Inuyasha: The Spirit Within
By: Guardian Angel
Chapter Eight
“She left her clothes, backpack, and bike,” Inuyasha said. He and the others had put their clothes back on.
Koga sat on the riverbank, and threw a pebble into a river. “I’m not taking them to her. She’s already upset at me enough. I’m not going to pain her any further.”
Inuyasha frowned. He was going to comfort Koga (something he doesn’t do) but Miroku stopped him.
“I think he needs to be alone for a while,” Miroku said.
Sango handed Inuyasha Kagome’s stuff. “Why don’t you look for Kagome and bring her back? We’ll meet you in the village to the west. We hear there’s a shard there.”
“Be careful,” Rin said.
“Like he needs to,” Shippo said.
“Brother, don’t die, okay,” Sesshomaru said. “I’m the one who needs to do that.”
“You heard Lord Sesshomaru, he’s the one who will kill you,” Jaken said.
“Whatever,” Inuyasha said.
Kagome leaned her back against the tree she had met Inuyasha at and sat down. Fireflies flew around her. She held out her hand to catch one. Two flew into her hand. Kagome looked down at them. “So pretty. I just wish Inuyasha would just understand me for once in his life.” She let them free. “I even wrote a song for him.” She began singing.
Gotta go,
Gotta do this,
Gotta do that,
For I love you,
And I will always
Be there for you,
Forever on
Gotta be there,
Gotta be near,
Gotta be brave,
And keep hoping
I will always
Love you
Forever on and on
You can
Never forget the day
We met by the river
The river
Near the river,
Lies your heart
And within mine,
Lies your very soul
I will never
Forget the day we met
Forever I will
Be there with you
Inuyasha heard singing and smelled a sweet, gentle, kind scent. “Is that Kagome?” He followed the voice and scent. He sopped as he approached Kagome. He quickly hid behind a tree and watched Kagome. The moonlight shone on her as the fireflies danced around her. She looked like an angel.
Kagome continued singing. She then held out her hands. Several fireflies went onto them. Kagome stopped singing and watched the fireflies gather. She smiled, and threw them into the air giggling. She got up, turned around, and put her hand on the tree exactly where Kikyo’s arrow had been. She let out a sigh, rested her head against it, and closed her eyes. “Inuyasha, you killed Kikyo to save me, but she was brought back to life. Or maybe she hadn’t died at all.” She opened her eyes with tears in them. “But dead or alive, you will always love her. Even if she does try to kill you or me. The tears went down her face. “Oh, Inuyasha, why does it have to be this way? I can’t stand a chance against Kikyo. You and her still love each other and have been in love before I met you.”
“There you are,” a voice said.
Kagome turned around to see Inuyasha.
“I’ve been looking all over for you,” Inuyasha said.
“So, you didn’t hear anything I said?” Kagome asked. What kind of question is that? He did hear me with those dog-ears. They’re like sonar radars.
“I heard singing earlier, but it was too beautiful to be you singing it,” Inuyasha said.
Kagome let out a sigh of relief. She then looked at Inuyasha angrily. “Are you saying I can’t sing?!”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” Inuyasha said. He then looked the tree he had been shot by Kikyo at. “Kikyo and I loved each other, but if we had how come we so easily turned against each other?”
“Inuyasha, you and Kikyo…the Shikon Jewel, if it hadn’t existed, you and Kikyo would’ve been together still and-“
“Yeah, but you wouldn’t have come, and I would not have met you.”
“But what if I turn against you?”
Inuyasha looked away from the tree and looked towards Kagome. “You won’t because you’re not Kikyo. And I won’t let either of us die.”
“True, but I am her reincarnation,” Kagome said. “And how will you not let either us die? You know as well as I do that you can’t control life or death.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Inuyasha said.
Sango, Miroku, Shippo, Koga, Sesshomaru, Jaken, and Rin entered the village. The village was large and very crowded. There were merchants, samurai warriors, monks and priestesses, peasants, nobles, and slaves all over the place.
“I was planning to split up in search of the shard,” Miroku said, “but now I’m starting to rethink that.”
“We would all get lost before we found the shard,” Sango said.
“Which is why we need Kagome,” Shippo said.
