Tsunagari

Chapter One: Shikon Academy

Yes, I realize that this is once again literary suicide. I understand that under the pressure of junior year homework, college prep crap (including testing), and increased responsibilities at home, there is no way I can keep up with five different fics (ie. BTBL, Silver Linings, Courage, Heart and Mind, and this). I know, I know!

That is why I've decided to totally wipe the dance fic from my mind and let Heart and Mind lay there until inspiration comes. That is also why I've decided to update this quite infrequently until Courage is done (like what I did when I started BTBL when Dreams was still unfinished). Just a little warning.

Anyway, I repeat, tsunagari means connection, bond, or link.

Tsunagari: (waves arms frantically) Ooh, I know why you called the story that!

Hogosha: Shut up! Do you want them to find out?

Tetsujin: He's right…that's the main plot until at least the seventh chapter. You can't just give it away.

Seizonsha: Don't ruin everybody's fun!

Tsunagari: (pouts) Fine, meanies. First you decide to ostracize me, now you aren't even letting me get any attention…

Hogosha: You're the freaking title! What more do you want?

Ataenushi: Oh come on, we're ostracizing you because the story's written that way. (directs evil glare at Moonglow gal) And you really shouldn't have told the readers about being ostracized either, Tsunagari.

Tsunagari: Too late!

Ahem…anyway, after that odd little diversion, let's move into the actual story, 'kay?

Disclaimer: Shikon Academy and everything about belong to me. The people who attend and staff it, unfortunately, do not.

-- -- --

"Shikon Academy?" Sixteen-year-old Kagome Higurashi stood just inside her doorway, eyeing the strange woman on her doorstep.

"That's right, I am a representative for Shikon Academy. Miss Kagome Higurashi, I, Kikyo Jin, am here to invite you to attend the US branch of the world's only international network of educational institutions." Kikyo smiled at the teenager. "We are a highly selective school, Miss Higurashi. Forgive me if I sound conceited, but you really should be grateful that you have received an invitation."

Kagome's bluish gray eyes studied the woman for a consternated moment. She wore a simple white blouse with red stitching in the sleeve hems and crimson slacks. Her long black hair was bound in a low ponytail with a white ribbon. Something about the way she carried herself reminded Kagome of something falling. Graceful, yet about stop the fall with a hard smack. She blinked and looked again. No, more like she was moments away from getting swallowed by the ground. Like a pebble momentarily floating on water before sinking. Like something getting sucked into quicksand.

She gave her head a minuscule shake and reminded herself, 'She's going to think you're a nut, just leaving her standing like this.' "Well…I guess I'm honored then…why don't you come in?"

"Thank you. I think I will." She left her sandals outside and stepped in as Kagome stepped back to open the door further. "You have a lovely house, and built on a good spot, too. Very secure foundation. You must rarely get basement floods…if you get them at all."

The sixteen-year-old blinked then warily answered, "You're right. Our basement hasn't leaked in years. Here, you can sit in here." She led Kikyo into the living room, a simply decorated, slightly cluttered place with two brown couches and a glass coffee table. "One moment please. Um…would you like anything to drink?"

"No, thank you, Miss Higurashi. I probably won't be staying too long. I rarely do."

Kagome walked into the kitchen, wondering if she had meant that the other students usually accepted immediately or immediately turned her away. "Mom," she said, tapping the older woman, who was washing dishes, on the shoulder. "There's a woman here named Kikyo Jin who's inviting me to some place called Shikon Academy."

Mrs. Higurashi turned, slipping off one bright yellow rubber glove. She had the same black hair as her daughter, so black it was almost blue, although hers was far curlier than Kagome's. They shared the same naturally cheerful and blank face, but her expression now was one of surprise as she asked, "Shikon Academy? The elite international network school?"

Kagome shrugged indifferently. "Guess so. I figured you'd want to talk to her, too."

"Yes, thanks for letting me know, sweetie." She removed the other glove and turned off the faucet. "Let's see about this."

Both entered the living room and found Kikyo in one of the couches, her eyes closed as if she were in deep concentration. But when Kagome tentatively called out, "Miss Jin?" her eyes immediately snapped open. "Ah, Miss Kagome, Mrs. Higurashi. I apologize for intruding on your home."

"Oh, it's no problem," Mrs. Higurashi said graciously, settling herself on the other couch.

Kagome half-sat, half-leaned on the arm of the same couch and asked cautiously, "But…I don't mean to sound rude, but why didn't the school just send an invitation letter? Why a representative?"

Kikyo nodded, her expression suddenly serious. "You're not being rude at all. I suppose the representative thing is rather unusual. You see, Shikon Academy is a very selective school. The students whom we can even begin to consider enrolling are so few in number that in order to have a graduating class at all, we need to make sure that the honor of being accepted to Shikon Academy is fully appreciated. Also…I suppose you could say there is a risk involved if the student does not accept. We must also come to impress upon you the importance of enrolling. We representatives are less salesmen (or saleswomen, I suppose) than we are talent scouts. There are certain abilities that we look for in our students, abilities that must be honed or wasted. And when such abilities are wasted…well, the consequences are less than desirable."

