A Tragic Lovesong Divine

When Inuyasha reached the village, he did not see Kikyo anywhere in sight. He wanted to explore the village and look for her, but he didn’t want the villagers to see him. Half-demon or not, his dog ears and claws gave it away about his demonic build up. After waiting minutes in a nearby bush, he finally spotted Kikyo carrying a bucket of water. She looked as though she was having a hard time carrying it. Her little sister Kaede was tagging along behind her, carrying what looked like some fish. Just the thought of the juicy fish made Inuyasha’s insides tingle. He did not care what the villagers thought but just to be safe, he strung a few leaves over his head to hide the ears, and made his way towards Kikyo. She did not notice him standing in the square. He was surprised. A priestess such as herself should be able to sense a demonic presence no matter how small it may be. After a moment she looked up and stopped in her tracks. He could not tell whether or not she was happy to see him. He was about to run away but Kaede ran towards him.

“You must be Inuyasha,” she said.

“WHAT? Say, how would you know that?”

“Well, you saved my sister’s life yesterday and she talked about some guy dressed as you are...”

“Kaede…”

“She said that you were decent looking but you are kindof cute to me…”

“Kaede, that’s enough. Leave Inuyasha alone. I’m sure he doesn’t want to listen to the meaningless things I’ve said about him.” Inuyasha was a little taken back, but in a good way. He found it quite flattering that she said he was “decent-looking”. He thought she was decent looking too…beautiful even but that he decided to keep to himself.

“Um…so you must be the famous Kaede. Heard a lot about you. You sure do talk a lot don’t you?”

Kaede laughed. “Of course I do. It’s my job as a little sister to drill people that I don’t know, and those who like to follow and hang around my sister.”

“HEY! WHO SAID I WAS…”

“It’s ok Inuyasha. You already had my approval the night you saved my sister’s life.” Inuyasha’s anger subsided and he smiled at Kaede.

“Well, thanks I guess.” He turned his attention to Kikyo. “Why are you still holding that damn bucket? You know that it’s heavy.” Kikyo had forgotten all about the bucket of water. She was still shocked that he was standing there. “Give me the bucket. Let me carry it. I saw you struggling with it earlier.” Inuyasha grabbed the bucket. “So where am I taking it?”

“TO OUR CABIN,” Kaede shouted happily. “Come Inuyasha, let me show you! It’s not very far.” When Kaede ran on ahead, Kikyo finally spoke.

“Inuyasha, why are you here? If some of the villagers see you then you will surely have a rough time convincing the villagers that you are not all bad.”

“I am bad…but I was hungry and so I was planning to steal something from the village but I saw you struggling to carry this puny bucket of water. I didn’t want you to take all day so I thought I’d come and help out. Does it bother you that I’m here? I can leave you know.”

Kikyo didn’t answer the question. Instead, once they reached the cabin she invited him in and asked him to stay for dinner. “It’s the least I can do after last night.”

“Well…um…” He looked at Kikyo. Finally, he was able to look her in the eyes. He had never been able to look her in the eyes because she was always looking down or in another direction. For the brief moment that she looked back, he could sense that she wanted him to stay. Good, because he didn’t want to leave. It was true that he was hungry but being with Kikyo…he was hoping he’d be able to sit with her again. “Sure, I’ll stay.”

Kikyo smiled and with her sister’s help, began to prepare supper. Inuyasha sat in a corner and just watched, offering to help several times but being shoved out of the way since he was a guest. A few times, he thought he saw Kikyo blush whenever she approached his area of the room. He smiled. She was cuter than ever even though she was just preparing supper. She laughed a few times at Kaede, who kept acting silly in order to make her sister laugh. That was okay with him. He loved hearing Kikyo’s delicate laughter. When everything was ready, Kaede set the table area and lit a few lamps since it was now reaching sunset. Kaede sat next to her sister and Inuyasha thought it better to just sit across from Kikyo. It was one of the biggest mistakes he could have made all day. The dimly lit lamp radiated off of Kikyo’s pale skin and he found himself staring at her most of the time during supper. He was sure that Kikyo noticed because her skin was flushed and she kept trying not to look his way. Kaede made small talk throughout the meal and so that kept Inuyasha’s attention off of Kikyo for a little while at least. When they were all done eating, Kaede went outside to get some more water in a small bucket. Meanwhile, Kikyo proceeded to clean up.

“Let me help you.” Inuyasha reached for a bowl, but it was the same one Kikyo had reached for. His hand ended up touching hers and they both looked at each other. The light from the lamp combined with the moonlight coming in from the window made her skin glow. Her soulful, almond eyes were staring back at him. A piece of her hair was in her face, half covering one of her eyes. He let go of her hand and moved the piece of hair out of her face, lightly brushing her right cheek. Her eyes instantly closed at the touch of his hand and she dropped the bowl onto the table. Kikyo jumped and Inuyasha backed away.

“Um…I…I got it. Thanks.” She blushed and proceeded to clean on her own. Inuyasha decided it was best if he sat outside while she cleaned, otherwise he’d do nothing but stare at her and make her uncomfortable.

