Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ First Love ❯ Chapter 8
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
First Love
Chapter Eight
Waking up back in the hut almost annoyed Kagome. She had planned on sleeping right next to that lovely rose that night but that jerk had found her and forced her to come back. He had even yelled at her for being out there!
InuYasha.
The name annoyed her to no end.
He was so rude and arrogant, not to mention bossy, and he was nothing she had experienced before aside from Youko, although Youko wasn't that bad...aside from his death threats and disappearing on her…okay so maybe they were a little similar. But Kagome couldn't believe she had actually compared them at one point. Yea, they did look similar, but their personalities were totally different…right?
Youko wasn't annoying or as arrogant as InuYasha. He was mysterious and not annoying…. Kagome's eyes dropped from the ceiling to the wall beside her.
That was really the only thing she knew about Youko and that he had saved her a few times and was “kind”.
It seemed she knew more about rocks and InuYasha than she did about Youko. She remembered though, that it would take time to build a relationship with someone and she would take her time.
A knock from outside her hut took Kagome out of her thoughts.
“Come in,” called Kagome from her spot on the floor.
She watched Kikyo, new bandages in hand, step gracefully through the door and kneel down beside Kagome. “InuYasha has gone to tell your family that you are safe and with us. He should return here tomorrow.” Her words flowed pleasantly from her mouth and comforted her. Kikyo was probably one of the calmest people Kagome had ever met.
“Thank you.”
Kikyo grinned. “It's not trouble. It was the least we could do. Now its time to change your bandages.”
Nodding, Kagome got up with help from Kikyo and then the older girl proceeded to change Kagome's bandages.
It was a little embarrassing to be topless in front of another people, but since it was another girl it wasn't all that bad although it still made Kagome blush.
“How did you meet InuYasha?” asked Kagome before she hissed in pain when Kikyo put medicine on her wound.
Kagome felt Kikyo still for a moment before she finished changing Kagome's bandages and moved to kneel beside Kagome once again. Wrapping the blanket around herself, Kagome waited patiently for Kikyo to begin.
“I met InuYasha last winter when myself and others that had traveled with me were returning to this village. On our way we came upon a village that had been destroyed recently. I can still smell the smoke that burned from the fallen houses.” She took a breath here. “InuYasha had been the only survivor and at the time I was not in a good state. When I saw him I thought he had destroyed the village.
“When he became arrogant I aimed my arrow at him without thinking and I was determined to shoot him down…for some reason I stopped. The next thing I knew I was dropping my weapon and telling him he could not have done this because he was a half demon and he was too weak. He said nasty remarks to me but I ignored him and dropped my arrow on the ground.
“Myself and the people traveling with me buried the dead with our bare hands.”
Kagome watched Kikyo's eyes become distant. She must be remembering every moment all over again. It had only been a little less than a year so it must be still fresh in her memory. Kagome listened intently as she continued.
“We buried all of the deceased and prayed for each of them. It was one of the hardest things for me to do and I have never stopped wishing that I had reached that village sooner; I knew if I had I could have been able to do something. It gave me a little condolence that I was able to burry and pray for them though.
“From that day he followed me and silently watched me for weeks and I pretended not to notice. He watched me with my guard down and he could have killed me just as easily as he could have when I first lowered my bow, but he didn't. I wondered how long that would go on for but he surprised me and jumped down from a tree and asked me to fight him.” The side of her mouth turned up slightly. “I ended up pinning him to a tree and he never asked to fight me again. And since then, he has never left my side.”
Her eyes returned to Kagome. “I still don't know why I dropped my guard in front of him. It was the first time I had ever done it and I promised myself that I would never act so foolishly again. I have kept my promise to myself ever since.”
Kikyo's story made Kagome's heart ache. It must have been hard for Kikyo to go through something as horrible as that but it did let Kagome see that InuYasha did have his good points, although Kagome wasn't impressed. It was unexpected though that he even stayed with Kikyo even though she never asked him to. She smiled to herself. InuYasha must really like Kikyo to stick around her for this long.
There was nothing Kagome could say to that, so instead she somewhat changed the subject. She turned to Kikyo a little more seriously. “Do you enjoy InuYasha's company?”
Kikyo seemed a little surprised at Kagome's question, but she answered it nevertheless after a moment of thought. “I do enjoy his company even though he is very overconfident and does not think things through thoroughly.”
Kagome laughed while Kikyo turned away, slightly grinning before getting up. “Is there anything else you need Kagome?”
Said girl tilted her head, “No?”
Kikyo nodded. “I will be leaving for a few hours and if there is anything you need, there is someone next door, my sister Kaede, who will help you.” With that, Kikyo bowed and left Kagome.
The relationship between Kikyo and InuYasha was a very new one to Kagome. Since they have only been together for a short amount of time, they probably are still getting used to each other and learning from one another. They were total opposites but they still enjoyed their own company and the time they spent together. In Kagome's eyes and in probably some of the other villagers' eyes, they were a couple even though neither of them would probably admit it.
