InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Imperfect Love ❯ An Imperfect Girl ( Chapter 2 )

 

Chapter 1: The Imperfect Girl

 

“KAGOME!! COME DOWN FROM THERE!!!” cried Ayume staring in horror at her friend who was climbing a very tall, rather perilous tree. “I take it back! You can do it! You can reach the darned branch! I believe you! Now please come down! If you fall, you'll break your leg…or worse.”

 

Kagome laughed and glanced down at her friend out of the corner of her eye. “Don't worry, Ayume-chan. I'm fine. Just a little further...”

 

Ayume clasped her hands to her mouth and gasped in horror as Kagome climbed a particularly dangerous part with very shallow footholds, slippery with moss. Her foot almost slipped once but she managed to keep her balance. Then with one last heave, she was there; on the topmost branch. She stood up and smiled down at Ayume triumphantly.

 

“What did I tell you, Ayume-chan?”

 

Ayume scowled. “Yes! You've proved your point. I'm sorry I challenged the mighty Kagome. Now please come down before your mum comes out and skins me alive for giving you another excuse for climbing up there!”

 

Kagome pretended to think. “Hmmm….its quite fun up here. I don't feel like coming down yet. Maybe I'll stay up here for a while.”

 

Ayume looked like she was on the verge of a heart attack. “Kagome! Stop teasing me and come down!”

 

Kagome laughed again. “Stop worrying so much Ayume-chan. And even if I get hurt, mum won't blame you. I'm the one who agreed to do this. It's not your fault.” She sighed in pleasure as the wind picked up and the cool breeze washed over her, somehow much fresher than on the ground. “Besides, you know I climb trees all the time.”

 

Ayume closed her eyes and put two fingers to her head, as if looking for divine inspiration. “I know that, Kagome. And may I remind you, you were not supposed to be doing that any of those times? And anyway, this is the tallest tree around! Can you imagine if you fell from there??”

 

Kagome smiled. “Relax, Ayume, I'm not going to fall.” She grinned devilishly. “Besides, you're the one who dared me to climb it.”

 

She gritted her teeth in frustration. “Yeah but I didn't think you'd actually do it!”

 

“Oh stop yelling, Ayume,” chided Kagome. “You have no idea how the view is from up here.” She could see the whole village; the small huts, the forest, tinted orange by the rays of the late afternoon sun, the birds chasing each other in the sky. “It's beautiful…”

 

Ayume sighed in exasperation. “Kagome, if you don't come down right now, I'll-“

 

“Kagome! Inuyasha's here to see you!” called Mrs. Higurashi as she came looking for her daughter. “Kagome?”

 

She looked at Ayume and raised a questioning brow. Ayume silently pointed upwards. Mrs. Higurashi sighed and looked up. “Kagome, dear, please come down now and do try not to break anything, your friend's waiting for you.”

 

“Be right down, ma!” called Kagome as she began the equally, if not more, perilous journey down.

 

Mrs. Higurashi went in while Ayume waited for Kagome to come down. She jumped back a few steps as Kagome leaped down the last few branches of the tree. She crossed her arms and scowled at the disheveled but grinning Kagome. “That's the last time I dare you to do anything.”

 

Kagome laughed and they both went towards the house.

 

…

 

Inuyasha was at the shrine, scowling and tapping his foot impatiently. What was taking her so long?? His dog-ears perked up as he heard Kagome's voice outside. He went out to meet her.

 

“Hey Inuyasha!” she waved, smiling.

 

Inuyasha stopped scowling and waved back. “Hey Kagome!”

 

Then she came nearer and he frowned at the leaves in her hair and in the hakama of her miko outfit. Her white haori was dirty from the bark of the tree. “Where have you been? You're covered in dirt and leaves.” His frown deepened. “Have you been climbing trees again?”

 

Kagome grinned. “Yup!”

 

Inuyasha grimaced. “I told you not to do that!”

 

Kagome's grandfather, who had heard the conversation, chuckled. “That's my girl!” Kagome smiled brightly at him.

