Chapter Two: Genkai
Kagome took a deep breath as she stood at the base of the mountain groaning at the sight of so many stairs. It would take the majority of the day to make it to the top of them and the thought of it had Kagome thinking for once in her life the stairs leading up to the shrine weren't really that bad. Kagome wrapped her leather jacket closer to her body as the cold winter wind tossed her long black hair around wildly. Kagome frowned as her hands contacted the small envelope that was tucked safely in her pocket. Kagome couldn't help but play with the letter as she sucked in a deep breath of the cold mountain air. It was crisp and fresh almost reminding her of the fuddle era with the les potent taste of pollution in the air. Breathing out through her nose Kagome forced herself to place one foot in front of the other as she ascended the stairs.
Kagome continued to play with envelope securely placed in her pocked as her nerves began to build in the pit of her stomach. 'How do I always get myself into these messes? Why cant my family just have normal secrets like any other?' Kagome thought as she replayed the night her mother had handed her the letter in her mind. Who would have known that such a little thing could turn her already shattered world even more upside down.
"Kagome." The call of her mother's voice came from the other side of her door accompanied by a soft knock. "May I come in dear?" Kagome was silent for a moment as she contemplated telling her mother to go away. 'I don't want to talk about it anymore.' Kagome thought as she sighed quietly to herself. She knew her mother meant well as she tried to help her through this pain that had over taken her life, but there was only so many times she could talk about it. Kagome wanted space to wallow in her heart ache and self-pity.
"Come in." Kagome called back to her mother not bothering to move from her place on the bed. Kagome heard the soft click of the door and the soft steps of her mother as she moved to sit on the foot of the bed. Kagome could tell her mother had something on her mind without even looking at her. Her mother normally a bright beacon of cheer seemed to be deep in thought. Removing her arm from across her face Kagome sat up as she studied her mother's expression and her suspicions were confirmed. "Mom what's wrong?" Kagome questioned as a knot began to form in the pit of her stomach.
"Kagome." Kagome watched as her mother paused placing her hand on her leg as if to reassure her that everything would be fine while she searched for the words. "Kagome, I don't know how to help you." The words hit Kagome in the chest as guilt washed over her.
"Mom I'll be fine." Kagome whispered as she tried to reassure her mother she would be okay in the end, but from the look in her mother's eyes Kagome could see that she didn't believe her. Kagome sighed again how could she expect her mother to believe it when she herself didn't believe it and she had never been a good liar.
"Kagome you're not fine. Every day that passes I see you closing yourself off more and more. From your friends at school, from Souta, your grandfather and even me." Her mother's words hurt as realization washed over and the guilt in her chest became even heavier.
"I'm sorry mom." Kagome whispered as tears finally began to fall freely from her eyes once more. "I didn't mean to I just feel like I can't breathe here. Everywhere I look I'm reminded of him." Kagome could feel herself being pulled into her mother's arms as she ran her fingers slowly through her hair while her other hand rubbed her shoulder soothingly.
"I know dear. I won't pretend to understand everything you are going though or that I know how to fix it because I don't. I have tried for the last three months to help you the best I can but it seems I have only made matters worse." Kagome pulled away from her mother as she opened her mouth in protest but her mother held up her hand to silence her. "It's okay dear sometimes guidance of a different kind is needed." Kagome nodded as a confused look donned her face as her mother began to fish in the pocket of her apron. "This is for you."
Kagome eyed the old folded envelope her mother had produced from the pocket of her apron. The envelope once a bright white was now a dingy yellow and Kagome could see her name written on the front in a hand that she didn't quite recognize. Kagome looked at her mother strangely as she took the envelope from her. "It's from your father. Written shortly before he passed away." Kagome's eyes widened slightly as she looked at the old tattered envelope in her hands.
"Why now? Why hide this from me for so long?" Kagome questioned her mother as she clutched the paper in her hands.
"You weren't ready before now." Kagome's mother stated with a sigh. "No that's not fair you were ready to handle what's written in that letter after you killed Naraku. I just wasn't ready to let you go again so soon after I had just gotten you back." Kagome watched as her mother sighed.
"Mom I'm not going anywhere." Kagome tried her best to reassure her mother. 'Why on earth would I leave?' Kagome pondered as she glanced around her room again. Taking in all the photos and books all the stuffed animals from her child hood that still sat on the shelves. It wasn't much but this was her home and yes it felt suffocating right now but Kagome had no intention of leaving it again.
