Disclaimers!
To Iceliarea: Thank you for being the first review! And thank you for the hugs; you're amazingly sweet. I like this idea for a story too. I got it from my favorite book series, but I changed it around drastically. Also I can't wait to see how the story turns out either. Even though I have three months worth of chaps, I ain't done yet. But it will be done so… yeah! Onward!
Previously
It's amazing how certain things happen in life.
Last time you were here you paid witness to the tragic situation our town endures every year. Leading up to that, my school had a show that many people, even those beyond our town, enjoy seeing. All the earnings went to the senior trip abroad. After a night of hard work, I was dumped by my not-too-amazing boyfriend. Well… now ex-boyfriend.
Later that night I was visited in a dream by my sister, Takara, who was taken from me by the yokai a few years prior. Sadly, she was telling me that I was going to be next and somewhat responsible for what happens when we leave. Even worse, part of what she said was true so far. Not only was I chosen, but also my best friend Kagome and Eliza and Carla, two girls I'm not really sociable with.
After receiving some tips from a yokai that related to the ones I got from Takara, and heeding those warnings, we end up here. Preparing for whatever it is that comes next. That part is easy to remember yet super hard to partake in; it's the goodbye ceremony and departure. Whatever happens after that … well, I'm just as completely clueless as you are.
I'm just hoping it's not death. Cause if so… what does that say about my sister, Takara? And what would that say about me? If we are heading to our deaths, how will I know how to handle it
The Hunted
Chapter Two
The Last Day
I walked downstairs to the kitchen to see my parents with breakfast. It was Monday morning and because of the deal with the ceremony tonight, everything was canceled for the day. Work, school, small events, everything.
"Morning", I said walking to a seat still dressed in my pajamas. "What's cooking?"
"Pancakes", mom said with a smile.
"Yum", I said sitting down. "I got a question. Can I take my books back to the library? I can't exactly read them, you know."
"Of course honey", mom said placing food on my plate.
After breakfast I went upstairs and got dressed in a pair of ripped jeans, a red and black flannel, black combat boots, and a Deadpool beanie. That was my usual style and I was glad I was using it. I then began to pack up some things for later tonight. This whole entire day was about prepping for the ceremony. So I had a spa day and a hair appointment. I know I said some people are off of work, but these people volunteered to do these things for us while everyone else set up for the ceremony.
I grabbed my things and began to leave my room. Dad walked in as soon as I opened the door and grabbed my dress and shoes. I looked over my room. This we'll be my last time seeing it.
I bit my bottom lip and hid the tears as I walked through the house. All the memories, they raced through my head as I walked through the house.
"C'mon Akemi, we need to go."
"I'm coming", I said scratching my nose. I raced out of the house and turned back to look at it one more time. "Good bye", I said. I then got in the car and the drove off to one last place before I continued with the big day. It didn't take long seeing as it wasn't that far from the house.
Once the car was parked I slowly got out of the car and walked up to the gates. Beyond the gates were different sized stones with flowers and grass. I walked through the gates and walked to the one stone I knew best.
"Mom… Dad…" I placed my hand on the tombstone and sighed. "I know this was probably the last thing you wanted to hear from me but… I was chosen. Yep. Brandon dumped me a couple of nights ago and the day after I was chosen. Just like Takara. But… it's not his fault." I sat on the ground and picked blades of grass from the patch between my legs. "No, I would have been picked anyways. You see… I wasn't happy in that relationship because, well, because people change, and when people change so does their surroundings. And when surroundings changes, everything they use to know is long forgotten. Brandon changed. He's not the same guy I knew sophomore year." I scratched my head and chuckled. "And now I think about it, neither am I. That's probably why my surroundings are changing, huh?" I licked my lips as tears began to blur my sight of vision. "I guess the real thing is… I'm scared. And I know it's weird because I'm usually not scared but I don't know what's going to happen to me. The only bright side to this is that I won't be alone. Kagome is going with me. I know that sounds bad but… I don't know. And I think I might be able to see Takara. I hope so." I wiped my face and sat on my knees once again. "The main reason I came here was to say good bye and I love you. I love you and I miss you guys so much." I stood up and sprinkled the grass blades over there grave. "Bye you guys."
I raced back to the car and climbed in. My headache was coming again. I laid my head down on the car door and watched as the buildings passed by. I waited until the library showed in my window and climbed out. I walked up to the doors and went inside.
"Hey", I said.
"Oh Akemi, what are you doing here?"
"I came to bring the books back. I don't want mom and dad to deal with late fees because I can't bring them back, you know?"
"Oh Akemi, always a sense of humor."