 

Inuyasha's scowl darkened. Kagome stared steadily at him.

 

“Don't try to tell me what to do, Inuyasha. It…won't be good for you.”

 

Inuyasha snorted and gave her a superior look. “What're you gonna do to me? You're just a human.”

 

Kagome blinked at him innocently. “How's your hair now, Inuyasha?”

 

Inuyasha cringed at the reminder. Once, Inuyasha had made her angry. She had yelled at him and in return, Inuyasha had taunted her about being powerless to do anything to a half-demon like him. The next day, in the herbs he used to wash his hair, there was a mysterious addition with the result that his hair had been muddy (literally) and sticky and stinky for days. Needless to say, Inuyasha and Kagome did not speak for several days.

 

He crossed his arms and turned away. “Keh. Whatever.”

 

Kagome smiled and shook her head. Really, he never learnt, did he? “So, what's new, Inuyasha?” she asked.

 

Inuyasha turned immediately and his ears perked up. “Oh yeah, see you made me forget! I actually came to ask you if you'll go to the festival with me.”

 

Kagome frowned. “I don't think so, Inuyasha. You know I don't really like fairs and huge, crowded festival celebrations...”

 

“I hear there's gonna be dancing…” he raised a brow at her and smirked arrogantly.

 

Ayume let out a small gasp and looked at Kagome with shining eyes. Kagome sighed. “We've been over this, Inuyasha. I don't like dancing. And I can't dance. Remember that one time I had tried and tripped on a torch-holder and set the place on fire?”

 

Inuyasha tsked impatiently. “Yeah but that time you were alone! This time, I'll be there to catch you” He smiled rakishly.

 

“Thanks Inuyasha but no. I…just don't…think it'll be fun.”

 

Ayume's jaw dropped.

 

Inuyasha's ears drooped a bit. “Are you sure?”

 

Kagome smiled. “Yeah. But you can go! I'm sure you'll have no shortage of dancing partners.”

 

“Yeah…” Inuyasha mumbled moodily and turned abruptly to go. “I guess I'll see you around then.”

 

Kagome was used to his impulsive ways. “Alright then, bye! Hope you have fun!”

 

Inuyasha didn't look like he was going to have much fun.

 

…

 

As soon as he was out of earshot, Ayume rounded on Kagome. “Are you out of your mind???”

 

Kagome stepped back. “What??”

 

“When a hot, awesome guy who's totally in love with you asks you to dance, you say yes!”

 

Kagome held up her hands. “Ayume, he's not in love with me. He's just flirting.”

 

Ayume waved her arms. “Yeah well that's how love begins! With flirting!”

 

Kagome sweatdropped. “I don't think that's quite how it goes…”

 

“Yes it is! Kagome, you're nineteen years old and you don't have a boyfriend. You don't even like anyone…”

 

“That's not true!” protested Kagome. “I like Inuyasha! Just…not like that. As a friend, you know?”

 

Ayume tapped her forehead in exasperation. “I know, Kagome. But don't you understand? This way, you're never gonna find anybody!”

 

Kagome was getting annoyed now. “What do you mean this way? What the hell is this way?”

 

Ayume spread her arms wide. “This way. You know he's just a friend. All your guy friends are just friends. Don't you think it's high time at least someone became more than just friends?”

 

“Ayume, I can't believe you're saying this to me. It's not my fault I haven't fallen in love yet!”

 

Ayume looked at her pityingly. “And just how do you expect to do that, Kagome?”

 

Kagome bit her lip. “I dunno. I guess…when it happens, I'll know…”

 

Ayume sighed impatiently. “That is not- you won't know, unless you make an effort to, you know, like someone.”

 

Kagome crinkled her nose in disgust. “I am not going to look at every guy I meet in the light of future husband, Ayume. That's just…I can't do that.”

 

Ayume gave up. “Fine. Do what you like.”

 

…

 

Exasperated at her friend's stubbornness, Ayume stomped off to her house.