"Kagome three are secrets about your father and even me in that letter ones that I hoped I would be able to protect you from. Ones that once you find out you will go looking for answers and that's fine my dear. I think this may be exactly what you need to get you through this darkness in your life." Kagome's mother reassured her as she stood to leave. "I won't force you to open it just think it over for a few days before you decide."
Two days later….
Kagome turned the envelope over in her hands as she leaned back in her desk chair as she contemplated her decision. 'Could this letter really change my life that much?' Kagome asked herself as she placed the envelope back on her desk inspecting it carefully as she continued to weigh the pros and cons. Her mother had said whatever secrets the letter held would call her away from home. Did she really want to leave home again but would some time away from the shrine and the memories of InuYasha that plagued her really be such a bad thing? Sighing Kagome grabbed the envelope once more before breaking the seal. 'It's not like it could make my life any worse.' Kagome thought as she pulled out the single piece of folded paper.
Dear Kagome,
If your reading this then that means I unfortunately did not live to revile these thing to you myself. I have trusted this letter to your mother in hopes that she will give it to you when she feels the time is appropriate. Although I have no idea if this letter will ever find its way to you. If you are reading this I don't know exactly which event has triggered her need to give this letter to you but I have seen many paths for you my little one.
I know in the days to come you will face may hardships and so much pain especially once you fall down the well. Yes, I know of the well and what awaits you on the other side of it. I have seen it many times thanks to my gift of sight. I do not know if you will see this letter before your journey has begun or after it has ended but I want you to know I have seen that your pain will end. You will find happiness again.
Now Kagome there are sad truths I must make you aware of and I hope that one day you will forgive me for the choices I have made on your behalf, but my gift showed me what needed to be done. Ai my wife and the woman who raised you is not the woman who gave birth to you. Yes, shortly after you and your twin brother were borne I took you from them and left. I need you to understand Kagome both you and your brother have a very special destiny and if the two of you had stayed together the world would have lost its protectors.
The two of you will meet again I have seen it, but as for now my time grows short and I must leave you with one last request. Seek out Master Genkai, she is my mother, your grandmother. She will be able to answer more of the questions and provide answers.
I want you to know that I love you more than anything my little black bird and I had always planned to tell you the truth when you were old enough to understand why I made the choices I made. Some of these things will be hard to swallow as more of my past and secrets are brought to light and if you do not wish to act upon them I understand. I however feel you have the right to know where you come from.
Love,
Your Father Kito
P.S. Your twin brothers name is Yusuke Urameshi
It had taken Kagome a month to locate her father's mother Genkai. Kagome couldn't help but find it odd at how the woman went out of her way to not be found. It felt as though Kagome had been chasing a ghost for so long, but she was determined to find her. Kagome needed answers about her father. Could he really see the future from a young age? What was his side of the family like? So many things had been swirling around Kagome's mind it was a welcome distraction for her already tired mind as she wondered about her mysteries father and her even more mysterious grandmother thoughts of InuYasha had been pushed to the side. But that's all it was a distraction, something to keep her mind busy as Kagome bushed down the pain he had caused her.
Kagome still wasn't sure why she was doing this did she really need to know this side of her family? She had a family a mother and a brother that she loved more than anything did she really need more? Did she really need to reopen what she was sure would be old wounds for her grandmother and biological mother? Kagome stopped mid step as she turned to look behind her. She had to be a little over half way up the mountain by now and for a moment Kagome contemplated turning back around. Going home and forgetting this whole crazy expedition but she kept moving forward. Kagome didn't know why she kept pushing forward, why she felt the need to see this woman who could tell her about her father. Maybe it was the need to be away from the shrine if only over the winter break? Maybe it was just her curiosity Kagome didn't know she couldn't pinpoint the exact emotion the flowed through her now, Kagome just knew this was something she had to do.
Finally, the large gate that lead onto the grounds of the compound came into view. Kagome smiled as she raced up the last few steps her boots slapping against the concert as she stopped in front of the door. It was much larger than Kagome had thought it would be and resembled the shrine that she had grown up on. 'Dad must have really felt at home on the shrine grounds if this is where he grew up.' Kagome smiled. The energy was so strange surrounding the grounds but it was familiar calming somehow it was an energy that Kagome hat felt before but she couldn't quite place where she had felt it. Kagome took in another deep breath as she lifted her had to knock on the huge wooden door and to her surprise before her hand could make contact with the wood the door began to slide open. She was now standing face to face with a pink haired old woman who had a scowl placed firmly on her face. Kagome blinked 'Could this really be Genkai?' Kagome thought as she looked the old woman over. Kagome could feel the spiritual energy rolling off her in waves and it sent a shiver up her spine. 'She's so powerful.' Kagome thought it had been so long since she had felt energy like this. 'My powers must be beginning to dull.' Kagome frowned at the thought with energy this massive Kagome should have felt it at the base of the mountain.
