Two Months to Live by Corisu Li, chapter 7, inu yasha fanfic

This is a sequel to One Month for Romance. It is complete in 27 chapters. It has a few plot twists that will shock you.I'm posting it here with the permission of the author. I found it at http://www.geocities.com/inuyashakarma . Enjoy. Tim Seltzer

Disclaimer: Corisu Li: I am soooo sorry you guys. One of my fics got deleted (I think it was because ff.net doesn't like me -_-) and this was the first day that I regained upload access. Please, forgive me! I come bearing gifts! Yup! Two, count em, two new chapters!!! 7 and 8 should be up as we speak! I'm not gonna waste too much time with the disclaimer, cuz I want to get on with it. (Trying to get this done ASAP) So, I own no one but Ninsei, Ayako, and Kunoichi. Now, chappie time!

Chapter 7: Living the High Life

For an instant, he almost thought he had gone blind. He couldn't see a damn thing! Just as he was about to rouse Kagome, his vision suddenly returned and color flooded his range of sight. He looked down into... the concerned eyes of a female hanyou.

'It's kind of hard to stay asleep when you keep having these damn nightmares!' She snuggled against him. 'Do you want to talk about them?'

Inuyasha started to make a snide remark when he realized that he really didn't remember many of these alleged nightmares. Instead of snapping at her, he asked, 'How much do you remember of them?'

Kagome frowned. 'Hmm...hardly any. I just remember screaming... lots of screaming... and blood?" She scrunched up her face, trying to recall the memory. Giving up, she said, 'All I know for sure is that it's really bad. Don't they scare you?'

Inuyasha scowled. 'A dream? Scare me? Hell no! But...' He looked around as if he thought someone was near enough to hear, even though they were Mind- talking. 'But sometimes I think I kill someone. Someone I'm not supposed to. And... I remember screaming too. But that's when I wake up. It never goes any further than that.'

Kagome looked thoughtful. 'Well, I guess it *is* just a dream...probably nothing to worry about.' She adopted a cheerful smile. 'Let's see how Sango's doing!' And with a brief kiss, she dropped from the tree into Sango's room.

"Kagome-chan!" Sango cried, dropping the bowl of cold water that she had been holding and leaping backward.

"It's okay. At least the bowl didn't break." Retrieving the bowl from the floor, she went to the corner to refill it in the conveniently placed bucket in the corner.

"Er, Sango-chan? Where did that water come from? Surely you didn't get it yourself?"

"Some servants brought it here earlier. I think they heard that I was awake and figured that I might like it. Pretty luxurious, ne?"

Kagome nodded, then turned to look at the room for the first time, when it wasn't full of people. It was, by far, the biggest room that they had ever had. Ornate decorations littered the walls, and the dressings on Miroku's futon appeared brand-new, as well as the ones on Sango's. "This must have cost a lot."

"Hai. It's so large! I am dying to see the rest of the inn." Sango walked over to Miroku's futon and dipped a cloth into the cold water, squeezing out the excess and applying it to his forehead. Kagome approached her side.

Sango sighed. "At least he is no longer crying out in pain. But this worries me so much more. He is motionless all of the time, except for the twitching of his eyelids." Unconsciously, she put a hand on his, clutching it gently.

Sango nodded and wiped tears from her rapidly welling eyes. "I just...I just miss him..."

Kagome shushed the girl and pulled her into a friendly hug. "He'll be fine, Sango-chan. Fine."

It was just a short while before Inuyasha, Ninsei, and the Akimotos arrived in the room as well. Shippou and Kirara had woken up, but the fire-cat had left to hunt for herself almost immediately.

Everyone gave their own form of a positive answer: Inuyasha with a 'Feh', Ninsei with a polite nod, and Sango, Shippou, and Kagome with a bright affirmation.

Kunoichi grinned widely. "Today, I want to give you all a tour of the village! Since you will be staying with us for quite some time, I want your stay to be as enjoyable as possible!"

"Nonsense, Sango-san!" Mr. Akimoto said putting a hand on her shoulder. He then called to the door, "Matsura-san, come in!"

In stepped a woman who looked to be in her early thirties. She gave a bow before fully entering the room, and then stood at Mr. Akimoto's side.

