Ch. 5

The Journey

Sometimes the road to love is not always paved with gold. Sometimes, you have to fight to arrive at the end your heart desires. Sometimes the hardest thing to fight against is your own stubborn will.

There is one thing that can be said about the city, it will definitely make sure you are never bored. The moment Kagome laid eyes upon the rotted streets of the out skirts she was sure deep in her heart, she had to prevent any of the children in the orphanage from ending up like the beggars tugging at her dress. If this meant she would have to swallow her own happiness and marry Koga, she would do it.

Even as she thought this a twang pulled at her heart. Inuyasha was walking proudly beside her, his chest held high and his eyes forward. Koga was leading, talking like a person giving a tour, but Kagome wasn't paying attention to a word he said. Her eyes were locked on the profile of the man beside her.

She reached up absently and stroked the fang that hung delicately from her neck. Something about the gesture soothed her for the time being.

Inuyasha on the other hand hated the smelly, ugly, disgusting, loud city ten thousand times more than Kagome. His ears were back and a frown was pulled tight across his face. They came to a crossroads and a man was laying half dead on the side of the road, blood still draining from the side of his head.

An old woman with a thick and wooly cloak was bent over him searching through his pockets. Her odor alone was enough to over power the stench of death from the injured man.

Besides the horrible scene before him, really nothing new to Inuyasha and his suffering, was the loud and murderous screams that echoed painfully through the brick walls of the buildings.

Even Koga was apprehensive as he walked, like the dirt under his feet was contaminated. His babbling was also annoying Inuyasha, adding little ticks of rage to his blow up meter. It was getting close to boiling over.

Then Kagome saw the man on the side of the road.

"Hey!" She yelled as she ran toward the woman desecrating the dead. "Stop that!"

When the old woman looked up, her face was so wrinkly her eyes were barely visible, her teeth were yellow and one was so close to falling out it was actually dangling out of her mouth. Kagome was not fazed; however Inuyasha had to hold back a gag.

The horrible hag ran away before Kagome reached them. However, the hag was not Kagome's concern as she knelt down next to the man and stared in shock. Her hands hovered over his body for a moment as she debated what she should do to help him.

Turn him over? Check to see if he's breathing? Try to wake him?

She turned back to look at Inuyasha. Koga was strolling toward her telling her to leave the old man alone or she might catch something. Tears were streaming down her face staining her cheeks.

"Who would just do this… then leave him here?" her voice was so soft it was lighter than a whisper.

Inuyasha crossed his arms and shrugged his shoulders before looking away from her. He was having trouble watching her cry, but there was nothing that could be done for this man. He had already taken his last breath.

"Come on, Kagome." Koga reached her and tried to coax her to stand he gently grabbed her upper arm.

"KOGA!" A sharp yell as Koga's two goons finally caught up to the trio. They had been behind the entire trip through the forest.

Kagome stood and cleaned away her tears with the back of her hands. The second guy joined the first and dropped Kagome's huge bag on the dirty road with an aggravated huff.

"Ginta!" Koga chastised. "You pick up Lady Kagome's bag right now! How dare you drop it on the dirty street!" Koga raced up to him and looked him meaningfully in the eye.

"Ye-yes Koga!" He replied before quickly picking up the bag.

Just then a sharp piercing yell that was so close it sent shivers up Kagome's spine echoed through the streets. Inuyasha took a subconscious step toward her.

It might not have been so frightening had the sun not already started to set. The eerie reds of the sunset added a certain supernatural feel to the already dangerous streets.

"Enough of this lets get moving." Inuyasha said through gritted teeth. He walked up to Kagome and placed a hand on her shoulder and forced her to walk past the man.

Koga quickly took the lead. "Thanks, Dog, but I don't need your help to protect Lady Kagome."

"Ya, Koga's the best!" Hakkaku, the other goon chirped in as they began to enter the actually city.

It was past a bridge that was actually guarded by two men in thick armor. The men on the left had long hair that was tied into a tight braid; a huge sword wrapped in cloth rested gently against the side of the tall bridge.