Kikyo was relieved when Inuyasha went outside. She was so flustered that she could barely hold on to the dishes in her hands. What was it about him that made her so anxious around him? No one besides Kaede had ever looked at her they way he just looked at her tonight. It was though he truly cared and she did not understand why. What did she do to make him care so? As Kikyo was finishing up, Kaede had returned with fresh water.

“Sister Kikyo, are you alright? You looked flushed. Did something happen between you and Inuyasha?”

“I’m ok. Do I really look all that bad?” Kikyo did not want her sister to know that she was starting to like Inuyasha. It was best for now since she wasn’t sure what was happening. Kaede twisted her face as though she were searching for the right words to say.

“Well, sis you look a bit more…I can’t really explain it. I saw Inuyasha on the porch and he looked as though he were in deep thought. He’s also a bit jumpy. I ran up on him and he ‘bout lost it and fell off the porch.” Kaede struggled to hold back a giggle. “I just thought maybe you two had a fight or something.”

“No, no Kaede. Everything is fine. He just needed some air that’s all. He offered to help me in the kitchen but I ran him off.” Kikyo’s gazed turned from her sister’s for a moment. I hope I didn’t hurt his feelings. “Kaede, I am going outside with Inuyasha. I am pretty sure he’ll be leaving soon and I think I should see him off.”

“That’s fine sister. I think he wants to see you again anyway.” Kikyo laughed. Her sister has always had such a vivid imagination.

“Alright, well wash up and get ready to sleep.”
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“Wow. So…so you were watching them the whole time?” Kaede chuckled.

“Well now I wouldn’t say that. I went to get some water so that we both could wash up, but when I got back I didn’t hear anything coming from the cabin. As a curious young girl, I decided to see what was going on without being detected.”

“In other words, you were spying on them.”

“Well Kagome, I knew my sister very well and all throughout supper, I noticed that she was nervous. My sister was never nervous about anything; even when she had to prove herself worthy of guarding the sacred jewel. I needed to know whether or not Inuyasha was making her nervous.”

“So what did you think about what you saw? I mean, you saw those two share what I would call a ‘tender moment’.”

“Well, I didn’t stand there the whole time and watch them. After seeing how those two were looking at each other, it kind of made me feel good. My sister had never been able to take an interest in guys all because of that ludicrous curse that jealous Tsubaki had put on her. My sister had always told me that the curse was ridiculous but I had always had the feeling that there was more to that curse than she was letting on.” Kaede let out a sigh.

“Anyway Kagome, don’t you think you should be running along now? Your mother will be worried sick about you. You know how she is about you being out so late and you haven’t even had supper yet.”

“But Kaede, I want to hear the rest of the story. What happens to Kikyo? Does she end up with Inuyasha?”

“Ha ha ha, I will tell you another day, but for now it’s best you get home. You have school tomorrow and you may want to look your best for that dashing young fellow Koga.”

“Oh please, he’s so full of himself! He’s so not my type. Besides, I am not interested in anyone at the moment. I’ll be back tomorrow grandma, g’night!” Kagome mounted her bike and headed on home.

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Kagome woke the next morning, quickly got dressed and headed off to school. She decided to take the long way so that she could think about some things. That Inuyasha sounds like a real charmer. He also seems like a handsome young half-demon. Why can’t I meet someone like Inuyasha? True, he sounded like he was full of surprises but that was ok. At least he would keep things interesting. Before Kagome knew it, she had reached her school.

“KAGOME!” It was Koga. “Kagome, you look beautiful today.”

“Koga, you say this every time you see me.”

“Oh I know,” he said arrogantly, “but I can’t help it. You’re beautiful and I am going to keep reminding you of it.”

“That’s nice Koga. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go to class.”

“Okay then. See you at lunch.”

Kagome went to her first class, dreading the hour in which she had to see Koga again. It’s not that Koga wasn’t nice looking, but he just…liked her a little too much. It was a little annoying. Right before it was time for lunch, Kagome was walking through the halls when she noticed a student that she had never seen before. He was very good looking. He had short, black hair and dark slit like eyes. He was tall, maybe foot taller than she. His clothes fit him well and he looked well-built. He glanced at her as she walked by and his face wore a type of arrogant smirk. She did not have time to study him some more for Koga came up behind her and put his arms around her.

“Shall we go to lunch my beautiful Kagome?”

Kagome did not have the strength to argue with Koga so she reluctantly agreed to eat with him. While at lunch, Kagome listened to Koga brag about his many accomplishments in certain athletics. His favorite was track, in which he was the fastest track runner in the entire school. With all the athletics that Koga was in, it drew many girls to swoon over him. Although Kagome wasn’t as crazy about him as most, she had to admit that Koga was a looker. His long, wavy brown hair was just right for his beautifully tanned skin. His wolf-like eyes were sharp and menacing, but if you looked at them too long, you’d find yourself lost in them. He was tall and skinny, but very muscular. He looked like a fantasy guy straight out of Cali. Kagome’s thoughts of Koga were interrupted by the many whispers from around the cafeteria that had surfaced sometime during her daydreaming.

