Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters in this story (save for Mikaru), they are the property of Rumiko Takahashi and the Viz Corporation. I'm make no money from this—I'm broke, don't sue.
Chapter 3: A New Day, A New Life
"Alright, alright everyone. It's 7 o'clock on a Monday morning….so get the hell up!" this was Kagome's new favorite radio station that she had found while unpacking her things, she especially loved the DJ, he was hilarious. "Well for those of you actually rolling out of bed, here's a song to start your day off."
Kagome walked into her room with one towel wrapped around her body and another wrapped around her head just as the song was starting. "An awesome song to start the day off; I can already tell this life is going to work."
Go ahead as you waste your days with thinking
When you fall everyone stands
Another day and you've had your fill of sinking
With the life held in your
Hands are shaking cold
These hands are meant to hold
Standing in front of her mirror, Kagome took the towel off of her head, dropping it to the floor and started brushing her long, black hair. Once all the knots were out she grabbed a bottle of sports gel off her dresser and ran it through her hair and started crimping it while running a blow dryer over it. Satisfied that it was dry enough she closed her eyes and used some hair spray to ensure that it would stay all day.
Speak to me, when all you got to keep is strong
Move along, move along like I know you do
And even when your hope is gone
Move along, move along just to make it through
Move along
Move along
Turning to her dresser she opened the top and pulled out a black, green, and white camo bra and matching panties, then walked over to the closet and looked through all her clothes. This was the first day at her new school and she wanted to make a lasting impression.
So a day when you've lost yourself completely
Could be a night when your life ends
Such a heart that will lead you to deceiving
All the pain held in your
Hands are shaking cold
Your hands are mine to hold
"This is perfect." Kagome said. Listening to the song that was playing Kagome started getting dressed. She had picked out a pair of low-riding black pants that were tight around her waist but otherwise baggy. They had cargo pockets down the sides and four chains running from the front right pocket to the back pocket on the left side. Her shirt was an army green beater with black letters that said "My shirt is so ninja you think I'm naked" that showed off her figure perfectly.
Speak to me, when all you got to keep is strong
Move along, move along like I know you do
And even when your hope is gone
Move along, move along just to make it through
Move along
(Go on, go on, go on, go on)
When everything is wrong we move along
(Go on, go on, go on, go on)
When everything is wrong, we move along
Along, along, along
Looking through her jewelry, Kagome picked out a Celtic cross she kept on a chain and a few other necklaces and chokers. She put some black, leather bands on her wrists that had metal studs on them and a labyrinth ring on her thumb.
When all you got to keep is strong
Move along, move along like I know you do
And even when your hope is gone
Move along, move along just to make it through
(Move along)
(Go on, go on, go on, go on)
Right back what is wrong
We move along
Just as the song ended Kagome pulled on her shin-high, lace-up black combat boots and put on some make-up to cover the bruises she was still sporting followed by her black eye liner and mascara along with some shades of grey eye shadow. Grabbing her house keys and some money, she stuffed everything that she would need into her red and black messenger bag and ran down stairs.
"Kagome! What ever happened to the days when you wore pink and blue all the time and acted like the miko you are?" Grandpa said as he saw her choice of clothing for the day.
"Good morning to you too Gramps, and those days haven't been around in quite a while. You know I haven't practiced my miko powers since I stopped coming to the shrine. Mikaru didn't like it so it became 'forbidden.' I don't know if I even have them anymore."
"Once a miko, always a miko. I'll start training you again if you want. I never liked that Mikaru person anyways. I'll never understand why your mother married him." He said with a sigh and a shake of his head.
"That makes two of us. I might pick up training again later, so I'll let you know."
"Alright…well the two of you need to be getting off to school. Why don't you walk Souta to his school and I'll call ahead to your school to let them know why you'll be late."
"Sounds like a plan, thanks again Gramps. I'll see you later. If I have any change in plans I'll call you!" Kagome yelled as she grabbed Souta by the hand and dragged him out the door. "Okay Souta, today marks the day of a new life for us. Everything's going to be much better from now on, I'm sure of it." Kagome said as they made their way across the shrine grounds. "But no matter what, I don't think I'll ever get used to these steps." Kagome said with a sigh as they started the long trek down the steps to the street below.