Kikyo is very lucky to have someone by her side, thought Kagome. Smiling to herself, Kagome laid down silently, letting her thoughts turn blank.
When her mind decided to work again, Kagome slowly got up, the need to breath in some fresh air took over and Kagome made her way outside gingerly, holding the blanket tightly to her form. The sun was bright in the beautiful blue sky, shinning warmly down on her. Her body seemed to slump with relaxation, the reason probably because of how warm she felt.
“Hello!”
The little greeting almost made Kagome lose her blanket when she jumped. Turning to see where the owner of the voice was, Kagome's eyes met with a young girls that seemed to shine with amusement.
“Are you Miss Kagome?” asked the girl, tilting her head up while placing the side of her hand horizontally across her forehead to shade her eyes from the suns rays to stare at Kagome.
“Yes…who are you?” asked Kagome curiously.
The girl smiled. “I'm Kaede! I am going to take care of you today Miss Kagome!” She held her free hand out to Kagome and after securing the blanket around her with one hand, Kagome extended her arm and shook the little girls hand. “It's nice to meet you.”
Kaede nodded her head enthusiastically. “Where would you like to go today Miss Kagome?” Releasing the girls hand Kagome smiled and said, “Please, just call me Kagome, okay?”
The girl nodded again and waited for Kagome to answer her question.
Kagome put her finger to her lips. “Hmm…I think I would like to go somewhere peaceful today,” answered Kagome.
The girl perked up instantly. “I know exactly where to go!” she said cheerfully and moved to grab Kagome's hand but stopped. She looked Kagome up and down and shook her head. “Before we go, you need to put on some clothes.” Taking hold of Kagome's hand, she dragged her into the hut that was next to the one where Kagome had been staying.
Kagome watched the girl rummage through a few piles of clothes before Kaede became satisfied with her findings.
“Here we are!” she said, turning around quickly to stick the bundle in Kagome's face. “Lets put these on and then we can go to the nice peaceful spot!”
Kagome looked at the bundle strangely. “What is that exactly?”
Kaede placed the bundle on the ground and picked up a piece of the set. “These are my sisters miko robes. She said you could have them when you needed them and now is the time. So, take that blanket off and I'll help you put this on. Oh, and don't tell me you can do it yourself because I know your wound is on your shoulder.”
Kagome was slightly taken aback by how aggressive Kaede was and she wondered just how much she was informed about the situation. She couldn't remember every being that aggressive at Kaede's age. Not wasting any time, Kagome dropped the blanket and Kaede hurried to help put on the robes.
“What is a miko Kaede?” asked Kagome as Kaede finished tying the pants.
“Well, my sister heals people and protects our village from demons and prays a lot and she is a miko. I think all mikos do that kind of thing.” When she was done with the tie, Kaede rubbed her hands together. “I'm going to become a miko just like my sister when I get older!” said the girl happily.
Kagome nodded at her with a smile before looking down at herself. The clothes were the exact same as the ones Kikyo wore, red pants and white top. They were very loose and easy to move in and they were also surprisingly very comfy.
Kagome felt Kaedes' smaller hand slip gently in hers and squeeze. “Now we are ready.”
00000
Kaede made sure to take her time when taking Kagome to wherever they were going. She probably did not want to rush Kagome in fear of the older girl tripping and hurting herself again.
To tell the truth, Kagome was expecting to end up by some stream since that was where Kagome would always go (or to her spot in the flower filled forest) when she wanted some peace and quiet. But she wasn't expecting Kaede to take her to some place as beautiful as this.
When they reached the top of the hill they were climbing, Kagome's breath caught in her throat. Kaede couldn't have taken her to a better spot than this one.
The open field that stretched on for what seemed like forever was full of daisies. Even from her spot Kagome could see a few butterflies fluttering around.
“Do you like it?” asked Kaede earnestly, hands folded behind her back. “I love coming her and playing! It's my favorite spot so I though you would like it too!”
“Its beautiful Kaede…” was all Kagome could say.
Kaede giggles. “Come on!”
Letting Kaede hold her hand again, Kagome followed the little girl down the hill and into the sea of daisies until Kaede released her. A gust of wind blew passed, whipping Kagome's hair around. Out of the corner of her eye, Kagome saw Kaede running away from her and she instinctively call out the girls' name.
In response Kaede turned to Kagome slightly, still running, and said, “I'm going to pick some flowers and make a crown for you!”
It surprised Kagome to hear someone that she barely knew do something for her. It warmed her to know what Kaede was going to do and she wondered if that was the reason she had picked this spot. It was rare that anyone would do this for someone like her and it brought back memories of when Kagome and Sango were younger, when they would do the same things.
Kagome smirked. “Okay!”
She watched the carefree girl run off before she gradually sat down, using her better hand to ease her way to the ground. Her thoughts returned to her old friend. I wonder how Sango is doing.
If felt like forever since Kagome had seen Sango. The last time she had talked to Sango was right before she and Miroku had left the village. Come to think of it, Kagome didn't even know where Sango lived exactly and she frowned.