We both laughed and I looked around the library. "I'm going to miss this place. My haven!"
"And it'll miss you", she said. "I will too but I think your haven will miss you more."
"Right", I laughed out. "Well I gotta go. I'll see you later?"
"Of course."
"Alright", I said walking out the doors.
I walked to the door and we were off to the spa. When we got there I saw the rest of the girls waiting there. When I walked through the doors, we were given instructions and handed robs. Of course our parents left to help with the ceremony while we stayed there. There was really no use of them here.
"How are you thinking of getting your hair done", Kagome asked as we got back massages.
"Long and wavy", I said trying to rest my throbbing head. It seemed to be only getting worse. "What about you?"
"Bun", she said. "It's going to be braided then wrapped into a bun with bangs and two side tresses."
"That'll be cute", I said.
"Yeah", she replied. The rest of the time was silent. I mean, there was a bit of small talk so the time wouldn't seem so gloomy, but other than that, it was quiet.
They did our nails and I asked for them to be painted a dark purple. It's better than white. That's so over used. White finger nail paint with black clothing. Ha!
"Alright ladies", said they women who took care of us. "You can now walk across the street for your hair appointments."
"Thanks", I said. "For everything."
"No problem, Akemi."
I smiled and I walked over to the salon. When I got there I was moved to a sink and they began to wash my hair. The water felt really good especially for the raging headache I was having. I kept my eyes closed the entire time of my hair being done. When I opened my eyes to see my hair when they said they were done, I gave a nod of approval. I was in too much pain to show any sign of emotion.
I honestly like it though. They had my hair looking thick and wavy. My hair looked like a lion's mane of dark onyx and violet curls.
When they were done with our makeup a car was there to pick us up to take us to the City Hall, were the ceremony was being held.
I looked in a compact mirror at my smoky colored eye shadow and red lips. Actually Kagome had the same makeup as me. Eliza's and Carla's makeup was more extravagant seeing as they wanted to look like princesses. Kagome and I instantly began to have a feeling of guilt seeing as we knew a little more than they did.
We arrived at the hall and we were escorted up the stairs to the dressing room. There we sat down and chilled until it was time for us to actually get ready. It was only 5 and the ceremony didn't start until 6. We had a whole hour until it was time. It only takes a few minutes to get in a dress and heels. It's not like we had to do our hair and makeup. We were supposed to be picked up by the yokai at around 10. Yay.
I sat on the sofa and put my feet up as I laid my head back and closed my eyes. Maybe I could get some sleep to get rid of this headache before the party or whatever.
"Wake me up when it's time to get ready please. I have a huge headache."
"Got it", Kagome said.
"How come you didn't take anything?"
I looked to Eliza with a look of Really Bitch. As if I didn't just say I wanted to sleep and I have a headache. And yet you want to have a round of 20 fucking Questions.
"I'm immune to the sons of bitches", I said turning back and closing my eyes.
"Oh", she said.
I would've rolled my eyes, but my head hurt too much. Sleep…
"Akemi!"
I jumped up out of my sleep with a startled expression. "What! What?"
"Wake up, it's time to get ready", Kagome said squatting in front of me.
I looked around me and saw that Eliza and Carla were already dressing and staring at me with folded arms. I frowned at that.
"How long was I out?"
"Long enough to only leave us ten minutes", Carla said with a bit of attitude."
"You need to get up and ready. We can't go out until we are all ready. You'll make us all late and then we'll miss out on time."
"Yeah, I need all the time I can get", Carla added.
"Chill on her you guys", Kagome said. "She wasn't feeling well."
"Why didn't you get dress", I asked her as I got up.
"She wanted to wait on you", Eliza said. "Which is stupid because now we'll be even later. You got 8 minutes now. Get ready!"
"Alright", I said. I then mumbled bitches under my breath. Kagome only shoved me and I chuckled.
We got our dresses and got dressed. We zipped up each other's dresses and fixed up our appearances. By the time we were done, we were looking flawless. When we walked out of the room to meet the other two they stared at us. We exchanged looks and looked back at them and smiled.
"You like", I asked spinning around, Kagome doing the same.
"Why did you pick those dresses", Carla asked.
"Because we look amazing in them", Kagome said.
"Yeah", Eliza said looking us over. "Extra shoes?"
"We'll be on our feet for 4 hours", I said. "You really want to walk in heels the whole night? Not to mention we won't know how long we'll be standing when we're picked up."
"Oh", Carla said. "You're right! Got any extra pair?"
"No time", I said walking pass them. "Only got 1 minute. Oh wait! We gotta go!"