The other man actually looked more feminine and had a curved sword hanging haphazardly at his side. The only way Kagome believed he was male was because of the Adams apple bopping up and down his throat as he chewed a piece of fruit from a nearby table that also held wine and bread.

Kagome frowned because it was obvious that from the blood stained ground near the table many a beggar had paid a dear price for wanting a tiny morsel. The hair on the back of her neck actually bristled and she couldn't help the scowl that formed on her face as she made eye contact with the feminine male.

"Koga!" He greeted loudly and annoyingly. Inuyasha was barely able to suppress a growl. Koga didn't even have time to respond as the man bounded up to Inuyasha eyes sparkling. "And who is THIS new wonder you've brought to see me?"

Inuyasha actually recoiled and looked like he was ready to vomit. Kagome's lips formed into a hard line.

"Get the fuck away from me." Inuyasha spat and took a purposeful step back.

"Awe, you're hurting my feelings!" The man squealed in a strangely high pitched voice.

"That's the idea!" Inuyasha nearly snarled.

"Enough Jakotsu." The other man stated firmly in a deep yet still young voice. Kagome's head immediately snapped in his direction and he held her eyes for a moment.

"You're never any fun Bankotsu!" Jakotsu pouted but returned to the table and popped another grape into his mouth. Probably to help keep it shut, Inuyasha thought.

The man named Bankotsu turned his head to Koga and narrowed his eyes. "I see your mission was successful. Welcome back Lord Koga." He then turned his back on Koga and stood by his sword.

"Thank you." Koga said but it was strained. Kagome could tell he wanted to speak more.

The bridge was actually large and extravagant. It crossed a wide river that flowed through the city, blocking the outskirts from the actual town. It was tall and covered, it was almost like walking inside a building. Kagome could hear the rush of the water from the stream below her.

Hakkaku and Ginta were nearly buzzing with agitation as they crossed the bridge and were out of ear shot of the two guards.

"Those two always give me the creeps…" Ginta whispered, but it wasn't too quiet cause even Kagome could hear.

"They were…" Kagome began and pondered for a moment. No one spoke, awaiting her assessment. "Different." She finished. The same scowl still on her face as she thought about the blood.

"That one dude gave me the creeps." Inuyasha nearly shuddered as he said it.

"Awe, you afraid we'll find out your not a man?" Koga reprimanded, looking back slightly as he walked since he was leading. Hakkaku and Ginta walked calmly behind Kagome and Inuyasha, who were walking side my side. Some kind of unspoken bond had been broadcasted to the wolves and they didn't dare invade the space. Inuyasha did not seem like someone they wanted to mess with. Koga on the other hand…

"What the fuck did you just say to me?" Inuyasha charged up to Koga and stopped him in his tracks. Kagome sighed.

"You heard me dog turd." Koga crouched slightly.

"Stop this!" Kagome demanded and placed the palm of her hand on both men's chest. Inuyasha tried not to think about how warm her hand was, and how her touch instantly calmed his anger. He held his frown but didn't fight against her as she pushed them both further apart.

Koga also allowed her to push him away. However his eyes gave away his longing for her as he looked down and caught her attention.

"Forgive me Lady Kagome. It was rude of me to speak so in front of a maiden." He bowed his head and walked past Inuyasha to continue to lead the way.

A fire suddenly erupted inside Inuyasha and his frown deepened as he followed reluctantly behind Koga. Kagome tried not to roll her eyes as she fell in step beside Inuyasha once again.

Once they crossed the bridge a new sensation over took Kagome: wonder. The inside of the town was on a completely different spectrum from the outskirts. The buildings were grander and better well kept. Most were wooden but some were brick. The streets were actually paved with stone and there were people everywhere scurrying about buying this and that. People had stands selling priceless jewels or imported fruit. Kagome actually found herself being pulled in this direction and that as she gazed at fine glittering blue gems, live lobster, which she had only seen once when she was very young, being sold by the pound. It was amazing the variety of fish that one could find at a coastal town.

It was obvious the shop owners were trying to get in a few more purchases before the sun had fully set. It was also obvious that the people bustling around were trying to buy a few more items before closing time.