Memories of when they were younger surfaced again and Kagome looked down at the ground sadly. When they were younger they were just like Kaede, running around without worry…being free.
Kagome began to pick some of the daisies absently and sighed. “That's all in the past.”
Looking back up, Kagome quickly spotted the girl happily picking flowers herself and admired her. As if feeling Kagome's gaze, Kaede looked up and they locked eyes. The girl smiled and Kagome waved as the girl turned to run and collect more flowers.
The days where Kagome could be innocent were gone and might never return but for now, she would enjoy seeing others who experienced it. It always seemed to make her feel better.
Once the little girl was almost unable to be seen, Kagome felt a strong presence behind her and she stood up. Although it was strong, Kagome was not sure who it was so she did shiver a bit. In any case, it wasn't a human.
Moving her wildly blowing hair out of her way, Kagome turned around and came face to face with Youko. She was stunned to say the least when their eyes connected.
He looked at her expressionless as minutes passed and another gust of wind came, blowing both their hair around. Kagome blushed lightly. It still seemed strange to see him standing in front of her but since his visits were more frequent, she was getting used to him.
Without notice, Youko turned to leave.
Kagome's heart skipped a beat before going into overdrive. Should she do something? Wasn't he going to say anything to her? Desperate, Kagome practically screamed a “Thank you!” at him.
Amazingly he stopped. One ear swiveled in her direction.
She found her hands very interesting at this point it really was obvious that he didn't even need to look at her for her to feel nervous. “Ummm…” she stuttered. “Thank you for telling Kikyo to take care of me!” Her words were rushed and sloppy but she didn't care.
As expected he didn't say anything.
Kagome raised her head slightly and caught sight of his shiny silver hair and couldn't take her eyes off it.
Silver hair…
He moved to walk away again.
“Wait!”
He stopped.
Taking a deep breath, Kagome stopped fidgeting. “Were you the one I saw while at the rice fields?”
The anticipation Kagome felt while Youko took his time answering her was immense.
“No.”
Her heart instantly sank. No? Then why… “Then why were you on the trail?”
It was a wonder why he wasn't becoming angry or threatening to kill her yet.
His voice was cold and uncaring when he answered. “A woman at the bottom of the hill was hiding something.”
She squinted her eyes. “Woman?” she asked herself softly before she realized just whom he was talking about. Her eyes widened. “The old woman? Were you going to attack her? Did you attack her?”
Her question went on deaf ears. Youko had disappeared before she could finish her last question.
Kagome's first reaction consisted of her growling in annoyance on how he could possibly leave so easily without answering her question. It did soon turn into worry for the old woman's life.
“I hope she is alright…”
The tug she felt on her pants made Kagome jump. She snapped her head down and saw Kaede standing next to her, flower crown in hand. She hadn't even heard Kaede walk up to her. She really did need to start paying attention to more than just Youko.
“Are you alright Kagome?”
Relaxing, Kagome turned into the direction where Youko had been standing. “Yeah.”
She returned her gaze to the bright girl who held out a beautiful daisy crown. “Here!”
Kneeling down in front of the girl, Kagome let Kaede place the crown on her head and heard her clap. “You look so pretty! How does mine look?” Kaede posed and now it was Kagome's time to clap, “You look like a princess Kaede!”
The little girls eyes widened, “Really?”
Kagome nodded her head and Kaede squealed before grabbing her hand, “I bet Kikyo will be home by the time we return! Come on, let's go show her our crowns!”
Heading down the hill and back to the village was much easier on Kagome then it had been on the way up. She remembered where she was going and what things to avoid as Kaede lead her back to the village, which was a big plus. She wouldn't have been looking forward to doing a face plant while going down. When they did arrive, the only clue that Kikyo had come back was that her horse stood next to her hut, from what Kaede told her.
Instead of bringing Kagome to Kikyo's hut, Kaede dropped her off at her own and helped her lay down before running off. That girl really was just full of energy.
Kagome didn't have to wait long until there was a knock on her door. “Come in!”
Expectedly, Kikyo walked through the opening and kneeled beside her. “How was your day Kagome?” she asked.
Kagome grinned. “ It was very fun, I had a great time with your sister. She even made me a crown.” She nodded towards the beautiful hairpiece.
Kikyo nodded her head. “I see.”
The smile from the older girls face slowly dropped as they sat in silence and Kagome wondered what was on her mind.
“Be careful.”
Kikyo's request caught Kagome off guard. “…What?”
Their eyes met. “Kaede told me she saw you talking to a silver haired man that looked like InuYasha when you were out in the field. Please Kagome, you must be careful.” She looked down. “Demons do not have the same feelings that humans or half demons have and they kill without thinking twice about it.” She paused and met Kagome's eyes once again. “I do not know of the relationship between you and that demon but you must be careful and stay out of harms way.”
Kagome's mind went blank and she could not find a way to answer.
With that, Kikyo stood up abruptly but stopped at the door. “You should get your rest.” She did not look at Kagome this time and left, leaving the younger girl to ponder her words.