Chapter One: Going Home
Working from home had always been a dream come true for me and yet despite how I currently lived, the type of life I'd managed to provide for not only myself but for my daughter as well, the truth was that not a day went by in which I missed home; in which I missed him. Sure I'd left home, him eve, because it had been what needed to be done but it also been for my daughters sake as well. Our daughter.
I knew the prophecy as well as anyone else, I knew that they would have been hard on her training from the start, forced her to grow up faster than any child should, and more than anything they would have tried to turn her into the weapon she wasn't. Sadly, it was upon getting mothers sealed letter that I knew it was time to go home. When it had arrived with the rest of the mail I'd thought that it was another one of her check up letters, an update on something important, or news about the council; but as soon as I'd noticed the hidden seal, preventing no one but someone who shared the same blood to open it I knew that it was time to go home. Upon opening it, it read:
Dear Kagome,
How are you my dear, I hope all is well. I'm sorry to say that you will need to come home soon. The darkness is growing, she will be needed. I know that you've been training her but her mastery in one art will not make up for the rest, she needs us, she needs her father. I'm sorry, I'm sure that hearing those words must hurt terribly. Come home dear, you're needed, she's needed and I miss you both terribly.
Love,
Your mother.
Sighing I put the letter down before destroying it so as to leave no trace of its existence. The matter at hand now was how to tell Amaya that we needed to move, and what was more was how was I going to explain to her that we were needed back home without sounding so urgent. Though she had been born in Japan, had been there for the first two years of her life before we moved I knew that Amaya considered Japan as her home as much as I did.
However it was because we were so familiar in Japan, that we were around so a familiar atmosphere that I'd chosen to move us both to the states. At least here no one knew of the prophecy's we held, no one would know who we were let alone what they Amaya was destined to do. So, knowing that there was no phrophecy's in the states, knowing that we couldn't be found, I'd moved us both so as to hide Amaya from not only the family we'd both left behind, and the council that ruled; but from my daughters father as well.
'But how, how do I face him after all of these years?' I thought sadly, causing the plants around me to slant, to show true sadness and to express for me what I was so desperately trying to hide.
"What's wrong mom?" suddenly came Amaya's voice. It was clear that she'd noticed not only the plants change but how the feel of the room had changed as well. In turn all I could do was turn around and smile in hopes that she wouldn't worry; that she wouldn't see the sorrow I'd been holding in me for so long.
Sadness because Amaya looked so much like her father and yet she's been blessed with my eyes and gentle heart. Shaking my head so as to rid myself of sorrow filled thoughts I focused on what it was I needed to do. Though it was hard not to worry, to think about how the older she got the closer she was to reaching the age in which a witches awakening began. What was more was that she did so the more I could feel how much more different Amaya's aura was becoming. How as she grew in power and strength her aura began to reflect it more.
"Just wondering but since there isn't any easy way to tell you this I should just come out and say it."
"What's wrong? Is everything okay? What about grandma, Ji-san hasn't told me anything." she said, worry evident in her tone of voice. Gently I smiled. Amaya could still see her great grandfather. She could because she had the eyes and the powers those born on spiritual lands had, she had the power over the earth like her grandmother, and Amaya could will the air like I could. However what she didn't know was that in her was the power to wield fire and water as well.
'If only she knew...' I thought sadly; all the while allowing myself to feel the sorrow and the guilt that lay within me trying to take over.
"She's fine, every thing is fine. It's just that your grandmother misses us and has asked us to move back. To go home." I explained as best as I could, all the while knowing that like myself Amaya thought of Japan as her true home.
"Oh..." she said before pausing for a moment. It was clear that Amaya wasn't sure how to process it, what to think about going back to Japan but I knew that when she realized what she felt she'd be glad to be back home. To be around family and the land she knew was home.
"Listen Amaya, we don't have to go. I'm sure that if I..."
"No, its fine mom. Besides the schools here are nothing like the one's in Japan. I can actually train my self during an off block." Amaya said. All the while her tone of voice happy and excited; that was despite her worrying.
