Disclaimer: We donot own Inuyasha or any of its characters, though we claim our ownership of Riku!
Ok here's chapter 2! Thank you guys soooo much for the reviews and adds into the lists! It really means a lot! ^_^
Chapter 2- The New Beginnings
The first rays of the sun washed the sky with its warm glow as Sesshoumaru walked out of his apartment. He glanced at the sky before getting into his car. He started his black sports car and set off towards his home.
A couple of hours later, Sesshoumaru entered Osaka and soon found himself in the middle of a traffic jam. A light frown passed over his forehead.
"Damn the traffic!" he cursed under his breath.
Sesshoumaru tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, patiently waiting for the traffic to move forward. His thoughts wondered back to Totousai's words; 'You and the Higurashis are in danger.' Should he tell his father? But Totousai was known for his love of riddles and tricks, wasn't he? But he had looked so serious. Then again, as far as Sesshoumaru was concerned his acting skills were good. He had to –
The ringing of his cell phone interrupted Sesshoumaru's thoughts. He took his phone out of his leather jacket and flipped it open. He switched into hands free mode before answering.
"Good morning father." He rested the phone on the steering wheel as his thumb and pointer held it in place.
"Up already? When will you be reaching home?" His father's voice was heard on the other end of the line.
"In about an hour, depends on the traffic." He said as his car slowly moved forward a few feet before stopping again.
"Talk to you at breakfast." Taisho's voice was calm.
"Hn." Sesshoumaru said before hanging up. The traffic slowly moved forward and came to a halt after a few minutes.
He sighed inwardly before turning on the radio.
… … …
Sesshoumaru parked his car in the garage next to one of his father's cars. He got out and took his luggage from the trunk.
A pair of small hands latched themselves around his legs as soon as he entered the house. "Sesshoumaru-sama you're finally here! Rin missed Sesshoumaru-sama so much! Did Sesshoumaru-sama miss Rin?" A pair of wide chocolate brown eyes stared into Sesshoumaru's slightly softened golden orbs. "Look what Rin made Sesshoumaru-sama?" She unlatched herself from Sesshoumaru and held out a folded piece of white paper with 'Welcome Sesshoumaru-sama' written in red in the front. Sesshoumaru took the 'greeting card' from her small hand and patted her head. "Does Sesshoumaru-sama like it?" Rin asked excited. Sesshoumaru gave a slight nod and started to walk forward with Rin circling around his legs and talking about nothing in particular.
After having a servant take his luggage to his room, he walked into the dining room where his father sat at the head of the table with his mother next to him. Sesshoumaru took his usual seat opposite his mother and Rin sat next to him.
"Oh honey, how are you?" His mother asked as soon as he took his seat. "Are you eating properly? Do you get enough sleep?"
"I am fine and yes." Sesshoumaru fought the urge to roll his eyes at his mother's usual questions. But the next thing she asked took Sesshoumaru by surprise.
"So are you seeing anyone?"
"Mother, so far I believe my eye sight is perfect." Sesshoumaru said sarcastically, annoyed at his mother.
Before Izayoi could continue, a loud yawn was heard. At the door was a sluggish Inuyasha who stood stretching, one hand rubbing his half closed eyes with the back of his hand. He stumbled into the room and sat next to his mother.
"G'morning everyone. Hey bro." Inuyasha said as he rested his head on his hand and closed his eyes. A lock of his silver hair fell over his shoulder.
"Good morning brat." Sesshoumaru said boredom evident in his voice.
"Sesshoumaru don't start already! Don't you see that Inuyasha is being nice to you?" Izayoi scolded.
A pair of sleepy amber eyes shot open.
"But mother, I only meant brother in Russian." Sesshoumaru said faking innocence
Inuyasha, now fully awake, glowered at his brother. "Sesshoumaru you're here already? And was I being nice to you? Damn it! What the hell was I thinking! This is the worst day of my life…so far. And to think that I have to stay in the same damn house with you in Kyoto!"
"Father, what is he talking about?" Sesshoumaru turned to his father, who was enjoying this amusing show.
"Sesshoumaru-sama did not know about Inuyasha-sama, a pretty lady and Rin's new friend coming to stay with us in Kyoto?" Rin asked in astonishment.