At Ookawa High School:
Pulling up to the school in his silver 2006 Eclipse, Sesshoumaru heard his cell phone ring. "What?" he said, flipping it open.
"You ASS-HOLE!! Why didn't you tell me you were leaving early?!"
"I didn't leave early, little brother, I left on time. You, however, were late and I wasn't going to wait."
"Whatever! I'll deal with you when I get to school…I have to run now, literally…damn it…"
Sesshoumaru could hear Inuyasha cursing at him as he hung up the phone. Getting out of the car, Sesshoumaru started up the steps to meet with Sango and Miroku in their usual spot. About the time he made it to the top of the stairs Inuyasha landed right beside him giving him a death glare. "Good morning, Inuyasha."
"Bastard."
"Why do you complain when I leave you if you can get here just as fast when you run?"
"Because I'm lazy and hate running." Inuyasha said pouting.
"Life's tough, so get a helmet Inuyasha. Your dad's loaded so don't give me that "I'm broke" crap." Sango said as she pushed herself up from where she was sitting. "Miroku got called into the station to do the morning DJ thing so I've been sitting out here by myself waiting on your slow asses to get here." Sango was probably the toughest girl in school. Nobody ever even tried to tease or mess with her because she always carried her field hockey stick strapped to her back. Right now she had her field hockey stick, cleats, shin guards, and her roller blades that she used to get around.
"Hey Sango, I'm assuming that Miroku told you about the new girl over the phone too?" Inuyasha asked.
"Yeah…the last thing this school needs is another preppy girl. We still on for practice at your house Sesshoumaru?"
"Yes, Father won't be home until late and Izayoi doesn't care. Miroku will be there this time, right?"
"Yeah, he had a party to DJ last time but he's free this afternoon. He should be back from the station sometime in 2nd block then he'll walk over to your house with me after school." Just as the words left Sango's mouth the bell rang and all the students outside started walking inside.
"Damn, I don't want to go to class. I have an Advanced Physics test today in 1st block! Why does Dad make us take all these damn advanced classes?" Inuyasha asked with a sigh.
"They're only hard because you never crack a book and sleep in class." Sesshoumaru said reaching his locker and getting out and Applied World History book.
"Says the genius with an IQ of what? 2 million?" Inuyasha joked.
"No…148…and I know that, despite being a hanyou, you could probably do as well in your classes if you would just take some notes every now and then."
"Leave me alone Sesshoumaru…"
"Why should I? You never give me a moment's peace at home, so I give you hell when we come to school. It seems like a fair trade to me, don't you think Sango?"
Laughing by this point Sango nodded her head and said "Yeah, close enough."
"Get to class Inuyasha. If you're late I'll give you detention again." Professor Keade said passing by.
Drooping his white ears against his head, Inuyasha flinched and said "Yeah, yeah…I know."
"You'd better get going Inuyasha, she doesn't kid around. And if you get detention it's seriously going to cut into our practice time." Sango reminded.
"FINE! I'm going already…damn physics…" Inuyasha grumbled stomping down the hall.
"So when do you think the new girl will get here Sesshoumaru?" Sango asked as they watched Inuyasha pitch his little fit.
"No clue. But don't do anything until we know a little more about her. She might not be a terrible person and I'm not going to break someone who I don't think deserves it."
"Alright, well I'll see you next block. Later!" Sango said as she waved and walked down the hall.
'Another Monday, another week closer to graduation' Sesshoumaru thought as he started down the hall to his first class of the day.
2 hours later:
Walking into their next class Sesshoumaru tried to avoid Kikyo, Sango sat down and laid her head down on the desk trying to catch a nap before class, and Inuyasha dragged himself into class and flopped into his seat in the back of the class where he, Sango, Sesshoumaru, and Miroku sat. "I definitely failed that Physics test."
"That's what you get for goofing off…" Sango said.
"Alright everyone, sit down and be quiet. Get out some paper so you can take some notes. Don't forget about you're test over the Substitution Property in Solving for Equations on Friday." said Professor Myoga. He was extremely annoying but probably one of the better teachers in the school.