Upon hearing her tone though, I couldn't help but to smile. However what was most important wasn't that I was getting what I wanted, that I'd soon be able to see him again or that I'd back home. No, all that mattered was that Amaya was happy. Though in truth what was worrisome was what to do about the truth. What if Amaya met her father and was told the truth about her origins at school? Amaya was so much like him so I knew she'd be over run with emotions; and worst of all mad at me for not telling her the truth. Would she stop speaking to me?
On the other hand there was no need to put her in such risks. Not when so far she had mastered her spiritual power along with wielding the earth. The thing was that she hadn't mastered the other three elements nor did she have the knowledge about the ability to do so. Amaya didn't even know that she could wield them as a true master.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive." she said with a smile.
"Fine, then we leave in the morning. No need to take anything other than your weapons and cloths. We'll be staying at your grandmothers." I assured her before Amaya nodded. Soon after she then turned headed for her room.
Once she was in her room I sighed, I wrote on a small piece of paper, addressing it to mom and letting her know that we were heading home. Upon doing so I then buried it into the ground and let the earth to the rest. It was hard to sleep that night, what with all the worrying and preparations but eventually I took a nap, boarded the plane and along side of my daughter made my way back home. All the while hoping and praying that when the day came, he wouldn't hate but welcome me back home with open arms.
Upon arriving in Japan Amaya sighed, as well as I did and I was sure that we did so because we both felt how it was to be back home. Being honest though, I was also sighing becuase not only was I happy to be home but I knew that this was only the beginning of what was to come. Turning both Amaya and I found a man in a black suit waiting for us when we got off their plane. Our bags had already been retrieved and packed so now it was just us he was missing before driving us back home.
"Miss Higurashi." the man greeted, bowing not only at me but to Amaya as well. When I turned to see Amaya's face it was clear that she wasn't sure what was going on much less who the guy was.
"Hai." was my only answer before following suit.
"This way my Lady." he said before taking our bags and carrying them for us. Amaya sighed, I wasn't sure why but it sounded sad. Mentally I frowned. She was happy to be home, I knew that much but I was certain that she was sad that she hadn't been allowed to keep at least one weapon on her during the flight. Truly she was so much like him; like him and me.
"What is going on? Who is this guy? Lady?" Amays soon began to question me but I said nothing. How could I when in front of a stranger and a man who clearly served my mother. No, he may have known the truth but he wouldn't see me break down now; no would. Instead I acted as if though it wasn't a surprising reaction, as if I'd expected it from her and let the silence stay.
When they got to the shrine grounds it wasn't surprising to watch as Amaya's eyes widened. She hadn't remembered her grandmothers home to be so big because we'd kept her in the small, more simple part of it when she was a child. Now she was old enough to learn and remember her way around without having to be watched or escorted at all times.
"Where are we?" Amaya asked as we went for the stairs.
"It's been a long time Ji-chan." Amaya suddenly said. When she had been younger it had been alarming but now it was natural for I knew it was a part of her.
"Is he here?" I asked, all the while allowing for my tone of voice to sound soft and sad. I missed Ji-chan, he was my grandfather and the man whom I had looked up to in the absence of my father.
"I miss you Ji-chan." I couldn't help but to add before bowing at the shrine.
"Yes" Amaya said before turning to where I assumed Ji-chan was standing.
"I'll see you around Ji-chan." she said before leaving a small offering at the shrine for him and then leaving. As she turned to follow I made sure to lead the way to the main house.
As we walked around it was clear that there was a meeting going on and so I cursed for our time of arrival. If there was a meeting going on then that meant that there was a more than a large chance that we could run into Amaya's fathers family. Not that she'd recognize them or anything but still; it would not be wise to let her meet with them just yet. However just as I was about to lead Amaya around through the garden and through the back, the Lord of the Western lands appeared before us.
My heart sped, causing for fear and worry to spread through my body and for my guard to raise. Sesshomaru was safe, I trusted him but I couldn't be sure that he wasn't angry at me for what I'd done and how I'd let him and the others. What was more was that I was certain that he'd notice and so I was in turn uncertain as to whether he'd question me about her in her presence or if he'd give me time.
"Kagome, your home." Ka-san cheered as soon as she noticed us and before taking me into her arms. Yes, it had been far too long since we'd last seen each other much less had the chance hold each other in an embrace. I missed it and I missed my mother.
