Dark: (Coughs) Um… hi…? (Whimpers at the glowers of the reviewers and of the cast members)
Youko: (Twitches) You ditched us… to play RUNESCAPE?! I should kill you where you stand.
Dark: (Coughs again nervously) Um… technically I'm sitting down… you guys bound me to my chair to force me to update, remember?
Kagome: (Restrains twitching Youko from slaughtering Dark) Don't tease him Dark…
Dark: (Grins) Sorry… (turns to readers) Hiya my friends! Yep! I updated! Luckily the bomb threat at our school was just that – a threat, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to update this fic! Note: I'm not kidding, there was a bomb threat. Anywho, I wrote a LONG chapter just for you guys… just ignore the fact that it should have been 3 and a half page longer. I couldn't draw it out for as long as 30 pages… Anyway, I added a lot of Legolas/Kagome so be happy!
Youko and Sesshomaru: (Growls)
Dark: (Is ignoring threat to her life) Today is Remembrance Day, and at the end of the chapter, I will ask for a moment of silence. For those of you who don't want to, it's okay but I'll appreciate it for those who don't mind taking a moment of their time to remember and honour those who had forfeited their lives for us.
Dark: I would like to take this time to… (squeeze the life out of reviewers) 500 reviews! Dearest lord I had to bury my head in a pillow to muffle the squeal of delight at seeing the amount of reviews I had! '-aphros-' was the 500th reviewer, though I understand that each and everyone of you contributed! I luv you all!
This chapter is dedicated to PuroAmore, who got me to begin writing this chapter, and to those who didn't give up on me as well. Thanks guys!
Dark: I know that I said I would be rewriting this story, and I did try, but I lost interest in it, and found many people who said that they liked the story as it was, so if I do decide to redo this story, I'll post it up as a separate story.
Disclaimer: Look to first chappie… I want to post this story up ASAP and you're just delaying meeee!
Note: My writing style's changed! It's not that humorous anymore, sorry! It's time to get more serious. Now that that's out of the way… (Starts story)
We had set up camp (after many one sided arguments I held with Sesshomaru – I swear, it would have been easier trying to convince a brick wall that it was a cloud) after irritation and annoyance grew tangible to each member of our small group.
I sat myself down on the nearest boulder, happily kicking my shoes off from my aching feet as I mused on our days since the separation from the others.
It had been only a few days, around five, since I had last seen the others but it felt like an eternity. For hours I would stare off into the distance, wondering about them, hoping they were okay. Despite the short time we were apart from each other, I missed them – to a degree that both startled and concerned me. Worse still, I worried and longed for one certain member more than the rest. I didn't admit it at the time of course. I didn't even realize it until many months after.
At times, on the road, my imagination grew wild and daring, showing me images I wished never to see again in answer to my questions of their well being. Many times after that, I would bite my cheeks to keep from shouting that no, it wouldn't happen, that the rest of the fellowship was fine – I had read the books after all, and no deaths were mentioned besides Boromir's, until the third book, and that hadn't happened to my knowledge.
I knew that events were changing with my appearance in the story. I also knew that because I held knowledge of the future of this war, I had the power to change the situation – intentionally, or not. I ignored it. I refused to think that the fellowship had died. I refused to acknowledge that they could have.
I walked the rest of the day with the taste of bitterness lingering in my mouth, and the metallic tang of my demonic blood remaining on my tongue.
Drawing myself out of my memories, I tucked my dark hair behind my pointed ears. My fingers stayed, even as the stubborn lock fell back into place, moving only to trace the points of my ears almost gently. It still felt odd – to be a demon that is. I wasn't sure whether or not it was a good thing or a bad one.
Back in the Feudal Era, I was the weak one – the one who needed protection. I didn't mind so much, now that I think of it. It was nice to know that there were people who cared if I lived or died – even if it was only for my ability to locate jewel shards. But soon I grew tired of it, tired of relying on others for my safety, and for my life. I wanted to be strong. I wanted to protect instead of being protected. I guess I got my wish.
Gathering my legs to my chest, I wound my arms around my knees and rested my head against them, watching the fluid movements of the great western lord himself.
There were times when I wondered if Sesshomaru wasn't actually a God instead of a demon. His very essence screamed power, and his movements held a natural grace that I envied. Though he lost an arm in a battle against Inuyasha, it never seemed to bother him. He was still dangerous without it and made no qualms to prove it either. Oh yes, Sesshomaru was the perfect example of a demon of power.
His golden gaze fell on me and I ducked my head, feeling the warm blood rush to my cheeks in embarrassment at being caught. I frowned and turned my stare elsewhere. It stopped when I saw Youko lounging about in the camp and my restless mind jumped to compare the two youkai in our midst.
Whereas Sesshomaru was the moon, Youko was a star. He was cunning that one – as it is in his nature to be as a fox. He, like Sesshomaru, was a sight to behold, a beauty not meant for mortal eyes to see. Though I never truly witnessed his power, his aura was testimony enough of his strength. His demeanour was so different from Sesshomaru's however, that it was surprising. While Sesshomaru hid his emotions behind a mask of indifference and ice, Youko didn't mind showing some of his more mischievous and sly manners.
The two were so similar, yet their difference was astounding. I suppose it isn't very fair of me to compare the two when one was a dog and the other a fox. But it made me question my own species. What was I?
I couldn't be considered a human, at least not anymore. Did I want to revert back to a human again? I didn't think I wanted to answer that question and so I didn't. It disturbed me though.
"Kagome." Frodo called. He waved his hand in a beckoning motion and smiled, lighting his fair features. I tilted my head, narrowing my sapphire eyes at the look in his cyan ones and at how strained his grin seemed to be. I brushed it off for now. There was no need for suspicion.
Slipping my shoes back on, I slide off the boulder and walked over to where the two hobbits, Frodo and Sam, were seated. I plopped down beside them, careful of my sore bottom (I still cursed Sesshomaru – for dropping me – when his back is turned. Quietly obviously.)
I waited patiently, seeming to watch the fire flicker swiftly into a blend of red and yellow. Actually, I was observing Frodo from the corner of my eye.
His small hands curled in his lap, almost nervously, before he relaxed them, only to clench them again. I could hear the irregular pattern of his heartbeat thud in my superior ears, betraying his anxiousness.
I inclined my head, giving him a smile that I hoped was reassuring. "Go ahead and say what you want to say." I encouraged. "I'll answer any questions you may have – so long as I have the answer."
Frodo hesitated. His cobalt eyes hardened and grew unreadable as he lifted them from the dirt covered ground to me. "Any question?" He asked softly.
Confused, I nodded.
Steel reinforced his stare as he regarded me with guarded eyes. At last he spoke. "What did you mean by don't trust the Golem?" I froze, even as he continued. "Who is Smegal?"
Sam was silent as he too looked upon me with curiosity.
I relaxed my jaw, having clenched it so tightly it was near painful, and shook my head slowly. "I can't tell you that. I'm sorry."
