InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Street Musician ❯ Getting Started ( Chapter 19 )

I do not own Inuyasha & Co.

 

 

Well now, I'm sure you all are excited to see what is in store for Inuyasha and Kagome and I'm glad to have more for you all to enjoy. Therefore, without further ado, here's the next chapter

 

 

Chapter 19: Getting Started

 

 

Inuyasha and Kagome decided to take Sesshomaru up on the offer, and then brought the musicians into the studio to audition with the producers. While the producers and planners listened to the talent before them, none held smiles as the music sailed into their ears and to their hearts. A small crowd of tough cookies, Kagome and Inuyasha began to worry about the decision when clapping started after their last chord faded.

 

The comments from the listeners all came do to, “Lot's of electricity between them, but mediocre music at best.” Both musicians hung their heads at the comments as Inuyasha then set his guitar on the stand and turned off the amp. Then the sound of sliding paper upon the conference table caught his attention. There, before him, sat a smiling producer whose fingers lay upon a stack of papers called a contract. The two musicians eyed each other for a moment, sat down and then proceeded to sign the papers.

 

Six weeks had past, and Sesshomaru's record company had a chance to work with Inuyasha on his talent, form and his goals. During a later meeting between the two half brothers and one of the producers, the company's plans overshadowed Inuyasha's goals. The mogul gave the producers permission to help the young guitarist with any help to bring about the success deserved while everything they discussed flew over the young artist's head far enough that he did not fully understand the path devised or where the band was headed.

 

Ever since that meeting, Inuyasha had begun to question everything in his future, whether or not it was possible for him to achieve success. What scared him about the `help' these masters of the industry offered him, was that they seemed to misdirect him from his true desired image.

 

The first thing to change was the addition of band members. They added a drummer, another guitarist for the solo parts, which were non-existent at that point, a bass guitarist, and another vocalist. After a month of meetings that took place without his knowledge, hounding and extensive practice, the music composed by another composer from one of the first meetings was unlike anything he had originally composed. Inuyasha felt as if his music he composed was not good enough.

 

Uniformity became the key to the music, vocals for two were written in, and everything sounded as if everyone had heard it before. However, Inuyasha was not the only one who felt lost. Kagome could not write lyrics to the music the band was playing. She concluded it had lost the heart, which inspired her in the beginning, infuriating Inuyasha. Through it all, the two held on to each other's feelings, and decided to approach Sesshomaru about it all.

 

Inuyasha and Kagome walked up to the elder brother's office, and stopped before his secretary as she spoke politely to a customer on the phone.

 

A minute later the phone call ended and she looked to the two before her and asked, “May I help you?”

 

Inuyasha spoke politely, “Yes, we'd like to see Sesshomaru, please.”

 

“Let me see if he's available to meet with you.” The secretary replied as she dialed his extension on the phone. “Mr. Tai, Inuyasha and Kagome are here to see you. Okay, thank you.” She hung up the receiver and said, “He will see you now.”

 

The two thanked her as they passed her desk and through the door. His office was the same as the day they first began the contract. Large mahogany desk at the opposite end of the large room, a couch across from it next to the door and two chairs opposite him for his guests. His desk was filled with papers and filing risers with a name plaque between them.

 

“Ah, Inuyasha and Kagome, how is everything going for you two?” Sesshomaru asked as they crossed the room, hand in hand.

 

“Actually, not as great as we'd hoped, brother.” Inuyasha began as they both took their seats.

 

“What is the problem you're having?” the eldest answered, giving them his full attention.

 

“This is not working out. Since you're up here in your office, and not down in the studio listening to the music, you haven't noticed the changes and how different everything sounds compared to how we did when it was just us.” Inuyasha spoke in a serious tone.

 

“What specific changes are you speaking of?” Sesshomaru asked curiously.

 

“Well, the music writer, for instance, does not write with the amount of emotion or energy as I do with just Kagome. The music sounds…How should I say it…Borrowed.”

 

“Borrowed?” the man asked in confusion. “What are you talking about? The composer is working off your original composition.”