“Yeah, Kagome,” Koga muttered. “The one I lost to that mutt.”
“Will you get over it,” Sango said. “She’s known Inuyasha longer and has always loved him, okay. Inuyasha is just too stupid and stubborn to see that!”
Miroku let out a sigh. He then spotted an inn. “Why don’t we stay in there while we wait for Kagome and Inuyasha?”
“Good idea,” Sango said.
They entered the inn.
“So, you ready to meet up with the others?” Inuyasha asked.
“I suppose so,” Kagome said.
Inuyasha handed her her stuff. “You may want to change first.”
“Oh, um, right,” Kagome said. She grabbed her clothes and hid behind the bushes to change. She came out of hiding after she was done changing, and put her bathing suit in her backpack. She then got onto her bike after putting her backpack on, and Inuyasha got on in the back, as usual. “So, where are the others?” She began pedaling.
“To the village in the west,” Inuyasha said.
“Why?”
“They believe there’s a shard there.”
“How’s Koga?”
“He’s just upset, but he’s a wolf demon and will get over it.”
“Why did you do that back there? Was it to test me?”
“At first, I did it to embarrass Koga, but as I watched I began to wish I hadn’t called up everyone, and had pushed Koga back into the river.”
“Did you just want to be with me? Alone?”
“What?! No! Why would I want to do that?!”
Kagome giggled.
“What’s so funny?!” Inuyasha demanded.
“You really do look cute when you’re in denial,” Kagome said smiling.
Inuyasha began blushing and looked away. Then he crossed his arms. Kagome giggled again. Inuyasha looked back towards Kagome.
“Hello, can I help you?” the man behind the desk asked.
“Yes,” Miroku said, “we would like a room for nine, please.”
“Nine? But there’s only seven of you,” the man said. Hmm, one monk, one demon huntress, a fox demon, a wolf demon, a demon with white hair, a small green demon, and a human little girl. There were also a half-breed with white hair and dog-ears and a human girl dressed in odd clothes. This must be the group, and they’re waiting for their other two comrades.
“There are only seven of us because-“
“The other two are off somewhere, right?” the man asked interrupting Miroku.
“Yeah,” Sango said.
The man got up. “I’ll show you to your room.” Sango and the others followed the man to their room. The man opened the door. “Here you go. If you need any help, I’ll be up front.” He left.
Rin and Shippo immediately ran into the room, and began jumping on the beds.
“Sesshomaru, can you and Jaken watch Shippo and Rin while we take a look around?” Sango asked.
“Sure,” Sesshomaru said.
Sango, Miroku, and Koga left.
Koga entered a tent and saw a long line of humans and demons. Koga went over to one of them. “What’s going on?”
“Sign ups for a fighting tournament that will be held once the sun starts setting,” a demon said.
“A tournament, eh,” Koga said. I’ll sign Inuyasha and me up. Then I’ll win the tournament, and win my Kagome back.
Miroku and Sango entered a temple. Miroku ran over to a monk. “Excuse me, sir monk-“
“Miroku?” the monk asked turning around. He wore clothes similar to Miroku’s except they were orange and yellow. The monk had long black hair that was longer than Miroku’s tied back in a ponytail and has sky blue eyes. He carried a wooden staff.
Miroku’s eyes widened. “Is that you, Leon?”
The monk nodded. He looked to be sixteen or fifteen years old.
“You’ve grown,” Miroku said.
Leon frowned. “Grown? I’m a year younger than you.”
“Then how come you were so short when I was fourteen?” Miroku asked.
“I come from a very short family, okay,” Leon said.
“I really hate to break up this little reunion, but we have very important stuff to ask about. Say, for example, the Shikon shard!” Sango said.
“Huh? Oh, yes, that’s right,” Miroku said. “Leon, I have missed you for quite some time, but that’s not why we’re here.”
“Go on,” Leon said.
“Rumors say there is a Shikon shard here,” Sango said.
“So, if you could kindly take us to it, we’d be very happy,” Miroku said.
“So, you came for the shard, eh? Well, it’s in the palace to the north of this town,” Leon said. “You’ll have to see the king and ask for his permission.”
“As usual, Leon, you are a life saver,” Miroku said.
