InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Ties that Bind... ❯ The Bonds of Frienship ( Chapter 5 )

WHEEEE! Yes, this chapter's getting posted VERY shortly after the 4th...that's my proper apology for not having posted Chapter 4 for awhile...consider this my atonement for being so lazy last week ^_^.

Sesshoumaru: *sighs* why must you persist in announcing everything to these readers--I'm sure they'd much rather be reading the next chapter, foolish human.

*grins impishly* Sesshy darlin, do I have to come over there and smack you around a bit?

Sesshoumaru: *smiles slightly* I, Sesshoumaru, would like to see you attempt such an action, human...

*leaps at the tense youkai, screaming like a banshee* You...will...LAUUUUUUUGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sometime later...OK, OK...I know, I've tormented Sesshoumaru long enough for one chapter--so I'll behave now...promise

*is picked up and slung over the youkai's shoulder, emitting a shrill shriek of surprise*

Sesshoumaru: Did you think to get away that easily, bitch? Methinks you need...disciplining. *smiles evilly*

Until next time folks, here's the story...for real this time ^_~

Chapter 5-The Bonds of Friendship

Humming under her breath as she put the finishing touches on the simple breakfast she'd prepared, Kagome was feeling more centered and in control than she had since she'd arrived in this slightly strange place. Maybe I just needed something to keep my mind of all the things I'd have to be doing if I was back home, or even in the Sengoku Jidai with Inu-Yasha, Sango, Shippou and Miroku...she mused to herself, shrugging slightly as she transferred the piping hot omelettes from the pan to the clean plate she'd set on the kitchen counter a few minutes before. She didn't have to wait long.

"Mmmm...those smell REALLY good," her newfound friend stated, sniffing appreciatively.

"Thanks...they're nothing complicated, but I hope you like them," Kagome said, smiling. "Are you feeling better? You certainly look it--no more big, dark circles under your eyes!" She finished, giving the taller girl a big grin.

Smiling slightly in return, Ryoko wondered how the other girl kept her spirits up. How would I be reacting if I were in her shoes? I don't think I'd be nearly so cheerful, or...coping so well. Maybe it's because she's had to adapt to completely new and strange surroundings at least once before? She realized with surprise that she'd finished the omelette already...and that she'd been so lost in thought that she hadn't even tasted it.

Kagome turned away from the stove, her plate in hand. "Wow, Ryoko...you sure finished that fast! Hope it was OK!" She said, taking a seat at the table.

"Yes, it was...thank you very much, Kagome" She replied, hoping the other girl didn't realize that she hadn't even tasted the delicious-smelling food.

Finishing up her omelette, Kagome collected both Ryoko's and her dishes and carried them over to the sink, still humming softly under her breath. "Ryoko...what do you want to do today?"

"Hmm...oh, I don't ever train on Saturdays--that's the only day of the week that I take off...so if you like, I can take you on a tour of this part of town, and then maybe we can go see the samurai movie that's playing at the cinema..." she said, looking excited at the prospect.

"You mean...you like going to see period films also?" Kagome asked, a pleasantly surprised look crossing her face.

"Of course! That should be a blast then--it's nice to meet someone else who's got similar movie-going tastes...you're the only person I've ever met, with the exception of Lord Tatsuya, who moved away a couple of years ago, who enjoys watching classic period samurai films like I do!" She clapped her hands together, looking more awake than she had all day.

"Alright then--I'll just go change into some jeans and a tank top, and we'll head out, OK?" Kagome called over her shoulder, already on her way to her room to change.

Less than 5 minutes later, they were walking down the street, chatting energetically as the perused the stores that lined both sides of the street.

"So Ryoko...what's the deal between you and that cute blue-haired guy? Hmm?" Kagome asked teasingly, grinning mischieviously at the other girl.

"What? You mean Shizuma?! There's NOTHING between me and that mountain monkey!" She exclaimed, even as the bright flush racing across her cheeks gave her away.