Kagome followed me down the stairs as we held our dresses up. Seeing as the dresses had little loops on each side of the tail, it was pretty easy. Not to mention, we looked good doing it.
"Alright ladies", said the women at the curtain cloaked door. "Line up in the order you were chosen in. We'll start in a moment. All of your belongings up stairs we'll be placed into the SUV outside. The yokai who we'll be picking you up is of course here. We ask you to not speak to him unless spoken to. And if you do speak, be respectful." Kagome and I looked at each other and knew instantly we wouldn't follow that rule. There was so much to ask him about. "Good luck ladies."
Music began to play and we all stood straight. For some odd reason, my heart was beating rapidly. I swallowed hard and looked down to my dark purple heels. I could barely see them through the thick lace at the bottom of my dress.
"Akemi, dear", said the woman. I looked up and saw a mic in front of me. "Here you go."
"Thank you", I said.
"What's the mic for", Eliza asked.
"Me", I said.
"Diva", Carla said.
I forgot how much I didn't like those two. I only rolled my eyes and looked to Kagome. She smiled at me and I gave her one in exchange.
"Eliza Profit!" The curtains pulled up and a light shined and she walked through with a bright smile. Applause was heard with one of her favorite songs. The curtain was closed right behind her and leaving all sight of the show closed off to us.
"Okay, Eliza's in her seat. Carla, step up."
At that another song played and her name was called out. "Carla Gray." Kagome watched as she smiled and walked out. I let out a breath and shook off my nerves.
"What are you nervous about", Kagome asked. "You do this all the time!"
"I'm scared I'm going to trip in these heels", I said. "Yeah, I can rock high heels but you know I don't wear them a lot! It's only because of my few years of gymnastics that I can walk in them."
Kagome laughed at that and patted my shoulder. "You got this! Calm down."
"Yeah okay", I said sarcastically. Suddenly the song Where Are U Now played and I perked up. "Whoa, this is your song? I love this song!"
"Who wouldn't", Kagome said.
"Kagome Higurishi!" She placed a huge smile on her face and stepped out into the light and people applaud for her.
I gulped as my heart panicked. Why am I so worried? Kagome's right, I do this all the time!
Everything went quiet and my head shot up. Music began to play as the host spoke. "Now, here is our last one. She was asked to provide us with one last performance – and you know her, always the performer – she agreed full heartedly." I held the mic away from my mouth and cleared my throat. "Singing one of her favorites with her great friend Tyson Bullock, Never Forget You, we give you Akemi Blume!"
The curtains opened and a blinding spot light flashed on me. With squinted eyes, I walked forward and immediately with the song I began to sing.
Akemi: I used to be so happy
But without you here I feel so low
I stepped through the spread curtains and smiled at the sight of everyone before me. They all looked so beautiful in their formal wear.
I watched you as you left but I can never seem to let you go
I looked forward and saw one of my best guy friends and fellow choir student looking at me with a smile. He was so sweet and adorable… and also gay. So even if I did like him, it wouldn't work.
'Cause once upon a time you were my everything
It's clear to see that time hasn't changed a thing
It's very deep inside me but I feel there's something you should know
I walked forward and Tyson grabbed my hand and smiled at me before we both sang out the chorus.
Both: I'll never forget you
You'll always be by my side
From the day that I met you
I knew that I would love you till the day I die
And I will never want much more
And in my heart I will always be sure
I will never forget you
And you'll always be by my side till the day I die
Afterward that part instantly I felt eyes on me. I turned to Kagome to see her clapping in the applause with everyone at my entrance, but then she quickly motioned her head to her right with a nod. I looked where she was motioning and found the eyes that were bugging me. It was the yokai from a couple of days ago staring me down with a smirk. No wonder I was so nervous. I never performed in front of a yokai before.
Till the day I die
People clapped to the instrumental part and I looked away placing a smile on my face and swaying back and forth to the beat. My performer's face was instantly plastered on me. I looked to Tyson knowing his part was next and I giggled as he placed a silly face.
Tyson: Funny how we both end happy but everything seems alright, ooh
I wonder what will happen
If we went back and put up a fight
'Cause once upon a time
Both: You were my everything
Tyson: It's clear to see that
Both: Time hasn't changed
Tyson: A thing so
Just what do you think could ever take you off my mind
In the midst of Tyson's singing, we walked to the middle of it all and faced each other.
Both: I'll never forget you
And you'll always be by my side
I looked back to the yokai as I spun in the heels and flowing dress. He seemed amused and entertained as if he were only seeing the proof to him being right.
