of pearls she wore at her neck. Double checking to be sure that her sheath dress had no lint on it and that her chignon was still in place, she resisted the urge to stick out her tongue at the image.

 

Such things weren't appropriate for a lady.

 

“You look lovely.”

 

“Thank you, Mama.” she responded, still subdued. Following her down the stairs, she was greeted at the landing by Koga who was wearing an exquisitely cut grey suit.

 

Tall and athletic with beautiful eyes and long glossy raven locks, he was considered quite a handsome man. Taking into account that he was the sole heir to a financial giant, he'd been topping eligible bachelor lists since his late teens. She had no idea why he'd singled her out but since meeting him at a benefit for the local children's hospital years ago, he had pursued her relentlessly.

 

“There's my bride.” he proclaimed with a wide grin. She gave him a small smile and rested her hand on his arm. “You look beautiful.”

 

“Thank you. You look good too…”

 

“Better than good!” one of her friends piped in from behind her.

 

“He looks like a dream!” another tittered. Not acknowledging their display, Kagome let him lead her across the room, stopping to talk to people along the way.

 

“Is everything alright?” he asked leaning into her, concern written across his face.

 

“Of course.” she assured him.

 

“Are you sure? I mean it's our engagement party and you look as though it's a funeral.”

 

“Don't be silly.” It was completely normal to feel entirely detached from everything. It was just the amount of people there. At least that's what she told herself.

 

“I know it's gotten out of hand a bit. It's Dad, he wants to impress all of his clients.”

 

“It's okay. I understand.” she responded automatically.

 

“We can leave.” he offered recklessly. Startled by his words she looked up into his turquoise eyes, taking in his open smile and felt a stab of guilt. Shaking her head slightly, she smiled at him.

 

“Thank you for offering though.” she teased, eyes flashing with amusement.

 

“There's my girl. You scared me for a minute. I thought you were having second thoughts.”

“If I was?” she said distantly.

 

“No, no, no. It took forever to get you to say yes and I will carry you to that alter if I have to…” he mock threatened. Giving him a wan smile, she assured him that such barbarism weren't necessary before excusing herself. Watching her walk away, Koga's smile faltered a little.

 

He knew there were things she held back from him, things that held her back. Maybe he had pushed her into this engagement but he had known from the moment he'd laid eyes on her that he loved her. She was perfection in every way. Despite the veil of sadness that seemed to hover over her, he'd seen the flashes of humor and mischief that swirled in her beautiful blue-grey eyes. He had been sure that if he was patient enough and showed her that he loved her, she'd be sure to love him eventually. After four years of dating on and off, countless declarations, and no less than eight proposals, she'd finally said yes. His plan had worked. Still…it sometimes seemed as though she was a carbon copy of herself, the remainder of someone else. Pushing aside his dark thoughts, he shook hands with another of his father clients, smiling widely.

 

Safely in the room that was temporarily hers, Kagome closed her eyes and sank onto the bed, hands pressed to her chest. Forcing the feeling of claustrophobia back, she reprimanded herself inwardly. She'd known what she was getting herself into, there was no point in being childish about it.

 

“Kagome?” her mother said knocking at the door. Sitting up straight, she quickly composed herself before calling for her to enter. “Are you all right? Souta told me you came up here.”

 

“I'm fine.” she said giving her a slight smile. “Just needed some air.”

 

“It is quite crowded down there.” she admitted with a nod. “I suppose it's Koga's father's insistence on a western style wedding. Oh, but everything is so beautiful. I wish your father was here to see you, he'd be so proud.” Looking at her daughter's drawn and pale face, Kaori paused before asking the question that had been plaguing her. “But are you happy Kagome?”

 

“Why wouldn't I be?” she answered evasively, unwilling to lie to her mother. Kaori knew this and used it to her advantage.

 

“Do you love him?”

 

Looking down at her now folded hands, her voice was quiet. “Please, Mother, don't ask me that.” Her mother looked at her sadly and she sighed. “I think he's a nice man who loves me very much. I will marry him, I will be faithful to him, and I will live out the rest of my days with him because it's what I'm supposed to do.” She looked up at her, eyes bright with tears that weren't to be shed. “But I cannot love him. I have no heart to give…I gave it away long ago.”

 

“Don't marry him then Kagome! You'll bring no shame to our family, I swear. I don't want you to be in such a marriage-”

 

“It's already done.” she cut her off in a firm yet respectful voice. “Come on, let's join our guests. It's bad manners to be missing form your own party.” she joked, giving a halfhearted attempt at lightening the mood.

 

“Kagome, at least consider things.”