"Yes, how are you mother?" I greeted Ka-san before nodding respectfully toward Lord Sesshomaru.
It wasn't hard to slip back into the mask I'd learned to wear while in front of other council members, nor was it hard to come up with a blank and expressionless look. What had been hard was doing so in front of Amaya. She was an observant child, unlike her father, and as such she knew when I was hiding something from her.
"It's rude to check other's power without asking." Amaya growled angrily, ignoring his title and status. It was true what she was saying, however still she should have shown respect because of his title and his standing.
"Amaya." I called out to her instantly. All the while subtly telling her to keep her mouth shut and silently asking her to listen to my request. Amaya didn't say anythimg else after that but she did keep the anger in her eyes and her the power at the ready.
"Lord Sesshomaru, it's been a long time. My pardons for my daughters rude behavior." I greeted him formally before slightly bowing in respect. He in turn did the same in return.
"No need Lady Kagome, it was I who had forgotten my manners." he said. As soon as he was done talking, his eyes locked with mine for a split second before moving toward Ka-san.
"Well then, come Amaya. I will show you to your room. It's been a long time since the last time you've slept in it." Ka-san said, her tone of voice calm and happy. She was trying to keep Amaya calm and collected, all the while trying to get her away from the man that was her uncle. Of course Amaya was hesitant; why wouldn't she be with my sudden change of attitude and a man she'd never met before asking for a word with me alone.
"Hai..." she finally said.
"Mom..." she called, hesitation and worry clear in her tone. Meanwhile ka-san moved closer to Amaya and tried to use her presence so as to comfort and encourage Amaya.
"It's alright Amaya, I'll be right behind you." I cooed; I too trying to sooth my daughters worry. It was then, while admitting defeat, that Amaya nodded and followed after her grandmother.
"Come on dear." were Ka-san's last words before she and Amaya walked off. Thus leaving me alone with Sesshomaru and the meeting I knew I had to face.
~Amaya's POV~
Gong back to Japan was a dream come true. It had been something that I'd always wanted to do but Ji-san, my Ji-san, had always told me, assured me that mom and I had left home for a reason. One that mom would share with me when the time came. Had the time come? Or had something gone wrong?
However just because I was worried didn't mean I needed to show it. How could I when clearly mom was already so over run by who knew what. So as she spoke all I could do was keep a large smile on my face to show her my excitement and my silent encouragement.
Finally, finally we were going home, we were going back to the one place where I could feel closes to my biological father and most of all back to where I'd be able to track him down without mom's knowing. As soon as I thought about it, about how I'd be hiding my actions from mom, guilt over too me then. So far I had so many secrets from mom that it wasn't even funny anymore. So far I hadn't told mom how Ji-san had been training me, how I'd already mastered the bending of the earth and the air, how I'd been playing with fire and working on mastering my power on an over all level. I knew I needed to, that I knew that I to tell her how I had always felt this immense power sleeping in me, how I had always wanted to master it, and most of all how I wanted to learn how to use my power so as to find my father.
Sure I knew that mom was there for me, that she would help me whenever I told her I needed help, that she would listen to me when I needed someone to listen, and that she would train me herself when she could; but a girls father was still something that couldn't be replaced. Sighing I began to pack what little things I would need, like cloths and what not, and thought of a way to mom all of the secrets I was keeping from her. All the while praying that regardless of it all mom would still love me.
When we arrived in Japan I couldn't help but to sigh. It just felt so good to be home; to finally be in the place were we belonged. Though it wasn't just about the fact that we were home. In Japan the air was so much cleaner, the atmosphere was calmer and the feeling, the way I could sense so many more witches and wizards than in the states, was so much more comforting. It meant that there were more of us, that I wasn't the only witch on the face of the earth. Meanwhile, beside me mom sighed though I knew it was more because just like me she was happy.
I was about to ask mom where we were going to go and if grandma was going to meet us at the airport when all of a sudden a man in a black suit was waiting for us with a sign in his hands. On the sign mom's and I names were written on it.
"Miss Higurashi." the man greeted us, bowing not only at mom but to me as well. Okay, clearly the man was overly formal or he had a lose screw because the last time I was here I couldn't remember being bowed to or treated as if I were someone on the top half of the food chain.