Giggling out loud at the other girl's expression, Kagome winked at the taller girl before skipping skillfully out of reach. "I knew it, from that first day, when he took us back to his place--you like him, don't you?"

Still roughly the color of a beet, Ryoko could only give Kagome a small nod. How is it that we already understand each other so well? Damnit, if Shizuma ever finds out, I'll never hear the end of it...Sighing in defeat, she narrowed her eyes at the still-smiling, dark-haired girl. "But if you EVER breathe a word of that to anyone, I'll deny it so fast it'll make your head spin." She said, finally allowing her face to relax into a slight smile when Kagome nodded her agreement. Hmmm...I'll have to introduce Kagome to Hitomi--maybe then we can all go out to dinner or something tomorrow night...

That evening...

She knew she really should be getting to bed...after all, she'd be up early tomorrow with Ryoko, continuing with her...training. But, she also knew that she had some things to think through, and to do so, she needed to spend some time on her own, away from people. She listened intently, waiting for Ryoko to fall asleep. When she heard deep breathing in the room next to her own, she krept out of the appartment, heading toward the park. She walked over by the lake, and sat down beside a huge cherry blossom tree, drawing her knees up to her chest and staring morosely into the depths, watching the light from the moon and the stars reflecting off it's surface. Why me? She couldn't help but think, as tears made silvery tracks upon her downturned face. Why is it that I've been dragged away from all that's familiar to me...again?! It doesn't seem fair, especially since it seems as though I may never make it back to see my family or friends again...Pressing her face into her knees, she sobbed softly, allowing herself, just for awhile, to wallow in self-pity.

It was some time later that her wracking sobs subsided, quieting to silence as she slowly raised her head to look out at the still water. Alright, Kagome, you're had a good cry...now, you need to just take it one day at a time, and focus on the tasks at hand...try not to think about never seeing Inu-Yasha again...not that HE'LL care...Sighing, she leaned back against the tree trunk, wondering what she'd do if she never DID make it back. Maybe that'd be for the best...I'll be able to finish high school...on time, with no one thinking I've been missing so much school because of weird, obscure illnesses. She closed her eyes wearily, feeling emotionally drained.

"You OK?" The now extremely familiar male voice queried, sounding slightly unsure.

Turning her head slowly and giving him a slight smile, Kagome nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine...just have some issues back home I had to work my way through in my head," She said softly, turning to look again at the placid lake.

"Anything you want to talk about? I can be a halfway-decent listener, at least, some of the time..." he said, returning her smile and inviting himself to take a seat beside her on the grass.

"Nothing you could understand." She stated, refusing to look at him again.

Raising an eyebrow curiously, he gave her an incredulous look. "Try me," was all he'd say, his eyes firming determinedly. When she finally turned her head to reply, she realized he wasn't about to be put off his path of questioning until he'd gotten some answers.

"Well, it all began on my 15th birthday," She began haltingly, but soon found the words pouring out of her uncontrollably for the 2nd time since she'd arrived in this time.

"I see." Was all he said, a slightly dazed look on his face. Laughing softly, Kagome shook her head. "I realize it sounds crazy, but, it's been my life for the past few years, so I guess you can take it or leave it. Regardless, I have a lot of responsibilities back there that I feel like I'm neglecting by being away...not to mention that I've been wondering when, and even IF, I'm going to get to see my family and companions again..." she trailed off, standing up to leave. "However, I've taken enough of your time...I appreciate your trying to help...I'll see you around school, I'm sure." She was halted by his hand, which wrapped itself around her wrist.

"Hey now...I'm not gonna pretend that much of that made sense to me...but I want you to know, since you've apparently gotten very close to Ryoko, even though you've only been here a few days...if you ever need any help, don't hesitate to ask." With that, Shizuma Kusanagi turned and walked away, whistling quietly to himself.

Tearing her eyes from his retreating back, Kagome shook her head, and, yawning widely, decided that now, she might be able to get some sleep, retreating from the questions haunting her waking mind...