"I take it that this would be the reason behind your deal with Totousai." Sesshoumaru said coldly, raising his silver eyebrow. Taisho took a deep breath, but before he could speak, Sesshoumaru continued. "And who is this 'pretty lady' that Rin speaks of? To make myself clear, I do not wish to be accommodated under the same roof with him or any worthless girls." Sesshoumaru glared at Inuyasha who glared back.
"You think I want to stay with you? I rather starve than to stay with you. That would be the worse thing ever!" Inuyasha went on about arrogant; know- it- all brothers who are too proud, while Sesshoumaru watched him, uninterested in his dull bickering.
"Inuyasha, quiet. You will not interrupt me while I speak." Taisho said, quieting the two silver haired youths. "As I told Inuyasha, you both will stay together and Ryu's daughter and his son will accompany you. Do I make myself clear?" Taisho rose and exited the room.
"You're father is right and I need to talk to you two. Does breakfast sound good?" Izayoi suggested.
Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha nodded.
Breakfast was soon brought to them and they quietly ate it.
"Sora-chan!" Rin smiled at the young girl who entered room.
"What is it Sora?" Izayoi asked glancing at the youth.
"Rin's sensei has arrived and she requires her presence."
"Does Rin have to go study today?" Rin asked with a pout.
"Come to me when you are finished, Rin. I have something for you." Sesshoumaru said, watching the cute face Rin had made.
"Really? Yay!" Rin got up and skipped away behind Sora. Sesshoumaru watched her excitedly talk to Sora. Izayoi cleared her throat to get the attention of both her sons. Sesshoumaru directed his glance towards his mother while Inuyasha who was absorbed on his food quickly shot his head up.
"Sesshoumaru, Ryu and family are coming over for dinner tonight. As I told Inuyasha yesterday, I want you two to act perfectly civil to each other and not mortify us by your continuous, never ending feud. Also you both are to keep Ryu's children; Kagome and Sauta company during and after dinner. We have things to take care of and do not wish to be disturbed. You will take care of Rin and Shippou as well." Izayoi stated staring at her sons who stared back at her with different degrees of astonishment and annoyance playing in their eyes.
A servant came to take their plates away. "Excuse me boys, I need to have a word with your father." Izayoi stood up and started walking away. She stopped at the doorway and said over her shoulders "You two better practice being civil to each other now. And do no let me hear any commotion." Izayoi smiled at them before leaving.
Minutes ticked by while Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru sat glaring at each other.
Outside, the first flakes of snow kissed the earth, leaving the earth white and pure. The skies were dark and the waters of the lake reflected the cold and somber color. Yet, all this was not enough to cool the hatred that existed in the hearts of the young silver haired brothers.
The silence was thick and suffocating, yet neither willed to talk. Sesshoumaru watched Inuyasha, boredom painted onto his features. Why was he sitting here? Ah yes, His mother wanted them to act 'civil'. He had to admit, he had been sitting in Inuyasha's presence for a while now and had yet to bring the roof down.
Inuyasha glared at Sesshoumaru, thinking along the same lines as his brother.
A squeal of delight brought them out of their stupor. "Sesshoumaru-sama, Rin's sensei said Rin doesn't have to study today, will Sesshoumaru-sama give Rin that something now?"
Sesshoumaru hoisted himself from his chair and quietly gestured Rin to follow him.
Inuyasha watched Rin skip behind Sesshoumaru before retiring to his bedroom.
Rin entered Sesshoumaru's bedroom and sat on the edge of his bed and watched eagerly as Sesshoumaru opened his suitcase and took a big, white cuddly teddy bear. He watched her smile even broader showing off her gaped teeth as he handed her the teddy bear.
"Thank You so much Sesshoumaru-Sama! Rin loves it! Can Rin play with it now?" She asked, impatiently jumping out of the bed. Rin hugged his leg and ran out of the room talking to her 'new best friend'.
Was he ever so carefree? Yes he was but that was a long time ago, before Inuyasha was born. Sesshoumaru shook his head clearing the disturbing thoughts. He walked to his bookshelf and scanned through the books. He pulled out A Tale of Genji and settled on his armchair before letting himself get engrossed.