"It's true, it's a shame when people don't develop their skills, but for there to be consequences? Surely that exaggerating a bit," Kagome's mother insisted, resting her elbows on her knees.

"Not for these skills," Kikyo disagreed, shaking her head. "I can't say much more than that, or you'd think that we're a total madhouse. But trust me, the abilities our school concentrates on developing are very rare, very valuable, and vital to…well, they're vital."

"And we develop these skills throughout our college years?" Kagome asked. "I mean, it's the summer before my senior year. Don't tell me the illustrious Shikon Academy is a one-year school!"

"But it is. Most students master their skill within the year and if they do not, they stay another year. Mastery is not required, but it's strongly encouraged. Most students stay of their own free will. Kagome, I know your senior year is a very important year to you. It may be the last opportunity you have to just hang around with your friends before college."

Kagome nodded.

"But," Kikyo continued, "in Shikon Academy, you will forge relationships that will last a lifetime and beyond. Kagome…" Her gray eyes studied the girl for a moment. When she spoke again, there was an almost nostalgic tone to it, a definite sense of empathy.

"Kagome, I was visited by a Shikon representative only ten years ago. Before I joined the Academy, I felt…not like an outcast, no. I certainly had friends, and I loved them and my family dearly. I even had a boyfriend, who incidentally, I haven't spoken to in years. But there was always something inside me that seemed to be locked away. Like a rock hard covering that shielded the core of my heart. I couldn't connect with my friends. My world always seemed to be slightly removed from theirs. As if I lived in a different reality. As if I belonged somewhere else. Kagome, all Shikon students felt that way when in the outside world, because they belong with each other. There is a connection they all share that is so deeply imbedded in their souls that it shadows all other relationships. It is rather exclusive, yes, but the rewards of being a part of that connection are so wonderful, Kagome. You develop bonds you never thought possible before. Shikon alumni from across the globe bond in an instant, even if they can't speak the same language. And I have yet to hear of one of our graduates marrying someone who did not graduate from Shikon as well."

Kagome stared at Kikyo. So there really were people like her! So she wasn't some eccentric who was simply destined to be misunderstood! So there was a reason why she always felt like she was waiting for something or someone who would fit in with her just right. She said softly, "So…so Shikon Academy is like…one big, happy family, is that it?"

"More like one than you know," the woman said with a gentle smile. "Our class size rarely exceeds twenty. This year, I believe we have sixteen."

"What?" Kagome stood, suddenly feeling like it was all a mistake. "You guys are that exclusive? There's a whole nation of millions out there, and you take sixteen? How can you have selected me then? I have no special skills! I'm not talented! I'm not a remarkable student! I'm just Kagome! How can an elite school want me?"

Kikyo laughed this time, shaking her head. "Yes, that's how I reacted, too. Kagome, we don't need athletes, we don't geniuses. We need the 'just Kagome', the 'just Kikyo'. This ability is deeply ingrained in your very personality. We're the ones who need to worry about finding it and drawing it out, not you. Once it's out, that's when you need to worry about developing it."

Girl and woman stared at each other, one pair of eyes anxious, the other calm and expectant. Finally, Kagome's mother, forgotten until now, interrupted, "Miss Jin, do you have a…I don't know, a brochure or something we can look at? We can contact you later if Kagome decides to attend."

Both gray-eyed women turned to look at her and, as one, nodded. Kikyo opened a small briefcase she had carried in and took out a large yellow envelope. "This," she said, handing it to Kagome, "gives more information about Shikon Academy. There is also a registration form for you to mail in should you decide to enroll. My number is written on the cover letter if you have any questions. If all goes well, Kagome, I hope to see you in my class on August 28th!"

Kagome looked up in surprise. "You're a teacher, too?"

"Well, only Shikon graduates can work at Shikon Academy, so we're a bit short on staff." She stood and shook hands with Kagome. "I hope we'll meet again." She began to leave the room before she paused. "Kagome…do you have any siblings?"

"Hm? Yes, my brother, Sota, is in eighth grade."

"And are you close friends with your brother? Do you feel a connection with him?"

Kagome paused. "Yes…he's one of the few people who can come close to…to touching the real me inside of me. I feel like most other people don't even know it's there. But he still can't quite reach it. But yes, my brother is one of my best friends. Why?"

Kikyo at first looked pleased, but her expression quickly shifted to surprise. "Is that so? Interesting…well, I won't intrude on your hospitality any longer."It was as if Kagome's question had gone unnoticed.

Mrs. Higurashi, the last to rise from her seat, did so quickly and replied, "It's no trouble. It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Jin."

"As it was to meet you two. Until August, Kagome." Kikyo swept out of the room, and Kagome's mother hurried after to see her to the door. Kagome stayed where she was and examined the cover letter she had pulled from the envelope.

Greetings, Kagome!