From the day that I met you
I knew that I would love you till the day I die
I looked to Kagome and seen her look from him to me and shrug. Then my eyes went to Carla and Eliza to see them look between me and Kags and roll their eyes. Haters gonna hate, right?
And I will never want much more
And in my heart I will always be sure
I will never forget you
And you'll always be by my side till the day I die
I stood in the very middle of the dance floor and stared at nothing as I continued singing.
Akemi: Doing it, loving it
Everything that we do
Oddly enough I felt a breeze kick in and grew confused. I heard people giving out statements in awe and I looked around discretely for the reason why. I saw a fan and behind it was a smirking Brandon. I only smiled at him.
Tyson: And all along, I knew I had something special with you
Akemi: But sometimes you just gotta know that these things fall through
Tyson: But I'm still tired and I can't hide my connection with you
Both: Feeling it, loving it
Everything that we do
And all along, I knew I had something special with you
But sometimes you just gotta know that these things fall through
I can't hide my connection with you
Both Tyson and I took turns doing runs as we sung through the chorus. Through the rest of it I couldn't help the smile on my face and the tears in my eyes. Tyson and I were the dynamic duo in duets. Not my words, but people say he's the only one that can match me in singing, so we were paired to sing together and we never stopped. So you can kind of understand how this song was hitting home for me right about now.
I'll never forget you
And you'll always be by my side
From the day that I met you
I knew that I would love you till the day I die
And I will never want much more
And in my heart I will always be sure
That I will never forget you
And you'll always be by my side till the day I die
Akemi: (No oh yeah)
Tyson: Till the day I die, till the day I die, till the day I die
Akemi: (Oh yeah)
Tyson: Till the day I die, till the day I die, till the day I die
Akemi: (And you will always be by my side)
Akemi: I'll never forget you
Tyson: (I will never, never, never, never, never, never)
Akemi: I'll never forget you
Both: Till the day I die
People gave a standing ovation and I smiled and gave a bow. Someone came and grabbed the mic as I went to my seat which was on a stage with the other girls. Tyson helped me up the stairs and into my seat and I gave him a huge hug. I could see the yokai man standing and clapping looking pleased with a smirk.
"I am so confused", I whispered to Kagome when Tyson left.
"You and me both", Kagome said. "He looked as if he were expecting you to do it and as if he were proud. What's up with that?"
I sat back in my seat with I sigh. I just shook my head and shrugged my shoulders. I don't even know. All of this is just so confusing! I never expected to even go through this. I wonder if Takara was this confused like me.
I just sat there with Kagome, not paying attention to the speeches and other things. In fact both of us just went on our phones and played games on mute under the table discreetly. It wasn't until we both got a text from our moms when we found out people knew.
"Bored?"
"We got caught man", I said placing my phone away.
"Not that it matters", Kagome said. "Most of this stuff right now is just for Carla and Eliza."
We both looked to the two girls who were being dedicated to. They both had a huge smile on their faces and were laughing.
"Uh huh", Kagome and I said in unison. When the speeches were done, food was served. We each got different plates with our favorite foods on them. I felt so happy that we didn't have to get up and get our own plates like everyone else did. Since we were the special ones, we got served.
I got steak, grilled chicken, a baked potato with broccoli. Yes people, I love me some broccoli. Kagome had two slices of lasagna with bread sticks and salad. Carla had four tacos and Eliza had a burger and fries. I honestly felt weird about the deal with what Eliza and Carla were eating. Why I don't know. I just didn't think it was a wise choice. After desert Kagome and I were about done.
"I'm sooo stuffed bro", I said out drinking water.
"If you wouldn't have eaten like a man maybe you wouldn't be so full", Eliza laughed out. "Like really, steak and potatoes?"
"They said our favorite", Kagome said.
"Yeah but they didn't say eat like a pig! That was way too much food to be eating. You're acting like this will be our last meal!"
"Well we don't know that now will we", I said. "They could send us out into the woods and play a little hunting game with us leaving us with no food and shelter."
"Oh please", Carla said. "You're being a bit over dramatic. You need to get out of those fiction fantasy books you like to read. Look into reality."
"Oh yeah, and being forced to give up age appropriate single virgin women to a species only known to this town is realistic to the world", Kagome said.
"It's realistic to us", Eliza said. "Otherwise it wouldn't be happening."
"Whatever bro, I'm going to mingle before the next event takes place." I then stood up and walked down the stairs. "Coming Kags?"
"Yep!"
We took our shoes with us and began walking through the crowd of people. We chatted with old friends and the people of the small town. Laughter and memories were shared and dances were done. But what Kagome and I were really doing was working our way to the yokai. We needed answers.