 

“No, it's not my music, that's the thing! What we're mad about is that it's someone else's music we're performing, and it lacks the heart that inspired us to continue!” Inuyasha blurted out in frustration.

 

“And when did I specify that the music to be written and performed was what I heard in the subway?” the elder of the three asked as he eyed them, his expression unchanged.

 

“So, in other words, you wanted to form a band, not sell a band?” Kagome asked.

 

“Precisely. Listen, it's not easy for a couple artists to just get there on their own. You must start out in a band in order to be noticed, and then you may go off on your own once the contract for this project is over.” Sesshomaru replied as he went back to singing some paperwork.

 

“I don't like this.” Inuyasha clearly stated as his tone hardened.

 

“It's not your decision now is it? You're talent belongs to my company at this point. Either you learn the tricks of the trade, or you walk, it's up to you. However, should you choose the latter; you more than likely will not have the knowledge to make it out there on your own. Everyone starts off at the bottom. Look at the greats, Gackt for instance, started out in a band before going off on his own, and he's done well for himself, and gained fandom. Hyde, started out in a band as well, and as far as I know, he has done projects of his own, as well as continue to work in the band. Most musical artists start off in a band of sorts, gain their fame, and then become more than just another member in a band. What makes you two so different?” the man finished as he leaned back comfortably in his leather chair.

 

“This was not what we discussed, and you know it.” Inuyasha spat.

 

“Neither of you wrote the contract, and you're the ones who need guidance here. Now will you two lend your minds to learning the business? Or will you stoop to remain a Street Musician and nothing more, and you, Kagome, nothing more than just any reporter/writer out there; making only pennies and chump change when you both could have and be so much more.” The eldest brother threw on the table.

 

Kagome began to worry about where they were headed. Inuyasha wanted selfishly, and was not thinking about the situation clearly. “Wait…Are you thinking that us going through this period of awkwardness and learning the tricks of the trade, we're not the only ones growing, but the other people involved can have a chance at later opportunity as well?” Inuyasha looked at her as if an alien had just spoken.

 

“Precisely, Kagome, you never miss a beat. That is exactly the case. There are many out there who would love a chance to break out into the music industry, but have no chance of that on their own, you two included. To survive out there, you must tame the beast before you. You must brave the unknown to find your path.”

 

“Well, that's fine, but I still don't agree with the music we're doing. Why can't we write our own music? Make the music our own?” Inuyasha asked in frustration.

 

“Not `til you perform well, both in composition and in performance. Only as a team can you truly write a masterpiece.”

“Are you hearing this?  Do you agree with it?” Inuyasha asked Kagome sarcastically. 

“Honestly, this is the helping hand your brother…” 

“HALF!” Inuyasha cut in rudely. 

“Okay, Half-brother offered to us to help us along.  I think it is wise since we'll get the chance to grow and see what it's like in the limelight for a few nobodies.  Inuyasha, I think you're thinking a bit too selfishly about all this.” Kagome explained as Inuyasha's face fell from frustration to anger. 

“So, I'm on my own then?  No one agrees with me?” He asked as his arms accentuated his frustration. 

Kagome looked at him long and hard as she responded with, “You're being a child, Inu.  You have to see the point here.  Change is inevitable, and to be honest, I want to do this the right way.  This company is willing to help us, provide so much more for us, as well as other hopefuls.  I can't believe you refuse to see it.” 

“I'm a child?  Is that what you called me?”  Kagome nodded.  “Well then, maybe you should stop bedding this child!” 

“WHAT?!” Kagome shouted in shock. 

“Kids, take this outside, our meeting is over.  Think about this, Inuyasha, and don't come into my presence until you've cooled off, you understand me?” Sesshomaru warned giving the youth a piercing gaze that brought shivers to shoot down Inuyasha's spine. 

“Fine, I'm outta here.  And you, don't call me for a while, I need to be alone.”  With that comment, leaving a tear to fall from Kagome's right eye, he bailed from the room, the door slamming against the wall before closing again. 

“I apologize for his rude behavior, Kagome.  I try so hard, but it seems not to get through.” The executive relinquished to her as his gaze grew melancholy. 