“We give our thanks, sir monk,” Sango said.
“Glad to be of help,” Leon said.
With that, Sango and Miroku headed to the palace.
“Inuyasha, I thought you said village,” Kagome said as she and Inuyasha entered the village.
“I did,” Inuyasha said.
“This is more like a town,” Kagome said.
“Whatever,” Inuyasha said.
“Where do you think they’d meet us?” Kagome asked.
Inuyasha looked around and spotted an inn. “They would meet us there.”
The two entered the inn.
“Name?” the woman asked behind the counter.
“Koga and sign Inuyasha up,” Koga said. “We’re not on a team. I’m a full wolf demon and Inuyasha is half dog demon, half human.”
“Okay,” the woman said.
“I am Miroku and this is Sango,” Miroku said. “May we see the king?”
“For what?” the guard asked.
“The Shikon shard,” Sango said.
“We heard the king has it,” Miroku said.
“And why would a monk and a demon huntress want it?” the guard asked.
“Uh, well, to put it back together as the Shikon Jewel, of course,” Sango said.
“To bring peace to the lands,” Miroku said.
“I will check with His Majesty,” the guard said and left.
“Do you think he’ll let us?” Sango asked.
“Once I speak with him, he will,” Miroku said.
“You’re not going to black mail him, are you?” Sango asked.
“Now why would you think that?” Miroku asked innocently.
“Because you do it to every headman of the village if we’re able to help them,” Sango said.
“I do not,” Miroku said.
“The king will now see you,” the guard said coming back.
“Well, at least you stayed here to meet with us,” Inuyasha said.
“I only stayed to watch the children,” Sesshomaru said.
“In other words, you would’ve left and Kagome and I would’ve went all around this village-“
“It’s more like a town,” Kagome said not letting Inuyasha finish. “A city even.”
“Anyway, like I was saying, we would’ve gone around the whole village just to find you guys,” Inuyasha said.
“That would’ve been a good thing,” Jaken said.
“Yeah, Inuyasha, you need the exercise,” Shippo said.
Inuyasha hit him on the head. “What was that?!”
“Kagome!” Shippo cried.
“Inuyasha, sit,” Kagome said.
Inuyasha fell to the ground.
“You think the guy would learn,” Rin said.
Shippo let out a sigh. “I know what you mean.”
Sango and Miroku entered the throne room to see the king. The two went up to the throne and bowed.
“We are sorry for not telling you of our arrival ahead of time,” Miroku said.
“The Shikon shard,” the king said, “what is it you want with it?”
“To put the Shikon Jewel back together to bring peace back to the lands,” Sango said.
“A monk and demon huntress do this?” the king asked. “Hmm, I know. Enter the tournament and if you win I’ll give you two the Shikon shard.”
Inuyasha got up. “Anyway, Sesshomaru, do you know where the others went?”
“Miroku and Sango went to look for the Shikon shard,” Sesshomaru said. “As for Koga-“
The door then opened and Koga entered the room. “So, the mutt is finally here. That’s nice to know.”
Kagome went over to Koga. “Listen, I’m sorry about what happened back at the river, but I just don’t feel that way about you.”
“And it’s all your fault, mutt,” Koga said.
“How’s it my fault?!” Inuyasha demanded.
“You took my Kagome away from me,” Koga said.
“I did not!” Inuyasha said. “I don’t like her like that!”
“Yeah, right,” Koga said.
“Yeah, I am right,” Inuyasha said.
“It’s not Inuyasha’s fault,” Kagome said. “And he didn’t take me away from you. I don’t like either of you like that.”
“You’ll love me once I win the fighting tournament,” Koga said. “I signed Inuyasha up and if he decides to not show up he forfeits and loses. And unless he wants to be a loser-“
“Koga, I am not entering any stupid tournament just to fight you,” Inuyasha said. “You can have Kagome for all I care.”
“I don’t want either of you to have me,” Kagome said.
Just then the door opened again. In it entered Sango and Miroku.
Sango sat down on one of the beds. Miroku joined her.
“So, where’s the Shikon shard?” Kagome asked.
Sango let out a sigh. “We have to enter a fighting tournament to win it.”
“In other words, we have to beat the tournament,” Miroku said.