In front of the school
"Crap…more steps. Does everything in Tokyo have steps leading up to it?!" Kagome was tired and ready to sit down after walking Souta to school and making sure he got his schedule and everything situated and then walking to her own new school. Walking up the steps and through the front doors she looked around for the main office and spotted it off to the side. She went up to the front desk and cleared her throat to get the secretary's attention.
"Yes?" the secretary answered with a smile.
"Hi, I'm Higurashi Kagome and this is my first day so I need a schedule and I need to check in. I'm late because I had to take my little brother to his new school too."
"Ah, yes. Your grandfather called and said something about that. Wait here and I'll go get your schedule, locker number and combination, and a map of the school."
As Kagome watched the woman walk away and down a hall she heard the door into the office open and turned around just out of curiosity. She was met with an odd sight. It was a boy, about her age maybe a little older she guessed, wearing black baggy pants, black Etnies, a bright green beater and a dark purple dress shirt over it, with a black bag hanging on his back and she could see the wire of a pair of headphones leading out of it to a set resting around his neck. He had black hair, which was pulled back into a short ponytail at the base of his neck, violet eyes, and was only slightly taller than she was.
When Miroku walked in the door to check in before going to class he saw one of the most beautiful girls he had ever seen in his life, next to his beloved Sango of course. He walked up to the desk where she was standing and they just looked at each other for a minute before Miroku stuck out his hand said "Hi, names Miroku…ladies man and DJ extraordinaire."
"Kagome." She answered with a laugh as she reached out her hand to shake his.
"Here you are Miss Higurashi. Oh, hi Miroku. Checking in?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Well get rid of those headphones before you get sent up here again."
"Ha ha, will do. Thanks."
"Anyway, when you go to your classes Miss Higurashi, you can pick up your books from your teachers."
"Okay, thanks. Bye."
Walking out of the office, with Miroku following, Kagome took a look at her schedule but stopped as her head shot up, eyes wide. Whirling around, she left a bright red hand print on Miroku's cheek. "Hentai! What in the hell are you doing?!"
"Sorry, but this hand of mine just has a mind of its own…" Miroku said chuckling and rubbing the back of his head innocently.
"Yeah, whatever…" Kagome said blushing.
"Let me see your schedule."
"What?"
"Let. Me. See. Your. Schedule."
Skeptically, Kagome handed the piece of paper over. "Hm…looks like we have our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th classes together. I think you have your first class with Sesshoumaru." Looking at the name at the top of the schedule Miroku's eye's widened as he recognized the last name. 'Higurashi…holy shit…the gang's going to get a kick out of this!' he thought with a smile. "Tell you what…I'll be your guide for the rest of the day so you won't have to try and figure out this map…sort of an apology for a couple of minutes ago." He offered his arm for her to take so he could lead her.
Laughing, Kagome accepted and they started walking down the hall towards their class.
Back at Professor Myoga's classroom
A knock sounded at the door. Stopping the notes and putting down the dry erase marker, Professor Myoga walked to the door and standing in the doorway was Miroku with a tardy slip in hand. As Myoga took the slip of paper Miroku leaned in and said something that most of the class couldn't hear. The only ones that heard it were Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha, Koga, and Kagura. Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru glanced at each other waiting to see what the new girl looked like.
"Alright class, we have a new student today. Please say hello to Miss Higurashi Kagome."
As Miroku sat down in his seat he leaned over his desk, looked over at Inuyasha and said "You're going to absolutely love this."
Kagome walked into the class, her boots making a slight thud sound, and stopped at the front of the room, looking at the class. A few mouths were hanging open but most just stared…Inuyasha did both. Most guys thought beauty, where most girls thought freak, Sango and Inuyasha thought awesome, and Sesshoumaru thought interesting.
"Kagome, just find an empty seat anywhere and I'll get you a book by the end of class."
"Alright." Looking around the room she saw Miroku, the only person she knew, and an empty seat beside him.