“Sesshomaru, you're doing what you can.  He's just head strung, and he's been in charge of himself for so long, it's not easy for him to accept someone else's authority.  He'll be all right once I talk to him later.  I'll let you know what happens.” Kagome replied as she shook his hand, thanked him and left politely. 

“Inuyasha, what am I to do with you?” the man asked the silence as he gazed at the seat where his younger half brother sat only moments ago.  “Tomorrow, I will listen in on what he is talking about, and see if there really is a problem.” 
 

 

 

 

@*@

 

 

Inuyasha arrived at the studio reserved for his band and wrenched the door open, startling the musicians awaiting him and Kagome to start practice. Inuyasha stopped and eyed each of them.

 

“Something wrong Inuyasha?” Koga the bass player asked.

 

“Yeah, it's the music we're playing, it's all wrong.” Inuyasha replied as he gathered his equipment and began to pack it all up.

 

“Where are you going?” the drummer named Kita asked.

 

“I'm outta here. I need some time to think, and to do that, I need my stuff.” Inuyasha said as he continued to pack.

 

“Oh. But, you're coming back, right?” The lead guitarist asked.

 

“I'll think about it.” Inuyasha replied sullenly.

 

“You have to! You and Kagome are the ones who brought us opportunity!” Koga exclaimed.

 

“Like I said, now that I know how you all feel, I'll think about it.” The he stopped suddenly and turned to look to the side. “And just so you know, Kagome seems to know how to talk me into things, so you might not have to worry.”

 

“You think she'll stop by here?” Koga asked.

 

“I'm sure she will. She's that type of girl.” Inuyasha replied.

 

“And you're one lucky man to have a girl like that, seriously dude.” The bassist replied.

 

“Thanks, she is isn't she?” Inuyasha agreed as he zipped up the case around his guitar and slapped it onto his shoulder.

 

“Dude, just tell us if it's anything we've done.” Koga said as he stepped up directly behind Inuyasha.

 

“No. You all have great talent, and I understand what is going on here. My brother is using Kagome and me to give you all opportunity, which you all deserve. It's just taking some thought, and a lot of adjusting to get used to the idea.” Inuyasha turned and faced them as he picked up his amp. “It's an honor to play with all of you. We just need to figure out what's lacking in the composition and why Kagome can't find the inspiration to write. We may have to devise the lyrics without you, and then present them later. I don't know for certain.”

 

“So, you will keep in touch then?” Kita asked.

 

“You have my word. I'm not upset at any of you, since you're all victims here as well.” Inuyasha replied with assurance as he then left the studio, closing the door quietly.

 

“Well, that was interesting. I wonder what's going on there.” Koga asked.

 

“Oh, I know. Inuyasha isn't a bad guy, Kagome has a great voice, and I can tell there's something wrong. Especially since they're out of their element from the subway.” Kita mentioned.

 

“So, you mean you've heard them play in the subway?” Shun, the lead guitarist, asked.

 

“Yeah, it was amazing. I enjoyed every note, and they are great together. Now, it's totally lacking something, I can sense it. I'd be bewildered if I were one of them.” Kita explained.

 

“Wow.” The others said aloud as silence filled the studio room they occupied.

 

A few moments later, the door opened once again to reveal Kagome. “Hey, guys.” She said as she closed the door, clearly in a better disposition than her counterpart had been.

 

“Hey, Kagome.” They all greeted as she looked around and noticed someone and his equipment was missing.

 

“Where's Inuyasha?” She asked looking for his instruments.

 

“He was just here. He packed it all up and left. Said he needed to clear his head, and that he needed his instruments to think.” Koga replied.

 

“Oh. Yeah, he wasn't in a good mood upstairs in the meeting with Sesshomaru. How was he with all of you?” She asked in concern.

 

“Oh, he was okay, just annoyed. Don't worry he wasn't being an ass or anything.” The lead replied with a shrug.

 

“Good. Well, I guess if you want, you can practice your riffs for now, and we'll meet up with you all later.” Kagome suggested, and they nodded their acceptance as she gathered up her things and headed out herself.