Fury blazed across his boyish face and he leapt to his feet to tower over me, despite his short stature. "I'm tired of your secrets!" He shouted, his dark hair falling to frame his pale face. "I'm sick and tired of it Kagome! Ever since I first met you, you've been holding information that could have changed everything! Gandalf would be here if you had just –" He cut himself off.
I couldn't help but be stricken, and maybe it showed. Maybe that's why he stopped when he did. I didn't dare see if Sam thought the same. Shaken at the resentment I could make out from Frodo's tone, I got to my feet, trying to calm the rattling of my fingers and the horrible aching of my heart.
"I'm sorry." I whispered again, and hung my head. Tears prickled at my eyes but I willed them back. I didn't want to cry. Not again. "But I cannot tell." And because I couldn't stand the hatred I knew he would feel as his anger grew, I took off into the forest.
I didn't think anyone had come after me, and at the moment, I hoped they didn't. I didn't want anyone to see me in my moment of weakness – when once again I was reduced to the girl who cried; to the girl that everyone shielded from pain but managed to be hurt again.
I stopped running only when the camp faded from my senses, and curled up under a tree. Was I wrong? Should I have told Frodo the truth? Even now I knew that had I the chance, I would do the same over again. It was simply not time to reveal the future.
So why then, even after my conclusion, did I still feel the hurt coursing through my veins?
I gave a bitter laugh at the tear that escaped my eyes, swiping it swiftly with my dirtied sleeve – only succeeding in smudging my face more. How many times now has it been that I have cried? Too many to fathom. A part of me wanted to snarl at the weakness, the vulnerability that would surely get me killed one day. It scared me more than words can relay. I blamed it all on the demon coiling inside me. Slowly but surely it was taking over my conscious form.
I hissed at a sudden blooming of pain and bit back a curse as bile rose to the back of my throat. Instinctively I rolled to my knees and regurgitated violently, the action sending vicious shudders through my already taxed body. It was only the disgust at the thought of lying in my own vomit that kept me from collapsing immediately. Instead I crawled away from the offending smell and curled up under another tree, never realizing that this was simply one out of the many times that I would feel ill.
I awoke later, senses in disarray and the barest of pain still stinging my skin. I could just about make out blurry silver through my muddled vision.
"Ah great," I muttered groggily, "I'm dead aren't I?"
The silver dimmed, or at least that's what I thought. In actual fact, the silver was merely crouching. Could a colour crouch? I didn't think so, but what did I know? It flickered, as though amused. I frowned. Even in my dazed state, I didn't like anyone poking fun at me.
"No, you aren't." The smooth, velvety voice spoke, mirth so painfully obvious in his tone.
I opened my eyes, not realizing until that moment that I had shut it again, and blinked until I could make some sense out of this odd encounter. To my knowledge, colours couldn't talk.
Embarrassment rushed through me as awareness hit me like a ton of bricks. It wasn't a colour that was peering down at me. It was Youko. I dropped my head back to the floor composed of dirt and leaves, ignoring the unmentionable objects that got tangled in my hair, and groaned.
"God just kill me now." I moaned. Dramatic and rather out of character, I know, but at the moment, with humiliation running deep in my veins, I wanted nothing more than a hole to appear under my feet and swallow me whole – or maybe just find a quiet, deserted place where I could just dig myself a hole and wallow in self-pity forever. Either one sounded very pleasing at that time.
"If he did that, then who would I bother?" Youko said with a smirk.
I cracked open one eye at him and sighed; lifting a hand to wipe away any remnants of the bile I had thrown up earlier. I knew I had to have looked a mess and a large part of me wanted to die somewhere, curled up in mortification. Why was it that every time a decent looking (alright… very attractive) male was in my vicinity, I looked a fright? Someone up there must really hate me.
"Not funny." I muttered grumpily, and rose to my feet. The sudden movement caused my head to spin and my stomach lurched in a very familiar way. Tipped off balance, I reached out for the tree to keep from falling. I didn't have to. Youko had rounded his deadly claws around my arm to keep me from tumbling face first into the mud that waited below.
I blushed wildly at realizing our intimate position. He had somehow pulled me close to his chest and me having to steady myself, pressed against the smooth muscles with no complaints. Blood burning quickly under my cheeks, I twisted out of his grasp and gasped out frantic apologies.
"I'm so, so very sorry." I apologized, flustered beyond belief.
"For what?"
I blinked and felt his fingers lift my head up gently. Confusion. His eyes seemed unreadable, boring into my own. An emotion I couldn't recognize flashed swiftly through his stoic face. "There's nothing, nothing, you need to be sorry for." He whispered. His breath brushed my cheek, sending shivers down my spine.
Nervously, I took a step back, out of his reach and gave him an unsure smile. "Thanks Youko."
He made a motion to step forward and close the distance between us when my ears flickered happily at the sound of rushing water. Even to my own nose, my scent was beginning to become offensive. My natural scent buried under the odour of vomit, dirt, and cold sweat. The thought of taking a bath was definitely welcomed.
I grinned at the idea, and hoped against hope that it was a hot spring, although at that point I didn't care if it was a freezing river, so long as I could at long last walk without grimacing at the caking mud on my person. I missed the flattering of Youko's step as his beautiful furry ears curved, searching for whatever I sensed. He opened his mouth to ask me what it was, but I had bounded off long before that.
I pushed all my troubles to the back of my mind, refusing to deal with the inner conflict or the image of Frodo's hateful gaze, and burst through a bush. I froze, my breath caught in my throat as tears once more gathered in my eyes. I let them fall, sniffling slightly as my fingers moved to dab them away.
It was stunning.
I stood on a bank of a river, the trees that grew leaning carefully over the shimmering surface of the deceptively calm river. The river itself ran far, and there, at the end was a slight curl, as the water seemed to make a broad sweep against the gentle sand. I had never seen anything like it. Even in the gorgeous Feudal era, there was nothing, as touching as this scene was, and I hadn't a clue as to why I felt the way I did.
A giddy giggle rolled off my tongue and I quickly stripped to my undergarments (after making sure that no one – including the famous demonic kitsune thief – was peeping of course) and walked into the water.
As my luck would have it, it was icy cold. I didn't care. Furiously, I scrubbed at my skin, willing all the dirt and junk to disappear beneath the cool waters. There was no shampoo with me, or soap for that matter, so I merely ran my hands through my damp hair several times, holding it under the water as I washed the grime away.
By the time I was finished, my lips had turned blue, and my skin desperately cold, even with my demonic blood working to provide me with warmth. But I was satisfied, and even happy to a certain extent. As a girl who was big on hygiene, it drove me crazy that I couldn't stop and take the time to clean myself.
In the Feudal Era, I had always made sure to make Inuyasha camp near a hot spring, and each night I would bath in its delicious warmth. At the time, I realized that I took the wonder that was indoor plumbing for granted. Ironically, I realize now that I have taken the comfort of hot springs for granted also. So I refused to do the same with this. And that's why I drew out the bathing for longer than needed. It was also most likely why I started to sneeze like a madman.
Sighing, I figured it'd be best if I finished up, otherwise I'd end up catching a cold – although I had some doubts as to whether or not demons could catch colds, I wasn't willing to spend a week (or more) with a stuffy nose and a sore throat to find out.