 

“What do I care what she does…” she muttered to herself. “Can stay a maiden for the rest of her life for all I care…”

 

Kagome smiled, her eyes a little sad, as she watched Ayume go.

 

“Ma!” she called. “I'm going over to Sango's!”

 

“Ok dear. Come home early!” replied Mrs. Higurashi

 

She began to walk towards a nearby hut. As she got closer, she could see a girl practicing martial arts stances in the huge front yard. Her large weapon- a boomerang- lay against the outer walls of the hut.

 

Kagome smiled and waved. “Sango-chan!!!”

 

The girl turned and grinned in return. “Kagome-chan!!”

 

As Kagome came closer, she looked her up and down and grinned mischievously. “I see you've been climbing trees again. Inuyasha can't have been too happy about that.”

 

Kagome laughed. “No he wasn't. He asked me to go to the festival with him.” She shook her head. “I just don't know why he doesn't understand the fact that I just want to be friends.”

 

Sango shrugged and wiped the sweat from her forehead. “Personally, I don't see why you're even friends with him. I know you're not like those silly girls who pretend to hate flirting while you secretly enjoy it.” She made a face.

 

Kagome grinned. “Anyway, I'm ready to begin my lesson.”

 

Sango frowned. “No Kagome. Not yet. You've just recovered and you'll have a relapse if you exert yourself too much.”

 

Kagome had been learning martial arts from Sango for about a year now. She was dedicated and was growing pretty good at it.

 

But unlike Sango, Kagome's constitution was not very strong and on top of that, patience was not one of Kagome's virtues. So, when she didn't progress as rapidly as she had hoped, she pushed herself that much harder. Sango, used to encouraging people to push themselves beyond their limits, did the same with Kagome. But what she didn't know was that Kagome had an iron will and for her, beyond her limits meant literally beyond her limits and after constant overworking, she had had a breakdown with frequent fever and illness. Since then, Sango had been cautious in pushing her hard.

 

“Sango! My fever's gone since yesterday! Come on, I really wanna continue. Besides, I have a lot to make up for since I fell sick.”

 

Sango sighed. “Kagome, stop it. You know you'll overstrain yourself and you can make your face so expressionless regardless of pain that I don't even know when you've had enough! Wait for at least a few days to recover.”

 

Kagome shook her head stubbornly. “No, I am doing this today. Now, either you help me train or I'll train on my own. You choose.”

 

Sango threw up her hands in defeat. “Fine! I'll train you since I can at least make you stop.”

 

She walked over to a tree and placed her palm on it. “Ok. You run from this tree to that one over there, and back. Then we'll proceed. I'll run with you. Ok, ready?”

 

Kagome nodded and took up position. “Ok go!” Sango said and took off.

 

They ran to the tree. Actually, for Sango, it was more of a jog since she had trained as a demon slayer since she was very young and so, running was second nature to her. Rigorous daily exercises and regular training, coupled with an inherently strong constitution resulted in Sango having amazing stamina and a graceful, willowy figure, which she made no attempt to accentuate.

 

They touched the bark of the tree and started back when, a quarter of the way, Kagome stopped suddenly and dropped to one knee, panting. Sango stopped immediately too. “Kagome! Are you alright??”

 

Kagome had her eyes closed and was concentrating on breathing, sweat streaming down her face, which had gone pale. The distance had hardly been a quarter of a mile. Sango looked at her anxiously. She wasn't even out of breath.

 

Finally, she caught her breath a bit and smiled thinly. “I'm fine, Sango. Wow! I guess I'm really out of shape, huh? I'm sorry, I'll definitely try harder.”

 

Sango caught her by the shoulders and shook her. “You are NOT going to try harder! You didn't tell me you were still this weak! You need rest, not martial arts practice.”

 

“But Sango! I-“ Sango cut her off in the middle.

 

“No buts, Kagome! You can train later, anytime. The important thing for you right now is to get well.”

 

Kagome stared at the ground. “Yeah, anytime…”

 

Sango sighed. “Come on, don't feel bad! You're trying, at least! Many people, far more physically fit than you don't even have the guts to try something like martial arts!”