When we made it to his table that was only made for one and seemed to be decorated for a guest of honor, we noticed that he was pretty isolated. And there were plates of food on his table that remained untouched.
We walked up to him unnoticed by anyone. But he sure did take notice. He sat there with his arm propped up on the armrest of his chair rubbing his chin, sitting like an aristocrat.
"Ladies", he said. "What a surprise. Out of all my years of doing this, you're the first to make my acquaintance."
"You didn't eat anything", I said grabbing a chair. "Are you not hungry or something?"
"I don't eat mundane food", he said. His dark red eyes pierced my soul and sent shivers down my back.
"Then what do you eat", Kagome asked.
He then looked at her and tilted his head back. I raised a brow and Kagome pressed her lips together as he said nothing and smiled.
"Okay then", she said. "Never mind."
He chuckled at that and shook his head. "What is it that you want? And make it quick, you're drawing attention."
"Yeah don't give a fuck", I said determined. It's funny how just a moment ago I was nervous because of him but now, he doesn't even phase me. "You have answers that we need."
"I'll see if they are answers I can provide."
"What is going to happen to us", Kagome asked.
"That is an answer I can't provide."
"Why?"
"That is another answer I can't provide."
"Fine", I said rubbing my hands together. "Were you helping us when you pulled us away after the choosing?"
"I was."
"Why", I asked.
"Because I was ordered to", he said.
"By who", Kagome asked. "And why?"
"By the higher ups", he said.
"And why", I asked repeating Kagome's question. He said nothing and stared between Kagome and I.
"An answer he can't provide", Kagome groaned.
"Okay fine then, who are you? Can you tell us that much?"
"I am Sebastian West", he said.
"Nice name", I said.
"I know", he replied with a straight face.
"Can you at least give us an idea of what we're about to face."
"Whatever Takara told you is all you need to know", he said,
I instantly got more serious then. "You know my sister."
"I do", he said with a sigh.
"Is she alright, will I get to see her?"
"She's fine", he said bored. "If you'll see her that I don't know. Even though you all will be going to the same place, you'll far apart."
"What does that mean", Kagome and I asked in unison. He said nothing once again. "Unavailable answer."
"Is there anything else we should know", Kagome asked.
"My patience is wearing thin and you're no longer amusing", he said providing us a straight face.
"Well thanks", I said. "But sadly that's not what we mean. And don't play with us because you know exactly what I mean."
He looked at me and eyed me up and down. "You're a heated one", he said. I said nothing but stared him down. "Keep in mind what Takara told you. It will be helpful. After all Akemi, you are quite used to it. You do read, am I correct?"
I looked away and raked my mind for answers. Why is everything turning back to me? First Takara telling Kagome I know then him telling me I know! What is it I know that I don't know?
"You should go", he said. "People are waiting."
"He's right", Kagome said. "We need to go."
"I'm always right."
I stood up and Kagome and I walked away. We went back to the table which was cleared and we sat there quietly.
"What were you two doing with him", Eliza asked.
"Nothing you'd understand", Kagome said. "Not saying that to be harsh but it's true. We don't even understand."
"He's been telling us things", I said. "And it's confusing the hell out of me."
"Did he tell you what's going to happen to us", Carla asked.
"No, that's the big secret that has yet to be revealed", Kagome said. "To think it'd be a puzzle that his giving us pieces to but the more he talks the more we get confused. He's saying things that have so many holes in it."
"Like what", Eliza asked.
"Like I know what's happening because of my sister", I said. "This is wrong because I know nothing. It's not like my sister has been sending me letters. I only had a dream about her."
"Could there be anything in the dream that gave away some clues?"
"No", Kagome said. "She just said that Akemi knows."
"Well you must know something about what's happening to us if everyone says you do", Eliza said.
"Well I don't, sorry to disappoint!"
"We will now be doing more dedications. There are people here who want to say some things and give some presents."
At that I sat back in my seat and looked up to the first person who came up. "Mrs. Rose", I whispered.
"Hello Akemi", she said with a smile. "You look gorgeous tonight." I only smiled and gave a small chuckle. "I remember the first time you walked into the library. You're mother, God rest her soul, was there to get a manual for research. The first thing you did was run to the books. You didn't go to the toys like all of the other children, you ran to the books. You always sat in that one spot, in the fiction area. I don't know why but you chose the darkest place to read in my library. And I still remember the first book you've ever read." She then held up a wrapped box and walked it over to the table. "Such a mature series for such a young child." We both laughed and I opened the box. There sat the entire series to the book I always borrowed from the library. My first book. My favorite book. "To this day, you always borrowed these books. I order you a new set. I didn't want to send you off with a set that was falling apart." I looked up at her and saw her eyes watering up. "It was going to be a graduation gift. I always thought if I gave them to you, you'd never come back because that's all you ever checked out. I guess… now… I don't have to worry about that, huh?"