“Fine, I’ll enter the stupid tournament,” Inuyasha said. Anything for the Shikon shards. And if I beat Koga, which I undoubtedly will, I’ll make him jealous ‘cause I won his Kagome. I don’t really want her, but still anything to make Koga jealous.
Kagome and the others entered the tent the fighting tournament was to be held in.
“Okay, I think we’ll watch you and Koga over there,” Kagome said pointing her finger at the highest seats. “I wish you both the best of luck.”
“Whatever,” Inuyasha said.
“Of course, my dear Kagome, I shall win,” Koga said.
Sango rolled her eyes. You would think he could take a hint.
Inuyasha and Koga entered the room all the fighters were in. Inuyasha sat down with his legs crossed, crossed his arms, and closed his eyes. Koga leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. The two listened in on a conversation going on.
“I heard he could beat a full demon with one hit,” a man said.
“Imagine what he could do to a human,” a demon said.
“Or a half-breed,” another said.
“Feh! I could beat that guy with one hit,” Inuyasha said.
“No, you can’t,” a demon said.
“You’re a half breed,” a man said.
“Besides, mutt, I’ll beat you before you even get to go against the guy,” Koga said.
“We’ll see who beats who,” Inuyasha said.
Miroku and the others went over to their seats. They were surprised to see Leon there.
“What are you doing here?” Miroku asked.
“I heard about the prize and decided to come and cheer on your friends,” Leon said. “Who are your other friends?”
“Well, the demon huntress, whom I did not introduce you earlier to, is Sango. The fox demon is Shippo, the young girl wearing strange clothing is Kagome-“
“Hi,” Kagome said smiling.
“The little girl is Rin, the green, er, toad is Jaken, the cat with two tails is Kirara, and the man with white hair is Sesshomaru,” Miroku said.
Rin ran over to Leon. “You’re not like Miroku, are you?”
“By ‘not like Miroku’ what do you mean?” Leon asked.
“Uh, well.” Rin began blushing. “You, er, don’t, um, touch people and, um, ask them to, er, bear your child.”
Leon blushed. “Not at all.”
Rin let out a sigh of relief. “Good.”
“So, who’s the one that will fight?” Leon asked.
“Ones,” Miroku corrected. “A wolf demon named Koga and a half dog demon named Inuyasha. He’s Sesshomaru’s half brother.”
“It’s about to begin,” Kagome said.
They all watched as the fighters came out.
Kagome spotted Inuyasha and Koga. She got up and yelled out, “Go, Inuyasha and Koga! We’re with you all the way!”
Inuyasha crossed his arms and tried ignoring Kagome. Koga looked up at her and waved.
“Don’t worry, Kagome, I shall win this tournament for you!” Koga yelled.
Kagome blushed. He is so embarrassing! Does he have to tell the whole world?!
Koga smiled.
Inuyasha looked up and met her eyes. Who’s she rooting for? Me or Koga?
A man came out dressed in clothes similar to Inuyasha’s that were black. He held up his hand to quiet the crowd. He put it down as the audience began to quiet. “Ladies and gentlemen, demons and half breeds, I would proudly like to introduce our strong warriors who have come to fight it in an all out match. They have all come to see who is the strongest in the world. The winner gets to have the prize, which is a piece of the Shikon no Tama. Yes, that’s right, the winner gets to have a Shikon shard.”
“What?! But what if Inuyasha and Koga don’t win?!” Shippo asked.
“That would be a problem, wouldn’t it,” Miroku said.
“Don’t worry. Inuyasha will win,” Kagome said. I just know he will.
“The fighters are Nekairu…”
A big tall black haired demon moved forward waving his huge ax.
“He’s big,” Shippo said.
“And tall,” Rin said.
“Jentaro…”
A white haired demon with dark eyes moved forward. He had human ears. He held a long bow and carried a quiver filled with arrows. He smiled and waved to all the girls.
“Heh, he’ll be a piece of cake,” Inuyasha said. “Bows and arrows are meant for long range attacks not close range ones.”
“Mensemru…”
A young man stepped forward. He wore samurai clothing. He grabbed out his sword and shouted, “I will win!”
Kagome let out a sigh. “No, he won’t. He’s too arrogant and obviously underestimates his enemies.”