I waddled through the bone chilling water, wringing the excess liquid from my hair as I headed towards my clothes. I was in the middle of leaning forward, hand outstretched to make a grab for my clothes when a cross between a choked gasp and a strangled moan reached my sensitive ears.
I turned my head slowly, staying in my awkward position as I met the male brave enough to stare at me half naked. I swore hours later that fire scorched my cheeks as I stood, petrified at the startling entrance of the man.
My jaw dropped, unhinged in surprise, my eyes growing in horror as I attempted to gather my bearings. It didn't work so well. Words were flying through my thoughts, too quick for me to make sense of – telling me to do something yet not giving me a solution. I hadn't even tried to cover myself up – too shocked to even consider modesty.
"Kagome…?" His normally smooth voice rasped. The rough sound snapped me out of my daze and I flushed furiously, feeling the tips of my ears burn heatedly in embarrassment.
I rushed towards my clothing, which were unfortunately (for me) by the peeping tom's feet, and reached for the promise of modesty when a second sharp intake of breath was heard – different from the first and I mentally groaned. Trust my luck to make matters worse for me.
Almost reluctantly, I tossed a quick glance over my shoulder and wanted to die of shame, as there stood the youkai I had ditched moment's prior.
His golden irises were glazed with an indescribable emotion and I shuddered unconsciously as they swept over my features. Once again I was pinned to place, mentally screaming at the God who placed me in this predicament.
I licked my lips, trying to moisten them enough to talk – as it felt uncomfortably dry – raising my own eyes to Youko's in (what I hoped was in a) defiant manner and pursed my lips tightly, biting the insides of my cheeks to keep from exploding with rage.
I took a deep breath, counting to ten in my mind. My fingers flexed by my side dangerously, and I glared from behind my closed eyelids. The cool air did nothing to calm my burning anger, but I did grow cold – being damp and all. I didn't think I shivered, but I must have, because when I managed to soothe my outrage enough that I didn't feel like catapulting myself at Youko and try to scratch his eyes out, I was perplexed to see the rough texture of a familiar cloak draped around my wet body.
Tentatively I looked up and blushed (I've been doing that very often lately – but it's not my fault! I swear! Even in my travels with Miroku, I've never been caught so nearly naked and in the presence of two – gorgeous – males for such a prolonged period of time.) I was pressed tightly against Legolas's masculine frame, his beautiful blond hair brushing against my face and tickling me slightly. I was concealed under his dark cloak that hung loosely by his shoulders, his arms wrapped around me to keep the cloth covering up my chilled body in a way that I thought was almost, endearingly, protective. I stomped on the notion immediately. Legolas didn't see me in that light. No one did.
Suddenly feeling shy, I buried my reddened face in his chest, and felt his arms hold me tighter. For the briefest of seconds, I felt perfectly at peace – as though all was perfect in the world and nothing could bring me down. I loved being in his arms. Content, I gave a small smile, inhaling his forest-like scent happily while drawing him closer. His scent was simply that addicting. I always had loved the forest.
A loud, angered growl brought me out of my trance this time and I recoiled violently, wondering what in the world I was thinking. I was hurt already in my first experience of love. It took a long time to piece the shattered remains of my heart together again. In fact, after nursing my weary heart for so long, I was still left with gaping holes in my heart. I wasn't exactly keen on going through the painful process again, no matter how heartbreakingly handsome the new men in my life were.
"Let go of her." Hissed the velvety voice of Youko.
Legolas only clutched me tighter. "No."
I was hidden from what was happening, but even I could feel the bristling anger both males were exhibiting. When I, at last, could trust myself to speak, I whispered pleading words into Legolas's broad chest, begging him to calm down and not to fight.
Though Youko was a demon, a skilled demon at that, Legolas, too, was a fierce warrior in his own right. Despite Youko's advantage, I knew any battle between the two would end in an even draw – with either both participants' dead or equally injured. I refused to see that come true, even if it meant swallowing and beating down my already bruised ego.
"Please, please don't do anything you'll regret." I murmured into the coarse material of his armour. I grabbed his larger hand in my own and squeezed it gently, to reassure him that I was okay, and to pacify his mounting rage, and then let it drop lightly. I turned my head to Youko, pinning him down with a teary-eyed plea to stop his urge to attack Legolas.
I made a victory sign, smirking triumphantly in my mind as I felt both men's previous anger fade slowly. Gifting them with the brightest smile I could conjure I broke from Legolas's grasp and snatched my forgotten clothes from the bank of the shallow river and rushed to behind the nearest tree to dress, but not before turning towards the demon and the elf, frowning meaningfully as I glowered at them with narrowed eyes.
"No fighting while I'm gone okay?"
They didn't bother giving me even a small glance, too busy locked in a staring contest (or something. I didn't understand exactly what they were doing.) However, both of them managed a slight inclining of the head to acknowledge my words.
Reluctantly, I gathered my wrinkled clothing to my chest and started behind the tree to wrestle my clothes back on. In my frustration and great confusion as to the recent events, I yanked on my shirt a little more roughly than what was needed, and tore the hem slightly.
I glared at the flimsy cloth, and sighed, cursing my luck once more. Defeated, I ran my fingers through my dark hair and bit my lip as I focused on putting on the rest of the articles of clothing.
When I stepped back into the clearing, both males were still staring furiously at each other, and the tension was thick enough to suffocate me.
"You guys?" I started carefully. Guys of my acquaintance were rather sensitive – as I found out – in the way that if you didn't trend cautiously, they wouldn't hesitate in biting your head off, especially when in a match of their tremendous pride. I didn't understand why they were acting the way they were. There was no reason they wouldn't like each other, were there? They seemed fine before! What could have possibly changed?
"Yes Kagome?" Legolas asked, his normally bright eyes dark with an intense emotion targeting poor Youko.
My unsure smile dropped into a full frown once more. Legolas was always polite. He was a reclusive and deadly man, but he never showed blatant dislike to others before. He was a warrior – yes – but a gentleman as well. I just couldn't understand the motives behind his apparent hatred towards the fox demon standing across from him.
Youko was equally hardened in his stance. His playful demeanour had ebbed away into nothingness so quickly that it stunned me. His sparkling golden eyes glinted dangerously; a scowl marring his evenly fetching features. If I weren't so nervous at the time, I probably would have found it funny the way they were practically mirroring each other's moody expressions.
"We should get back to camp soon." I phrased it as a sentence, but the uncertainty in my tone warped it into a hesitant question. I worried my lower lip with my fang anxiously as I shifted my gaze from Legolas to Youko.
Legolas was the first to break off their odd staring contest and nodded in agreement. His eyes flashed swiftly, then he fell into step beside me. Youko bristled, for a reason beyond me, and walked over to my unoccupied side with a snarl over my head.
For almost the entire way back, both Legolas and Youko tossed contempt filled glowers at each other, and finally I snapped, unable to take the uncomfortable silence any longer.
