Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ First Love ❯ Chapter 10

First Love

 

Chapter Ten

 

The walk back to her hut seemed to take forever to Kagome. It didn't help that Akihiro never once took his arm off her waist and she couldn't wait to go inside her hut once it came into view. She almost ran to it but she stopped herself to say goodnight to Aki.

 

“Thank you, Aki.” She said almost forcefully.

 

He said nothing; instead he kissed her hand and bowed. “Sleep well, Kagome,” he said, catching the small gasp from her and walked away.

 

She clutched her hand to her bosom until he was almost out of sight and disappeared inside her hut. Aki had a good way of mixing everything up for Kagome and making her feel one way one minute but then changes her mood with one motion. He could do this but it wasn't strong enough to make her forget about Youko.

 

She sat down in front of the burning fired that was located in the middle of her hut and found herself not able to take her eyes off of it. Her thoughts turned to Aki.

 

It still made Kagome wonder why someone like Aki would like her. The same went for Youko. Her feelings for Aki were mixed but there was one thing for sure. She didn't feel the same around Aki as she did around Youko.

 

Just hearing or speaking the demons name made her heart flutter. Even now she blushed at her thoughts of wondering what he was doing now and if he was watching her. Hopefully he was doing something other than causing flowers to sprout out of nowhere next to her.

 

Focusing on the flower in her hand she let her mind wander. Why exactly had he caused the flower to bloom beside her was beyond Kagome but she held strong to the thought of Youko “liking” her also. She smiled to herself. For now she wanted to see how things would play out while she was here because it wasn't like Aki would ever see her again after tomorrow.

 

Laying down Kagome, for the first time in the days she had been there, fell into a dreamless sleep and caused her to wake up rather early the next day. The sun had just started to rise when Kagome's eyes fell on the doorway. Rubbing her eyes, Kagome yawned lazily before sitting up and blinking the remaining sleepiness out of her system. She slowly looked around and sighed.

 

It had been a while since she had seen Youko and Akihiro was leaving today. It wasn't hard to figure out that her longing to see Youko again greatly overwhelmed the though of Akihiro leaving.

 

Standing up, Kagome trotted over to her clothes, picked them up and dressed herself for the first time in a while. It felt great to be able to do things by herself again and not need any help from someone else.

 

After fixing the wrinkles in her outfit, Kagome bent down and placed the red rose she had been given in the fold of her top.

 

This rose was given to her both by Youko and Akihiro, although Aki had given it to her himself while Youko had made it sprout right beside her. But it meant a lot to her to be given this gift. The fact that Youko had given it to her fist made Kagome smile to herself.

 

She would try to see if Youko still lingered here today, but she would go to the place where they had met face to face last. He had to have been watching her, how else would he have known where to sprout the red rose?

 

Memories from the night before came rushing back to her.

 

Had Youko seen Akihiro with her…?

 

Her heart sank.

 

She didn't want to be seen with anyone other than Youko nor did she want to be around anyone but Youko at the moment. She hoped the relationship between she and Youko would not change if he had seen them together. She wouldn't know what to do if that were to happen. Pushing all thoughts out of her mind, Kagome exited her hut.

 

She would not go to the river but opted to go to the field full of daisies where Kaede had taken her.

 

The village was quiet as she passed by huts but the horses were still tied to a tree, which only meant one thing.

 

Akihiro was still here.

 

She selfishly did not want to see him off or have him spot her so she quickened her pace. Maybe by the time she returned from the field of daisies he would be gone.

 

She could only hope.

 

For a moment she regretted feeling this way towards Akihiro. He had been nothing but nice to her and yet she still did not want to have anything to do with him at this moment. It seemed as though when she was determined to see Youko, she didn't want to be bothered with anyone else. When she was alone, she felt happy with Aki but she would still think of Youko.

 

Her feelings for Aki weren't as strong as the ones she felt for Youko but Aki was a kind person and actually showered her he actually liked her and she liked that about him. She only wished that Youko would just do something, anything to let her know he liked her.

 

Coming upon the familiar hill before the field, Kagome almost ran to the top, but going back down on the other side, she made sure to take her time.