 

“I've been considering things for ten years, mama. It's time to move on with my life and that's exactly what I'm doing. Please-” her voice caught and she closed her eyes again, breathing deeply to calm herself. “Please just trust me.” Grudgingly, Kaori nodded her head following her elegantly attired daughter down the stairs. What good is such elegance if your soul is empty? Where is your love Kagome? Where is your heart? she thought, her own aching for her child.

 

Hours later as the party was dwindling down, Koga's father was asking about Kagome's upcoming trip. Face lighting up with genuine enthusiasm, she explained that she volunteered each summer at a camp for children, pulling double duty as the nurse and activities director. Secretly, she felt like it was one of the few things that truly brought her joy outside of her day to day work.

 

“Gone three months, eh?” he huffed. “Well, that won't do at all once you're married.”

 

“Excuse me?” she responded blinking.

 

“Who's supposed to care for my boy while you're off gallivanting in the mountains?”

 

Gallivan-! Of all the nerve…Clenching her jaw slightly, she kept her voice even as she responded. “With all due respect, sir, Koga understands my responsibility to the camp and the campers and he is easily capable of taking care of himself, as he has for the past 30 plus years.”

 

“Why would he need a wife then?” he remarked, bewildered by the notion.

 

“I actually figured once we were married and started having kids you'd stop going up there…” Koga admitted with a shrug. “I really don't want you to go now, what with it being so close to the wedding.”

 

Shaking her head in disbelief, she pinned him with a disappointed look. “I thought you understood the importance of this, Koga.”

 

“I do! But what woman wants to spend the time she'd supposed to spend on her honeymoon at a camp?”

 

“That is if my grandfather sanctions the wedding before then.” she reminded him, folding her arms over her chest. “Regardless, I'm going.”

 

“All right, all right.” He held up his hands and smiled sweetly. “I know when to admit defeat. Anything to make you happy…” Dropping a kiss on the top of her head, he led his sputtering father away. Pushing the anger down, she practiced her breathing techniques and carefully arranged her face into a mask of calm serenity. Spotting her grandfather in his priestly robes, she approached him kissing his cheek.

 

“Ah my girl, just who I was looking for!” he chuckled, a warm hand patting her on the back. Smiling at him indulgently, Kagome took his arm guiding him through the room.

 

“So what's the word?” she teased lowly.

 

“All of the proper offerings have been made, all omens are good…I believe you can be married this very week.” he declared proudly as Koga approached them.

 

“So soon?” she asked, a slight hitch in her voice.

 

“What great news!” Koga crowed as he slid his arm around her, pulling her close. “Attention everyone! Kagome and I are to be married this week!”

 

The applause and well wishing of those around her seemed muffled and dim. As she nodded her thanks, she swore she could feel her chest caving in. Grasping to her convictions and trying desperately to remember her breathing, she could almost feel that old wound in her heart straining under the pressure. Ignoring it, she forced a smile. It was time, even the gods had decreed it so.

 

“I believe she still lives here. According to my secretary, this where her school mail goes.” Kaede explained as she led them up the flower lined path to the cozy looking house. Kagome and Izayoi trailed behind holding hands. As Kaede knocked, Kagome looked at Izayoi anxiously. According to Kaede, this was the only person who might know where Kagome was…

 

The door opened to reveal a tall, lithe brunette with kind eyes that widened at the sight of the older woman. “Headmistress Kaede?” she asked in confusion.

 

“Sango, my dear, how are you?” she smiled genuinely.

 

“I'm fine. And you?”

 

“I'm well. As you may have guessed, this is not a pleasure call.”

 

Sango's eyes flicked over the rest of the guests, settling on the young girl. Small in stature, her eyes belied her age. Wide and pleading, there was sadness there that most children didn't know. Her features were delicate and rounded, set into a determined expression…but what stood out most was her hair. Thick and straight, it was the most lovely silvery shade. As it dawned on her that this was not the first time she'd seen such a color, her gaze fell on a green scarf that rested on her slender shoulders. A scarf she'd last seen as a sad girl walked away.

 

“Inuyasha and Kagome.” she murmured, shocked. Shaking her head and blinking, she stepped aside opening the door wide. “Where are my manners? Please, come in.” Her eyes remained on the young girl who stopped and looked up at her. Crouching, Sango smiled softly.

 

“What's your name?”

 

“Kagome.”

 

Trying and failing to hide her surprise at this, Sango looked up at Izayoi and Kaede for a moment before turning back to her. “Pleased to meet you Kagome. I'm Sango.”