I stopped and crossed my arms across my chest angrily, sapphire eyes blazing with impatience, complimented by a fierce frown. I waited until I had their undivided attention and preceded in making sure they knew exactly how displeased I was. Displeased… what an understatement. I was greatly upset – even that was generous.
"Are you two quite finished?" I shouted.
"Stay out of it Kagome." Youko warned me.
I rounded on him mercilessly. The fuse had been lit, and now – like it or not – they had to deal with the explosion.
"Shut up!" I hissed. Youko stepped back in astonishment. I admit, I was acting out of character, but I had had enough. I had been verbally assaulted by one of the few people I knew in this large and foreign world. I had been sick to my stomach, chilled to the bone, and interrupted during my first bath since entering the wilderness. I absolutely refused to be shushed or quieted now.
"I'm done with it! I don't know why you two are acting like two five-year-old children but I've put up with it long enough! When I agreed to this quest, I did not sign up to be a mother or even a babysitter and I'm this close," I held up my forefinger and my thumb together to show a microscopic space between the two digits to emphasis how 'close' it was, "to snapping! I hope you know, buster, that I don't care how hard it is to learn how to make a rosary, I will do it! So, don't you dare tell me to 'Stay out of it, Kagome,' fox-boy!"
By the end of my tirade, my ears rang with my harsh screeching, but I was glad I did it. I huffed, and flipped my hair over my shoulder, making sure to hit Youko's face with the long strands, and then hooked my arm with Legolas's – after all, Legolas had let me blow off some steam without protest unlike a certain Youko Kurama.
"Let's go." I muttered furiously, and tugged at Legolas's sleeve. I paused for a moment. "Then you can explain to me why you're here and not with Gimli and the others."
Legolas's eyes took on a thoughtful gleam at my demand but said nothing, and I let it drop. I was simply too tired to go about trying to pry information from him at the moment, and besides, I could always do so at camp.
I didn't take into account how strangely happy I was that the one person I missed was here, even though that meant that the whole story would have been thrown into whack. It was said, after all, that ignorance was bliss.
It was silent all the way back to the camp. The awkward atmosphere hung heavily above our heads and I considered starting a conversation, (ignoring the fact that I was still holding resentment at both males for seeing me in such a state) but after one quick analysis of my two current companions, I decided against it without a second thought.
Silky, blond locks swaying gracefully in the wind, brushing against my arm lightly, and a musing look in his Elvin eyes, Legolas was gazing off into the distance. I watched him carefully for a while, wondering what he was thinking of, a little disappointed that I couldn't start blabbering to him and hopefully break the thickening ice. I turned to my other escort, sighing when a sulking fox demon was all I saw.
He made an adorable picture though. His irresistible ears drooped slightly, his golden stare focused on his feet sullenly as his arms hung loosely by his sides. He looked the perfect picture of dejection. It almost made me want to dash over him and cuddle him until he ran out of breath. Almost.
We were nearing our camp when I stopped. I missed both looks of befuddlement sent my direction as my heart leapt to my throat in a horrible lurch.
I had managed to push all thoughts of Frodo and Sam to the back of my mind, shoving it out of my mind eagerly. Now that I was three feet away from our designated resting spot, minutes away from the unique scents that made Frodo, Frodo, and Sam, Sam, it was impossible to keep doing so.
I hunched my shoulders, giving exhaling with a small shudder invisible to the untrained eye and readied myself to face the two hobbits that I had started to deem as friends. Much to my misfortune, however, the two males accompanying me at that stage were gifted with both hawk-like vision (the perks of being an elf and a demon…) and a keen eye for small details. It didn't help that they also had unnervingly perspective observational skills.
Legolas leaned over my huddled figure, his tall frame easily looming over my own modest five foot one.
"Kagome?" He questioned concerned.
I flashed him a fake smile and shrugged off his hand that he had placed softly on my shoulder. "It's nothing, don't worry about it."
I steeled my nerves and continued as though there were no interruption. I had to face the music sooner or later, and as much as I loved to procrastinate, it was simply not an option feasible to me at the time – not if I wanted to save the fragile trust held between us. Frodo and Sam. Did I really want to risk losing the frail friendship for the sake of a future thrown into chaos? The story had already veered from its designated path. Surely it wouldn't hurt to tell of how it was supposed to go now that it wouldn't.
Having made up my mind, I broke off into a run, determined to patch the broken bond amongst the hobbits and myself. Uncaring of whether or not I was leaving the males behind, bewildered as to what was happening and all, and of how my long strands of hair whipped at my pale face as I dashed off to the camp, I weaved around the maze of trees and roots. I turned a sharp left, and hopped from one branch to the other.
I always ran, or hid from my problems – shying away from the hurt that I knew would be inflicted upon me without fail. When struck, I would shrink back to a metaphorical corner to lick my wounds quietly. It was a bad habit I grew into during my phase of heartbreak. Inuyasha, being the dense hanyou he was, hurt me more times than I can recall in his frantic scrambles to meet with his first love and his harsh, unforgiving comparisons and insults. Each time, I would be left in the dust, full of pain and grief with the shattered remains of my heart at my feet. Each tiny piece I spent months gluing it back together, until finally it became second nature to me – to simply retreat to a safe, secluded area and nurse my pain.
When Frodo struck out at me, it was déjà vu – the feudal era, so bitter and cruel, all over again and without thinking, I had already turned heel and ran from the source of my hurt. It wasn't the smartest idea in the world – or even an idea at all. I simply did what I was used to doing.
Did I regret it?
I didn't know, but I did know I was going to try to fix whatever problems may have risen with my fleeing of the scene.
I slowed to a walk when I got to a few steps from the camp, fiddling with my fingers nervously albeit with a hint of determination. Not bothering to wait for Legolas or Youko (I considered this punishment for spying on me,) I burst through the clearing, expecting to see a brooding hobbit and Sam hovering over him worriedly. I was greeted, instead, with an impassive taiyoukai, his nose held regally in the air – a habit I suppose – and his right arm hanging confidently over his demonic sword. No hobbit in sight.
"Sesshomaru?" I whispered after the third inspection of the site.
He stared at me to let me know he was listening.
"Where's Frodo and Sam?" Vaguely, I was aware of Legolas and Youko entering the scene, their masculine scents teasing my sensitive nose happily. However, I was concentrating on Sesshomaru more. This was important – I couldn't be distracted.
Sesshomaru parted his perfect lips, his silver hair flowing gracefully down his back. His words were spoken quietly in an indifferent way (such is the way of Sesshomaru) and were it not for my new ears, I probably would have missed it. And I rather wish I had missed it, because they shattered my newfound hope – dashed my chance of fixing our friendship, and worse, filled me with dread.
"They're gone."
I sat off into the distance, far from the comforting fire that continued to flicker without a care in the middle of the camp.
After Sesshomaru told me what I wanted to know – but prayed not to hear – I went frantic. I tore up the forest trying to search for them, trying to bring them back and explain. I whiffed the air quite a few times, making a comedic scene I guess because Youko would snigger (although he tried to hide it) in his palms. I could almost sense Sesshomaru and Legolas's amusement at my expense. I didn't comment on it. I was far too busy to throw another tantrum today, and I didn't want to die at Sesshomaru's claws. I liked my head where it was – seated neatly on top of my neck – thank you very much.