Taking the seat, Kagome looked at Miroku and smiled. Smiling back, Miroku said "Hello again. I'd like you to meet the rest of the little group back here. This radiant beauty is Sango…"
"Nice try you suck up but I'm still pissed at you for hiding my field hockey stick; nice to meet you though, Kagome."
"Same here."
Miroku started with his introductions again after apologizing to Sango…again. "The idiot with the dog ears down there is Inuyasha."
"Hey," was the only thing Inuyasha could get out of his mouth, he was too busy trying to get over how much she looked like Kikyo.
"Hey," she said in response.
"And last but I certainly can't say least for fear of death…the guy sitting on the end there with the stripes on his face is Sesshoumaru."
"We've already met once…" Sesshoumaru clarified.
Kagome gave him a confused look and Inuyasha snapped out of his stupor long enough to turn and glare at his brother, asking "Where?"
Seeing the look on Kagome's face Sesshoumaru turned to her and said "The park. You tried to jump out of a swing but couldn't stick the landing."
"Oh, that was you?"
"Yes, and never dismiss me the way you did that day again."
'Arrogant ass-hole…'
"Quiet back there! You can talk to Miss Higurashi after class!" Professor Myoga yelled.
Inuyasha pulled out a piece of paper, jotted something down, folded it and sent it down the line to Kagome.
When Kagome got it she opened it and read --Ignore Sesshoumaru…he's an ass.-- Writing a response she sent it back.
--So he's always like that?--
--Yep. Always has been and I don't see him growing a heart any time soon…hey, we have a band and we're practicing after school. Do you want to come check it out?--
By now Miroku got tired of being out of the loop so decided to join in. --Yeah! You should go! They're loaded and always have food! Come on! Free food!--
--Ha ha, alright I'll go. But I'm not very musically inclined.--
--That's fine. Like Miroku said, you can just sit around and eat if you want. Woah, bell's about to ring, we can talk in the hall.--
Just as Kagome finished reading the bell rang and everyone rushed out.
"So as I was saying, we'll even give you a lift to the house."
"We?"
"Yeah, me and Sesshoumaru…we're brothers so we kinda live in the same house…don't tell me you didn't notice? How can you miss the hair and the eyes? Wow, you're pretty dense, you know tha—"
About then Inuyasha went flying to the other side of the hall and the other students walking near them just left a large circle around them like this happened all the time. Feeling a hand on both shoulders, Kagome turned to look at both Miroku and Sango. "When they fight it's best to just try to steer clear. Things usually don't end too well." Sango warned.
"Half-brothers, Inuyasha. If you must tell people that we are related, get the relation correct. Now get to class." Sesshoumaru said as he calmly turned to walk away.
As soon as Sesshoumaru had turned around, Inuyasha decided that he had had enough of his half-brother. He leapt to his feet and rushed behind Sesshoumaru ready to strike him in the back and finally take his brother by surprise, but just as he was about to actually land his blow he realized that the intended target, Sesshoumaru's head, was gone. Suddenly he felt something grab his shirt from behind and pulled sharply. Losing his balance, Inuyasha fell backwards and landed flat on his back on the cold tile floor of the hallway. Just as he started to gain back the breath that had been knocked out of him, he felt a heavy pressure on his throat and looked up to find Sesshoumaru standing next to him with one foot on Inuyasha's throat, holding him still.
"Next time you decide to strike out against me, prepare yourself to be in the exact situation that you're in now. Go to class before I tell Father about your pitiful performance in your classes." Sesshoumaru said as he lifted his foot and started down the hall to his next class.
AN: the end to yet another revised chapter. Me paranoid as hell. I just went to the bathroom to wash my face and my bedroom door isn't a foot away from it…yet I refuse to walk out of my room until I reach around the corner and turn on the bathroom light so that I can walk with my back to the wall and have light all around me…why do I do this you ask?? Because about 2 months ago I developed the completely irrational fear that a chupacabra along with several goblins have taken up residency in my house…I know it's crazy and impossible but the fear is still there and so far I've had 2 nervous breakdowns where I was absolutely paralyzed in fear and started crying until my boyfriend talked me down and told me that nothing was behind me in the shadows…yeah…if you ever want to feel better about yourself or your life just ask me questions about mine…