 

 

@*@

 

On the way home form the studio, Inuyasha thought long and hard about what was said by his older half brother. It occurred to Inuyasha that Sesshomaru had a good point, and that it is indeed true that he had no knowledge of how the music business works, and what they expect from each band.

 

All he could not get out of his head, more than anything else, was how badly the music felt to him. After tossing it up from measure to measure in his head, he came up with a solution that may help save the music, and Kagome's writing. All he needed to know was how well he could make the idea work.

 

About a couple hours later, Inuyasha stood in his room as he strummed his guitar and jotted notes down on the music paper provided by the company. He wasn't used to writing the notes on paper, but obviously, the composer was not getting the feeling from just hearing his riffs alone. He concentrated hard, and added all marks for time, sound adjustment, and variation in the chords.

 

Once he was finished writing the composition, he gathered all the papers Kagome had left behind and clapped out the timing of the lyrics to see how they'd fit. It was hard work, and he applied himself thoroughly until a knock on the front door startled him from his work.

 

He set his pencil down and left his room to answer the knocking. Kagome's face met his eyes as the door cleared the way. Her curious eyes brought a smile to his face as he let her in and greeted her excitedly. “Wow, Inu. What have you been doing to cause that smile on your face? I thought you were upset earlier.”

 

“I was, until I talked to the other musicians as I packed up. What Sesshomaru said sank in a bit, and I decided to take some of what I've caught onto these past few weeks and see how well I can apply them myself. I think I'm making a bit of progress.” He explained enthusiastically as they entered his room.

 

“Oh, yeah? Let's see what you've got.” Kagome replied as he lined up the pages on his bed and explained where he felt the flaws were in the music.

 

“I think I know what's wrong. You see, I've never written my riffs out, so I alone can see the chords, feel the time of the piece and know where the accentuation should fall. The composer Sesshomaru hired knows nothing of my music, and obviously does not care since he's never approached me on the composition of it all. I think I can help him, and I want to see if he's willing to work with me to compose the riffs.”

 

“I see…Instead of fighting with Sesshomaru, you want to take matters into your own hands, and see if you can still make a difference, only in a different way.” Kagome thought aloud.

 

“Exactly. Oh, and here, I pulled out your lyrics and was clapped the timing on them. The lyrics fit, but do you think you could condense them? I want to see if they could be shortened and if more could be added since they like the form to be a bit longer.” He suggested.

 

“Sure, I think I can do that. Can you play while I work? That always helps inspire me to work harder.” Kagome asked with a smile.

 

“Anything for you, baby. And Kagome,” he began as he put his hand to her cheek. “I'm sorry for the argument and what I said earlier. I was feeling violated, and I took it out on you. I am glad you're here and I hope I never say things like that to you again. I'm sorry if I hurt you.”

 

“Oh, Inu. I know you, and I know you didn't mean any of that. I'm glad you cooled off, and that you're thinking much clearer than earlier. We'll get through this, but we need to do what we can together to make it easier. I'm beginning to wonder if I should continue my classes this next semester. I may have to cut down and take a couple here and there instead after the semester break ends.” Kagome thought aloud.

 

“Maybe. Your classes would take up a lot of practice and working time, but they are important nonetheless. I leave that up to you, since they can help you out in the end. Through all this, most of all, I'm just glad you're here with me, supporting me, and accepting this path.” Inuyasha said to her as he leaned in for a deep kiss, pulling her tightly against his hard frame.

 

Bliss filled the bedroom for a few minutes as the couple embraced the love music lovers will experience in the future. That night, they worked hard to make it much easier for the composer to grasp their emotions through the music of their hearts and worked through the plans on how to present their ideas to him the next day. Once they knew their next steps to take, they crawled into bed, and embraced in the comforts of accomplishment as sleep took them `til dawn would greet them again.

 

 

@*@

 

 

This chapter was a hard one to see for quite a while, and I'm happy with how it turned out. When my mind finally began to see the visions of where these two we love so much are headed, I was excited, and shocked at the same time. As you all know, I'm unsure of what situations lie ahead, but all I can hope is that it won't take as long to get the next dosage out as it did this time. Thank you all for your patience once again, and I'll see you all soon! Ja ne!