I was growing irritated though. There I was, sniffing the air and the dirt for some clue as to where Frodo and Sam were, and then there were my teammates who did nothing other than watch me make a total idiot of myself.
My emotions were running high, and if I didn't want to turn around and start taking out my frustrations on the males behind me, I had to leave. So without a word, I headed back to our camp sullenly.
As I watched the sun setting, casting an ethereal glow upon the trees that stretched as far as my eye could see. It was beautiful, inspiring, and depressing. I followed my namesake with my eyes, not a sound escaping from my lips except my shallow breathing.
Sunset. Didn't it symbolize the end?
"Kagome, are you ill?"
I shook my head slowly, the cold numbness of my fingers seeming to seep into my heart. "No." I replied. "I'm alright."
I saw, from the corner of my eye, Legolas's dark green pants wrinkle and fold as he made to sit beside me. He shifted in his spot, trying to get comfortable and then after a pause, looked at me.
"You're not 'alright' Kagome."
I didn't answer. What could I have possibly said?
"I see." Legolas murmured. I felt a pang in my heart, knowing that he was going to leave. It puzzled me when he didn't.
"You're staying?" I asked, perplexed.
Legolas's brow's furrowed in what I believed to be surprise. "Do you wish for me to leave?"
I didn't say anything. He took that as a yes and something in his form changed – it hardened. An emotion flickered through his eyes. Hurt? Why would he feel hurt? He stood and moved to leave, but I didn't want him to go.
I reached out with my hand, my head snapping around to his direction. His rough sleeve caught in my hand, and I gripped it tightly. Tears prickled at my eyes – much to my despair and exasperation – as I refused to let him go. I swallowed back the tears, wondering why I felt like crying. My next words, which slipped from my tongue without my knowing or my permission, removed all hypothesises.
"Please don't leave." I heard myself say. "Don't let me be alone again."
Legolas turned back to me, a softer look playing on his face. His larger hand slipped out of his sleeve and clasped my smaller one tenderly. "Never."
Finally, finally, the one word I had looked for Inuyasha to say, the one word I waited so long to hear was spoken. I gave a choked sob and leapt to my feet, burrowing into Legolas's chest once more. He wound his arms around me like he had done hours ago at the river. This time he rubbed comforting circles on my back as I cried silently in his compassionate embrace.
"It hurts." I whimpered, thinking of how my heart ached. So many years… so many bloody years I had wasted waiting for Inuyasha, or anyone, to hug me and tell me they would never let me go. Although I knew Legolas couldn't have possibly meant it, it warmed me considerably to, at long last, hear those words, have them caress my ears. It also hurt. It hurt to realize what I was missing out on.
I felt his muscles stiffen at my muffled admission, and then he loosened them deceptively, bringing me closer to him as he bent his head down and asked me softly, "What hurts?"
I bowed my head. "Everything."
"Tell me."
"I can't."
"Then tell me where." He demanded gently.
I broke from his arms, hurling myself a few steps backwards so that I could watch him carefully as I brought my hand to rest slightly above my left breast – where my heart lay. My claws dug into the smooth material of my shirt easily, tearing tiny holes in the frail cloth. I wanted to thrust it further – make it pierce skin – to distract me from the throbbing pain. "Here." I whispered.
As soon as that rolled off my tongue, Legolas swept me into a fiercer hold than any I had been in before, cradling the back of my head tenderly as he muttered in his own Elvin language angrily – or at least it sounded angry in my opinion.
"Don't swear at me." I told him defensively, though the cracking of my voice ruined it.
"I wasn't swearing at you. I would never swear at you."
It was such a great contrast to Inuyasha, who swore at me everyday that I, startled, would have collapsed at Legolas's feet in surprise and disbelief, if he weren't hugging me tightly to his body, virtually moulding me to him.
I hung in his embrace limply, and then, as the shock wore off, I clung onto him desperately.
"Thank you." I breathed into his armour. The tears that had spilled rolled on my lips, leaving a salty taste in my mouth as my tongue darted out to moisten my lips, which had curled into a content smile as I cuddled closer to the darling elf that held me so lovingly – I hadn't felt loved in such a long time. Later I would convince myself that it was brotherly, a small comforting action for a crying friend. For now I was satisfied to pretend.
He moved to sit down again, and I started to step away from him again – thinking that he shouldn't be burdened anymore than he needed to be, but his hard grip on my wrist gave me second thoughts.
He seated himself on the dirt-covered floor elegantly. I quirked a brow at him, finding it funny that he could do the simple of tasks with such polish, and then let out a yelp as he dragged me into his lap.
I tensed at the unexpected move, but slowly relaxed and leaned against him appeased. I squirmed for a minute to find the most comfortable position. I grinned happily, ignoring the dried tear trials that felt awful on my cheeks and swatted his loose blond locks happily.
"Kagome…" Legolas groaned (there was no other word for it) his voice husky with something dark, not sinister no, but dark.
"Mm?" I said in reply. I had given up batting Legolas's lovely hair, deciding instead to run my hand through the delightful strands.
He shivered. I paused and blinked, glancing up at his chin curiously, conveniently forgetting the pain that had plagued me earlier. Was Legolas cold?
"Are you okay, Legolas?"
"Yes." He hissed, though not unkindly, his voice still hoarse. Hoarse with what, I questioned, desire? Ha, that was laugh. What could Legolas possibly desire? Nothing. So desire was out of the question. Then something must be wrong, I deduced.
Worried now, I tugged on his hair impatiently. When I got his attention, I shook my head. "You're not okay… what's wrong?"
"It's nothing Kagome."
I didn't believe him. "Don't lie to me."
In a rare show of anger, Legolas shoved me off his lap. I stared at him in bewilderment, the all too familiar pang of agony plucking at my heartstrings viciously. I clenched my jaw and stuck my nose up in the air (I tried to mimic Sesshomaru.)
"Fine." I said, fanning the flames of my anger to drown out the utter rejection running through my boiling blood. "If that's the way you're going to be."
I twirled around, fully intending on making a dramatic exit. I guess my habit of running away hadn't faded after all.
"Wait." He sighed, his calloused fingers curling around my wrist like before.
I scowled furiously, tapping my foot to show my impatience.
"I'm sorry." He said, a touch of regret lingering in his tone. Ultimately, it was what made me stay.
"It's okay…"
"No, no it's not. I didn't mean to snap at you like that, I really am sorry."
I almost melted.
In the Feudal Era, no one (especially not a certain hanyou) would ever apologize to me, except maybe Shippo – and even then he would do it if he either really hurt my feelings (which was rarely) or when he knew I would reward him with his precious candy. Oh, Shippo was a darling, but he was very, very mischievous. That kit understood how to use his adorable qualities to manipulate the female population – even me. That's how I knew that as his guardian (for a lack of better words) I would have to beat down the female suitors with a stick when my little kit grew up.