Sango and Miroku nodded in agreement.
“Koga…”
Koga stepped forward and waved to Kagome. I’m going to beat Inuyasha and win Kagome’s heart.
Kagome tried ignoring Koga.
“Boutensei…”
A ninja stepped forward. Two men held up a tree in front of him. He held his hand up and struck the tree cutting it in half. The crowd cheered. He bowed.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes and muttered, “Show off.”
“Inuyasha…”
Inuyasha stepped forward and closed his eyes. This is so stupid.
Kagome got up and yelled, “Go, Inuyasha!”
Inuyasha opened his eyes and looked up at Kagome. She smiled. Inuyasha looked away. “Whatever.”
Koga looked towards Kagome sadly then looked towards Inuyasha angrily. I knew he was trying to take my woman!
“Himensa…”
A big tall brown beast looking demon stepped forward. It was very muscular and had drool going down its two fangs that were hanging outside from its bottom jaw. It also had red hair going down its back and red hair on its chest, wrists and ankles. The demon carried a huge sword and wore tight black pants.
“He’s big,” Shippo said hiding behind Kagome.
“And vicious,” Rin said.
“Inuyasha will beat him,” Kagome said.
“Well, she’s confident,” Sango said.
“Ryouken…”
A person stepped forward. They wore a long black cloak that covered them all over. The person, by their height, looked to be around Riku’s age.
“He looks mysterious,” Kagome said.
“Why doesn’t he show his face?” Shippo asked.
“I think it’s Riku,” Rin said.
“Yeah, right,” Jaken muttered.
“It could be,” Rin said.
“Uh-huh, sure,” Jaken said.
“Be quiet, stinking toad.”
“Make me, stinking human!”
“Stinking toad!”
“Stinking human!”
“Stinking toad!”
“Stinking human!”
Sesshomaru looked down at the two. “Jaken.”
Jaken stopped and turned around to face Sesshomaru. “Yes, Lord Sesshomaru?”
“Stop arguing with Rin,” Sesshomaru said.
Jaken looked away. “Yes, Lord Sesshomaru.”
The announcer finished the names. “The first match will be Inuyasha against Nekairu.”
Inuyasha and Koga sat down on the seats inside the small building where the fighters were to stay until their matches. Inuyasha’s was to start in four minutes.
“Which do you think is the one that that can beat a full demon with one hit?” Koga asked.
“I don’t really care,” Inuyasha said crossing his arms and closing his eyes. “Who ever it is, I’m sure I can defeat him.”
“Not if I defeat him first,” Koga said.
“Not if I defeat you first,” Inuyasha said.
“Oh, yeah!” Koga said.
“Yeah!” Inuyasha said.
There was a knock on the door.
Inuyasha and Koga stopped arguing.
“Come in,” Inuyasha said.
Kagome entered the room. She closed the door. “Hey.”
“What do you want?” Inuyasha asked.
“Just to tell you that I hope and know you will win,” Kagome said.
“You don’t have to waste your hope on him,” Koga said. “Because I will win.”
“We already know,” Inuyasha said. “You’ve said it at least three times now.”
Kagome let out a sigh. “He’s right, you know.”
“I’m going to get something to drink,” Koga said. He left.
Kagome took a seat beside Inuyasha. “You know, you are very confusing.”
“What do you mean I’m confusing?” Inuyasha asked.
“Well…” She looked down at the ground “You love Kikyo and have always shown it. Even though she tried to kill you and me, you continued loving her. Then you started getting me confused when you started, sometimes, showing those same feelings towards me. At first, I thought it was because it wasn’t me you saw, but Kikyo. But then when you killed Kikyo, or at least thought you did, I saw a different you. After what you did to Koga and me, and went to find me, you spoke to me differently. At the carnival and in the dream world, I strongly started thinking you really did have those feelings for me. I, myself, have been questioning my feelings towards you since Shippo and I first saw you turn human when you got poisoned and said…”
“And said?” Inuyasha asked.
“And said that you liked the way I smelled,” Kagome said.
Inuyasha blushed and looked away. “I was obviously delusional from the poison.”
“So, you didn’t mean it then?” Kagome asked.