 

“And what good is that?” Kagome asked miserably. “My stamina is worse than a kid's! I hate it…And I was getting good too till that stupid fever came along…”

 

Sango had been healthy as a horse since childhood. She was seldom sick, and even when she was, recovered quickly. Therefore, she couldn't understand how Kagome could fall sick every second day. If she'd been anyone but her best friend, Sango would have suspected she pretended to be sick on purpose but since she was Kagome, she was more inclined to suspect that she was weaker than she let on.

 

She didn't know what to say, so she looked at her helplessly. “Come on cheer up, Kagome-chan! You'll get better.”

 

Kagome didn't look like she was feeling any better. “Yeah, if you say so…”

 

Sango helped her to her feet. Kagome swayed a bit, then blinked and maintained her balance. Sango held her by the arm.

 

Kagome smiled at her. “I better get going. Mama must be waiting for me.”

 

Sango frowned. “Don't you want to rest a while?”

 

Kagome shook her head. “No I'll go home and rest.”

 

“Are you going to be alright, or do you want me to drop you home?”

 

“No, no I'm fine really, Sango. I'll go home.”

 

Sango looked doubtful but though she fell sick often and got dizzy sometimes, Kagome had never fainted.

 

“Alright, but you take care. Eat properly and take rest, ok?”

 

Kagome smiled. “Ok sure! Bye Sango and sorry about the-“

 

Sango shook her head. “No don't apologize, Kagome. It's not your fault. We'll train once you get well.”

 

Kagome nodded and left.

 

…

 

Exhausted and frustrated, Kagome returned home. “Mama!” She called. “I'm home!”

 

Mrs. Higurashi came out, wiping her hands on a napkin and smiled. “Good, you're on time, Kagome. Dinner's almost ready. Why don't you freshen up and I'll get everything ready?”

 

Kagome nodded. “Can I have something to drink first, ma? I'm kinda…”

 

Mrs. Higurashi looked at her closely and frowned. “Why do you do this every time, Kagome?” she asked. “I've told you so many times, don't over tax yourself. You trained with Sango again didn't you?”

 

Kagome sighed, and didn't bother pretending to smile. “I'm sorry mama but I just-“

 

Mrs. Higurashi hugged her daughter and whispered. “Kagome, please take care of yourself. You know what the doctor said. After that day, if you over exert yourself-“

 

Kagome disentangled herself from her mother's arms and smiled genuinely. “Nothing will happen to me, ma. I'm fine. I'm just tired because of the fever. I swear I didn't do anything too taxing, just ran a bit.”

 

Mrs. Higurashi looked troubled but nodded. “Alright just wait here. I'll get you some lemon juice to drink.”

 

Kagome nodded and sat down.

 

…

 

Later, after dinner had been had, dishes washed and put away, Kagome dressed for bed and crawled under the blanket. Her mother, who slept next to her, was almost asleep already. She smiled and kissed her softly on the forehead. “Oyasumi nasai, mama.”

 

Mrs. Higurashi smiled sleepily and muttered. “Oyasumi nasai, Kagome.”

 

Her mother soon fell asleep but despite being completely worn out, Kagome couldn't sleep. She sat up and looked out the window which was right next to her bed. The light of the almost full moon cast a dim glow over the quiet village, and from her window, Kagome could see the edge of the forest, dark and mysterious and inviting. She stared at it, the day's events going through her mind.

 

After a while, she quietly lay down, pulled the blanket over herself and looked at the almost full moon. She had thought she would meet the boy today but apparently she had been wrong.

 

She stared at the moon for a long time and thought I miss you…

 

 

 

 

Alright everyone! Tell me how you found that. I've read all these fanfics where Kagome is either a kick ass, complete tomboy, a whining girly girl or a slut. So I thought of making her a more realistic, imperfect character.

 

All comments and constructive criticism welcome. If there are any spelling or grammatical errors, let me know. PLEASE REVIEW!! But NO FLAMES or I will flame back.