I hesitated. I knew he still wanted my company – but where? Biting the insides of my cheek in nervousness, I opted to place myself beside him. He wouldn't want me to sit in his lap again. He only did it to comfort me after all. I couldn't invade more than I already had.
"I forgive you." I told him seriously, shining him a bright smile. He returned one to me, more relieved than anything else. I guess he took friendship gravely too.
There was a companionable silence for a while, both of us just gazing off into the distance, watching the colourful hues of the sun cast shadows on the trees and bath them in a bewitching sight of red, orange and yellow.
The show ended quickly, much to my disappointment. I let myself feel at ease, for I wouldn't for a long time afterwards – with Frodo, Sam, and worse… the Golem, out there somewhere. The hobbits were alone, and vulnerable. Hopefully, they would remember what I told them.
"Listen to me, don't trust the Golem and stay safe."
"Whatever you do though, don't trust Smegal."
No, they would remember. The question was would they listen?
Sam might. He was practical, intelligent, and cautious for his friend's safety. It was Frodo that I was concerned about. Oh, he was smart; he also had to have great will to be able to resist the call of the 'ring' as he had done, but he held bitterness too. Was it enough to blind him to my warnings? God, I prayed not.
It seemed that no matter how good my intensions were, or what I did, I always managed to drive my friends away from me.
Why? I asked myself.
I started when Legolas's brows knitted together, angling his head to be able to stare at me without feeling uncomfortable and said, "Why what?"
It took me a while before I realized that I had voiced my thoughts out loud. Seriously, I've got to stop that. It's been what – three times already?
I pondered on whether I should answer Legolas truthfully or not, deciding that fabricated lies would be too bothersome to even attempt. Suddenly very weary of all life and its problems, I gave a bittersweet smile and answered his question with my own. "Why do the only ones I care for hate me?"
Legolas was taken aback, I think, for he sat up rigidly and whipped his head to me in surprise. "You're friends don't hate you." He argued firmly.
I laughed cynically, and shook my head. "No? Then why do they always leave me?"
There was a slight pause, and then, "I'm still here, am I not?"
I blinked at the unexpected response; however, I composed myself and nodded slowly. "But for how long?"
It was quiet again, before Legolas leaned forward and entwined his fingers with mine, stroking the back of my hand tenderly with his thumb. I shivered at the light touch, shocked at the unexpected move yet not at all complaining. It was… nice.
"For as long as you need me." He said; his face set in utter concentration, his voice speaking of his earnest.
I'd have liked to believe him – I really would have, but I hadn't forgotten the time when he had sided with Gimli and the others not so long ago. Oh, it felt like years, and years, but it had been mere weeks, and though the pangs of betrayal had faded, I had not forgotten.
"Don't you feel the foul malice?" I glanced pleadingly at Legolas. I knew I could trust him at least. He dropped his gaze to the cold, but beautiful ground out of guilt and I stood up. "Don't you?" I was begging now, but Legolas never met my stare.
He studied me as I recalled the events that had led to my capture – and to my meeting with Youko. "You do not believe me." It wasn't a question. It was a statement.
"How can I?" I burst angrily, my famous temper boiling again. "How can I when everyone I've trusted so far," including you, I added in my mind silently, "has hurt me and left me one time or the other? How can I learn to trust again when I've been betrayed so many times?" I withdrew from him, curling up tightly in a ball, as though to shield myself from him.
Deflated, I asked him in a low voice, "Why are you here? Why did you come?"
He reached out for me sadly, wrapping a protective arm around me, flinching at my wince. "I didn't like the idea of you being alone up here on this hill."
The camp was a little ways away, close enough for them to hear me scream if I were to encounter any troubles, but far enough to hinder them from helping me. I growled. Was I thought of as weak, as a burden here as well? Even as a demon? It seemed so.
"No," I whispered, "Why did you leave the other fellowship members?"
I felt his muscles flex as he tensed so quickly, I thought his back might snap. I looked up to make sure he was okay, but his eyes were glazed over in what I assumed to be his thoughts.
I shrugged and left him be. Let him walk down memory lane as I have so often done. It wasn't any of my business anyway. I stomped on my natural curiosity into dust, taking a mental shovel and began digging an imaginary hole to bury it in. It wasn't any of my business…
Legolas surveyed the land before him carefully, grey eyes searching for arrows to fill his empty quiver. He had used them all in the fight against the orcs, and knew he ought to replace them while it was in his ability to do so.
Even with this in mind, his search for any spare arrows was half-hearted at best. Kagome was gone. So what? Why was he affected as he was?
He knelt down, his movement refined like liquid and plucked a few arrows he had spotted with his keen eyesight from the grasp of the dead corpses lying lifelessly on the floor. He did it without a grimace. He was used to blood, and gore, and death.
He froze.
What would Kagome say about that? What if she hated killing and death, hated those who killed, hated… him?
Stop it, he told himself firmly, realizing belatedly that he was going to break the arrow in his hand if he kept squeezing it so tightly. He sighed at the shattered remains and brushed it off his palm.
First of all, he argued with himself, Kagome had killed before – he had seen her kill, and though there was a look of disgust in her expressive eyes as she took the life of another, there was a hint of bloodlust as well.
Second, Kagome understood the fact that this was war, and that he was a participant. She wouldn't push him away for that… would she?
It didn't matter. It couldn't matter, because in the end, her opinion shouldn'tmatter to him. It wouldn't matter to him.
He saw more arrows lying undisturbed by a particularly gruesome looking carcass of an Orc, and picked them up, stuffing them into his quiver immediately. He didn't want to break any more.
When he was satisfied with the amount of arrows he had collected, he walked to where the others were, stepping over the various bodies littered on the ground.
Boromir, he noted, was unusually silent that night. Of course, Legolas, too, kept to himself that night as well, so it wasn't his place to say whether or not Boromir was acting oddly. Yet, Legolas couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong with the heir to Denethor. To him, it was as though a dark cloud of foreboding air had surrounded the man's body. Despite his unease, Legolas didn't say anything. How could he when Gimli had protested that he didn't find anything wrong with Boromir.
He forced himself to drop it. It didn't bode well to suspect your fellow comrade, even though betrayal would end up being fatal. Boromir was an asset to the group. Legolas would just have to stop being paranoid.
He directed his thoughts to Kagome. He couldn't help it. For some strange reason that he couldn't quite grasp, he had begun to think of Kagome often. She was beautiful, yes, but armed with a sharp tongue, and claws to match, both figuratively and literally. She used them as barriers or buffers for her heart, which he was quickly coming to realize was not nearly as whole as she pretended it to be.
He frowned at the thought. Kagome had been hurt before, and from her mannerisms, it seemed as though the pain had run deep. The problem was who had hurt her. It didn't take a genius to figure out that the same silver haired man that haunted her dreams was the one she had been hurt by.
Legolas didn't bother attempting to analyze the rush of protectiveness that flowed through his body. He had become conscious of the fact that he couldn't prevent the irrational urge to shield the outlandish girl from anyone or anything a while ago. It wasn't as though he didn't try. He did, but now, after thirty times of fruitless effort, he decided that the best course of action would be to give up. However, that didn't explain the unnatural sweep of envy as he recalled the longing hidden under pain that lingered in her sapphire gaze as Kagome watched the silvered haired stranger.