"Are you..." Kagome hesitated as she saw the annoyance begin to show on the Genkai's face. Kagome felt herself swallow hard as her throat suddenly felt dry. How was she supposed to tell her who she was? She knew the woman could since her weak powers and Kagome suddenly felt ashamed once again.
"Well spit it out girl I don't have all day!" The old woman backed and Kagome jumped a little at the harshness of her tone. Kagome couldn't help it as she began to chew on her bottom lip as she attempted to find the courage to speak.
"Are you Master Genkai?" Kagome asked weakly as she swallowed the lump in her throat.
"I am now what is it you want. I don't have all day!" Her voice was harsh as she light another cigarette. Kagome shook her head as she turned her eyes to the ground. It became clear in that moment that it had been a mistake coming here. Kagome could see that now 'I should just leave.' Kagome thought as she locked eyes with the old woman for a moment. Her eyes looked so much like her fathers, there was no mistaking it she was his mother, but that still didn't mean this wasn't a mistake. 'She's so powerful and I will just be an embarrassment. She doesn't need someone as weak as me hanging around. That's why InuYasha didn't want me around I was too weak to save Kikyo in the end.' Kagome slowly placed a sad smile on her lips as she shook her head.
"It was a mistake for me to bother you." Kagome stated bluntly as she faced the old woman. " I'm sorry to disturb you. Good-buy." Kagome bowed low before turning to leave just as quickly as she came. The old woman would go back to what ever she was doing before and Kagome would go back to her meaningless life at the shrine as she tried to peace back together her broken life. It was better this way. Kagome kept trying to reassure herself but she could feel the tightness in her chest forming again as thoughts of going back to the shrine began to overtake her mind.
"Girl you came here for a reason no one makes the track up those steps without one." Her words were stern as she took another drag from her cigarette. Kagome turned to face her just in time to see a huge puff of smoke coming her way. "Don't lose your nerve now just because I'm not what you were expecting to find." Kagome frowned the woman was right. She had come here for a reason one that she needed to see through till the end. Even if this woman wanted nothing to do with her after she found out the truth. "Well?" Kagome took a deep breath as the woman stared at her impatiently.
"Your right I did have a reason for seeking you out." Kagome forced a weak smile onto her lips as she once again tried to find the courage to speak. Why was this so hard? She had faced down daemon's who wanted to make stew out of her, tried to kill her, even ones who wanted to make her their mate all without batting an eye. Not once had she ever lost her nerve so why was this so hard? "Hear." Kagome pulled out the letter she had tucked safely away in the pocket of her jacket. "I was told to give you this and there is a picture enclosed with it as well. I was hoping you could give me some answers." Kagome knew how crazy the letter sounded but she had to know if it was true. Kagome watched Genkai's face twist in disbelief as she looked from the letter back to Kagome and back to the picture her mother had given her of her father and Kagome shortly before he died. It was the last one they had taken together standing under the sacred tree in the yard. Kagome had been eight when he passed away shortly after Souta was borne. Kagome hadn't wanted to bring it with her but her mother had insisted, saying that it would be a nice gesture.
"Well you might as well come in and sit down." Genkai turned with a sigh as she made her way back into the house Kagome fallowing closely behind her. 'She didn't send me away or call me crazy.' Kagome smiled slightly it had gone better than she had expected but she wasn't going to get her hope's up just yet. The room Kagome was led into was rather large but simple just a small table with a few chairs sat around it. A TV off in the far corner surrounded by cousins and what looked to be a small kitchen in the far-right corner of the room. Genkai motioned for her to have a seat as she made her way into another room. Emerging with two tea glasses and a pot. Kagome was relieved when she sat the hot glass down in front of her and as her hands made contact with it she realized just how cold she had truly become.
"Thank you." Kagome smiled as she accepted the glass from the elder woman.