She ran over to one booth in particular that had pretty purple drapes hung loosely around the frame of the stand. An old woman with wrinkly skin but bright brown eyes stared up at her kindly.

"True love." The woman spoke, suddenly, startling Kagome. Koga was across the street looking at some jewelry he was thinking of buying for Kagome. Hakkaku and Ginta were standing nervously behind him. Inuyasha had joined Kagome by the strange woman. He couldn't bear to leave her side.

He tried not to think about it and instead forced the permanent frown to remain sculpted on his lips.

"Excuse me?" Kagome whispered. It was then that she noticed the sign by the stand that read: Psychic, Palm Reading, Future Telling, and Love Scopes.

"You have found true love, my lovely." The woman's voice was mystical and seemed to draw Kagome in. The old woman motioned to the necklace that Kagome was absently stroking. "That fang is a symbol of everlasting love. This love cannot be denied."

It was blaringly obvious to Inuyasha how the woman's eyes glanced quickly to him then quickly back. Almost as if she was talking to him. Kagome missed it, too caught up in stroking her necklace, but Inuyasha's expression actually faltered for a moment as he contemplated what the woman had actually said.

He remembered the words of the god, "I have been sent by an ancestor of the girl to connect the two souls who can dance in each other's light." "The choice lies in the girl's heart, only she knows her soul mate."

He didn't want to believe it. Didn't want to think that this frail and tiny girl, who had snuck into his prison, was destined to save him. He turned his head and actually stared at Kagome in clear horror.

She felt his eyes on her and turned her head. His expression immediately softened and his mouth gaped slightly. Her eyes were so wide and deep he felt himself getting lost in them.

They stared at each other, neither one being able to look away. The entire bustling city around them was forgotten.

It was such an intense moment, that Kagome actually felt the heat of blush begin to coat her neck and face. Her heart pounded ruthlessly in her chest, almost as if it wanted to escape and be closer to him.

Was this woman saying that Inuyasha was her true love? She hadn't forgotten about the God, but had let it slip to the back of her mind with the excitement of Koga's arrival. And now that Koga wasn't nearby the strange encounter rocketed to the center of her thoughts.

Inuyasha's fingers twitched to be able to touch her, stroke her silky hair, caress her creamy skin…

"Kagome!" The last voice either of them wanted to hear broke their trance and they both jumped. Kagome spun around to see Koga trotting toward her holding something delicately in his palm. Inuyasha spun around and made a grunting sound, turning his back to her.

She tried not to think about how his obvious dismissal hurt her. She tried to smile and accept Koga's gift of a beautiful pearl stringed bracelet. But her heart ached and pained in a way she had never felt before.

Inuyasha didn't look at her once as they continued their walk to the docks. Koga's castle was placed delicately on an island in the middle of the bay. It was only a 2 hour boat ride, close enough and yet far enough away from thieves, Koga had explained pride-fully.

Inuyasha didn't even throw in a rude comment.

Kagome tried hard not to pay attention to him but her mind kept drifting back to him the more she tried to pay attention to Koga. She found it was getting harder and harder to accept the idea of marrying him. He was nice, yes. Rich, yes. Influential, yes. But she knew she could never love him.

Cause even as they boarded the rather large wooden sail boat in the docks of the city. Which seemed even busier than the town. Huge boats that would have normally captivated Kagome had she not been so distracted were lined up being loaded or unloaded. She felt deep in her bones what the God said was true. She and Inuyasha were connected. And she felt if this were ever severed her heart would surely shatter into a million pieces.

Koga dragged her to the wheel and she tried to smile and nod and he spoke about winds and sails. But in her peripheral she kept an eye on Inuyasha. He was nearby, as always, but leaning away from her, his back to her, staring out over the dark bay. The sun's rays were already gone and now the stars and moon shown brightly over the quieting city.

Kagome had to hold back the gasp that was in her throat. If she had thought Inuyasha handsome before now as the moon shown brightly on his silver hair she felt he must surely be an other worldly creation.