 

She tried to seem graceful as she walked into the field, just in case Youko was watching, but she failed and tripped over herself, which made her laugh.

 

Finding a nice spot, Kagome sat down and let out a sigh she had been holding. She was actually nervous to see Youko. He almost always made her feel nervous and it excited her in a way.

 

She wondered if he would come and came to the conclusion that if he did, he felt something for her.

 

Letting herself relax, she closed her eyes and sat in silence for a few moments. When she opened them, a strange fog had settled over her, and Kagome looked around and found nothing but fog. She quickly stood up and looked down only to barely see her feet.

 

Fear started to crawl its way up her back and made itself known by the little bumps on her arms.

 

A strange gust of wind flew past her and her eyes widened. That was no ordinary gust; someone or something was with her.

 

“Youko?” she whispered and almost immediately the object went right past her, but this time closer.

 

“Youko!” was the only name in her mind and she screamed it as loud as she could. Her breathing became heavy and her whole body was shaking when she heard the sound of a large cat growling.

 

Looking up, she saw the said animal coming at her from above. It was much larger than a normal cat. It was huge. Its' large eyes were full of blood lust and its claws and teeth were ready to rip her in half.

 

This was it, she thought to herself. I'm going to die.

 

As she waited for her death, a vine full of thorn shot out from somewhere in the fog and pierced the large cat though the chest and Kagome is frozen to the spot. The scene in front of her did not really registering although her eyes were glued to the now dead animal hanging limply in the air almost right above her.

 

It didn't move and Kagome let her eyes travel to the vine full of thorns and followed the vine as it becomes more revealed as the strange mist rapidly faded away.

 

“Youko.”

 

Automatically she turned around and bumped into a hard body and fell down. Instinctively she crawled back but her eyes fell on a pair of white pants and she stopped because she knew exactly whom this is.

 

Her eyes slowly make their way up past the sash and shirt to land on Youko's face.

 

His name left her lips and he regarded her coldly.

 

He didn't move an inch as she got up and approached him.

 

He had saved her again, rescued her from yet another demon that had tried to kill her. He had saved her from death.

 

The thought of him declaring his love for her right then and there made her smile as a tear rolled down her face. She didn't know why she was crying; she didn't feel anything at the moment but happiness. Was it a natural reaction?

 

She didn't care.

 

She tried to take another step and the thoughts of his declaration vanished as he outstretched his hand, pointing sharp claws at her neck, silently threatening to kill her if she took another step.

 

Kagome's eyes widened and the tears began to flow down her face. “Youko…”

 

Why did he act like this towards her? She didn't want him to feel the need to do this. She ever so slowly brought her hand up, feeling the need to take his hand in hers but he quickly snapped his hand away from her and turned-

 

-to catch Akihiro in mid air around the neck.

 

Kagome's heart jerked. She had not even noticed Akihiro. Why hadn't she seen him sooner?

 

Hearing his sword drop, Kagome's mind went into overload and reality hit her. Akihiro was suspended in air because of Youko and Youko was killing him.

 

“Don't kill him!” she screamed and heard him choke. Her hear began racing and her breathing became jagged.

 

“You pitiful human.” She heard Youko say as he flexed his hand around Akihiro's neck. She could actually hear the action. “You actually thought you could kill me?”

 

Another gasp left Aki and Youko laughed evilly as he watched Aki struggle in his hand. His golden eyes blazed with anger at the pitiful human and he tightened his grip slightly.

 

His face was cold while his prey was covered in sweat, face turning a light shade of purple. Youko wondered if he should keep at this or just snap his neck.

 

All thoughts ceased in one moment and he looked down to see small arms wrapped around his waist. He felt the woman, Kagome's, face in his back and felt his shirt dampen from her tears.

 

“Please…don't kill him,” he heard her whisper between sobs.

 

Slow, silent heart wrenching moments passed for Kagome until Youko unceremoniously threw Akihiro away from both of them as if he were a mere twig.

 

Both Youko and Kagome stood motionless, her arms still wrapped around his waist, a part of her wanting to stay like this but only under other circumstances, another wanting to see Aki.

