InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Something Happens... ❯ Chapter 7 ( Chapter 7 )

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

 

“But Dad-!”

 

“I said no, Gome.”

 

“It's only for a month!”

 

“Absolutely not.”

 

“Please! Granny will be there the whole time.”

 

“No.”

 

“Dad!”

 

“Kagome Tashio, I said no camp and I mean it! Quit asking!” he yelled as he turned to face her. As her bottom lip began to quiver and her eyes filled with tears, he sighed, scrubbing his face with his hands. “Look, I'm sorry, squirt…I didn't mean to yell. But no camp, I want you to stay here.”

 

“Why?” she sniffled

 

“Cause something could happen to you up there in the mountains. Only animals belong in mountains, not people. And I would be lonely.” he responded as he grabbed his suitcase. Kissing her on the cheek, he ruffled her hair. “How about I take you to the zoo when I get back?”

 

“Okay…” she grumbled. He held out his hands and they completed their handshake. “Have a good trip.”

 

“I'll do my best.” he replied tweaking her nose. Moments later, Izayoi came giving her a skeptical look.

 

“I don't know about this…”

 

“Come on, Granny. He won't stay mad…”

 

“He also won't come after us. He'll mope around here completely alone until we return.”

 

“No, don't you remember when he was overseas and I got the flu? He came home right away…”

 

“But I doubt you'll get sick at the summer…oh. Oh!” she gasped, catching on. Giving the smiling girl a critical look, she pursed her lips. “You know, I'm not entirely convinced that it's a good thing you're so devious.”

 

“Me?” she smiled innocently. “Granny, I know you don't like lying to Dad but we have to get him up there. She's getting married soon.”

 

“That's been bothering me too. What if we do get him there? This woman has an entire life with a fiancé. She probably hasn't thought of him in years…”

 

“No.” she said stubbornly. “Mother said she was in love with him. You don't forget that…”

 

“But Kagome…”

 

“I need you to do this…for me. Please.” she said softly, real tears shimmering in her eyes. Transported to eight years before when a woman with similar eyes pleaded the same thing, she nodded.

 

“Miss Higurashi?”

 

“Come in.” she called. “Ayame? What are you still doing here?”

 

“Ko-Mr.Ookami preferred I stayed behind on this business trip. He believes it would seem inappropriate for us to travel alone anymore.”

 

“That's ridiculous, you're his personal assistant. I'm surprised he was able to dress and feed himself this morning without you there to tell him.”

 

“I placed a call an hour ago. He was starving.” she responded evenly as a smile pulled at the corners of her mouth, Kagome grinned at her and returned to packing her suitcase. The redheaded woman's smile drooped as she watched. Things would be much easier if she hated her…the woman who was marrying her soulmate. Instead, she could almost see why he loved her so much. "So, it's a shame that the wedding was pushed back." Kagome's movements slowed and she cleared her throat.

 

"Yes, a shame..." she murmured, her gaze far away as she clutched a sweater.

 

"Miss...?"

 

"I've got to get going." she smiled pushing the item into the bag before looking at the younger woman. "Can't miss my train."

 

"That's why I'm here." Ayame responded, trying to even out her expression. For a moment, it was almost as if she was happy that the wedding was pushed back... "Mr. Ookami has arranged for a car service to bring you there. An apology of sorts."

 

"That's too much - we're over three hours away!"

 

"The driver is waiting downstairs."

 

"Hmph." she muttered looking at her watch as she picked up the phone to dial the hotel he was staying at. "We'll see about that."

 

"Hello, International."

 

"Hi, Kagome for Kouga Ookami please?"

 

"One moment. International."

 

"Hi, I'd like to speak to my father---I mean, Inuyasha Tashio."

 

"May I ask who's calling?"

 

"Kagome."

 

The receptionist looked at the phone and shrugged. Activating the PA system, she called both names and hummed a little tune as she waited. Surprised to see two handsome males making their way to her, she found herself flustered.

 

"I have a phone call?" Inuyasha asked expectantly. Only one person would call him here...

 

"Me too?" Kouga asked, not sure of who would be calling him.

 

"Lines 3 and 4."

 

"Well who has which?" Inuyasha growled slightly. What if it was important?

"Um... He has three and you have four?" She tried pointing them to the phones.

 

"Kagome?" Inuyasha asked into the receiver, wincing at the poor reception.

 

"I don't need a driver to take me to the camp, I'll take the train like everyone else, thank you. That is if I haven't missed it by now."

 

"Why can't you just do what I tell you to? I said no camp so no camp!" he shouted.

 

"Excuse me?"

 

"We'll talk about this when I get home. No zoo either." he added, irritated.

 

"Well-" Kagome huffed, eyes wide in anger as she slammed the phone down. Glancing at her watch again she sighed. "I guess it will be the driver. And I'll make sure to tip big...serves him right."

 

"...so you see, we're leaving today on the train. The camp will be quick, you'll see." Kagome ranted cheerfully.