And then something clicked inside her. Almost like her heart was waiting for her mind to catch up. Tears pricked on the corners of her eyes as this realization made itself obvious. She quickly reached up and brushed a quick tear away before it had a chance to slip down her cheek.

Even before Koga spoke, Inuyasha turned slightly and met her sideways gaze. He had smelt her tears and it was obvious from the expression on his face that he was startled.

"Kagome, what's wrong?" Koga spoke and Inuyasha felt like he was stealing his lines. His frown returned and he turned away again. Kagome's heart broke a little.

"No-nothing." She stammered. Koga got closer and put his had around her shoulders. The chill of the wind from the bay was harsh and though Kagome wished it was Inuyasha instead of Koga, she did not protest.

"You could have stayed home, you know." Koga whispered. Inuyasha growled slightly. It was strange but Kagome actually found it a little funny how wrong he was interpreting her tears.

Was this feeling inside her supposed to be this strong? Kagome wondered if this was why all the poets and play writers wrote about love. Was it because it was inescapable? She found it hard to believe that she had fallen in love with Inuyasha in less then two days. But as her heart beat strongly in her chest she also found it hard to deny. It was like the love had always been there, and had simply been waiting to be released.

She took a deep breath.

"I hope you're not having second thoughts…" Koga pondered and left the sentence unfinished as if to say, or the orphans will pay the price.

Anger flared through Kagome and she pushed Koga away. "No I am certainly not having THAT." She spat before storming down the steps and slamming the door to the captain's lounge. No one was in there, which she was glad because she pressed her back to the door and slumped slowly to the ground. Both angry and confused tears streamed down her cheeks.

Her mind was reeling and she wasn't sure how much time had passed before a very, very soft knock vibrated through the door. She wouldn't have even heard it had she not still had her back pressed to the door. She thought it was probably Koga, coming to tell her they had arrived so as she opened the door you can understand the surprise that coursed through her veins when two golden orbs stared down at her.

They stared at each other a moment in silence, neither one being able to speak. The silence continued and grew uncomfortable. It was becoming obvious to Kagome that he hadn't actually expected her to answer, so when she finally spoke it was harsh.

"What?" she spat, looking down and away from his eyes. She felt him tense.

"Forget it." He said and turned to leave. But something inside her caused her hand to shoot out and she grabbed his arm before he was turned all the way around. He looked down at her hand and then to her.

Her touch electrified him and scared him. He couldn't pull away.

But she had nothing to say. The muscles in her throat tightened as his captivating gaze locked her in and stole all sanity away. She slowly let her hand fall from his arm, her fingers trailing lightly against the fabric of his haori. The fabric tickled the hair on his arm.

Then Koga walked down from the bridge and didn't even notice the awkward silence between the two as he quickly jogged over to Kagome.

"Feeling better?" He assessed while glaring daggers at Inuyasha.

"Y-yes." Kagome managed just as Inuyasha crossed his arms and strolled to the railing again to look over the ocean.

Kagome felt it should be illegal for him to look so attractive and be so mean and mysterious at the same time. Because that is exactly what he looked like to her, like a lost soul floating aimlessly on the ship of life. Her heart tightened again.

"We'll be there very soon." Koga broke her from the trance the moon had played on her by shining on the half demon and she actually turned to look at him. He seemed foreign after the strange encounter she had just experienced.

"Thanks." Kagome replied. Koga held out his arm, trying to be a gentleman. Kagome was aware this was probably his way of apologizing for earlier. So she took it with a meek smile and allowed him to lead her back up to the bridge.

The sea was dark and foreboding, small dim lights glowed faintly from where the city was, almost like distant stars. Kagome felt her breath catch. You could clearly see the tall firm building off in the distance. It was huge, towering above them and the boat as they rounded the island to dock on the far side. And the lights that shown from it were bright and brilliant. It was stone with two huge large double doors spanning nearly the height of the building.

A path lead from the dock through a small garden of rose bushes. Which, Kagome knew, were out of season at this time.

A large group of people, all wearing matching blue uniforms, bustled around quickly securing the boat and lowering the plank. Then they lined up ten deep on both sides faced front and bowed with their eyes down and waited in silence for their master to exit the ship.