 

The wind picked up around them, whipping daisies around them almost beautifully and before Kagome knew it, Youko disappeared and without his body supporting her, Kagome fell to her knees and let herself cry.

 

The thought of Youko killing a person brought tears to her eyes.

 

Remembering Akihiro, Kagome forced herself to stand and find her way to him and knelt next to him, face stained with tears. “Are you alright?” she asked, trying to stop crying.

 

They stare at each other, Kagome concentration on his hand that was nursing his neck and he unexpectedly laughed. “Yes, Lady Kagome. I'm alright.”

 

Kagome met his eyes full of disbelief. Did he really just laugh? Wouldn't that traumatize someone?

 

“Do you know that fellow?”

 

She looked away and he took that as a “yes”.

 

Not being able to look at him, Kagome concentrated on the ground beneath her. “I'm sorry.”

 

She felt Aki place his hand on her shoulder while his other hand softly brought her face to look at him. “It isn't your fault. There is nothing for you to be sorry about, Lady Kagome.” He gave her a reassuring smile before standing up, helping Kagome to her feel also.

 

Acting as if nothing happened, Aki turned and bean to walk back to the village and Kagome followed him. “How did you know I was here?” she asked intriguingly but she knew what he would say.

 

“I saw you leave the village and decided to follow you.”

 

She shook her head as she walked behind him. “Why would you do that?”

 

He stopped and turned around to look at her, eyebrows raised. “I was curious.” He smiled and turned to continue walking.

 

A blush found its way to her face and she jogged to catch up with him where they remained walking in silence.

 

A small feeling of relief came over Kagome when they reached the village to find everyone ready and saddled. It seemed that Kagome wouldn't have to wait any longer for Aki to leave.

 

They stopped and Akihiro turned to her and took her hand in his and brought it to his lips and kissed it. “I hope to be in your presence again soon,” he said, eyes locked with hers.

 

Being polite, Kagome nodded her head although she silently reminded herself that it would never happen.

 

Her gave her a bright smile before he turned, mounted his horse, and rode off with his father and their guards. He didn't look back at her and when they were would of sight, Kagome's eyes turned to Kikyo and InuYasha who were by her side and the only ones left.

 

They stood in comfortable silence until Kikyo left. At that point, Kagome heard InuYasha clear his throat and she turned to look at him.

 

With one eyebrow raised, he asked, “So…what were you two doing alone?”

 

Kagome glared at him, wishing she had the pot in her hand to hit him with but instead; she stomped off to her hut, shaking her head.

 

She ended up spending a nice amount of time alone in her hut and felt more comfortable now than when Aki was still there.

 

Aki…

 

She wondered if he was really all right. Youko was really strong after all but she was surprised that Youko had actually listened to her since he never did.

 

She still couldn't believe she had actually hugged him.

 

Blushing furiously she remembered how warm he was and the feeling of her hands around his well-defined body. Her face seemed to be on fire with embarrassment and even though no one was in the room with her, she hid under the covers just in case anyone did enter her room.

 

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The next day started rather late but when Kagome rose, she felt both excited and sad. She would travel home today which meant she would leave the village. Looking back on her stay, it was a nice experience (leaving out the killing and fighting). She silently hoped she would be able to come back.

 

There was no need to get dressed since she had slept in her clothes and Kagome didn't exactly feel like getting dressed anyway. Before she took one step she remembered the rose and carefully pulled it from her shirt.

 

It was mysteriously perfect. Nothing was broken, out of place and it didn't look like it would wilt anytime soon.

 

She smiled to herself before tucking the flower safely back in her shirt.

 

Leaving her hut for the last time, Kagome found both Kikyo and InuYasha waiting for her. Kikyo smiled at Kagome whiled InuYasha ignored her.

 

“Are you ready Kagome?” asked Kikyo when the younger girl reached her.

 

In response, Kagome nodded and the small group moved to leave but was stopped when they heard Kagome's name called out.

 

Turning, Kagome saw Kaede running up to her, holding something in her small hand.

 

“Will you visit?” asked the girl, putting the flower bracelet on Kagome.

 

“Yes.” Kagome smiled and knelt to give the girl a big hug. “Yes, I will come and visit you soon! Thank you Kaede for taking care of me.” They released each other after a small squeeze and they said goodbye.

