Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ First Love ❯ Chapter 12

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

I want to live, I want to live and run to your place right now
I can't see anything in the pitch dark, even if it's scary, I'm all right
The countless starry sky is still here now, forever
I won't cry because the sky I saw before with you was beautiful

First Love

Chapter Twelve

“Why?” she heard him ask.

She stood up straight but kept her face down. “I-I will probably never get to tell you that again…I'm leaving tomorrow and wont be back for a while.”

He didn't say anything and they looked at each other.

That was what had transpired moments before she had run away.

He did not bother going after her, even though he thought he would for a split second. Why, he did not know, at least at the moment.

The girl was out of sight but her scent lingered in the air. He had never really paid any attention to it until now, as he stood alone, the moons light somehow finding its way towards him through the trees. The sound of crickets chirped in the safety of the dark, their melodies were scattered but peaceful nevertheless.

She smelled human only with a slight difference he observed.

She smelled of flowers, like the ones where he now stood. She had been here so many times that the smell would probably never rub off of her no matter how hard she scrubbed. But it was a pleasant smell to him, mainly because of the flowers. He loved plant life, made it sprout anywhere he so pleased just to satisfy himself and his needs.

Turning, he began making his way into the forest, not forgetting what lay in the other direction. A strong wind came and whipped his hair around and he once again caught her scent.

In a way it soothed him and yet in another he hated it. There was nothing or no one that could soothe him other than the flowers he loved and sometimes his friend, Kuronue, who he had not seen for many days now and would probably ask him many questions when he returned.

Kuronue was his right hand man and accompanied him on many thieving expeditions. For some reason Youko had told him not to come with him on his most recent ones. Was it because he wanted to do it alone, or was it because he wanted to keep some things secret?

He had never told Kuronue of Kagome or anything that had to do with their meetings on and off. Absolutely nothing, not one word. It surprised him that he kept a secret from his friend. They usually would tell each other what was on their mind or troubling them in one way or another…but he hadn't.

Youko had not told his friend that he met Kagome on pure chance in the forest after the pitiful demon had actually found the necklace he had been looking for and ran away with it. It took only seconds to kill the demon but the girl he had `saved' took up until now to leave him.

Nothing about meeting her in the alleyway, in the forest, in the fields or returning the rice and money she had dropped. He had kept her a secret, his secret.

For what reason?

He began walking again, never once tripping or losing his grace even when he closed his eyes.

Youko guessed it was out of curiosity for him to observe the girl after their second meeting. He had even had the old lady at the rice field keep tabs on her, which he never did.

In all the hundreds of years he had lived, this had never happened to him. Strangely he grinned to himself sharp fangs reveled.

Humans might call his infatuation with her `love' and he found it rather amusing. He did not know what to call it but it would probably be over with soon since she would be leaving for whatever reasons she had to. Sighing, he decided that now was a good time to return to his home and his thieves.

“Kagome?” whispered the said girls mother into her ear as she gently shook her awake.

There was a small moan. “Mom?”

Her mother laughed, “ Come on Kagome, its time to get up and get ready.”

Kagome squinted her eyes at her mother. “...what?” she asked, exasperated.

And then it dawned on her. Today was the day she would be leaving to stay with Akihiro while he `courted' her. It really didn't make any sense. If he wanted to court her then he should come here to get her and bring her places. Why did she have to go to stay with him anyway?

This whole situation just wasn't fair in Kagome's opinion. She shouldn't have to go anywhere or leave anyone or even be with Akihiro let alonemarry him. The feelings for him just weren't there…but she would give it a shot for her mother.

And that was the only reason.

Maybe…she could learn to love him. He was nice after all.

Sitting up she stretched and yawned. Today was going to be long…she might as well get it over with as fast as possible. She could only wish night would come faster so she would be able to get away from it all. It seemed right now that only sleep would help her survive what was to come.

Standing up she walked over to her pile of clothes and changed, not bothering to take a bath or wash herself. Hopefully he would think twice about taking her anywhere today if she didn't smell great.

Out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of the kimono Hojo had given her and shook her head. That was one thing she would not be bringing with her which meant the only things she would bring were her sleeping yukata and the ancient kimono she wore now. Her mother could sell that if she wanted to.

Kagome knelt and wrapped her clothing in a protective covering but just before she was going to tie it in a knot, her eyes traveled to the rose Youko had given her and she immediately knew she couldn't leave it behind. So she carefully pulled the red rose out of the vase and placed it between her sleeping yukata folds that was in the protective cover and then tied a knot.

Kagome sighed. She wouldn't be able to go work today and bring home maybe the last payment to her family that she ever would have.

“Kagome?” called her mother from outside.

“Yea?” she answered, heart picking up speed rapidly.

She watched as her mother pulled back the deer hide from the doorway to peer in. “They're coming!”