Kagome did not like this. She was unable to hide her distaste as Koga practically dragged her down the wooden plank. Inuyasha followed by the few crew members of the ship, and Hakkaku and Ginta were not far behind.

"Let me go!" Kagome hissed in a whisper and tried to yank her arm from Koga's grasp, as soon as her feet touched land. When he did not comply, a strong forced shoved both of them apart and Kagome was surprised to see Inuyasha suddenly in between them.

"You do as she says." Her growled low but fiercely.

Koga's mouth opened with teeth bared but before whatever he was going to say could escape a loud shout broke them apart.

"Master Koga!" The man yelled as he ran down the rose path. He was panting heavily and wearing the traveling monks' purple ceremony robes. His staff jingled with each step he took.

Koga visibly rolled his eyes and made it obvious he found Inuyasha not worth his time. He turned to Kagome, having to peak around the half demon slightly.

"Forgive me. I was merely excited to show you my home." He held his hand out for her to take.

"Your home is lovely enough," Kagome said in her good natured voice. "I do not need to see you parade your slaves around."

Koga sighed, "They are paid for their work and receive food and board for their services, thus they are not slaves… But…" He waved his hand dramatically and just as fast as the group had appeared they bustled away making no noise above a whisper. "I forget how humble you are." He smiled and offered her his hand once again.

Kagome saw the glint of warning in his eyes. She hated it and Inuyasha barely held back the growl in his throat.

"KOGA!" The monk screeched as he had finally reached the party, Hakkaku and Ginta remained meandering about, trying to stay out of the way.

"For all that is holy, Miroku, what is it?" Koga turned and gave the monk the harshest glare he could muster. Inuyasha took this opportunity to turn to Kagome.

"He didn't hurt you, did he?" He asked, trying to examine her arm where Koga had been grasping her. Kagome blushed and absently reached for the fang.

"No." She answered in a small voice.

"Not that I care." Inuyasha added quickly and turned to the side. But he kept a close eye on her in his peripheral. She frowned and had a snappy come back ready but was interrupted by Koga's yell.

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME SOONER?" He was hovering over Miroku, with his fists clenched at the side as if holding himself back from physically harming the monk.

Miroku laughed humorlessly. "I told you as soon…"

"Never mind." Koga replied curtly and turned to his two goons. "Hakkaku, Ginta, we are returning to the city and then setting off for Osiakal." He turned back to Miroku, "Take Lady Kagome's bag and be sure to show her the utmost of hospitality, and I will try to return before the week is over."

As the three men traded the bag and Hakkaku and Ginta re-boarded the ship Koga turned to Kagome. Inuyasha was already nearly touching her he was so close and fought his urge to get closer when Koga turned to her.

"I'm sorry, Kagome," Koga began but Kagome kept her mouth shut. "I have some very important business to take care of, please make yourself at home. Miroku will take good care of you." He shot the monk a quick glance.

"Where are you going? What happened?" She asked, truly curious.

"Oh," he smiled and took her hands in his. "Nothing a pretty little lady like you needs to worry about." He lifted her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Kagome remained as still as possible and gave him a forced smile. She did not like being thought a simpleton.

Inuyasha was fighting the urge to punch Koga square in the jaw. The only way he managed to stay in place was to pretend he was a tree and that his feet were rooted to the ground. Even as Koga boarded the ship and waved Goodbye, Kagome calling farewells after him, he was fairly certain that he could climb the side of the large ship with ease.

It wasn't until Kagome placed her hand on his upper arm to grab his attention did he snap out of it. He jumped slightly, startling her. They locked eyes and were unable to break away from each other again. Inuyasha's rigid jaw went lax, Kagome's surprised eyes eased, and both their hearts pounded fiercely in their chests.

A cough broke them apart and they both turned to look at the cause. Miroku was standing with Kagome large bag slung over his shoulders and one eyebrow raised. But he didn't ask any questions he merely gestured to the door, "Shall we?" He asked.

Kagome trotted up to him, blush still coloring her cheeks. "Hello," she greeted as he lead them down the path. "My name is Kagome."