"Mrs. Rose", I said quietly. Tears began to burn in my own s eyes. I wiped my face and stood up to give her a hug. '"Thank you so much. I love you."
"I love you too, honey", she said pulling away. She cupped my cheek with her hand and kissed my forehead.
Up next walked one of my favorite teachers. My choir teacher. "Mr. Baker", I laughed out.
"Dear ole Akemi", he said holding his hands out. "Boy, am I going to miss you. You were one of my very best singers. But not only you an amazing singer, you were an extravagant student. You're such a selfless and caring person Akemi. You were always there for others when they needed you. You never broke a promise, and you were the first help with anything." I tilted my head as others gave their agreements. "But another great characteristic you have is the fact we both share the love for the supernatural and wilderness. It's a thing that we constantly have conversations about. So my gifts to you are these replicas of blades from the TV show Supernatural." I gasped and covered my mouth. "For those who don't know, in the TV show the main characters hunt down demons and monsters. One of these blades is supposed to have the ability to kill demon and the other angel."
I opened the box and there blades to blades. I smirked at that and looked up at Mr. Baker. "I never thought I'd be getting my first weapon from my choir teacher." At that everyone laughed and I hugged him. "Thank you."
I sat there through the many people who spoke to us and provided us with gifts. I couldn't help it but my eyes wondered to the yokai over at the table. He looked me in the eye and did nothing. He gave a passing glance at his wrist watch, and raised his brow. His food was still untouched.
By the time we reached the close end, I held a few nice things. The books, the blades, some pads and pencils for my drawing and writing, a small survival kit since I loved camping and the wild life, and a locket from Brandon.
"Now that we are reaching the end, it is time for the families to come up."
I sat tall as I watched our parents step forward. First was Eliza's family. The talked about how so proud of her they were and how they'd miss her nagging them all the time. They gave her a pocket watch from the long line of family. Carla's parents also spoke of the same thing except they didn't say nagging; they said the constant chatter about her future goals of becoming famous. They gave her, her great grandmother's hair comb.
"Kagome", Ski Higurishi said with Souta beside her. "I want you to know that you father and grandfather would be so proud of you. You are such a strong woman with such a great spirit. If fact, a pure spirit." Ski then grabbed a huge box from Souta and held it up. "I knew you held the soul of the great Lady Kikyou. We all did. You look exactly like her. In fact in this box is the bow and quiver she held so dear." It was handed to Kagome and she opened it. Immediately Kagome and I gasped.
"You felt that", she asked.
"Yeah", I said nodding. We looked around and saw Eliza and Carla looked at us with slight frowns on their faces.
"Of course you can", Ski laughed out. "You're both mikos and very strong ones too."
"Is that what all that training at the shrine was for", I asked. "Because we're mikos?"
"Yes", my dad said. I then looked to them to see them holding a whether large box. "We had to make sure you were trained because we didn't want you to have a power you can't control."
"Akemi, these are from Lady Midiroku", mom said. They gave me the box and I slowly opened it. A huge heat wave came from the box. I swallowed at the sight of a beautiful katana and bow. The hilt of the sword was white and the bow was white with a matching quiver. "You're parents were going to give these to you when you graduated. It was asked in their will."
"Both of you girls are trusted with a great power", Ski said.
"And it is pretty clear why", my father said. "You're both level headed and very mature for your age. You are so responsible and smart. We are proud to have you as daughters."
"And Akemi", my mom said. "I know your parents are proud of you. You grew up to be a wonderful young woman." She then handed me a small box. "These are your parents' rings."
I opened the box and nearly broke apart. I took the chain out of the box. Kagome moved my hair and I clipped it around my neck. I held the rings up to my mouth and kissed them as I closed my eyes. I was so going to have a terrible headache later.
"We are so sad to see you go", Ski said crying. I looked up to see they were all crying. Not just our parents but the whole group of people from our town.
"Such positive young women like the four of you are so hard to let go. And it breaks our heart knowing we have to", said the Mayor. "I'm sorry to say this but I feel like this may be the hardest we have gone through. Not because you ladies are better than the others, no. It's because we're letting more pieces of us go. And it gets harder and harder each year." At that everyone stood and so did we. Tears were flowing down my face as I stared my parents in the eye. "As our usual goodbye presents from our town, we present to ladies Rings of Memoire." At that he placed ring on all of our right hands and gave us all hugs. "Good bye ladies."