"So, tell me about this old well your father mentioned in the letter." Kagome blinked 'wow she doesn't beat around the bush.' Kagome thought as she took a sip of her tea. Her story was not an easy or a short one to tell. The story that Genkai was asking for was so much more than the old well that transported her through space and time. It was laughter, it was fear, it was pain and struggles. There was so much that Kagome just wasn't willing to share right now. Gripping her tea cup harder Kagome took in a deep breath to steady her nerves. It was a story that Kagome just wasn't ready to tell yet.
"That's a really long and painful story." Kagome paused. "One that I would prefer not to discuss." Kagome prayed that Genkai would leave it at that as their eyes meet she was sure the old woman could see the pain that shown in them.
"We all have scares that are more painful than others to talk about." Genkai spoke as she sipped her tea. "I will not poke at yours for now." Kagome was relieved that she was willing to drop the subject for now as she shifted nervously in her seat.
"Thank you." Kagome whispered shyly as quiet once again overtook the room.
"Kito what happened to him?" Kagome was taken back by her question but it was to be expected. She was his mother after all. Kagome felt her hands tighten around the mug once again as she thought back to that horrible day.
"He was hit by a car on his way to pick up my mother and my baby brother from the hospital." Kagome frowned and she watched as a flurry of emotions danced across Genkai's eyes.
"That fool no doubt he knew it was going to happen too and went any way." Genkai sighed and Kagome's eyes widened.
"So, it was true then he could see the future?" Kagome blurted out before she could stop herself. She hadn't meant to ask that question just yet. It was crazy right a man who could see the future. 'Not any crazier than a girl who travels through time to fight daemons.' Kagome scolded herself.
"Yes, he could. Foresight is a very rare and prized gift among us psychics." Kagome's eyes widened a little at the term psychic. Did that mean she was one as well was that what her Miko powers truly were or were they a separate power all together and if it was what was her psychic power. Kagome could feel the question burning on the tip of her tong as she chewed on her bottom lip again trying to work up the courage to ask but couldn't bring herself to do it. Her Miko powers were already enough to be embraced of she didn't need to try and unlock some other power that she may or may not have. Kagome decided that it would be best to let that question go.
"What was he like?" Kagome blurted out again as Genkai raised an eyebrow in a questioning look. "My father what was he like growing up? My mother… the one who raised me… she doesn't talk about him much." Kagome stammered out as she watched Genkai's eyes soften for a moment.
"He was a foolish child. Reckless and brash always picking fights and running head first into danger. Never once thinking about the consequences of his actions. Foul mothed in his younger days and the only way you could get anything through his thick skull was with your fist. But he was bright and clever such a trickster he almost drove me mad." Genkai paused again as she light another cigarit taking a long drag. "You know your brother is a lot like him." Kagome froze at her words. Her brother Genkai knew her brother her twin that she had been separated from before she could even remember him. Kagome hadn't really put too much thought into meeting Yusuke. Yes she had considered searching for him first but in the end decided it would be best to wait. Kagome didn't want to turn his or his mother's world into a nightmare by reopening old wounds. There was also the chance that he would want nothing to do with her.
"You know this Yusuke my father mentioned in his letter?" Kagome eyed Genkai carefully as she waited for her response.
"Yes, I have known the dimwit since he was fifteen. He showed up here one day while I was holding a contest to find my successor the one who I would pass my powers down to since your father had disappeared. His energy was strange but it felt familiar and after a year of training him learning his spiritual energy inside and out it soon became obvious that he was Kito's child." Kagome's eyes widened the had said spiritual energy did Yusuke have powers like she did. Kagome pondered the thought as she took another sip from her tea.
"Does he know?" Kagome had to ask she needed to know.
"No, he does not know I am his grandmother. I never had the heart to tell him, the dimwit was so angry at his father for abandoning him and his mother. At the time, I could offer no answers as to why my son had left them so I decided to let sleeping dogs lie." Kagome sucked in a deep breath of relief she wasn't sure she wanted to meet her brother but from the way that Genkai talked about him they seemed close. It gave Kagome hope. Hope that she could form a relationship with the woman sitting across the table from her. Kagome frowned as she looked down at her watch, it was getting late and if she didn't leave soon she would miss the last bus back to the city. Even though walking didn't bother Kagome the night was getting colder and snow was expected within the next few days.
"Genkai." Kagome smiled sadly at her. "It's getting rather late I need to leave soon or I will miss the last bus back to the city but I would like to come see you again tomorrow." Kagome watched the old woman as she waited for a response.