“Koga, what’s going on?”

“Hmft. You’re not missing much. Just some new guy that just transferred here. Apparently he’s a real charmer.”

Koga sounded like he was a bit jealous. The spotlight was no longer on him. Kagome let out a laugh. Just as she was about to leave and put up her tray, the mystery guy walked by she and Koga’s table followed by lots of swooning girls. It was the guy she had seen earlier in the hall way. He looked at Kagome and smirked, then kept on walking. Kagome’s face flushed a little. He was really quite handsome. Apparently Koga noticed it too.

“Kagome, let’s get out of here. It’s a little crowded all of a sudden.” Kagome didn’t argue. She had one more class then she could go home and get some rest. She also had to pay Kaede another visit. She was dying to know what was up with Kikyo and Inuyasha.

“So Kagome, do you want me to walk you home?”

“Um, actually Koga, I am not going straight home. I have to run some errands for my mom but tanks anyway.”

“Okay then. Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. Take care beautiful.”

Oh, Koga is so sweet. Why can’t I care about him the way he cares about me? Kagome started down the sidewalk home. The whole time thoughts clouded her head. Thoughts of Koga, Inuyasha, and…

“Kagome.” Someone had called out her name. Kagome turned to look and it was that new guy. What was he… “You look confused.”

“Well…I mean, yeah I am. How do you know my name?” Kagome asked hotly.

“Well, well, well, aren’t we a feisty one.” He smirked that same little smirk again. “I asked around.”

“Asked around huh? Gee, I’m flattered. Did you really need to know who I was? It’s not like I’m asking around about you.” Kagome turned and started to walk away, but the mysterious guy started to walk with her. “Why are you following me? Shouldn’t you be somewhere with your little fan club?”

“I see someone’s a little jealous.”

“JEALOUS?!?!?!” Kagome was getting pissed now. Just who the hell does he think he is? “Well, for starters, I don’t even know you and secondly, why would I be jealous? Are you so special that I’m supposed to know you?” The guy laughed. “WELL? AREN’T YOU GOING TO ANSWER ME?”

“Calm down. I didn’t mean any harm. I was just assuming you were jealous based upon the attitude that you have.”

“ATTITUDE? BOY YOU’VE GOT A LOT OF NERVE, YOU KNOW THAT? AND WHY THE HELL ARE YOU STILL FOLLOWING ME?” Kagome was so angry that she could just…

“I’m walking you home.” Kagome stopped dead in her tracks. This guy…what was his deal? He’s walking me home?

“I am walking you home because I have nothing better to do. I’ve had girls following me around all day but none of them interested me in the slightest. I saw your little play-boy boyfriend following you around most of the day. After you blew him off I decided this was the best time to try and get to know you a little better. Is it so wrong that a guy like me wants to get to know a pretty young lady such as yourself?” His words pierced her like a knife. For starters, the comment about Koga being a play-boy wasn’t entirely correct but on the other hand, she had blown him off. Now that he mentioned it, she felt kind of bad. Koga was a good guy and all he wanted to do was make her proud. “Why are you so quiet? Was it something I said?”

“Huh? What…no! I didn’t blow Koga off.”

“Looked that way to me.”

“What were you….were you spying on me?” Kagome asked surprisingly.

“No, but I have been waiting for the opportune moment to talk to you. He was with you so I decided to hang back and wait for my chance. I haven’t been tagging you all day if that’s what you mean. It seems that the little Koga guy does that enough, wouldn’t you agree?” His words continued to ring inside her head. All of his words had some truth to it, and the more she listened the more she felt bad. His deep, soothing voice was doing nothing to help either. “Look…I am only…”

“That’s ok. I am not mad anymore.” Kagome was still a little pissed about his arrogance but she figured she might as well play along, otherwise she’d never get anywhere with him. “So you think you’ve got me figured out huh?”

“Well, I didn’t say that. I’m just very observant. For instance, the look you had on your face at lunch tells me that Koga doesn’t excite you much. He was surrounded by ladies until I entered the cafeteria and you paid no attention whatsoever.”

“Well, it’s not that. It’s just that, I don’t know if Koga is right for me.”

“So is he or is he not your boyfriend?”

“We are…well, technically no…but he thinks we are a pair. I don’t argue with him because there really is no point and I happen to like him.”

“But you don’t like him the way he likes you.” Kagome let out a sigh. “Is there a point to all this? I mean, why is it that you are drilling me about my love life? It’s really none of your business you know.” Kagome stopped suddenly and realized that she was almost to her home. “Well, we are almost to my house and I don’t even know your name, yet you appear to know so much about me.”

“My name is Haku.” They stopped in front of her house and he looked at her. “Kagome, I know I may have rubbed you the wrong way at first but I call it as I see it. Anyway, it was a pleasure meeting you and walking you home.” He took her hand and kissed it. “See you at school tomorrow.”

Then he turned and left. Kagome just stood there dumbfounded. What started off as the most miserable walk home ever ended up being one of the most interesting she had experienced in a while. She smiled to herself and for once was looking forward to going back to school.