I am pleased to inform you that you have been invited to join Shikon Academy of Elemental Studies! Shikon Academy is a school that places emphasis on developing students' natural abilities to their fullest extent. Hundreds of students leave Shikon claiming that their lives have forever changed for the better. Maya Lander, founder and editor of Inner Voice magazine, said on her graduation day, "Shikon Academy is the best thing that ever happened to me. I've met so many wonderful people and I've really learned how to play to my strengths in all fields. Look out, world, Maya Lander is on fire now!"

Kagome skipped the rest of the promos and reached a paragraph that looked informative.

Shikon Academy extends a full scholarship to all invited students and offers information on various college scholarships as well. Those students who choose to enroll in the Academy also receive a right to instant transfer. Should a student feel that Shikon Academy is not right for her, her records will be processed and sent to her former school immediately, enabling her to resume attendance there as soon as the day after she notifies the office of the transfer. For those who stay, Shikon also offers full board and free meals. Four students share one room for the whole year, and each room, while also participating in school-wide classes, will have private sessions with different teachers. The student-teacher ratio is 4.2:1, guaranteeing opportunities for personal aid.

Kagome lowered the letter with a bemused sigh. Shikon Academy sounded interesting enough, but it seemed extremely odd. Average class size: about 16, according to Kikyo. One teacher for every four or so students. Four person dorms. No tuition, plus free housing and meals. 'A totally free elite school. There should be hundreds of kids enrolled in this. And yet, you've got 16 people per year. It's strange.'

She pulled out the next item in the envelope, a small booklet with pictures of the Academy and brief explanations of the available courses. The Physical Education page consisted primarily of a picture of a well-kept field with one corner devoted to a softball diamond and with lines painted across the emerald grass to mark out a soccer field. She flipped to the middle two pages, which were devoted to "Elemental Studies."

Elemental Studies are the core program at Shikon. Here, students develop their talents, improve their abilities to work with others, and buildup their self-confidence. The program is divided into four classes: Kotoba, Tsunagari, Mahou, and Subete.

She blinked as the words sunk in. 'Are those Japanese? This really is a weird school.'

The accompanying picture was just as strange. It consisted of three girls and a boy holding up their left arms so the camera clearly captured the silver bands around their wrists. Each band had a single bold stripe made of what looked suspiciously like precious gem inlays. The boy's seemed to be emerald and the girls' were apparently made of ruby, topaz, and sapphire.

Kagome raised her eyebrow at the photo. A school that handed out jewelry? There was something one didn't see every day.

'Shikon Academy…there's something else going on in that school. What's this special ability they keep going on about?' She took another look at the wristband photo but this time focused on the students' faces. They looked so happy together. They looked like they belonged together. Like they understood each other, like they could connect with one another. 'Did they used to feel as out of the ordinary as I do?'

She could hear the faucet in the kitchen start back up again, and she smiled. Her mother, although she was another of those people who would probably never really be able to connect with her, still understood her to a surprising degree. She knew that Kagome would need time alone to think. Kikyo's words had taken a larger toll than anyone would have suspected.

'Kikyo was like me,' Kagome thought hopefully. 'Right now, it feels like there's some little of part of me, some vital part of my soul that no one, not even I, can touch. It's like it's been locked away, waiting for something special. Maybe I can find that something at Shikon.'

She closed the booklet and slipped in back into the envelope. Clutching it nervously, she walked into the kitchen. After a moment of hesitation, she announced, "I'm going to give Shikon Academy a try, Mom."

Mrs. Higurashi turned to face her daughter with a loving smile. "Whatever you think will make you happy, dear. It must be very lonely feeling the way you do. If you think you'll be able to find people to connect with at that school, by all means, go."

Kagome nodded and grinned at her mother before leaving for her room. Once her bedroom door was closed, she pulled out the registration forms. 'May as well get a start on this, then.'

Flipping through it, she stopped at what looked like a questionnaire of some sort. Her eyes scanned the first page, growing more and more confused until she finally burst out, "What the hell?"

(end)

-- -- --

And that, my friends, was the first chapter of Tsunagari. This is so sinfully short, but what can I do? This is really closer to a prologue, but whatever.

Anyway, I hoped you noticed that our story title is also the name of one of the classes, but that is not why it's called Tsunagari. Once again, Tsunagari means "link" or "connection"; kotoba means "word", mahou means "magic", and "subete" means everything. It will all become clear once term begins, but that won't be until chapter three!

If you read the preview of this story in my bio, then you'll understand a bit more about what Shikon Academy is about. I've made a lot of modifications and additional thingies since I wrote it, but you probably understand why Kikyo won't tell Kagome exactly what the special ability is. If you didn't read it, all will become clear, once again, in chapter three!

Unfortunately, for this story, there are lots of terms and other stuff to remember, so at the end of each chapter I'll have a short appendix of sorts so you guys don't have to rack your brains for last chapter's (aka last month's) new info. Essentially, you'll be getting part of my outline of the story. But right now, you don't need it! That will also come with chapter three.

Well, I think that's all. Until next time!