Kagome's eyes widened and she took a shaky breath. This was it. Her whole life would change from this and she knew it. Nothing would be the same and she wished she was ready for it…but she just didn't feel that way.

He ran through the forest with such speed that no human would ever be able to see him. Only skilled demons that were close to or up to his level would be able to spot him. He made sure to leave no trail and hid his scent well with the flowers and trees masking his scent. No matter how strong or weak a demon was he did not want it to follow him to his home.

Jumping through the opening he had made in the trees, he landed in his territory and made sure to close the opening behind him. He looked around.

Everything was the same as he had left it. Nothing was out of place and nothing was burnt down so that was a plus. There were many demon women walking around so it seemed his men were having their fun while he was out.

Not bothering to acknowledge anyone, he walked passed them, not meeting their eyes but seeing through them as he walked to the largest tree he had ever made. His home. Its bark was thick and the trunk was wide, it had to be to be able to support the thousands of branches at the top. It was a sakura tree, one he had sprouted and worked on for many years until it was perfect for him to live in. it was untouched since he had been there and he was satisfied, although it didn't surprise him. If someone were to have put anything out of place, he would surely teach them a lesson.

He walked passed his men; some grinned and said they were glad he was back while others were too enthralled with their women to care. Just as he was about to disappear into the sakura tree, his long time accomplice appeared beside him.

“Youko? I thought you'd never come back,” said Kuronue, surprise laced in his words.

Youko sighed and shook his head at his friend. “You haven't changed.”

He still had long black hair pulled up into a ponytail to come out of his black hat. Still had lace twisted up his arms, bat wings, the crimson-stoned pendant he never took off, same black shirt with an enormous collar and just the same everything.

Kuronue scratched his head. “Well, people don't change in a week or…however long you've been gone for, it would be ridiculous if I ever changed anyway.”

Youko rolled his eyes then nodded his head in the direction of the men and women. “Why the celebration?”

Kuronue tsk'ed and looked disappointed. “Not a celebration. The men were just getting lonely so they brought back some women. They'll be gone by morning. Do you want one?”

Youko raised his eyebrows before he moved to go up into the sakura tree. Kuronue stopped him.

“Where have you been Youko? Why did you just up and leave? Wont you tell me?” he asked innocently and batted his eyes.

Youko looked at him with disgust. His friend was a moron. “I caught wind of a treasure and had to go after it.” He pulled out the necklace he had been holding onto and Kuronue's eyes lit up. “And I also was able to get a golden trinket but that was it.”

Kuronue tilted his head. “You were gone for days just to get two things? I thought you would have come back with at least a wagon full of expensive things.”

Instead of answering him, Youko took his leave. He could hear Kuronue's laughter beneath him before he was out of earshot.

Kagome stood outside, her mother and brother on either side of her as a carriage pulled up. Her heart was racing. This was it.

Oh how she desperately wished she could run away and leave. She would rather work at the rice fields for ten days nonstop rather than go to Akihiro.

But she couldn't.

Her mother squeezed her hand reassuringly when the horse drawn carriage stopped in front of her little house.

“This is it,” whispered Kagome silently to herself. She felt a tug on her old kimono and bent to look at Souta in the eyes.

“Kagome…you're going to come and see us soon right?” he asked in a small voice, eyes starting to tear.

Kagome couldn't speak, she was too choked up so she nodded and hugged her brother tightly, trying to make is last for forever before she turned to her mother and she was engulfed in a hug.

Her mother sniffled in her hair and whispered in her ear. “I want you to be happy Kagome. I want you to never live like this again. Don't worry about us, we will be fine but come to visit soon, okay?”

Kagome nodded and hugged her mother harder, never wanting to let go.

“Be a good girl Kagome, I only want what's best for you,” said her mother before she lightly pushed Kagome away from her and wiped the tears from her face.

Kagome sucked on her bottom lip, tears also streaming down her face and she nodded. “I will.” She was barely able to get the words out of her mouth. She was shaking pretty badly.

“Are you Ms. Higurashi?” asked the man on the carriage, holding the reigns of the horses in his hand. He was her mother's age and had salt and pepper hair. He seemed rather nice and had a gentle gaze.

Kagome turned and nodded her head at the man and he jumped down from his perch. And took her bundle. “Is this all?”

She nodded again and he looked a little surprised but he didn't say anything else. Instead he turned and placed it into the carriage before facing her again. “Shall we go?”

Kagome took one last breath and hugged both her mother and brother one last time before the man helped her into the carriage. She made sure to sit right next to the window so she was able to wave vigorously at her tearful family as she was driven away.

She had no idea what was in store for her once she got to Akihiro. She just hoped this journey would take a few days.

Okay, so you all got Youko's PV and stuff. I hope you liked it. I wrote it all between yesterday and today without a rough draft lol. I think I will only do this kind from now on! Much easier.

Let me know what you think!

Until next time:

Dark Paine