Chapter 1
It was late afternoon when Sango began to walk home from work. Not one of the many people who passed by her gave her a second looked. They never did, but she didn't ever become aware of that. She wasn't the type of person to stand out, she always seemed to slip by unnoticed. Sango never enjoyed being the center of attention, being the shy girl that she was, so she was grateful. Dark brown hair flowed from a rubber band behind her as she walked forward. She glanced upward into the sky. She loved the sun, she loved being outside, and she loved breathing the fresh air. Life at the moment seemed alright, she was working as a temp in a local office building, and she was saving up for collage, which now didn't seem like it was going to be impossible.
"Just a few thousand more dollars and I'll be in med school," she murmured happily to herself. She wanted to be the one to help people who were in pain.
But the few endearments of her good life were quickly washed away. A young boy clothed in rags attempted to gain the attention of many passer Byers, begging for money and food. There were so many people living in poverty these days, and she suddenly felt shamed for the new life she was living. "Please can you spare some change?" she heard him ask a man. But She averted her eyes and continued forward suppressing the guilt that rose in her stomach. She was once like him, homeless and hungry. It was a fleeting memory, something she never wanted to go back to.
A car honked angrily as it sped passed her, but she didn't take it seriously. After all cars honking was normal in the city life. Seven hundred and sixty- three steps later she was home. Being a temp didn't earn a high salary, so her one bedroom apartment wouldn't seem much, but to Sango it was more than she could ask for. She tossed her canary yellow messenger bag down and it clattered to the floor as she pressed the button on her answering machine.
{You Have 4 Messages} a robotic male voice read and she pressed another button.
{Message 1, sent September 14. 2:13p.m.} She tucked a trestle of hair behind her ear as she listened intently.
"Hey Sango! It's Kagome, pick up the phone already! Uhm.. It's like 2:15, so call me back when you get this!"
Sango chuckled, Kagome was one of those people that constantly called until you actually answered.
{Message 2, sent September 14. 2:57 p.m.}
"Sango Sango," Kagome's bell like voice sang, "It's Me. Listen It's important, so I really need to talk to you… Call me back, later loser. Haha!"
{Message 3, sent-}
The voice was cut short as the phone began to ring. Sango didn't need caller ID to know who it was. Taking a deep breath she hit the 'talk' button.
"Hello?"
"Sango!" Kagome gasped happily on the other end of the line, "Fuckin' Finally! O-M-G, ever heard of the Purple Ice?"
"Isn't-" but Sango was cut off.
"It's this new club, and we are so going. I looked at your schedule, and since you're not working tomorrow we can stay out late."
Her shoulders slumped, her friend was really out there. You wouldn't think a hyper, energetic party-girl was friends with Sango, The quiet and I just rather be by myself girl. But it was true, Kagome and her had been best friends ever since the fifth grade, and she always loved to drag Sango to new places. She'd never been to a club though, and they were a lot of crazy drunks out there…she'd never even drank alcohol before. "Ehh, I don't know Kags," she grimaced before continuing, "It's been a long day at work and-"
"Nope, Sango you're going with me. I can't just go alone and I need you!" she paused then said, "Plus I'll let you borrow one of my really cute outfits. How was work by the way?"
"It was fine, I got to work in the main office. But-"
"I already know what you're going to say Sango. You never want to go out and as a friend I can't let you sit home alone and bored. So No buts, I'm on my way over." It was silent for a split second before Sango heard the b-flat. She rolled her eyes but smiled inwardly. She envied her friend's outgoingness, and obvious stubbornness.
Her door bell rang not even a half an hour later as a girl with jet black hair walked through her door. "Long time no see," Kagome said sarcastically. She was small, with dainty pixie-like features. Everything about her screamed be jealous of me. But Kagome wasn't snobby like her features gave her out to be. Being the same height as Sango, many people thought she would be older. Although she was a year younger.
"I brought you this cute top I got at Forever 21," she said before Sango could reply, "I think this color would look absolutely great on you. It'll bring out those pretty eyes of yours." Kagome held out a solid navy blue baby doll shirt. It Had no sleeves on it, but it was meant to be tied around the neck with a simple bow.
Sango eyed the material warily, "Kagome I appreciate this and all… But uhm, I really think I just want to stay in for the night" The younger girl rolled her eyes and laughed, waving her hands nonchalantly in front of her.