Akimoto handled the introductions. (a/n: Got sick of writing Mr... ah, well, you know what I mean) "Everyone, this is Matsura Yuya. She is a personal assistant of mine, and if you will allow it, she will ensure that your friend stays comfortable." Upon seeing the looks on their faces, he held up his hands as if to ward off an attack. "She is trustworthy, I have seen to it myself. She has worked for me for years now, and I would trust her with my life."

Inuyasha surveyed the woman, who kept her eyes reverently lowered. "A ningen? What's she going to do if a youkai tries to attack Miroku? Scream at it? Maybe whack it with her shoe a few times?"

"Inuyasha-!" Kagome began, wanting to scold him for being so rude. Akimoto spoke up.

"I hardly think a youkai attack would be a problem. You have seen how select we are at who we let into our gates. If a youkai were to break in, you would hear, ne?" Inuyasha and Kagome nodded, as did Shippou, who wanted desperately to join in on the adult conversation. "I think he will be safe, but if it will make you feel better, I would arrange bodyguards for him." He looked at them questioningly.

Kagome's eyes widened. "Ano...I don't think that will be necessary. You are right. We would be able to hear if there was some kind of disturbance."

Kunoichi clapped her hands together merrily. "Let's go! I know just where to eat breakfast!" She grabbed Kagome's hands and began to tug her toward the door. The others followed, looking exasperated at the girl's energy.

Kunoichi stopped to answer. "Yes, Jii-sama! We are just going to Jukodo's! It's not even that expensive!"

The old man shook his head. "I have much business to attend to. I will meet up with you all later, I suppose." He then addressed Kunoichi. "Jukodo's? Are you sure that you want to bring guests to that place? It's not nearly as nice as Nagai's."

Kuniochi sighed. "Jii-sama! I just like the relaxed atmosphere at Jukodo's! It'll be just fine."

Kagome looked puzzled as she saw everyone on the street bow respectfully and offer greetings to Kunoichi on the way down the road. 'Why are these people being so mannerly toward her?' she wondered. 'Even when someone passes by on the road you aren't completely obligated to speak to them!' While she puzzled over this, they reached the door of Jukodo's.

Jukodo's was larger than any place that they had ever eaten in the Sengoku Jidai (not that they had eaten at many restaurants). It was even larger than anywhere that Kagome had eaten when she was living in present-day Tokyo!

It was made of regular building materials, but it was obviously top-notch. As the group entered, they felt oddly out of place. Everyone inside was dressed in the most lovely clothing, looking as if they were straight out of a painting and couldn't possibly be real. The women's kimonos looked as if they were woven from spider silk; they were almost fragile in semblance.

Kagome suddenly felt very ashamed of her attire. She was dirty from the scuffle with the youkai the previous night, and she hadn't yet got a chance to search for a place to bathe.

Kunoichi casually approached the front desk, ignoring all of the people who were there before her. "I need a place for six." (a/n: Erm...ano...I don't think they actually HAD front desks back then...I don't even think they had restaurants. But work with me here!)

The man behind the desk nodded, seeming unperturbed by the fact that she had just skipped in line. He beckoned to a boy who ran over and bowed to the group, before meeting eyes with Kunoichi. "Ohayo gozaimasu, Kunoichi- san!" After a stern look from his employer, he revised quickly. "I mean, Akimoto-sama."

The boy stretched an arm in front of him and led the group to a private room. They all took places around the low table, sitting on cushions. Kunoichi and Ninsei were on one side, Kagome and Inuyasha on the other. Shippou was sitting on an end, grinning very happily, and Sango was on the other end. Handing them menus, Hiroji said, "I will send in a girl for your orders in a second," before leaving, sliding the door closed behind him.

Now that they could talk freely, Kagome asked, "Don't you think this is a bit extravagant?" She nervously fiddled with the fabric of her pants leg.

Kunoichi looked stunned for a moment. Then she...laughed? "Kagome-sensei, this is nothing! However, if you are to fit in here, we will have to purchase new clothing for you all." Sango and Kagome instantly adopted horrified looks.

Sango spoke first. "We couldn't accept so much from you! Your generosity is appreciated, but-"

Inuyasha and Ninsei, meanwhile, were poring over the menu. A lot consisted of things that they'd never even heard of before. While they were engrossed, a young girl entered the room.