Inuyasha slowly walked into his room and closed the door behind him. He flopped on his beanbag and stared at the ceiling. A pair of brown eyes flashed in front of him. He closed his eyes tying to block out the past that was creeping to the surface of his mind. He wanted to forget her. He'd tried to but every night she'd be there in his dreams.
When was the first time he'd seen her? Yes. Three winters ago, she'd joined his High School late in November. She had claimed the title as the best archer in a month.
Unknown to both, they started liking each other. They'd gone out many a times. She'd come home with him for winter once. They were very happy. Each moment with her was blissful.
But fate had other plans for them. In one day everything had come crashing in front of them.
A month ago her parents died in a car crash. And from the next day no one saw her. The school had said her guardian had taken her out of Japan.
Not a word was heard from her since.
Kikiyou...
Inuyasha slowly opened his eyes. He brought his hand up to his cheeks. A tear had escaped. He shook his head and dried his cheeks. He stood up and walked across the room. He sat on his rolling chair and logged on his computer. This should distract him until lunch.
The train gradually pulled up to the platform. Kagome patiently waited for the other passengers from her compartment to leave. Her eyes suddenly caught a glimpse of a person with flowing black hair departing the train, obscured in-between the crowds of chattering people.
'Was that the guy I saw at the restaurant yesterday' Kagome wondered as she got out of the train. 'No it couldn't be, but it loo-'
"Konnichiwa lady"
Kagome looked up at the person who had interrupted her thoughts. A warm smile appeared on her lips as she recognized the old man with graying hair and thick mustache as her dad's driver.
"Konnichiwa Hataru" She replied back as Hataru took some of her luggage.
They walked to the car engaged in general inquiries and other pleasant conversation. Kagome quietly slid in to the back seat and the car soon joined other vehicles on the busy road. It slowly began to move towards her house.
She stared out at the sky as the clouds concealed the vermilion sun behind its thick blanket blocking out the flood of sunshine the sun had generously poured forth.
A light breeze passed. Winter was approaching soon. Winter meant misery to some while joy to others. Kagome marveled at the fact how life and nature were so closely connected. Each climate held a significant emotion to different people. The poor despised the winter for it destroyed their lands and froze few to death in their small huts. The rich cherished the winter for it was the only time of the year for some to spend time with their families and for others to sooth their greedy desires with the money that flowed in during the holiday seasons. The children on the other hand looked forward to the gifts, snowman and snowball fights the winter was bound to bring. Ah, such were the innocence of the children. Kagome wondered what this winter had in store for her. She had an odd feeling that it was going to be something very interesting.
She was so absorbed in thought that she hardly noticed they had arrived in her house.
She got out of the car and strolled to her house. She was greeted by her anxious mother at the door, who hugged her fiercely.
"Hello sweetheart! How are you? How was your journey? Have you been eating junk food?"
"Give it a rest already, Sakura. Kagome just came in. You didn't even let her sit-down." A tall well-built figure emerged and stood behind Kagome's mother. His long dark hair stopped just above his waist. "We have to talk to her later anyway." His cerulean orbs met his wife's gray ones which reflected his merriment. Kagome narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
Higurashi diverted his gaze to his daughter and said with an innocent smile "Kagome dear, are you going to stand there all day?"
Kagome gave a last doubtful look to her parents before shrugging her shoulders and entering her house. There's something very wrong. Yup. Hello trouble, here I come.
Upon entering the living room she was greeted by Sauta and Shippou who were trying to protect their video games from grandpa who claimed them to be 'evil'. She soon met grandpa who was chasing them with scrolls in his hand. Kagome watched the scenario with bewilderment dancing in her eyes. She shook her head. Some things never change, she thought as she ascended the stairs to her room.
Kagome entered her room and closed the door behind her. She kicked off her shoes and jumped onto her bed. She lay there, staring at the ceiling and soon drifted off into dreamless sleep.
Kagome woke up feeling something heavy on her stomach. She slowly opened her eyes and saw Shippo curled up in ball beside her with his head on her stomach. She smiled softly while trying to sit up without waking the small child. Having accomplished the task, she placed his head on her thigh. She tenderly stroked his soft locks as she watched him sleep.