 

Kagome felt a sense of loss as they left the village that day. She had been waiting for this moment from day one when she was here and now she was finding it hard to leave.

 

Kagome knew if she could do it over she would but she would try to meet other people in the village.

 

The first day of traveling bored Kagome to death. It was just walking and walking for hours until dark when they found a safe spot in the woods to camp.

 

InuYasha left to scout the area, leaving Kagome and Kikyo to collect firewood and to lightly chat about Akihiro.

 

“Do you miss him Kagome?” asked Kikyo, bending down to retrieve a decent sized log.

 

Supporting her back with one hand Kagome thought about Kikyo's question. “I do miss him to an extent. I don't know him that well so it's kind of hard to explain,” answered Kagome.

 

Kikyo faced the other girl. “Do you like him at all?”

 

Kagome paused in mid step to turn to the older girl. “Although he is a good person, I don't have any romantic feelings for him.”

 

Kikyo moved her way over to stand next to Kagome. “You know, Akihiro is next in line for the throne. He would give you comfortable life if you ever decided to marry him.”

 

Kagome looked at Kikyo suspiciously. “Did he tell you to tell me that?”

 

Kikyo laughed lightly and Kagome joined in, shaking her head and mentally rolling her eyes.

 

Making there way back to camp, they placed the firewood in the middle of their camp and after trying many times, they were able to light it with two rocks. After they settled down and fell asleep.

 

The next morning flew by after they ate whatever InuYasha had caught (which tasted really good) and they headed out again.

 

Like the day before, they walked for hours but when InuYasha told them there was only one more hour of walking, Kagome felt so elated that nothing seemed to hurt anymore.

 

When her village came into sight, Kagome broke out into a run and didn't stop until she ran right into her house. Her mother and brother looked at her with wide eyes before they ran to hug her.

 

Automatically her mother started to cry. “Kagome! I was so worried! We missed you so much!”

 

Kagome let herself cry in her mothers' arms. The feeling of finally being reunited with her family was incredible. “I missed you too mom!” She looked down at Souta hugging her leg. “I missed you Souta!” she ruffled his hair when he looked up at her.

 

Turning, Kagome saw InuYasha and Kikyo at the door and her mother followed her gaze and smiled. “Oh, it's you InuYasha,” she turned to Kikyo. “Thank you so much for taking care of my daughter.” She bowed and looked at both of them. “Would you like to stay for dinner?”

 

Kikyo was the first to respond. “Thank you for you kind offer but InuYasha and I have some important business to attend to back at our village.”

 

Kagome's mother bowed. “Thank you for returning my child to me.”

 

Kikyo smiled before her eyes met Kagome's. “Goodbye Kagome. Let us cross paths again but under different circumstances.”

And with that, InuYasha and Kikyo left.

 

“You know Kagome?” started Souta. “InuYasha is really cool.”

 

Kagome rolled her eyes and sighed. He didn't know how wrong he was but she would let him think that.

 

She looked at her mother and brother with happiness. She really was glad to be home. There was no other place like this and she didn't want to leave here again. This was her home.

 

When all of their tears dried up, Kagome's mother turned to her, wiping the remaining trail of wetness off her face she said, “Kagome. Could you go to the healers to get some medicine? I asked them to make some for your wound and they said it would be done by today.”

 

“Okay.” Her mother could have asked her to do anything and she would do it. Her mother meant everything to her and she hoped that she didn't cause her mother a lot of stress because that wouldn't be good for her health.

 

She left her hut in the blink of an eye and jogged to the other side of her village to get the medicine. On her way she stopped, eyes narrowing.

 

I hope Hojo is not there.

 

The last thing she wanted to do was talk to Hojo. He knew she was gone but she didn't feel like talking about it anymore. She started to jog again and paused at the door.

 

Please don't let Hojo be here.

 

The flap of the door was pushed aside by a hand not belonging to Kagome, revealing Hojo's face.

 

Oh no.

 

He stared at her and blinked a few times before shouting happily, “Kagome!”