 

"So you still think I'm mad? No, no, love - that's what the driver was for, I support you."

 

"Daddy?" Kagome said confused. Despite the reaction, she was fairly certain her father would never say that. Izayoi took the phone.

 

"Oh-ho, Daddy am I?" he chuckled lowly. "That's a nice change..."

 

"What-!" she sputtered before hanging up the phone. Looking at her wide eyed granddaughter she shook her head. "That...was not your father."

 

Kouga looked at the phone quizzically and noticed his companion doing the same. "That was-"

 

"Strange." Inuyasha finished.

 

"Say... by any chance was your call from a Kagome...?"

 

"How'd you know?"

 

"I think I got yours by mistake." he chuckled. "Batty receptionist."

 

"That's a relief." he muttered.

 

"I bet my Kagome is the most beautiful Kagome by far...."

 

"I'd have to disagree."

 

"Yeah? What makes you so sure?"

 

"My Kagome is my eight-year old daughter."

 

Nodding with another chuckle, Kouga gave his assent. "You're probably right then. I hope you get in touch with her."

 

"You're not calling yours back?"

 

"No, no need. She's long gone by now." he said replied with a touch of bitterness as he looked at his watch. "Long gone."

 

Opening the door to the house, he immediately knew he was alone. No television blasting, no food being cooked in the kitchen - they were gone. Inuyasha could feel the panic rising in him at the idea of being left behind again. He pushed it back, assuring himself that they most likely just went to the camp. Spying a note out of the corner of his eye, he lifted it confirming his suspicions. Gone for six weeks, limited telephone use, food in the fridge....Damn it. "I think she gets it from you." he muttered slanting a look at the framed portrait of Kikyo on the entry way table before touching the cool glass gently. Sighing, he shuffled into the kitchen to see what he could scare up. It seemed that being defeated had made him very hungry.

 

"Who's that?"

 

"I don't know...a movie star?"

 

"It's such a big car!"

 

Kagome rolled her eyes as the kids from the camp crowded around the entrance, trying to peer into the darkened glass. Mentally cursing Koga, she thanked the driver and motioned for him to stay in the car. "I can assure you, I've been traveling alone for years." she smiled.

 

"It's Miss Kagome!"

 

Laughing as the regulars ran up to hug her, she dropped the bags in the dirt as she greeted them. "Who wants to walk me to the infirmary?" Small arms shot into the air and she giggled. "Well all of you can't...who's going to welcome the new campers? How about....Shippo?"

 

Puffing out his chest, the small red head strode to the front. "I'll help you Miss Kagome. After all, I'm the strongest one here..."

 

"Are you?" she responded, amused.

 

"Yep. Which is good since my papa always said that a man carries the bags for a lady."

 

"Hmm, well since this big one rolls, why don't you carry this one?"

 

"But it's small..." he said distastefully.

 

"Oh no," she assured him as she crouched down, as if to tell him a secret. "Don't be fooled by the size...this is the most important one. Without this, the camp would stop running."

 

"Really?" he asked wide eyed.

 

" Really." she nodded. "Can I trust you with it?"

 

"Yes." he nodded firmly before lifting the case with care. Kagome smiled to herself as she watched him carry the precious coffeemaker to her quarters. Once there, he carefully placed it on the porch and beamed up at her. Ruffling his ginger hair, she handed him one of the lollipops that were for brave campers and promised to see him at the bonfire. Stepping into the cottage she surveyed the neat infirmary, making mental notes on what needed restocking before heading up the stairs. As she pushed the door open, she could feel the tension drain from her body, a sense of peace settling in its place.

 

Someone - the campers, she supposed - had opened the windows to air out the cozy space, leaving a handmade card on the small table where she planned the daily activities. A soft smile spread across her face as she studied the rough handwriting of various campers. They were why she came back every year...they made her feel human again. They almost made her happy...almost.

After changing into a more camp-friendly outfit, she opened wide the doors of the cottage, smiling and waving at familiar faces.

 

"Kagome? Is that you?"

 

"Of course Totosai." she smiled softly at the elderly camp owner.

 

"My, you look quite the picture." he smiled nodding. "What are you doing there?"

 

"Opening the infirmary."

 

"Hmph. In my day, we didn't get sick..."

 

"Of course not."

 

"Not enough fresh air you know...."

 

Kagome turned with a smile, lending him half an ear. Her eyes caught and held on piercing grey ones that were staring at her. It was a young girl with silvery hair that struck a cord in her. Pushing the irrationality down, she waved to her. As she approached, she excused herself from Totosai. A lovely older woman was smiling at her benevolently holding out her hand as the pair approached.

 

"Hello, I'm Izayoi. I called about volunteering in the infirmary."

 

"Yes, of course! I received the message. But you're a grandmother?"

 

"Ah, sweet child." she laughed lightly.

 

"Sorry, my name is-"

 

"I know." she interrupted gently. Kagome looked to the little girl before crouching in front of her.

 

"Is this your first year at camp?"