Her little brother. How much she'd missed him. Since the first day, when her father brought him from the orphanage, they had had a special bond between them, as if they had been connected in the past. There was something that pulled her to him. She closed her eyes for a brief moment and sighed. How long had he been here? Five years? But it seemed as though they had known each other forever. A slight knock on the door roused Kagome from her train of thoughts.
"Come in please." She called out softly.
A tall, young, well-build male with brown eyes revealed himself at the door.
"Konnichiwa, Lad-... I mean Kagome"
"Konnichiwa Haru. No formalities between us remember? Okay maybe just in front of mom and dad." Kagome said softly.
"Whatever you say, Kagome. I came to tell yo-"
"Haru! Softly! Shippou is sleeping." She shouted as loud as a whisper would allow.
Haru rolled his eyes. "Ryu-sama and Sakura-sama wants you in the living room" Haru whispered back with an evil gleam in his eye, that Kagome failed to notice as she was busy getting out of bed without waking Shippou up. She tucked Shippou in and turned to Haru.
"Would you tell them I'll be there in about half an hour? I need a shower" She said quietly.
Haru nodded and left the room.
Kagome had a quick shower and changed her clothes before checking on Shippou, who was still asleep, and exiting the room. She descended the stairs to the living room where she found her parents discussing something seriously. They came to an abrupt stop as soon as they saw her.
"Hello there dear. Come now have a seat, won't you?" Her mother said with a bright smile plastered on her face. Kagome suspiciously walked to the couch and sat opposite her parents.
"What's going on? You two act weird." Kagome said in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Okay Ryu you tell her." Sakura turned to Ryu.
"No you tell her." He said "you're the one who's more excited about this."
"Now we discussed about this already and plus you're the one who came up with the idea." Her mother insisted.
"No, no you will te-"
"Will one of you tell me what's going on!" Kagome's annoyed voice broke through the argument. Her father sighed and began thus:
"You got accepted into Kyoto University."
"Oh really? What a surprise." She said sarcasm thick in her voice. "I know there's more where that came from."
"Well you are to live in Kyoto with Taisho's sons." Her mother continued calmly.
Kagome stared at her parents for a while before speaking. "You're kidding right? I mean I've not even met them before. Not to mention I'll be the only girl about. Does that ring a bell anywhere? I won't go to Kyoto and live with MEN I don't know"
"They are not bad boys. They're very charming, well-mannered, polite, young men Kagome. I think you all will become good…. friends. And you will get to know them tonight when we go over for dinner." Her mother said with a smile.
"That still does not solve the problem of me being the only girl" Kagome crossed her arms over her chest in a haughty manner.
"That has been taken care of. Taisho's daughter will also join you." Her father said calmly.
Kagome's eyes widened as she dropped her hands on her laps. Her anger rose instantly. "You two are just…argh" she threw her hands in exasperation and stomped out of the room.
"Mission accomplished." Her mother said in a robotic tone.
"No. This is just the beginning. Our mission will be complete when we see our daughter settled in the Taisho household." Ryu said with a smirk.
"Yes" Sakura nodded. She knit her eyebrows in together and continued after slight pondering. "I wonder who will win her heart. Both of them are 'cute' as they put it now-a-days, though I believe the elder one's 'cuter' than the younger. The elder one is calm as the younger one's rash. The younger one's open as the older one's reserved. It's really a tough choice. If it was me now who wo-"
"Ahem. I am still here, you know?" Ryu said looking hurt.
"I did not say they look better than you did I?" She said, a look of innocence painted on her face.
Ryu smiled and stood up. "Well I've got work to do." He reached a hand out "won't you help me?"
Sakura took it and stood up. "Of course", she said with a warm smile and they exited the room.
… … …
The owner of a pair of brown eyes ran in search of Kagome as soon as he saw them exit the living room. "Wait till Kagome hears this."
Alrighty! There's Chapter 2! Next up Forced to Meet! Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha and Kagome finally meet...and darkness looms close by...
Keep the reviews coming people! ^_^ Love y'all! take care!