"Psh! Nonsense, you'll be thanking me for taking you. I hear this place is the number one hang out spot of the fall." Sango grimaced…That would mean there would be a lot of people, but there was no getting passed Kagome.
"Fine, but it's too chilly for that shirt," she sighed, "Let me go throw on a sweater."
* * *
It was 8:30 and After refusing Kagome's several attempts at a wardrobe change and makeup suggestions, the two were in Kagome's car driving down the busy road. Sango yawned quietly into her hand and hugged her sweater closer to her body. It was petal pink and steeped somewhat at her collarbone, but it hung loosely over her curves just the way she liked it. Unfortunately Kagome didn't agree on the particular shirt.
Kagome was happily humming to a song She didn't know while she tapped her long fingers lightly against the steering wheel. "Don't look so glum Sango, we're going to have fun. I'm going to get you drunk." Her jaw dropped at her friend's words, "Kags, getting intoxicated simply is unreasonable. And stupid. And pointless. And.. Well yeah. I'll pass."
"Hahaha, the look on your face never ceases to amuse me," Kagome snickered, "Doesn't hurt to try it. You're twenty-two and you need some excitement."
"No thanks, I want to stay in the right state of mind for your information." Kagome stuck her tongue out sideways at her, she turned the radio up on high so she couldn't protest anymore. As the car sped onward, city lights seemed like a blur as they flashed before Sango's eyes. They were entering a part of the city she had never visited before and she suddenly felt excited. A dark brick building with purple neon lights was just to their right as Kagome slid the car into a space.
"This is it," Kagome said taking the keys out of the ignition, the radio quickly died and was replaced instantly by the club's loud music. "Way to state the obvious Kags," she sneered jokingly then said, "there's a long line… Are you sure we are going to get in?"
Her friend only laughed explaining how her ex boy friend, Hojo, was a usher who agreed to let them in right away. No line waiting necessary. Sango's feet slid to the ground, the fall breeze immediately chilling her barely exposed skin. Kagome walked around the front of the car, meeting up with her they started to stride to the front door. A boy with sand colored hair, which was neatly spike, was standing at the front of the line. He wore a dark purple tuxedo indicating he was in position of work there. "Hojo! Hey," Kagome gasped cheerfully, running up to him. A boyish grin stretched across his face the moment he saw her. Hojo wasn't much taller than her, and his features weren't fully matured yet. His somewhat chubby cheeks and baby blue eyes were appealing, and it wasn't surprising to see that he and kagome were once together.
"Kagome," he said happily as he hugged her in greeting, " I didn't think you were going to come today." His eyes gleamed, and he seemed a little to happy to see her. The way he leaned toward her as he stood made it obvious he still had feelings for the girl.
"Of course silly, I said I was coming," she turned toward Sango, "You remember Sango don't you?"
They smiled in unison as they exchanged hello's. "Hey dude are you gonna let us in or what?" a man asked, by his tone he appeared somewhat irritated he was having to wait. Hojo quickly turned his attention to him, excepting the money he jabbed toward him. The man huffed sharply as he pushed his way into the building.
"I swear, "Hojo muttered to the girls, "Some people just don't have any patience. Anyway, You ladies can just walk right on in."
Kagome clapped her hands together, "Aw, thanks hun. I owe you one."
"It's not a problem," he replied as Kagome grasped Sango's wrist and ushered her inside. Sango muttered a thank you as she was pulled passed him and into the blinding lights of the club. A few "Hey how come they're allowed in?" and "They didn't even pay!" echoed behind them. The placed pulsed with every beat the music gave off. It would be completely black inside if not for the black lights. Everything was glowing. Women were dancing on stages toward the west side of the club, they were drenched in glow in the dark paint. Men were cheering everywhere at them. To the east side of the club was a bar, larger than Sango's living room, and there were many kinds of alcoholic beverage bottles stacked behind the counter.
The two girls had to shove passed many dancing clubbers as they made their way to sit at the bar. "This place is really groovy!" Kagome had to yell for Sango to hear, and she nodded not bothering to reply. She didn't like having to yell that much. Kagome placed herself on a bar stool and ordered two Guinness Beers. "Here! Drink up!" she said opening her own, tossing her head back as she let the liquid go down. Sango eyed the cold bottle that was handed to her. A fog was surrounding where her fingers touched the glass, and she suddenly felt a prickling sensation run up her back. She could feel eyes bore into her back….She was being watched…