 

"Yes."

 

"I'm sure you'll have a blast. What's your name?"

 

"Kagome."

 

She smiled widely. "Mine too. Guess that makes us special, huh?"

 

She regarded her seriously before smiling. "It does."

 

Kagome looked confused as the girl who was so foreign yet so familiar nodded once, smiling again. She looked to the older woman who had tears in her eyes. Very odd...but they seemed nice. Disregarding the feeling, she stood and asked one of the passing counselors to escort them to their rooms. As activities and planning filled her day and her mind, she had almost forgotten about the little Kagome until she saw her sitting alone on a swing near her cabin.

 

"What are you doing out here?"

 

"Just looking at the stars. You can't see them in the city."

 

"I know." Kagome grinned looking up. "Doesn't it seem like the sky is closer here?"

"It does." she smiled before looking down at the small frame cradled in her hands.

 

"What do you have there?"

 

"A picture of my mom."

 

"Aww, missing her already?"

 

"Every day." she answered softly, still smiling. "She's up there. Maybe that's why the sky looks closer."

 

Kagome blanched. "I'm so sorry...I didn't know."

 

"It's okay. I didn't get a chance to meet her...she died when I was born."

 

"Kagome..." she started.

 

"There you are!" Totosai called. "You're supposed to be lighting the bonfire!"

 

"Coming..." she responded, eyes remaining on the little girl. "Would you like to walk with me?"

 

"Sure." Tucking the frame carefully in her pocket she took the woman's offered hand. As they walked, little Kagome looked up at her namesake. I like her, Mother...please be right. As if Kagome could hear her inner dialogue, she smiled down at her but her mind was whirling. No wonder she seems so grown up...there's a sadness in her to be so young...

 

In the comfort of her room, in the comfort of her sleepwear, Kagome used the television for background noise as she worked on activities.

 

"...now for the beat on the street! Anyone you want to send a message to...."

 

"No, no. That won't work for the younger campers." she murmured to herself.

 

"...you totally rock!..."

 

She erased and rewrote again.

 

"I don't even know what I'm doing out here...but Kagome if you hear this, I love you."

 

The pencil clattered to the table, her chair clattered to the floor. As her head whipped around to the screen, she could feel he throat clog with long suppressed tears.

 

There he was. Older, yes - but it was him. Handsome, well built, and boyishly awkward as his golden eyes pleaded with the camera.

 

"...and I miss you. Please, come back home. I'm a mess without you..."

 

She pressed a hand to her chest to try to control her thumping heart.

 

"How sweet! Who's Kagome?"

 

"My daughter. She's eight."

 

Blinking at the screen, she felt that old wound rip open. It was threatening to drown her.

 

"She's away at camp...

Something tugged at her consciousness, something more important than seeing his face again, something...

 

Silvery hair. Large, sad eyes....Kagome! She was his daughter! His and...

 

"She's up there...she died when I was born."

 

Shaking her head, Kagome turned away from the screen as her number feet carried her to the door. As she ran down the stairs and across the open field that separated the campers cabins from her cottage, he mind raced unable to pin down a thought. Her heart was still pounding as she opened the door to the cabin and she found what she was looking for. Kagome, her sweet face in repose, small frame curled in her fist. Gently prying her fingers loose, her pulse pounded in her ears as she turned it over.

 

Kikyo.

 

Biting back a sob, she pressed her hand to her mouth in an attempt not to disturb the little girl. Kikyo died. Kikyo was dead. How did this happen? Why? They were supposed to be happy together, not...this. And this little girl - her daughter - she never knew her...The prickle of tears was an odd sensation, one she hadn't felt in a long time. She knew they wouldn't fall, even now. Carefully tucking the picture back into her hand, she smoothed the downy hair, silently dredging up a prayer her grandfather had taught her years ago before leaving as silently as she had entered.

 

Kikyo. As much as it had hurt to see them together and to know that she wasn't the one for him, she'd never disliked Kikyo. Her own feelings could not obscure the fact that Kikyo loved him too...and he loved her. It had been enough. Enough for her to leave him, sure that they would be happy together...but this? How much had he suffered over the past eight years? If the sadness in his daughter was any indication, greatly.

 

Re-entering her cottage, she turned off the light and crawled under her blankets feeling wrung out. The peace she'd savored tasted like ashes in her mouth. Closing her eyes, Kagome fell asleep to the thump of her battered heart.

 

Inuyasha entered his home sighing deeply. The house seemed much colder when he knew he was alone in it. The faint electric sound of the answering machine light caught his ear and he absently pushed play.

 

"Hi, Daddy - it's me. I just wanted to call to say - Ah-choo! - I love you and I miss you."

 

The end of the message came as Inuyasha pulled the front door closed behind him.

 

AN: Apologies! Things have gotten truly hectic in my life but I haven't given up on this story, I heartily hope anyone who still wants to read it enjoys it. And yes, Inuyasha and Kagome reunite in the next chapter...which will not take 4 months to write.