Kunoichi ordered confidently. Sango hesitantly placed her order, having eaten at a fancy place once with her father. Ninsei chose the same thing as Kunoichi, trying to be on the safe side. Inuyasha closed his eyes and jabbed his finger at the menu, coming up on something that contained shrimp and squid. Ah, well. It'd do. Kagome picked a nice-sounding platter, and Shippou proudly ordered, "Whatever Kagome-okaa-san's having!"

The girl nodded, bowed out, and returned a few seconds later to pour tea for everyone.

When she left the second time, Kunoichi looked across the table at Kagome. "So, sensei, when will we start our lessons?"

Kagome nearly choked on her tea. She'd almost forgotten about that! "Well, we can start tonight, if you wish."

"Perfect! We have a room at our place that has been converted into a sort of training room. We can go there!" Kunoichi sipped daintily at her tea.

Kunoichi shrugged but assented, leaving Kagome to wonder, 'A training room?!?!?! At her place?!?!' She didn't have time to think about it much, as their food arrived. Hiroji was carrying it in while the girl from before walked in behind him. Without a word, the girl deposited the dishes in front of everyone, remembering exactly who had ordered what.

Hiroji smiled at Kunoichi, who gave a wavery smile back. "Uh, Kunoichi- san?" he began, glancing over his shoulder to make sure his employer was out of earshot. "Could I speak with you?" Kunoichi glanced around the table, then stood, nodding. The two stepped away, leaving everyone to taste- test what they'd ordered. Inuyasha made a face at his, but upon tasting it, began to devour it hungrily. Everyone else began to enjoy their meals as well.

Meanwhile, across the room, Hiroji asked Kunoichi a question. "Ah... I was wondering, Kunoichi-san, if you would accompany me to...to Nagai's tomorrow. I know that I'm not as-"

Kunoichi cut him off. "Gomen, Hiroji-kun, but I can't." Upon seeing the boy waiting for an explanation, she swallowed hard and looked desperately around for one. Her eyes lighted upon Inuyasha, but he was no good - he was mated - and Shippou - too young - and that left Ninsei. She found that a shiver worked its way up her spine when she thought of him. He'd have to do. Turning back to Hiroji, she said, "I'm here with my fiance, Ninsei."

Thinking quickly, the girl answered, "No. We are very much in love." Catching Ninsei looking at her quizzically, she took the opportunity to give him a small wave. He returned the wave before resuming his meal.

Hiroji frowned. He had hoped that the marriage had been arranged so that there was a chance that she wouldn't be happy with him. But if she was in love... "I apologize, Kunoichi-san. I was not aware."

"Not many people are yet. As a matter of fact, I would appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone."

The boy nodded quickly, then cast a gaze to the door. "I'd...I'd better go...work, you know."

Kunoichi sighed in relief as she melted back onto her cushion, beginning her meal with relish. She was unaware that an amused eye was watching her.

Ah, yes. Youkai hearing was a fine thing. Much better than hanyou hearing. Shippou, Kagome, and Inuyasha had been too busy with their food to hear the private conversation.

(a/n: AAAAGH!!! I want to stop it here soooooo bad!!!! But it's too short! *pouty face* You got lucky.)

Everyone finished their meal and sat, contented, waiting for the bill. Inuyasha had started to pick his teeth with his claws, earning a scolding from Kagome. He got pissed and activated her mark (which had just recently healed, leaving a dark brown star shape), and she would have yelled 'Osuwari!' if Ninsei hadn't reminded her that they were in a public place, and he'd probably damage the floor. Seeing his point, she fumed, promising to get him soooo good later, but Inuyasha just laughed, using his influence to keep her from getting up and hitting him a good one upside his head.

Hiroji entered just then, put the bill in the center of the table, and left without saying a word. Wondering what was wrong with the usually cheerful boy, Kagome leaned forward (straining against Inuyasha's will) and peered at the scrap of paper. She then squealed in surprise.

Kunoichi giggled. "Of course. I wouldn't take you anywhere where I couldn't pay the bill." The girl casually removed some money from the sleeve of her kimono and set it in the middle of the table. She then stood and stretched. "Come on, let's go! We still have to get you all some clothes!"

