"You can't leave now, Kagome."

Chocolate doe eyes flickered to lock with concerned amber ones. The sun had just finishing dipping past the horizon, and that only meant nighttime was just around the corner. And nighttime only meant one thing: danger. All residents of the small port town of Goshinboku knew that, but many denizens were none the wiser.

Kagome Higurashi, resident yoga instructor, just happened to be one of those denizens.

"I can't just stay at the studio, Sango." Kagome sighed whilst pushing herself off the flimsy welcome desk if their small studio. The sun was barely visible past the horizon, casting fading hues of orange and red to paint the skies; it would only be a matter of moments before darkness blanketed the town, and the dangers of the night emerged.

Sango's worries were not in vain. A group of villainous do-gooders owned the streets of Goshinboku past sundown, confining every resident to remain in the safety of their homes.

Ruthless.

That would be the correct word to describe the band of 'anti-heroes'. For decades, their kind operated some kind of underground business that not only enhanced Goshinboku's economy, but also hindered it. A paradox, in and of itself, but nobody had the audacity to complain. The 'anti-heroes' proved to be villainous modern day Robin Hoods – they stole from organized crimes across the country and distributed the wealth to hometown locals of Japan. They weren't immune to bloodshed, however, and didn't hesitate to spill blood

They were a curse as much as they were a blessing.

Despite knowing the risk of daring to step onto the streets of Goshinboku past dusk, Kagome insisted on leaving the safety of the yoga studio. Sango watched with wary eyes as Kagome retrieved her yoga mat bag and her large tote.

"Come on, Gome…" Sango was hoping that the usage of Kagome's childhood nickname would be enough to persuade her, but she was wrong. Kagome was the very definition of stubborn; it was by sheer dumb luck that she was still alive. The girl constantly dared to leave the safety of indoors after the sun set.

"I'll text you when I get home." With a quick hug and kiss to her friend's cheek, Kagome walked out of the studio while wrapping her waist-length hair into a loose bun. Sango watched with sullen eyes; why do I have such a bad feeling?

With a heavy sigh, Sango dragged her feet to the front door and turned the lock. She wasn't as brave as her friend and would spend the night at the yoga studio. It was for situations like the very one that she was in that the owner of the studio set up a basement apartment for his instructors. Sango shot a quick text to Mushin Fujimoto, the owner, that she would be staying the night.

Within seconds of sending the message, he replied.

And Kagome?

Sango chewed on her lower lip, her blond locks beginning to free from her messy bun. Mushin was an older man and was extremely protective of his 'girls'. He never had any children so the five ladies that worked at his studio doubled as the daughters he never had.

She left…

Sango knew as soon as she hit 'send' that Mushin would be extremely upset. And rightfully so! Nobody – nobody left the sanctuary of the indoors when nightfall blanketed their town. What the hell was I thinking when I let her go?!

Just as she expected, Mushin's response came. Curt. Disappointed.

I wouldn't expect that from you.

Swallowing back tears, Sango allowed her shoulders to slump. I should've tried harder to keep her here. Knowing that her efforts were in vain, Sango still allowed herself to walk up to the glass doors of the studio and peer outside, hoping to catch the outline of Kagome's petit figure. Just as she thought, Kagome was long gone. Apart from being one of the most tenured yoga instructors, Kagome loved running and could outpace most of the residents in Goshinboku.

All this time I wasted brooding, Kagome's probably halfway home. Needing to take her frustration out, Sango kicked an upturned bucket beside the welcome desk and sent it crashing against the back wall. If anything happens to her, it's all my fault.

By the time Kagome was halfway home, darkness enveloped her. Though the streetlights provided some illumination, it wasn't enough to give her solace. In fact, the streetlights, including the one that flickered in the distance, sent a shiver to course up Kagome's spine. She sprinted home a number of nights after nightfall, but never did she feel so wary…

Deciding to pick up her pace, Kagome broke into a full sprint. Somewhere around her she heard a tin garbage can rolling but she didn't pause. Her destination was set: get to my apartment. It was as if she had horse blinders on; Kagome saw nothing else but her destination. She thought of nothing else but her destination.

Everything whizzed past her. There was a break in her concentration and she noticed that Totosai Pairo, the owner of the twenty-four hour convenient store, removed a Be Back Soon sign from his door and something compelled her to reroute to the convenient store. The streets were eerily quiet and if living alone taught Kagome anything, it was to trust her gut instinct.

With a quick pivot of her left foot, Kagome changed coursed and within seconds was inside of the safety of Totosai's shop. The elderly man, with cotton white hair and crow's feet crinkling by his eyes, looked at Kagome with surprise.

"Kagome? Sweetheart, what are you doing out so late?"

Kagome's heart was pounding. She glanced over her shoulder but saw that the streets were empty. What else was I expecting? But the feeling that was gnawing in the pit of her stomach wasn't going away. Shoulders slouched, Kagome walked up to the cash register where Totosai was leaning against.

"I left the studio late, Pairo-san." The one nice thing about Goshinboku was that it was a small town, and that meant everybody knew everyone… a tightknit community only ever meant two things: constant safety and constant interruption. At that moment, Kagome was grateful for the former.