"It's a pleasure to meet such a beautiful lady." Miroku greeted but his smile faded when he heard the muted growl from behind him. He laughed nervously. "You'll have to forgive Koga; he is a one track mind kind of guy."

"More like no track mind kind of guy." Inuyasha muttered. Kagome turned back and glared at him momentarily before turning back to Miroku.

"It's also nice to meet you. This place is so huge!" She said just as they reached the huge double doors.

"Yes." Miroku actually chuckled for real this time. "And I'd love to take you through these great doors, but they are actually just for show. The real door is around here."

"Looks like the maggot is compensating for something…" Inuyasha muttered again, this time Kagome ignored him.

Miroku lead them down a smaller path that was just behind a stone protrusion and a hidden door stood hardly noticeable behind it. It clicked open easily; Miroku stepped in and held the door as both Kagome and Inuyasha entered.

The front doors may not have been real but they merely hinted to the grandness of the front room. It reached all the way up to a large glass ceiling with cherub angels painted delicately around the edges.

Ten large marble pillars held up the grand room that stretched back to a two sided velvet carpet staircase that wound up to two balconies overlooking the large dark oak floor. Huge and colorful tapestries stood along side magnificent artwork on the walls.

Kagome ignored Miroku as she ran up to the first one she saw, her shoes clicking on the wooden floor. The painting was at least twice as tall as she and was of a young blond girl sitting near a window in spring time sewing a quilt. The colors were vibrant and were nothing like she had ever seen before.

Actually, Kagome took that back. She thought back to the shrine she had found Inuyasha at. The sculptures on the wall had been so life like they had brought real tears to her eyes. Her gaze slowly swiveled back to him and he was caught staring at her. Inuyasha eyes widened for a moment before he made a grunting sound and turned his back to her.

So rude! Kagome thought. I have to stop think about him…

"The artwork is very lovely." Miroku sauntered over to her. "But not as lovely as you fair maiden." He looked down at her and there was a strange glint in his eyes.

"That's very kind of you." Kagome responded. "But I -"

Something warm gently rubbed the curve of her butt. Her face turned the color of a tomato before she screamed at the top of her lungs and punched Miroku right in the face without thinking.

He fell backward, dropping her bag on the floor. Kagome covered her face with her hands. Inuyasha was on top of Miroku in an instant. He picked him up off the ground by the front of his robes and shook him vigorously.

"WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO?" He demanded.

"Calm down!" A light trilling female voice called from the top of the stairs. Miroku was out cold but Inuyasha and Kagome's head snapped in that direction. Inuyasha stopped shaking the monk but still held his feet above the ground.

She was breathtaking. Her long brown hair flowed from a high ponytail and her sapphire blue dress was thin and swayed with her hips as she walked down the stairs. Kagome instantly liked her.

"You have to forgive the pervert." She gestured with her head to Miroku. "He doesn't have what's called self control." She smiled pleasantly. Kagome felt her heart start to beat normally and the color drain slightly from her face.

"He scared me more than anything." She said, still slightly breathless from her scream. She placed her hands over her heart.

"What did he do!" Inuyasha demanded.

Miroku must have came too cause he gave a short laugh. "The young maiden has such a lovely back side I could not-"

Inuyasha shook him again before getting in his face with his fangs showing. "You ever touch her again." His voice was deep and so low Kagome couldn't even hear it. "I WILL kill you. Understand?"

Miroku gulped and was barely able to nod curtly. Inuyasha lightly threw him aside, but he was nimble and landed on his feet.

The brown haired beauty just shook her head at him and turned her attention back to Kagome. "My name is Sango, and I'm the head Maid of the household. Miroku is Koga's second and takes care of things while he is gone. But, I think it would be safer if I attended to you."

"That is very nice of you. My name is Kagome, and this is Inuyasha." She lightly bowed. Inuyasha didn't move. He was surprised she had bothered introducing him at all.

"Well I'm sure you're tired from your journey. How does a hot bath sound?" Sango smiled again.

Kagome's heart soared. "Amazing!"

The end of another chapter.

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