Sango looked indignant. She happened to think that the kimono that she was wearing was very appropriate...even if it was a little worn...and there was this burn mark that it had gotten when Miroku had groped her, causing her to jump backward toward the campfire. Oh, how she'd thrashed him for that one! She chuckled, but inwardly agreed with Kunoichi. They did need new clothes.

Inuyasha was livid. "Fire-rat clothing regenerates itself! It's fine!" The group was now walking down the road once more, again aware of the attention that Kunoichi was recieving.

As she led them down the maze of intersecting roads, she pointed out various places along the way, trying to let them get a feel of the village. Sango and Kagome spent way too much time looking at a jewelry peddler's wares, while Inuyasha and Ninsei passed time by scaring people who stared too long at Inuyasha's ears. Once, Ninsei even let his eyes glow scarlet, causing a man to run screaming down the street. The two males (even Shippou happened to join in) collapsed into laughter while Kagome and Sango yelled at them about laying low and being placid. Kunoichi didn't notice what Ninsei had done, so she just watched the exchange with amusement and confusion.

After a few minutes, their walk resumed. Turning to her companions, Kunoichi said, "I want my tailors to make your clothing custom! I think you'd be so pretty in a blue and silver kimono, Kagome-sensei! And Sango- san, I want to try pink and purple! Oh, this is going to be so much fun!" She led them down a side road, and pointed toward the end of it. "That's where I live!"

For what seemed like the millionth time that day, everyone's jaw dropped. Kunoichi's house...

Its many turrets and towers reminded everyone who had seen it of Inazuma's castle. It was beautiful...and very large. When everyone approached the gate, a servant hastily stepped forward and opened it for her, bowing deeply. "Akimoto-sama, so good to see you home. Do you wish for me to inform your grandfather of your prescence?"

Kunoichi sighed. They always were so humble... "No, I will tell him myself. Where is Chiaki?"

"I've already eaten, thanks." Now fully exasperated, she set up the walk to the castle, the others following her closely, looking around in awe. Walking purposefully, she reached her chambers very quickly.

"Likewise, Chiaki-chan." She introduced the others to Chiaki, explaining her to be Kunoichi's personal servant (which is why Chiaki used her first name). "Now, Chiaki-chan, could you please send the tailors down here to measure these people for proper clothing?"

Inuyasha folded his arms and seemed about to protest when Kaogme suddenly remembered that she owed him, and the floors were pretty solid... "OSUWARI!" she yelled loudly, sending him flat on his face and getting quite a few curses out of him. She subdued him again and the curses stopped. Instead, he took hold of her mark and shoved her on her butt. Bad mistake. The time until the tailors arrived was filled with 'osuwari's' and grunts of pain.

The tailors were very cheery people. The two males in the group ran forward and tugged the guys (even Shippou) into a separate room to be measured. The females approached Kagome and Sango, bowed, and began their work.

Kagome flushed. It was very embarassing having someone fawning over you like the tailors were doing. But in a while, it was over, and the women dashed from the room with the measurements, assuring Kunoichi that they'd be finished by dawn. Having finished, the three girls began to wander the castle, searching for the guys. Just when Kagome was giving up hope, she heard a loud voice coming from an adjacent room.

Kagome sighed and pushed the door open. Inuyasha was clinging to a high wall, yelling down at the tailors, who were insisting that he come down. "Osuwari!" Kagome shouted, and Inuyasha instantly lost his grip and fell to the floor. Nodding to one of the tailors, who ran forward to take the measurements while Inuyasha wouldn't put up a fight, she motioned to the other girls, who were giggling, and left the room.

In what seemed like no time, the sun was high in the sky. The morning had just streaked by. Kunoichi remembered Kagome's promise, however, and led her to a door in the castle that led not to another room, but to a beautiful outdoor garden. The others were left inside to explore the castle.

"Will this do, Kagome-sensei?" Kunoichi asked, doing a small twirl in the center of the garden.

"Ano..." Kagome put a finger to her mouth. She'd never had to teach anyone like this before. "Sit down," she said lamely. When Kunoichi complied, she said, "Ok, first we'll start with the aura."

Kagome sat across from her and allowed her bright pink aura to flame into life. Kunoichi watched with wide eyes. "Just concentrate. Feel your power within you and allow it to surface."