Legolas's fist curled over the hilt of his long knife, stroking it absentmindedly with his calloused fingers. It loosened, however, at his next memory – one he remembered fondly.
A beaded necklace hanging freely from the silver haired man's neck started to glow, pulsing in time with the mounting fury of the girl hiding behind his back, until suddenly it jerked downwards, dragging the (what he guessed to be a) demon to the ground of darkness.
"Sit," Kagome had shouted, further punishing the man.
Legolas smirked, reminiscing. Oh that was a sight he would bring with him to the grave. It was something he was sure never to forget, one of his more favoured memories. But, as lovely as the sight of the demon getting his just deserts was, it held no candle to the humbling picture of Kagome's wistful and sorrowful gaze drowned out by righteous rage, her sapphire eyes burning angrily, her hands placed on her hips, and her dark hair cascading down her back like an untamed mane. Her lips moved to call that word again, and Legolas found himself entranced.
"Legolas."
Legolas glanced up to see Aragorn's face, wanting to heave a sigh. He knew he was letting himself get distracted, and he was not nearly as aware as before, but the others hadn't noticed, until now. He wasn't very surprised. Aragorn was very observant – one reason why he made such a good leader for this life-or-death mission, but in this case it was rather annoying.
"Yes?"
"We need to talk."
Legolas frowned at Aragorn, thinking that the human wanted to scold him for having his head up in the clouds, so to speak, but apparently that wasn't what Aragorn had in mind as he made a motion that said that 'we' included everyone who was present.
Without a word, Legolas nodded and reapplied his focus to the group. Kagome was a divine distraction, but a distraction nonetheless.
Once the remaining members of the separated fellowship had gotten comfortable, flanking each other cautiously, Aragorn began. "We must decide, who we shadow. Frodo and Sam, or Merry and Pippin."
Legolas noticed that Aragorn didn't mention Kagome, or the other demons, but understood that Aragorn had meant no insult to the demons, he merely wished to save precious minutes. All knew that they were accompanying Frodo and Sam. It didn't need to be spoken.
"Our choice then, is either to take the remaining boat and follow Frodo, or follow the Orcs on foot." Gimli said.
"Boat?" Legolas echoed, "What boat?"
Patiently, Aragorn explained that while Legolas was out searching for arrows to fill his quiver with, Gimli and himself had stumbled upon the evidence that led them to believe that Frodo and Sam had left this side of the river. Legolas chose to pay no mind to the unexpected lurch of his heart – convincing himself that he worried for the safety of the ring bearer, definitely not for the demonic girl who was with the ring bearer.
"So what say you, Boromir?"
Boromir regarded Aragorn coolly, his dark eyes guarded as he answered. "I say we follow Frodo."
"Legolas?"
In spite of the ominous feeling he received from Boromir's apathetic voice, Legolas couldn't help but want to agree. "Aye, I too wish to follow Ka… Frodo."
Luckily, no one detected Legolas's slip.
Gimli protested. "But Pippin an' Merry, if we go after Frodo and Sam now…" He trailed off.
Aragorn was torn between one decision and the other. The votes were in favour of finding Frodo, but the dwarf that was uncharacteristically sullen made a good point. He stood silent for a moment.
"I will follow the Orcs." He said at last. "I would have guided Frodo to Mordor and gone with him to the end; but if I seek him now in the wilderness, I must abandon the captives to torment and death. The Company has played its part. Yet we that remain cannot forsake our companions while we have strength left. Come! We will go now. Leave all that can be spared behind! We will press on by day and dark!"
Legolas forcibly restrained himself from objecting. Aragorn knew best. And Kagome could take good care of herself. She may not have adored the idea of taking the life of another, but there was no denying that a large part of her was a warrior – and that would never change, no matter how much she tried to hide it. Besides, she was not alone. She had Frodo, and Sam… who could no more fight than they could grow to surpass his own tall height…
Legolas gritted his teeth. No. Kagome was strong enough to support them all. If not, there was always the demon that had raced off after her. Sesshomaru? Yes that was his name. But was that a good thing? Legolas asked himself. She was at the mercy of a demon that cared little for her health. Was that something he should feel relieved for? He decided not to consider the fact that surely Sesshomaru must care for Kagome to a certain degree – he did after all, follow her, because that led to unfathomable envy that fell over him in waves. And the other demon, Youko, was there also so…
Legolas stopped, his grey eyes widening. Youko Kurama had left, unnoticed by all, and was undoubtedly with Kagome at the moment.
A snarl, one great enough to put many dogs to shame, vibrated in his throat. He remembered that day when, for the first time in his life, he felt such terrible aching in his chest.
Kagome had burst through a bush, (as she seemed to do habitually) half an hour after a spat with the one called Sesshomaru, a happy gleam in her azure eyes. She was sporting a carefree grin that was contagious and Legolas couldn't help but smile back. It tilted into a slight frown at seeing the demon fox standing behind Kagome's small frame jealously. It was then that Legolas noticed the ruffled appearance of Kagome. Her hair tousled and unkempt, a small flush at her cheeks and her attire wrinkled. She looked so captivating.
His eyes fell on the rose she was fiddling with nervously, and the ache in his chest blossomed to full out pain. Why? He didn't understand why he felt this way. What did it matter what happened between the two demons? What did it matter if Kagome held romance interests in Youko Kurama? It wasn't any of his concern.
Regardless of Legolas's inward declaration, he couldn't help but dispute Gimli's insinuation.
"No," Legolas cut in sharply, "Kagome would never do that." He tried to convince himself. It didn't work as effectively as he hoped, so he added, "While we're busy." This he knew to be the truth. Kagome's character was not one in which the person would willingly fool around with another while their friends were forced to do some work.
Even still, doubt stayed in his mind.
Kagome never noticed, but the next day, the rose she had received from Youko disappeared.
Like hell he would let Youko Kurama stay with Kagome. Sesshomaru was one thing –Youko was another. Sesshomaru wasn't competition. Youko was.
Competition for what? Certainly not for Kagome…
Legolas brushed it off. He would deal with his unwanted thoughts later. Now was not the time to be sorting out his emotions.
Legolas walked faster, his long legs allowing him to catch up with the not as lucky dwarf in a few swift strides. "Gimli, I must leave. Do not ask me why. Please inform Aragorn of my departure." He leaned forward to pat Gimli's shoulder. "I hope to see you soon my friend."
And before Gimli could either utter a word of protest or tell Boromir and Aragorn of what he was planning, Legolas ran to the abandoned boat floating innocently in the river that Frodo, Sam, and Kagome had crossed. Without hesitation, Legolas picked up the oar placed conveniently in the small wooden boat and began rowing himself across the vast water.
He stepped foot on land later, with sore arms, and fatigue enticing him to sleep. He pushed on into the unfamiliar environment, determined to find Kagome. He could sleep after he made sure she was safe.
The need for rest was forgotten though, when he stumbled upon the most magnificent sight he had ever beheld in his long life.