"Hai." mom said in confirmation.
"This way my Lady." as soon as those words left the mans lips and started to take our bags, I knew that there was something that not only was I missing but something that had not been told to me. What was more disappointing and nerve wrecking was knowing that I didn't have my weapon with me, that I wouldn't get it back until we got to grandma's place and that even then mom would keep an eye on me when it was with me. Sighing I wished that I'd at least been able to keep a small blade on me. She had reminded her that while in the states it was illegal to travel on an airplane with any sort of weapon. Even a small knife.
All the while we got into the car and settled into place mom stayed quiet, she kept to herself and acted as if though it weren't safe, or wise, to speak while out in public. So, as we climbed in the car I made it a point to keep my guard up at all times. Not only did it seem as if things weren't safe but things were getting weird. Then, as soon as the window seperating us from the driver went up I turned around and faced mom.
"What is going on? Who is this guy? Lady?" the questions all left my mouth before I had time to think but as soon as they had it was clear mom wasn't going to say anything or answer any of them. Hell mom didn't even seem to be too surprised when I'd asked her all of those questions or when I'd reacted the way that I had. Clearly she wasn't going to answer, at least not at that very moment so all I could do in turn was turn and look out at the window and be reminded of the surroundings I'd used to be around as a child.
When we finally got to the shrine grounds my eyes instantly widened. The first question that popped into my mind was where the hell were we? The last time I was at grandmothers, at the family shrine, I hadn't remembered it to be so big. As a child it was small and simple with a cozy little house; even then it was small. There had definitely been nothing fancy about the place; yet the place that stood before me now was such a large shrine now, guarded and well kept; and most of all with a mansion to house all of it's in habitants.
"Where are we?" I asked as we went for the stairs. I had tried to take my own luggage but like at the airport that had already been taken care of. There had already been people waiting and the instant the car had stopped the luggage had been taken. Though I guess in the end it was a good thing considering I was too damn stunned, surprised to find that grandmothers home had not only grown in size but in statue as well.
'You're home' suddenly came a familiar voice and instantly I stopped. All the while smiling before turning and heading for the shrine that Ji-chan had tended to when he had been alive. He looked just like how I'd last seen him, happy and full of energy. Not even death could take away the cheerfulness with which he so constantly addressed me with. Smiling, I bowed at the shrine and properly greeted not only the shrine but Ji-chan as well.
"It's been a long time Ji-chan." I noted; and in truth it had been because the last time I saw him had been about a month ago. He had just disappeared, left me alone and assured me that though I wouldn't be seeing him for a while that he'd always be with me. Why he'd left was still a mystery but I knew that it was good to see him again.
In turn Ji-chan nodded and looked at me with a sad sort of smile. It was weird, it was almost as if he was looking at me with sympathy in his eyes though why sympathy was beyond me. I wasn't sad or unhappy; in fact I was really quite the opposite. Especially with being back home.
'Hai, fair too long. When you were little we only kept you by the smaller parts of the shrine, now that your old enough not to get lost you've been allowed into the main house.' Ji-chan explained for mom thus causing me to nod in acceptance and understanding. I was about to ask him for help on getting used to the large house, on keeping track of things until I got used to my surroundings, and for help on finding my biological father, and to help me with the other powers I'd stumbled upon; but before I could say anything I felt mom close by.
"Is he here?" she asked. All the while moms tone of voice soft and sad. It was then that I began to feel bad again. How couldn't I when I knew that mom was asking me about Ji-chan because she missed him too and because she wished she could speak to him too. Silently, I just nodded, knowing that not only would mom understand my silent answer but that she would also understand my feeling behind it. I was sorry that she couldn't speak to him and I was sorry that I spoke to him so freely while in front of her.
"I miss you Ji-chan." mom said before bowing at the shrine so as to show her respect as well.
It had been too long since we'd last visited home, since we were last able to pay our respects to Ji-chan properly and it was nice to do so again. What was more was that this was the first time we'd been able to even pay our respects at the shrine since Ji-chan had passed.
"Let's go Amaya, it's time to go inside." mom called as she walked away.