At that we were all helped down the stairs and people came up to say their final goodbyes.
I hugged my parents as I watched people take the last of our gifts. "Momma, daddy, I love you so much! Please… please don't mourn. I'm not dead, okay."
"Of course not honey", my mom said kissing me. "It's amazing how well your makeup held."
I laughed at that as I wiped away at stray running makeup. "Yeah huh", I winced.
"Headaches are going to be a hand full", dad said.
"Ladies", said the yokai standing by the car as the yokai that drove the SUV place our new gifts and things in the trunk of the limo. "It is time."
I nodded and looked back to my parents. "I'll never forget you and what you've done for me. No matter what happens, I'll always remember the love that you gave me when my parents died. And for that, I thank you. Good bye."
"Bye sweetheart", they said giving me the last kiss.
I stepped away and turned to the car unable to look anymore. I felt someone grab my hand and I looked to see it was Kagome crying just as much as I was.
We both got in the car and leaned on each other. The door was closed and there we saw the yokai. He looked to us and stared. I only looked away and closed my eyes.
"You aren't going to suffer", he said. "What we do is actually good for you. You'll thank us when you'll realize it."
"You took us away from our family, how will we ever thank you for that", Eliza snapped at him. "You are monsters!"
He only tilted his head and chuckled. "Maybe you're right", he said.
"Hell yeah she's right", Carla yelled. "You ruined something we worked hard for. We were going to graduate. We had scholarships to go to college!"
"Congratulations", he said. "Such a great accomplishment."
"You son of a –"
"You really think it's bright to argue with the one who is taking us to the ones who hold our lives in their hands", I groaned out. I think this will be the worse headache in my history.
"Oh shut up", Eliza spat. "You're only saying that because you like him. We saw you talking to him and staring at him the whole ceremony."
"Really", I said. "You think I like him." I pointed to the yokai man and waved them off. "Yeah, he's hot and all but no I don't like him. I don't even know him. He's taking me away from my family too."
"You guys, stop", Kagome said. "This won't help the situation. And Akemi, go to sleep before you make your headache worse."
"I can't sleep with them yelling at the dude."
"Please you guys, let's just stay quiet."
"As if we give a fuck about her headache", Carla snarled. "And they aren't your family, they're Takara's. Yours is dead and the fact that you were even with Takara's family and was chosen just made it worse for them. It's bad they had to give up one, now two. And why, because poor little Akemi's parents died and she was dumped because she couldn't keep her man happy? Yeah, what the fuck ever."
I rubbed my head and cleared my throat. "Let's get one thing straight", I said sitting forward. I opened my eyes and stared them down. "You say one more thing about me or my family; adoptive or birth; I will slit your motherfucking throat. We aren't in town anymore and nothing is keeping me from doing it. I got the utensils, you saw them. And even worse, for you not me, I won't feel any remorse."
"I told you to leave her alone", Kagome said. "It's never nice to mess with her when she has a headache."
"So now that you know, shut the fuck up because I am far from in the mood. I lost two sets of parents. You, only one, so I know I have way more rage pent inside me. Do not make me let out my inner bitch."
"You just became more entertaining", Sebastian said.
"You shut up too", I said. I then leaned back and closed my eyes. Kagome laid my head on her shoulder and I turned into her to hide my face. There, I let all of my tears fall.
That was it for me. I lost everything. Thinking that much, I fell asleep.
"Akemi!"
"What the fuck", I yelled coming out of my sleep. I looked around to see everyone looking startled. Everyone but… "Where the hell is Sebastian?"
"We don't know", Carla said. "We fell asleep just like you did. We were driving for an hour when we fell asleep."
"I woke up and he was gone", Kagome said.
"Not to mention we're no longer moving", I said. I took off my heels and slipped into my flats. "I'm going outside to look around. Maybe we're here and he wanted to see what the authorities wanted to do."
At that, I opened the door and climbed out. Shutting the door behind me and took a 360 and frowned.
"What the hell?" We were in a small opening in the woods. There wasn't even a path; we were just in the woods. I slowly walked around the car to see if maybe behind some trees there was a building or path. There was nothing but more forestry.
I went to the limo door and opened it. "Aye you guys might want to see this?"
They all climbed out and took a look around us. "Where are we?"
"Oh yes, I know the answer to that question", I said sarcastically.
"What the hell are we supposed to do, why would they leave us out here?"
"And the SUV with all of our things are gone too", Carla cried out.
"Akemi", Kagome whispered. I looked at her and she looked back at me. "Do you have an idea?"
