The Heart's Desire
Chapter 1: College Life
I'm going to be so late! Kagome thought as she quickly ran down the hallway towards her first class. I can't believe I hit the snooze so many times! She threw open a nearby door and slowed to a walk. The classroom was already filled with students. A light blush dusted her cheeks as she shuffled to the back of the room.
A bell rang and the class hushed as the professor walked in. Her midnight black hair was pulled into a bun and her bright blue eyes were hidden behind a pair of glasses. "Good morning, class. My name is Professor Haru. As you all know, this class is the third level of Culinary Arts. Throughout the year we will be learning ..."
Kagome tuned out the airy voice of her teacher, already bored. She had listened to this speech twice before over the past two years and didn't feel as if she needed a reminder. Instead, her mind wandered to a day so long ago, but to her, it felt like yesterday ...
Silence shrouded the forest as the wind howled around the young priestess and her friends. Everyone tensed at their surroundings, sensing for the evil they had come to face. Kagome silently drew an arrow from her quiver and placed it in tune with her bow, preparing for an attack.
Miroku and Sango stood beside her, their eyes flaring with determination. Kirara growled low in her chest as she transformed. Her kind, feline eyes narrowed on the demon they were seeking as his presence drew near. The student glanced at the man she loved as he stepped in front of her slightly in a protective manner. His ears twitched and his silver mane blew in the wind. A low rumble reverberated from the back of his throat as a menacing figure appeared from the surrounding trees. "Inuyasha ..." Kagome whispered to the man in front of her, watching as he tightened his grip on Tetsusaiga's hilt.
"Naraku!" Inuyasha shouted as he became a blur of red, darting towards his nemesis. Sango jumped on her feline's back, bringing Hiraikotsu over her head. Miroku gripped the prayer beads strung over his right hand, mentally preparing himself for his wind tunnel's release. Above, Saimyosho buzzed over to the waiting monk, causing him to rethink his actions. Recognizing his life in danger, he quickly restrung the rosary around his cursed hand.
Kagome pulled her arrow back in her bow, buying her time for an opportunity to strike. Kirara, along with her mistress, were thrown to the ground by one of Naraku's tentacles. The saber-toothed feline transformed into her smaller self, meowing out in pain.
The demon slayer quickly rose to her feet. "Miroku!" she shouted, running towards her fiancé. Sensing Sango's intentions, the monk threw his staff towards her. Bringing her large boomerang and his staff together, the young woman hurled them at the vile half-demon. With Miroku's spiritual energy, the combined attack would be able to break through Naraku's barrier.
Occupied with Inuyasha, Naraku didn't have a chance to block the oncoming attack and it plowed through his waist, dismantling his torso from the rest of his demon body. Kagome viewed this as an opening and aimed her arrow at her enemy's heart. Inuyasha ran up besides her and glimpsed the look in her eyes. A smirk blessed his lips as he drew his giant sword over his head.
"Windscar!" the half-demon shouted as bursts of light cut across the ground towards Naraku. An aura of purple light flowed around Kagome's sacred arrow as she released it. Their attacks became one, forming together to create one ultimate strike. It slammed into the paralyzed demon, a direct hit ...
*RIIINNNGGG*
The bell startled Kagome from her thoughts, signaling the end of class. She gathered up her books into her bag and slung it over her shoulder. Walking out of the room, she was greeted by her friend, Yuka.
"Hey, Kagome! So how was your first class of the new school year?" The short haired girl wore a smile and her eyes shimmered with excitement.
"It was okay. Same old lecture though. What about you?" Her friend began to explain, starting all the way from last week. The young priestess shook her head, laughing silently to herself. Yuka called every night since the beginning of summer break and told Kagome everything. Unfortunately, she felt the need to repeat it.
Yuka, Eri, Ayumi, and Kagome ended up going to the same high school, but parted ways once they bounded off to college. Ayumi was studying to be some specialist in the science field and traveled to a widely known school on the mainland. Eri ended up setting her sights on becoming a lawyer and left to America. Kagome and Yuka, the only ones remaining out of their close group of friends, went to the same college. However, Yuka had gotten in because of a scholarship. Even though the girls went to the same school, they reached for different goals. Kagome, wanting to become a world known chef, took the culinary art courses provided. Yuka, on the other hand, wanted to start her own restaurant and set out in the business field.
Although the foursome had gone their separate ways, they still kept in contact via email and phone calls.
"So, Kagome, where's your next class?" Yuka asked, drawing the young woman away from her thoughts.
She glanced down at the schedule in her hand. "Top floor of the A building. You?"
Her friend's face fell when she realized they were heading in opposite directions. "Nope, sorry. I have to go to the second floor of the C building."
Hating to see Yuka so down, Kagome thought of an idea. "Hey! Why don't we meet for lunch by the administration building around one?" She glimpsed the short-haired girl's schedule, confirming they had a free period during the same time. A smile spread across Yuka's face and she nodded her head. They said their goodbyes and walked down different hallways. This is going to be a long day ... Kagome thought as she opened yet another classroom, mentally preparing for the lecture in store for her.