 

As Kagome expected, he hugged her tightly and she winced in slight pain. Hearing it, Hojo stepped away from her. “I'm sorry Kagome! I got carried away for a minute there and forgot about your wound. You're here to pick it up aren't you? Stay put, I'll go get it!”

 

Without another word, Hojo ran back inside the hut and Kagome could hear him rummaging around and then he was back again, his outstretched hand holding a bowl.

 

“If you don't mind me asking, Kagome.” He didn't wait for her to reply. “What happened to you? Where have you been? Do you need me to take care of you?”

 

All Kagome could do was look at him. He really was unbelievable. “Hojo, you don't have to worry about me. I'm fine. I was at a village a day away from here and they took very good care of me so I wont need your help, but thank you.” She grabbed the bowl out of his hand. “Thank you for making this for us.” And with that she turned and left. Hopefully he would not follow her home and when she turned to look behind her, she found he was not behind her, luckily.

 

Stepping inside her house, she found her mother cooking and her brother helping her. It looked like they were going to have some rice and meat tonight and Kagome silently wondered if Hojo had given them that meat. Nevertheless she handed her mother the bowl. “Is there anything I can do?”

 

Her mother shook her head. “No. But you can sit so I can put some of this on.”

 

Obeying her mothers order, Kagome sat and loosened her top just enough for her mother to be able to put her hand on the wound and apply the medicine. She didn't have any bandages on and it was a lot easier doing it this way rather than having to change bandages every two minutes.

 

“Does it hurt Kagome?” asked her mother.

 

The hint of sadness on her mothers voice did not go unnoticed and Kagome tried to reassure her. “It doesn't hurt at all mom, it will probably be gone by tomorrow!”

 

She heard her mother laugh and she washed her hands of the medicine before returning back to the food. “I hope so. Dinner won't be done for a bit so just relax for the time being.”

 

Everything was getting back to normal and it pleased Kagome. She didn't want anyone worrying over her and she didn't want any attention. She was tired of all that and she was glad her mother wasn't asking any questions. Her wound was of the past and even though she might have a physical scar and knew she would never forget what happened, she didn't want her family to be burdened with the feeling of regret by not being able to take care of her. She could take care of herself and she wanted to take care of her mother.

 

Leaving the thoughts alone, Kagome turned to see a vase in the corner of the room and is surprised to see that all the flowers are still there and in full bloom. Walking over, she grabbed the vase that was full of roses and added the red rose that she had put in her shirt.

 

Studying the peaceful arrangement of flowers she decided to go to her spot in the woods. “Hey mom?”

 

“Yes Kagome?”

 

“I'm going to go out for a bit.” She would go and rest in the woods since she had not been there in a very long time.

 

Her mother seemed hesitant at first when Kagome looked at her, but her mother grinned and said she could go. “Just be back in time for dinner.”

Not wasting anymore time, Kagome left her house and quickly walked through the village and into the forest to her spot.

 

Nothing had changed from the last time she had seen it. The flowers were still there and her tree was as full of life as it ever was. Sitting down, she let her head lean against the tree and closed her eyes.

 

“I'm so glad to be back,” she said, stretching her arms above her head and relaxed. The feeling of peace surrounded her and the sounds of the birds singing made Kagome smile. She briefly wondered how far Kikyo and InuYasha traveled and hoped they got home without any problems.

 

She wondered when she would see them again. Maybe in a week? A year? Who knew?

 

Feeling a tickly on her leg, Kagome glared down and her eyes widened.

 

A very large flower, larger than the others, was right next to her leg but was not opened. Curiously, she poked it and she jumped when it actually moved.

 

She watched as it slowly opened, revealing both the rice bag and the bag of money she had dropped.

 

She gasps, reaching out to hold them and see if they are real. Holding them to her form, she carefully looked around to try and find Youko but he was nowhere in sight.

 

“Thank you…” she whispered with tears in her eyes.

 

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Please let me know what you thought. This is actually 12 pages in word and over 22,000 words. LOL@ ME

 

Anyway, I have a charm site where I am going to cell charms for phones, backpacks, ipods and cameras and all that crap. The link is in my profile.

 

Until Next Time!

 

Dark Paine