“Listen, Kagome, I don’t have those kinds of feelings for you,” Inuyasha said.
“Okay,” Kagome said. “I was just wondering.”
“Is that it?” Inuyasha asked.
“I guess,” Kagome said.
Did she really think I had those kinds of feelings for her? Inuyasha thought. Of course she does. The way I’ve been acting towards her everyone would think that, but I don’t feel that way about her, do I?
Kagome looked up at Inuyasha. I should have known he didn’t have those kinds of feelings for me. I feel so stupid now for saying that stuff. I am such an idiot.
Inuyasha looked at Kagome. Their eyes met. “Kagome…”
Kagome started blushing. This is so embarrassing.
Inuyasha put her hand in his. “I’m not exactly sure how I feel about you.”
“Inuyasha…” Kagome said. “What do you mean?”
“I’m not sure what I mean,” Inuyasha said. “Except that I…never mind.” His face drew closer to hers.
“Huh?” Kagome saw him coming closer. “Whoa, wait a minute!” She pushed Inuyasha away from her. He was about to kiss me! She blushed even more.
Inuyasha got up angrily. “Why did you do that for?!”
“This is exactly what I meant when I said you were getting me confused,” Kagome said.
“Whatever,” Inuyasha said.
“You were about to kiss me and you know it.”
“Why would I wanna do that for?”
“I don’t know. I’m not you.”
“Well, just ta let ya know, I wasn’t gonna, ‘kay.”
“Good.”
“I’m not that desperate that I would go to you.”
“Inuyasha, I would make you sit right now, but I can’t because you have to fight soon.” Kagome looked down at Inuyasha. “Oops. I didn’t mean to. Honestly.”
Inuyasha got up in anger. “I really wish I could hurt you right now, but I can’t because of this stupid necklace.”
There was a knock on the door.
Inuyasha turned his back to Kagome, closed his eyes, and crossed his arms.
Kagome ignored him. “Come in.”
The announcer walked in. “Inuyasha, your match is about to begin.”
Inuyasha opened his eyes. “I’m coming.”
“Okay,” the announcer said and left.
Kagome went over to Inuyasha. “Are you sure you don’t have those feelings for me?”
Inuyasha turned to face Kagome. She doesn’t look scared and yet, I sense sadness within her as well as fear. Why? Is she afraid of what I’m about to say? Does this mean she does have those kinds of feelings for me? Do I also share those same feelings? “Kagome, I really don’t want to talk about this. Besides, isn’t that a personal question?”
“I suppose,” Kagome said. “I’ll see you later then.”
She was about to leave, but Inuyasha gently, but firmly grabbed her arm to stop her. She turned to face him.
“What is it?” Kagome asked.
Inuyasha looked down at her. “I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you. I hadn’t meant to.”
“Inuyasha,” Kagome said, “It’s not your fault. It’s mine for thinking that.”
“It’s mine for making you think it,” Inuyasha said.
“Then I guess it’s both of our faults,” Kagome said.
“Yeah, I guess so,” Inuyasha said in embarrassment.
The door then opened again. Koga entered the room. “Yo, mutt, you better get to your match or they’ll think you forfeited the round and that would mean you are no longer in the fighting tournament. Then again, if you are planning on not entering the match, then you can ignore me.”
“I think I’ll ignore you even if I do fight,” Inuyasha said.
“Oh, yeah!” Koga said.
“Yeah!” Inuyasha said.
“Children, calm down,” Kagome said.
“Hey! I’m not a child!” Inuyasha cried.
“Neither am I,” Koga said.
“Then quit acting like three year olds,” Kagome said.
“I understand why you’re calling Inuyasha a three year old, but me?!” Koga asked.
“Well, you two argue all the time. Mainly over me, may I add,” Kagome said. “Oh, why must I be plagued with such beauty? I’ve already got three guys after me. One more would make my life even more difficult.”
“Don’t worry,” Inuyasha said. “All those guys who like you are obviously stupid.”
“You know, you really are a child,” Kagome said. “You are so immature.”
“Grrr, be thankful that I have to get to my match because I can’t waste my energy on you,” Inuyasha said. With that, he left.
________________________________________________________
E-mail me at nicole_lawson31@hotmail.com