 

“I know. You were Kagome Higurashi's friend. That's why we're here…” As she explained, Sango's eyes filled with tears. How had things happened like this? She'd always assumed that Inuyasha and Kikyo were living a perfect life somewhere, together. So had Kagome. Shaking her head in despair over what she'd heard and what she'd have to tell them, she met the girl's eyes apologetically.

 

“I'm so sorry…but you're too late.” she explained, looking at all of them. “Kagome is betrothed. She called me just a few hours ago and informed me that the wedding is at the end of the week…”

 

Kagome's eyes filled with tears as she stepped back, not wanting to believe her words. Holding back her tears, she frantically tried to think of the next step. She hadn't been prepared for this. Mother, help me…she begged silently, small hands fisting the scarf that had been left for her years ago. Feeling a sense of calm and purpose come over her, she could hear her mother's words in her head. Fate…destiny…love…

 

Sango was facing Izayoi and Kaede who were asking her how to reach Kagome. Sighing, she fidgeted slightly. “I'm not so sure that's the best idea…It took her a long, long time to get over Inuyasha…Perhaps it would just be best to leave things as they are. After all, she's getting married this week.”

 

“If we just had a chance to speak to her…” Izayoi tried.

 

“I really don't see how it could change anything. Perhaps if you'd come earlier…” Her phone rang and she excused herself to answer it. The two women looked at each other fretfully before Kaede noticed Kagome. Sitting on the floor, she was completely calm as she meditated.

 

“What is she…”

 

“She's praying.” Izayoi said softly. “For a miracle.”

 

Sango came back into the room with an odd look on her face as she clutched her cell phone. “That was Kagome…one of the offerings to her ancestors fell into the dirt. Her grandfather took it as a bad omen. The wedding is pushed back a month…” she murmured, focused on little Kagome. The women gasped and Sango came to sit in front of the girl as she opened her eyes, taking her hands into her own. “I never believed in fate or miracles, but I can truly say I've seen one today.” She searched the young face, apparently finding what she was looking for. “She's leaving for a camp in the mountains where she'll be all summer. You can find her there.”

 

“Thank you.” Kagome said softly before leaning forward and hugging her. Sango closed her eyes and said a quick prayer for the child who wasn't much older than her own.

 

“I hope you find what your looking for.” she told her as they left, information in hand. Your happiness, she added silently. And maybe, just maybe, you can bring Kagome hers as well.

 

Kagome sat quietly as Koga's father blustered on about the postponed wedding date. Koga held her hand, looking at her anxiously. She had never been so thankful for a less than sturdy table in her life. It was strange - she was so ready to get this over with and start her life…Yet when her grandfather blessed the date, she felt as though all of the walls were closing in on her. Meeting Koga's gaze, he smiled at her wistfully.

 

“I really wanted this date to be the right one. But I know how important your grandfather's blessing is, so I'll wait.”

 

Guilt stabbed at her again and she brushed it aside. “Thank you.”

 

“Guess this means I'm going on that business trip.” he smirked.

 

“Trying to use our wedding to shirk your duties, eh?” she giggled. He chuckled and shrugged.

 

“If that's what it takes. Will I see you when I return?”

 

“No, I'll be at the camp by then.” His face fell but he nodded. “Are you going back to your father's?”

 

“Hell no. It took me this long to get you to say yes so I'm staying right here until your old man says the time is right. I'll pray all day if I have to…” he muttered. She smiled at him again, leaning forward to kiss his cheek. His eyes darkened with emotion as he reached up to touch her face. “I love you…”

 

“Mm.” she murmured before pressing a chaste kiss to his lips and heading back to her room. He sighed looking after her. One day, she'll say it…

 

As Kagome closed her door again she rested her head against the solid wood letting the tension drain from her frame. She hated when he said that. She wouldn't - couldn't- return the sentiment and it pained her every time to see the disappointment in his eyes. Suddenly feeling very tired, the task of getting changed seemed daunting. Locking the door as she eyed the inviting bed, she permitted herself to just sink into it, kicking her heels across the room.

 

Snuggling into the pillow, for a moment the weight of maintaining her persona was lifted and for the first time all day she relaxed

 

Kagome and Izayoi sat at the dining room table across from each other.

 

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Izayoi asked, looking at her appraisingly.

 

“Yes.” she responded with no hesitation.

 

“He's not going to like it.”

 

“I know…but we have to Granny.”

 

Nodding, Izayoi picked up the phone and dialed the number on the small piece of paper. “Hello? Yes, I was interested in sending my granddaughter to your camp…I can hold.”

 

A/N: Thank you guys so much for all of the feedback, it's greatly appreciated.

 

Edited A/N: Posting in an allergy daze is not recommended. I think I've worked all of the kinks out of the chapter…but that could be my medicine talking.