"Yes" I said before turning to Ji-chan. "I'll see you around Ji-chan." I promised before leaving a small offering at the shrine for him and then leaving.
Mom lead the way to the main house, it was probably best too. Not only had I never been in this part of the shrine grounds but apparently there was more to it than what met the eye. On top of which I couldn't help but to notice all the powerful witches and wizards on the grounds; it was almost as if they were gathered here for who knew what. Then, while we were walking and about to go around through what appeared to be a garden of sorts, grandmother and some older looking wizard appeared.
"Kagome, your home." grandmother cheered before taking mom into her arms and hugging her tightly. I knew I'd be next, that it would be best to try to avoid it and come up with some sort of excuse but I wasn't paying attention. How could I when the wizard standing before us was staring at me as if I were some sort of ghost. Finally, while still hugging mom, grandmother turned and smiled my way.
"Yes, how are you mother?" mom said before nodding respectfully toward the man.
There was something going on, there had to be with how mom was suddenly so serious, how suddenly there was this mask covering her face and a sense of seriousness that suddenly appeared all around her. In fact mom was acting so strange, was so cold and off putting that for a second I couldn't help but to feel as if she wasn't my mother, as if my mother had disappeared and in her place left this...this doll. She was completely different form the woman that had raised me.
I was about to ask mom if she was alright, about to beg her to go inside and lay down if she didn't feel well when all of a sudden I felt the strange wizard before me reach so as to take a sense of my power. Not only was he being rude but he was also pissing me off. He was the one that was making mom uncomfortable, he could see it and yet all the while he did nothing to fix it. Instead he was trying to force an answer out of me that should never be forced. There instantly I blocked him. All the while allowing for my eyes to turn cold, to show just how angry I'd become by his actions and allow for them to be filled with power of my own.
"It's rude to check other's power without asking." I growled angrily, ignoring his title and status. To hell if he had one, he didn't deserve it if he made it a habit of acting out so rudely.
"Amaya." called mom, instantly telling me to keep my mouth shut with simply the use of my name. I said nothing more after that but still I kept the anger in my eyes, and still I kept my power at the ready. At any and all costs I would defend mom, I would protect my family, and I refused to allow anyone, even a lord, to treat me so disrespectfully.
"Lord Sesshomaru, it's been a long time. My pardons for my daughters rude behavior." mom greeted him properly despite his previous actions.
"No need Lady Kagome, it was I who had forgotten my manners." he said, his eyes locking with mom's only for a split second then moving toward grandmother.
Something was most definitely going on, I could feel it, could feel drawn to the lords power, but also knew better than to speak my mind. The question was what and why wasn't mom letting me help her? Just because he was a lord didn't mean I couldn't take him, didn't mean I wasn't as strong of a master as he himself was. True that more than likely his element was different; it had to be with how subtle the call had bee, but still. I would not lose.
"Well then, come Amaya. I will show you to your room. It's been a long time since the last time you've slept in it." grandmother suddenly said. All the while her tone of voice calm and happy. I looked up to her before turning to mom. There was no way I'd be joining us, that much was clear. Instead she'd be staying behind and would talk with the lord before us. It was in that moment that everything in me told me to stay, to bear witness and listen to whatever it was they were going to talk about, that somehow their conversation would involve me, and yet the look mom gave me that instant was something I knew that shouldn't bed ignored. It was the look of a mother who wanted no arguments, of a woman who had complete and utter authority. Mentally sighing I nodded.
"Hai..." was my only response.
"Mom..." I called out to her before turning away so as to follow grandmother, hesitation and worry clear in my tone. Meanwhile I could feel grandmother moving closer to my side, trying to use her presence so as to comfort me.
"It's alright Amaya, I'll be right behind you." mom cooed, trying to sooth the worry she could see I felt. Admitting defeat then, I nodded and followed after grandmother as silently as I could. Maybe the lord was a loud talker and I'd be able to hear the topic of their conversation at the very least.
"Come on dear." were grandmothers words as she lead the way and the two of us left behind mom with that strange and suspicious lord. I knew I could have asked Ji-chan to tell me all about me, to summon him and have him bind him in his place; but I hadn't because just as something had told me I should stay it had also told me not to show my power. At least not that one anyway.