Kunoichi closed her eyes and tried to focus her thoughts. She felt a slight tug on the area near her heart, and she opened them once more. She was aware that she was looking at the world through what seemed to be a purple sheet.

Kagome told her to try it again, and inwardly sighed. It would be a while. Kunoichi was so enthusiastic, that she couldn't keep her emotions from interrupting her training. "Once more, Kunoichi-san. This time, try not to get so excited."

They practiced for hours and hours, until Kunoichi finally got the hang of a few things. She could keep her aura in place for as long as needed, she could purify an arrow (she had them brought to her by a servant), albeit not a strong one, and she was in the beginning stages of learning to sense others' auras.

Kagome stretched, pulling her arms high over her head. "I think that's enough for today."

Kunoichi stood. "You're right, Kagome-sensei." She sent one more purified arrow into a tree trunk before dropping the bow.

Kagome facefaulted. When she had recovered, she stood to her feet as well, and looked up. The sky had gotten dark "It's about time we headed back to the inn."

Kagome made a strange face. "Are you sure that our lodging isn't too expensive for you?" she asked again.

The pair entered the castle once more. They found the others in the dining room, chowing down on dinner, and they both joined them, eating their fill of the delectable delights. When everyone was finally full, they all stood. "Thank you for you hospitality, Kunoichi-san," Sango offered.

Kunoichi waved off her thanks. "I trust that you all can locate the inn from here?"

Everyone nodded except Inuyasha, who offered a "feh". Kunoichi led them all to the entrance hall, then parted ways with them, heading deeper into the castle while they approached the front door. Once off her property, the trek back to the inn began.

Upon their arrival, Matsura Yuya leapt to her feet and bowed. Sango took a look around. Everything was immaculate. The woman seemed to be living up to her reputation. Sango opened her mouth to dismiss the woman, but Kagome beat her to it.

"Matsura-san, would you remain with him for a while longer? We want to bathe in the hot spring."

Yuya bowed again as a response, and Kagome grabbed her rapidly lightening backpack and led everyone from the room. She realized that she could smell the water a ways off, and approached the place where it seemed to be coming from. The sight that met them all was amazing.

There was a large room, and it consisted of no less than a dozen separate pools of steaming water. Each pool was surrounded by its own shoji, providing privacy. The pools weren't the largest, but they were more than sufficient for one person.

Surpressing a squeal of delight, Kagome dashed to the first one, slid inside the shoji and shoved it shut, and commenced getting ready for a nice, long soak. Soon, everyone followed suit, even Shippou and Kirara (who had returned while Kunoichi and Kagome were training) got a spring to themselves and began to play in the water.

Kagome sank deep into the water, relishing the feel of it washing the dirt from her body and relaxing her muscles. Allowing her eyes to close, she couldn't help but think, 'Ahh... this is the life.'

Corisu Li: Whew. Corny ending. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed. Keep your eyes out for the next chapter (including the beginning of the kiddie medley!), which should be up...oh...NOW! Again, I'm sorry for the VERY late update! Forgive me, minna-san!

Two Months to Live by Corisu Li
This is a sequel to One Month of Romance. It is complete in 27 chapters. It has a few plot twists that will shock you.

Best Fanfics on the Web, selected by Tim

Tim Seltzer's page www.samizdat.com/tim.html

Discuss books at Blogging about Books http://www.samizdat.com/blog/
Other book reviews by Richard Seltzer
Opus authors -- contemporary writers whose entire work is great
The Readers' Corner and Writers Showcase

This site is published by B&R Samizdat Express, 33 Gould St., West Roxbury, MA 02132-002. 617-469-2269 seltzer@samizdat.com

Book collections on CD and DVD. A library for the price of a book.
Limited time offer: 2 for the price of 1

Return to B&R Samizdat Express

Internet Business Showcase:
Hair Replacement: Hair Restoration for Hair Loss Hair Transplant Surgery: Hair Restoration	Cosmetic Surgery: Plastic Surgery & Surgeons Automotive: Used Cars Guide	Clothing: Homecoming & Prom Dresses


	Websamizdat.com

Two Months to Live

Chapter Seven: Living the High Life

Chapter 7: Living the High Life