"If you wish." Kagome smiled back at her as she stood to leave. Kagome froze as a tingling sensation one she hadn't felt in a long time began to dance across her skin. She could feel her posers humming just under the surface of her skin ready to be used at a moment's notice as three large demonic auras raced worded them at alarming speeds.
"Demons." Kagome whispered to herself. "There are still demons alive today!" Kagome stated as her eyes fixed firmly on the doors to the room as it burst open.
"Hey you old hag where the hell are you? Kuwabara's been hurt! We need Yukina now or Botan's going to be taking the idiot on a one-way trip to spirit world." Kagome gasped as she took in the sight in front of her. A tall black-haired boy with tattered jeans and a white wife beater was backing at Genkai as another boy lay draped across his shoulder. Blood there was so much blood Kagome noted it was an injury she had seen once before when Sesshomaru ripped a hole in InuYasha's stomach.
"Perfect timing as always dimwit. Yukina has gone to demon world for a short time to gather herbs that don't grow here. I told you not to fight that thing until she got back! What were you idiots thinking!" Ginkai yelled as the boy looked at her with panicked eyes.
"It was feeding on kids okay you old bitch! I thought the four of us could handle it without you!" The boy shot back.
"Well now your friend is going to die because you thought you were smarter then you were! Power doesn't equal brains dimwit." Genkai bit out as she tossed her cigarette at the boy's face.
"He's not going to die!" Kagome shouted at the two of them as she began to clean off the table in front of her. "If the two of you hot heads can stop arguing long enough to let me save him. Now put him on the table." Kagome ordered as she stripped her black leather jacket from her body as she began to role up the sleeves her black button up and securing her hair in a high bun. If she was going to save him they had to work fast. Kagome could feel the life force fading from him and fast.
"Just who the hell do you think you are barking orders at me like that!" The boy shouted back at her as his panicked blue eyes meet her fiery blue ones. Kagome could feel the anger rising up and her powers with it as she stared down the boy a few feet away from her.
"I think I'm the one person in this room that can keep your friend from taking a dirt nap. Now lay him on the table so I can save his dame life!" Fire light in Kagome's eyes as she refused to back down. It didn't matter why this boy was hurt, it didn't matter why they had been fighting demons in the first place all that mattered right now was that he was lousing blood way too much blood. Kagome needed to work fast if the boy was going to live.
"Well don't just stand there dimwit you heard the girl get moving if you want your friend to live!" Ginkai glared at the boy as he rushed off.
Kagome didn't bother even looking as the other two demons entered the room she had to focus. It had been months since she had last used her Miko powers and she could feel the pint up energy begging to be pushed to the suffuse if she wasn't careful she would purify every demon in the room. Kagome did her best to drown out the scream and yelling from the others in the room as placed her hands over the boys abdomen.
Kagome had become quite proficient with her healing powers during their travels. It was the only part of her powers that she had any real confidence in after all she had managed to keep her friends alive after more than one fight. InuYasha had a knack for getting the worst of everything always picking fights with anyone who would. So, over time Kagome had thought herself how to knit the wounds back together it was something that had come in handy over the years and she was sure it was what would save this boys life.
Kagome could see that this boys wounds were deep as she ran her hands over it. Seeing the injury in her mind some of his major organs had been hit. It would take a lot of her energy and she wouldn't be able to close the wound completely but she could make sure that he would live. Eyes around the room began to widen as Kagome's hands began to glow a soft purple as her powers washed over the room in a blinding flash of purple.
Genkai's eyes widened at the realization of what Kagome was, she was a Miko probably the last of her kind and a powerful one at that. She had suspected the girl had powers from the moment she had felt her start her journey up to her compound but never had she dreamed she would hold this much power. Genkai could see that even now. With the proper training this girl could change the world. The light was slowly fading now and all that was left was a shallow cut. Kuwabara would live. Genkai could see that Kagome had become shaky as she began to sway back and forth.
"Kurama catch her before she passes out and we have two injured people!" Genkai ordered as she watched the fox spring into action barely catching her before her head banged off of the hard wood floor.
"Genkai who is this girl?" Kurama asked as she studied her pale skin and shining black hair. She was lovely a natural beauty.
"Kurama take her into the other room you will all be staying hear tonight especially the dimwit and we will all talk in the morning." Genkai ordered as she moved to prepare rooms for her guest. She knew they had questions about Kagome but now was not the time.
