Chapter 1: Prologue

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters used in this story. You could say I'm just "borrowing ideas". . By the way, the idea for this came from the Playstation 2 game The Secret of the Cursed Mask. Plus, Kagome doesn't really have a sister; I made up the character for this story. I took out her brother and grandpa, too. Oh yeah, and her mom is now an alcoholic, and nobody knows where Kagome went. (Or do they?) Sometimes I think I'm too creative for my own good. Anyway, enjoy!

"Hey Shinkichi."

Shouri sat down on her regular bus seat next to her friend Shinkichi, where she's been sitting everyday for two years now. It was the end of the school day, meaning it was time to go home where her miserable mother complained about her sister Kagome. Kagome, a ninth-grader from Kurugumi High, had been missing from about a month now. But Shouri didn't care. Being the oldest, Kagome got everything, so when she disappeared her mother fell apart. To her it was like Shouri didn't exist.

"Sometimes I think I'd be better off if Kagome was still here."

"Yeah, I guess," Shinkichi replied.

Even though Shinkichi was a year older than Shouri, he was still her best friend. Since his grandfather lived next door, they hung out a lot after school hours. To top things off, Shinkichi was really popular...and cute. But unlike every other seventh grade girl at Onchigawa Intermediate, Shouri wasn't interested in 'Kichi that way'. And since she was so close to this hunk, you can imagine she didn't have too many friends.

"What's wrong Shinkichi? Is something bothering you?"

"Well, ever since Kagome left, you've been really clingy lately and now people are starting to talk."

"What about?"

"They think we're together, Shouri."

"I'm sorry, I guess I've just been a little distracted, you know it's not going that well with Mom and... Well, what people say doesn't bother you tho-"

"Yes, Shor! It does bother me! Now, all because of you, that girl I've been telling you about won't go out with me! She says she doesn't trust me, Shouri! God, take a hint!"

Holding back tears, she replied, "I...I never knew you felt that way... Um, well, it's my stop so I-I'm gonna go." She hurriedly walked off the bus.

"Don't let him see you cry, Shouri. Just don't let him see you..." Too late.

Slosh. Swig. "Kagome, honey. Why are you hic crying?"

"Mom! I'm not Kagome! It's Shouri! God, quit drinking and just try to act as if you know who I am!" Smash. Shouri broke the bottle of sake on the kitchen counter, although her mom didn't really seem to notice. Ever since 'the accident' she hasn't gone a day without alcohol.

Upset, Shouri ran outside and fell to her knees, bawling. In between sobs, she managed to mutter, "Kagome! Wherever you are! Why did you leave?! Did you intend to make my life miserable?!? Damn...you..."

All of a sudden, there was a great light and Shouri vanished with a scream too faint for anyone to hear...

Well, there's my few days work. I know it's not that great, but I'm really proud of it. Please review it! It would make me ever so happy.

Not the real name of Kagome's high school. If anybody knows, tell me the real name and I'll change it.

Also not a real middle school. If anybody has any suggestions, I'm open for critiquing.