I then looked to Carla and Eliza and frowned. "How am I supposed to know? I'm in the same position as you?"
"He said you would know though", Eliza said.
"Well I don't", I said.
"Think" Kagome said. "Please."
I sighed and turned away. I ran my hands through hair and looked up at the starry sky.
"Pack things for survival… You're Midiroku now…. It's nothing you can't handle", Takara words said in my head. I frowned at that.
"These tips were given because of the pure souls you have. Listen to them and you'll do well."
"She said to stick with you because you'll know the predicament", Kagome's words repeated.
"Keep in mind what Takara told you. It will be helpful. After all Akemi, you are quite used to it. You do read, am I correct?"
"What I read", I said aloud.
"What", Carla asked confused. "What you read?"
"My books", I said. "Those sons of bitches…"
"What about you're books", Eliza said. "I'm already confused Akemi, please don't make it worse."
"Explain to us please", Kagome said.
"My favorite book series is about these kids who are supposed supernatural beings that are tested on. When they found out the truth, they ran away and had to live base off the wilderness. Some had to use money they saved up and flee the state. Others had to survive in the forest. They had no one, nothing, and most of all no money. They were living in the wilderness."
"So we're supernatural test subjects", Carla asked.
"No", Kagome said as it hit her. "We have to live in the wilderness. Just like the teens."
"Why though", Eliza asked. "They take us from our homes only to leave us stranded in the woods? Why?"
"Because we're being hunted", I said. "They're hunting us down. Why I don't know but what I do know is that it is not to test on us. To them we're prey."
"So what do we do", Kagome asked.
"We do exactly that", I said. "We live until we figure out what they want from us." I turned back to them and folded my arms. "No wonder he told us to wear flats and don't get big dresses. I hope you have a change of clothes because as of right now, we're camping out."
"Oh hell no", Eliza said.
"Oh hell yeah", I said. "But first, let's get out of here. They're hunting us, the last thing we want is to lose in their little game and be found." I went to the front of the limo and popped the trunk. "Let's see if they left our things that we had in the limo's trunk. If so we should be good." I walked to the back of the limo and opened the trunk. I sighed at the sight that our things were still there. "Get your things and let's go."
"How are we supposed to survive like this? We don't know what to do!"
"I guess that's what they meant by I'll know", I said. As I searched through my large camp bag. In there I saw a few changes of clothes and the things I usually took when I went camping. I took my dream that I had about Takara to heart and packed what I'd need. I'm glad I did now.
"What do you mean?"
"They didn't mean I'll know what's going to happen to us", I said as I pulled out some shorts and a t-shirt. I then went to the trunk and handed Kagome her bag. "They meant I'll know how to deal with it. I know how to live with nature."
"So that's just it", Carla said. She then moved to the trunk and grabbed her things. "We just live out here until we figure out what's going on?"
"Yeah", I said. "I hope you're not afraid of garden snakes."
I then began to walk on with Kagome laughing behind me.
"Wait there are snakes out here?"
"There snakes everywhere, sweet heart. Now let's get changed so we can get out of here, and pack your the dresses too."
With the Yokai
"So Sebastian", said a deep voice. "What are your words on the girls?"
"I say they are perfect for our hunters", Sebastian said. "I just hope the right hunter chooses the right girl."
"And why is that?"
"Things wouldn't work as well as we'd want them to, especially with the mikos. They are strong headed. They came to me demanding answers. And the reincarnation of Midiroku is the most of work."
"Then you're right, this will be perfect." The yokai then stood and cleared his throat. "Release the hunters. I'd like to see things set into play. I'm curious."
Author's Note: Whoa! I'm back bitches, as promised! I really hope you guys like this story because it honestly took me forever to write it. Also, it's been bugging me all week! I was constantly looking at my phone for follows, favorites, and reviews. It broke my heart because I didn't get as many but… it takes time I guess, right? And I've wanted to post more chapters but no. I have to be a good girl because if I don't this story won't last as long.
Any who, next chapter will be up by Monday. Until then, please – I beg of you – review, favorite, and follow. It may seem like it, but c'mon peeps, I ain't asking for much! All you gotta do is type "Nice" or something. Account or no account. I mean damn, if you have an account but just don't feel like logging in, it's cool. Just fill in your name. If you do that, then I'll be happy to respond to you in the next chap.
I'm like really, guys. I'm desperate. This is like the first I posted a story in years and it's because of being very self conscious. I never thought people cared for my stories much so I kind of lost the drive to update. Your words really help. But for now, just know I love you – I guess – and I really look forward into SEEING YOUR REVIEWS!
Tata!