There stood the one he had been searching for, almost naked. Water droplets rolled gently down her ivory skin; her dark crown was damp, plastered cutely on her face. She was in the middle of reaching for her clothes when she spotted Legolas's boots. Her eyes turned large with shock her darkening lips parting in surprise. She was bare except for the nearly nonexistent pieces of cloth that covered her two… more private areas.
"Kagome?" Legolas finally managed to say. His voice was rougher, more hoarse than usual, but he didn't notice.
She did though, and it seemed to break her from her shock. He watched, affection underlining his eyes, as she turned bright red, and lunged for her clothing. Fury replaced it though, when a gasp (second to his own) resounded in the air.
Legolas's eyes narrowed, though he was careful to guard his face and stance, at the newcomer, who was the one who made Legolas decide to find Kagome in the first place. Youko Kurama.
His golden eyes were clouded with lust, as he greedily drank in Kagome's vulnerable features.
Legolas all but flew to bring the girl into his arms, covering her body with the cape that was draped casually over his shoulders. For a reason (once more) beyond him, he refused to let anyone see Kagome in that state. At least anyone that was not himself – No! He refused to let anyone including himself see Kagome in that state. She deserved respect, and damned if he was going to allow anyone to leer at her like some sick pervert.
"Let go of her." Youko spat. So Legolas wasn't the only one who felt the green monster of jealousy after all.
Legolas brought Kagome closer to him, rejecting the idea of standing down, violently. "No." He said, tightening his hold on the girl. Though he didn't say it out loud, Legolas knew that Youko got the message loud and clear when he gave him a hostile, and meaningful glare.
Never. He would never let go of Kagome.
I knew the exact moment he was back. Even though I wasn't looking at him, I could feel the obvious difference in the atmosphere around us, amazingly enough, and it was almost more aggressive, more possessive. My brows furrowed in mystification, what brought about this change? For as long as I had known him, Legolas seemed calm, and peaceful (not counting the times he was hunting down our enemies.)
I decided that it was most likely my imagination playing tricks on me, what else could it be? And smiled. "Welcome back." I said jokingly.
If I had looked back at him, I would have seen the light blush that painted his cheeks a rosy red. Too bad, I think I would have found it rather endearing.
"So, are you going to answer me?" I teased him.
I wasn't quite ready for his answer.
"No." He said, smiling.
Pondering on how lovely his smile made him look, with the strain of impending war diminishing under the brightness of the promise of joy and freedom, I almost missed what he said. When it finally hit me, I was bowled over at how he seemed to forgo his regal and impressive air for that of a nearly playful one.
I tried to stifle my laughter enough to stick out my lower lip and make it tremble in a pout. I clasped my hands in my lap and put on the most innocent look I could pull off. Legolas knew me better than that and watched me warily.
A snap (probably a branch breaking or something) caught his attention, and he swivelled his head to see what had caused the abrupt noise. I took this chance to tackle him, catching him off guard with an "Oomph."
I straddled his hips, giggling freely as I beamed down at him. "Care to change your answer now?"
His mirth shining more brightly than his astonishment at my sudden childishness, Legolas gave a chuckle that made my breath catch in my throat. Mischievous intent was promised in his grin, and before I could move to prevent it, he rolled over, taking me with him with his superior strength (which bothered me. Shouldn't I have been stronger with my youkai blood?)
He pinned down my flailing arms and legs with his own, his body pressed down on mine, his face mere inches away from me.
Suddenly it didn't seem so funny anymore.
A hardened look flickered on his handsome face and he brought his face closer, his lips so proximate to mine that I could almost taste them.
"Kagome." He breathed. Shuddering, I felt his warm breath on my cheek and shyly met his half-lidded gaze.
I didn't understand what the intense emotion swirling vehemently in his striking grey eyes, or the unpredicted heating of my blood in response to that emotion. It was all so new and alien to me. Even so, I felt myself lost in his silvery stare, felt myself lean closer to him.
I breathed in Legolas's masculine scent of forest and pine, each lungful sending waves of content through my racing heart.
There was another crack – louder than before, and Legolas seemed to return to his usual self, disgust evident in his face.
The hurt that I was beginning to get accustomed erased any and all lingering sensation of happiness and the elating impression of being carefree.
"Get off me." I demanded, forcing myself to feel angry, bitter, and resentful – anything but pain.
Legolas looked puzzled for a moment, then dawning understanding lit his face and I put more force in trying to get him off my body. He pressed more of his weight on me to cease my reckless movements and continued from where we left off, stealing all the breath from my lungs with surprise.
I fluttered my eyes shut instinctively. When nothing happened except a strange silky pressure on my cheek was made known, I opened my eyes to try and make sense of what was happening.
His lips had brushed mine lightly as he shifted so that his warm mouth was by my burning ears, his soft cheek pressed against mine, his arms moving to cuddle me instead of restraining me. It wasn't a kiss as I had expected, to my disappointment; it was too brief and too light to be considered to be a real kiss, but his words made up for any remaining hurt I might have felt, and I snuggled closer to his warmth. I smiled into his chest as he turned over so that he lay on his back and I was brought to his side, my head resting on his torso with my hair outspread over his armour in an odd mixture of green, brown (his armour) and black.
Nestled safely in the strong arms of Legolas, lying under the comfort of a sturdy tree and gazing at the endless beauty of the darkening night sky, I felt a peace I hadn't felt in such a long time. At ease, I let myself go, basking in the serenity of the moment – oblivious to the jealous and furious pair of golden eyes hidden carefully in the shadows.
Dark: WOOT! 26 pages of writing! 11,477 words. (Happily falls back into swivel chair and swivels around) That took a lot out of me… especially because I actually PLANNED each event that was going to happen in this chapter. Yep, there's a first time for everything ne?
Kagome: Darkness carrier would like to ask those of you who are willing to take a minute to bow your head for a moment of silence to remember those who have fallen or survived after participating in the wars that have allowed us to have the freedom that we have today. There are still wars going on in parts of the world today, and each minute that passes, another soul is lost to us. She wishes for all to remember their sacrifices and hopefully learn from the past. Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.
Dark: Thank you Kagome, I couldn't have said it myself. (Leads a moment of silence. Bows head and thanks the soldiers that have given their lives for ours.) Alright. Thanks my friends and reviewers for humouring me. War is a subject that I like best in fiction, but unfortunately it is in the world today, so I feel strongly about it.
Dark: Anyway, I hope you guys are satisfied with this chapter, and not too disappointed. I hope it doesn't seem too rushed – I wanted to get it out as soon as possible (although I thought about posting it up on my birthday again and say it's a birthday present, lol) Please don't forget to leave a review (the longer the better) I love reading them! 'til next chapter then, my friends and reviewers! (waves and goes off to wrestle the laptop away from Naraku who's playing neopets…)
MANY THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO REVIEWED! I LOVE YOU ALL!
Post Script: (aka: P.S:) The polls are officially closed! Kagome will end up with Legolas (in the sequel) with Youko fighting for her affections. Sesshomaru will have some moments with her, but not as much as the other two.