"Doesn't Mushin have the basement set up for you girls?"

Kagome nodded as she dropped her tote bag and yoga mat bag. "He does. I just… wanted to get home."

Totosai frowned, the wrinkles in his face deepening with the expression. "We've been through this before, Kagome. Hell, many of the other residents have told you time and time again: do not leave if your class runs late."

"We have, yes, but that doesn't mean I'm going to listen." Kagome tried to laugh, but her heart was still racing for some reason. The daunting feeling that followed her during her sprint wasn't going away, and that was making her feel extremely uneasy.

"Sweetheart," Totosai pulled a granola bar from under his counter and slid it to Kagome. "You can't keep testing your luck. One of these days you'll be caught in a dangerous situation… the Cohort are merciless."

Cohort… the name in which the anti-heroes operated. Fitting, Kagome frequently thought, as cohort also translated to an ancient Roman military unit. Ironic, though, seeing as the Roman military fought for their country whereas the Cohort's intentions were unclear.

"I haven't been shot yet."

Totosai snorted. "Kagome, with how you dance with lady Fate, I'd say your luck just may be running dry. Come, sweetheart, I have a small apartment upstairs that you can rest for the night."

Kagome studied Totosai before glancing outside once more. It would make logical sense to take up Totosai's offer… it was very late, even for Kagome's standards, and leaving now would definitely end her lucky streak of not running into the Cohort. Defeated, Kagome picked up her tote bag and yoga mat bag.

"I'll drop my things upstairs and watch the shop for you as you rest, okay?"

Totosai seemed taken aback. "Sweetheart you don't—"

"Pairo-san," Kagome interrupted. "I know that you don't take breaks all night. Take a nap; let me watch the shop for a bit now that I'm here."

"Well, if that's what'll take for you to stay indoors, then fine." Totosai was beaming and Kagome couldn't help but smile. He was the grandparent figure she never had. "Pass me your things; I'll take them upstairs for you. You can snack on and drink whatever your heart wants—consider it your paycheck."

Kagome laughed as Totosai winked at her before taking her things and disappearing behind a flapping door. Now that she was alone, Kagome couldn't help but sigh. She walked around the counter and unceremoniously plopped onto the barstool that was tucked under the counter. She was familiar with the convenient store, having worked there as a part-time job when she was finishing her courses to become a licensed yoga instructor.

Besides, nobody's coming in tonight. Nobody comes in any night. Yet Totosai kept the shop open for twenty-four hours. Nobody in Goshinboku understood why, but nobody questioned it. It was Totosai Pairo's store, after all.

Kagome pulled out her MP3 player from the pocket of her mesh jacket and put one earbud in. With music filling her senses, she picked a book from the small collection Totosai kept behind the counter. Wiggling her butt enough to get comfortable, Kagome propped a leg up on one of the shelves under the cash register and immersed in a world of folklore, demons, and an enchanted wish granting jewel.

The dinging of the front door broke Kagome out of her spell. She slammed the book shut and quickly glanced at the small clock beside the register – 1:30 am – before looking up to greet the patron.

It was as if all the warmth in the room was gone. The patron, a tall brooding individual with the starkest ochre eyes Kagome had ever seen, sauntered in while gripping his right arm. His bleeding right arm. Involuntarily, Kagome took a step back and looked between his face – his lips set into a firm thin line and his eyebrows furrowed – and his bleeding arm.

"Ohmigod!" Kagome exclaimed, pulling the first aid kit from under the register and coming around to meet the patron halfway. His eyes flickered to the red and white box before returning his gaze back to Kagome's eyes.

"Water…" He rasped, the hold on his arm tightening. Kagome dropped the first aid kit and ran to one of the fridges at the back of the store. She grabbed a litre bottle of water and hurried back to where the man was standing, leaning his bodyweight against the counter.

"Open," he shoved the water bottle back at her. Kagome fumbled as she tried to spin the cap off.

Duh, idiot! His freaking arm is bleeding, he probably can't use it! How did I expect him to open the bottle himself. Ugh!

As he guzzled the contents of the bottle, Kagome retrieved the first aid kit from the floor and quickly flipped it open, pulling out antiseptic spray and some gauze. She glanced at him, unsure if she was allowed to bandage his arm. His ochre eyes caught hers and he, slowly, pulled the bottle away from his mouth and wiped away some droplets with the back of his hand. Wordlessly, he managed to peel off the leather jacket he was wearing to expose his bare arms. Kagome couldn't help but gasp when she saw the severity of the wound.

"Can you handle gunshot wounds?"

His voice was husky. Raspy. If whiskey had a sound, it would be that.

Can I… WHAT?! Kagome hid the fear, confusion, and surprise that reigned chaos in her mind. Her hands were shaking as she placed the kit on top of the counter.

"I've never… I mean I…"

Kagome couldn't form a coherent sentence even if she tried. She was scared mindless—why was there a bleeding individual in Totosai's store?! The patron glanced around briefly before returning his gaze to Kagome.

"Where's Totosai?"

He knows Totosai?!

"Err… taking a nap." Kagome said her voice tight. Is it me, or is there no oxygen in this damn shop! Her heart was pounding so viciously that she was almost certain that the man standing not even a foot from where she stood could hear it.

He nodded curtly before using his head to gesture at the kit. "Get the tweezers out, then."

"What?!" Kagome all but screamed. His eyes narrowed, but he repeated what he said. Only slower. Lethally.

"Get the tweezers out."

Fumbling, Kagome managed to open the kit again and find the tweezers hiding behind the box of adhesive bandages. Her hands were shaking, and she didn't try to hide it—Kagome had never been so frightened before in her life. When she was able to retrieve the tweezers and disinfect it with the antiseptic spray, she looked hesitantly up at her patient.

"I've never done this before…"

"Which is why I needed Totosai," he grunted. "But as he's not here, you will do. You need steady hands, lady."

Kagome wanted to feel insulted that he called her lady, but her body had no room for any other emotion. She was bouncing between fear and confusion so quickly that Kagome was positive she'd pass out any second.

"How did—"

"No questions. Fish the bullet out." Kagome was unsure if it was anger or pain that caused the man to clench his teeth, but she didn't want to find out in any case. Holding her hand as steady as she could, she braced herself by holding his forearm with her left hand as her right inched towards the bullet impaled in his bicep.

"Lady, if you can get that out tonight, I'd appreciate it."

Kagome told herself not to feel upset. The guy had a bullet lodged in his arm and was patiently waiting for a novice to fish it out—he had more guts than she did, that was for sure.

"Sorry, I'm nervous."

"You cannot fuck me up any more than I am right now." She knew he meant it as reassurance, but he sounded anything but reassuring.

The tweezer was just a hairsbreadth away from his wound when a clatter broke Kagome's concentration. As fast as lightning, the patron pulled a gun out from nowhere and pointed at the flapping door that Totosai had disappeared behind earlier. Within seconds, Totosai emerged and the patron dropped his gun, shoulders sagging and a sigh of relief escaping his lips.

The older man's eyes were furrowed. "Inuyasha?! What are you doing here… Kagome, what are you doing?!"

Kagome glanced at the man – Inuyasha – before looking at the tweezers she gripped in her hand. "He uh…"

"I was shot, Totosai." Inuyasha grunted. "I came here and your ass was taking a nap. The nice lady was going to try and fix me up." Kagome didn't miss the sarcastic way he said the words 'nice' and 'try'. She wanted to spit in his face that the least he could be was grateful, but decided to not test her luck. Kagome had a sneaking suspicion that the one named Inuyasha was probably not a friendly neighbourhood passerby.

"Get over here, boy. Kagome, lock the door and pull down the gates."

Kagome gawked as Inuyasha and Totosai passed through the flapping doors, ascending the rickety staircase with loud creaks. Nothing made sense to Kagome, but she decided not to dwell on it for too long. She turned her attention to the entrance door of the convenient store; Totosai never shut shop, but he had asked Kagome to lock up. The unsettling feeling from earlier returned. A feeling which Kagome didn't even realize was gone.

Kagome turned the lock and went to grab a set of dangling chain links on the left side of the two floor-to-ceiling windows that sandwiched the main door. Kagome began to pull on the chain, bringing down metal gates that resembled a garage door. The gates were originally installed when Totosai wasn't a twenty-four hour convenient store… an era before Kagome was even born. Apparently it was to prevent break-in robberies. She had never seen them dropped in her entire lifetime, even when she worked for him.

When she was sure the left gate was secure, Kagome moved to the right side to repeat the same movement. When the gate was halfway down, Kagome began to slow… frowning, she stepped closer to the window to peer at what she thought was a little girl skipping through the streets.

"What the—hey!" Kagome unlocked the door to peek her head out. "What are you doing out there!"

The little girl looked up and Kagome shrieked. It wasn't a little girl at all… it was a grotesque human being with contoured features and disheveled white hair. Thundering pounding of two sets of feet rumbled through the convenient store and, within seconds, Inuyasha and Totosai were ripping past the flapping doors.

"SHUT THE DOOR, KAGOME!" Totosai roared but it was too late. Kagome heard it before she felt it… an explosion. The feeling of her body being hurtled backwards… the sensation of an out-of-body experience… the knowledge that she was not going to be part of the living any longer… it all filled her senses.

"KAGOME!"

Was the Totosai? Or the brooding asshole stranger, Inuyasha?

Mom…

Kagome was knocked unconscious as a fiery explosion ripped through the store. She didn't even experience the apparent sensation of 'life-flashing-before-eyes' as she faced certain death. The only thing she thought about was how her mother would be all alone, now that she was gone…

"Kagome?!"

Her name echoed through her consciousness before darkness consumed her very entity.

Mom…

This story is also published as Cohort: Legacy of Lex on Wattpadd and Inkitt, under the pseudonym Emme Ahsain. If you want to enjoy the story as it is meant to be read, a tale between Aylin and Lex, then head on over and read the original character version.