Kagome had arrived in the boy's locker room earlier than anyone else had. She didn't want any confrontations and frankly… she wanted to see first hand what it looked like.
She was disappointed to find it almost exactly like the girl's locker room, except, she noticed with horror, that it only had one mirror. Kagome had seriously debated on the idea of bringing her camera so she could show Ayumi and Eri, but thought better against it. How would she explain herself if someone found the pictures?
Quickly slipping her protective padding and gloves on, she gathered her belongings and headed to the dojo. It was not yet eight fifteen when she arrived and no one else was there. Setting her stuff down in a corner, she decided to do some practice moves while she waited for people to arrive. Tugging her wire mask over her face, but being careful of her wig, she proceeded with her swings.
Around eight thirty, Kagome began to hear voices rapidly approaching the dojo. She shrugged her shoulders and continued on with her moves. The voices and footsteps increased in volume until their owners entered the dojo.
Upon entering, the voices suddenly stopped as they observed her. Kagome froze in mid step, wondering why they had stopped. She wasn't doing anything wrong was she?
And then she heard the familiar voice of Miroku.
"Well, well… looks like we've got quite a dedicated member here. What's your name?" He said, sounding truly impressed. Kagome turned around to face her critic, confirming her suspicion that it was indeed Miroku. Next to him were Inuyasha and Bankotsu. All of them donned the typical kendo attire and held their own shinai in their hands.
Kagome pulled her wire mask off, mindful of her wig, revealing her face to the others. She didn't miss the widening eyes of all three of them, especially Inuyasha.
"Hey guys…" she greeted lightly, grinning sheepishly.
"Souta? You're actually here?" Kagome nodded.
"We thought you were joking…" stated Bankotsu, not looking embarrassed in the least. Miroku's eyes were apologetic and Inuyasha was as stoic as ever.
"Well… I take this game very seriously... so why would I joke about something like this?" Kagome asked repeating bits of their previous conversation. She smiled inwardly at Bankotsu's loss for words.
"Yes, yes… kendo is definitely not a joking manner." All eyes drifted to the new occupant in the room, who had just appeared behind the three boys.
It was Master Totosai.
He was an old geezer of a man, bald, save for some tuffs of grey hair prodding out from above his ears rounding off to the back out his head where it was tied in a ponytail. He had a sharp bearded chin, pointed silts of grey for a mustache, and rather large ears. His round bug eyes seemed to be taking over his entire face. Kagome noted that his eyes held none of cruel and calculating characteristics of Master Kaijinbo.
As he drew closer to the foursome, Kagome quickly remembered her manners and bowed deeply. Master Totosai's eyes widened a fraction.
"Well, well… haven't seen such respect in quite a while. You three could learn a thing or two from him." Kagome laughed nervously.
"What's your name young man?"
"Souta Higurashi." Master Totosai stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"So, what brings you here Souta?" Three unanimous sighs were heard from the other three bystanders. Master Totosai still had a puzzled look on his face.
"We have kendo tryouts today Totosai! Stupid old codger…" Inuyasha mumbled the last part under his breath, but Master Totosai heard him and whacked him hard with the shinai in his hand. Inuyasha let out a grunt, rubbing his bruised head (and ego) with his hand.
"Inuyasha! Show some respect like this here… uh…" Totosai cocked his heard to the side as he tried to recollect his thoughts.
"Uh… Souta?" Kagome offered politely. Master Totosai pounded his closed fist in to his hand in triumph.
"Ah, yes… Young Souta here!" He finished off, walking away from the boys to the back room of the dojo. Inuyasha, Bankotsu, and Miroku shook their heads tiredly and walked in to the locker room.
And thus marks the way Kagome met Master Totosai…
XxXxXx
It was another fifteen minutes before the other hopeful boys arrived. There were about thirty of them in all. Kagome noticed that some looked quite pathetic, not even having any kendo gear with them and having to borrow some from Master Totosai who was not pleased. Some of the boys were rather… large in size and looked quite threatening and scary. She had to admit that she was fairly intimidated by them…
The tryouts began with Totosai speaking the standards and requirements needed should any of the boys make the team. A few boys walked out after his speech…
After the speaking, Master Totosai started the boys off with simple technique drills. Few faltered, some succeeded, and some impressed Master Totosai. Kagome just hoped she was one of the later.
Next, Totosai had the boys pair up for some quick sparring. Unfortunately for Kagome, she was stuck with Inuyasha. He didn't look too thrilled. In fact, he looked quite bored…
Seeing his expression, Kagome felt a fire ignite within her. She suddenly had a strong desire to shove whatever strength she had right in to his face. She could just see him through the mask; his cocky smirk and condescending look he must have been giving her. Fortunately, this fire within Kagome didn't distract her from her objective. If anything, it fueled her determination and focus against Inuyasha.
Totosai commanded them all to begin.
Inuyasha suddenly came at Kagome with an intense speed that most likely surpassed Kouga. He let out a loud cry, and aimed to bring his sword down on her shoulder. She barely evaded this attack, rolling out of the way and gaining her composure again. She breathed heavily not even realizing how much energy she had to use just to dodge.
He came at her again, this time straight on, taking a great leap in to the air, targeting her head. Kagome hesitated for a split second, before rolling to the left. Was it her or was he getting faster?
Kagome hadn't noticed, but by now, almost everyone in the dojo was watching them.
Inuyasha came at her a few more times, each time Kagome barely dodging. She was using all the speed she could muster, but had yet to make an offensive move. After Inuyasha made another move for her shoulder, Kagome saw her opening. Just as Inuyasha regained his footing, she immediately took off, stomping and aiming for his head.
But then he disappeared and her sword hit nothing but air.
It was if he had vanished before her, quicker than the eye could see…
'What is this guy? Part demon or something?!'
Kagome barely had time to turn around before Inuyasha landed a hard hit on to her shoulder. The impact had her stumbling down at such strength, dropping her shinai in the process. She could actually hear Inuyasha's heavy breathing as he stood in front of her, but didn't make eye contact with him.
She had lost.
She felt humiliated.
In that moment she realized her weakness.
She didn't have the strength to hold her own. She may have had speed, but she lacked in strength.
Inuyasha on the other hand, seemed to have anything.
The entire room was dead silent. Kagome lowered her head slightly in shame. She heard the shuffling of feet around her as Master Totosai announced a water break.
A hand was thrust in to her vision.
Kagome looked up to see Inuyasha offering her a hand up. He had removed his wire mask and held a soft look as his face. She hesitantly took his hand and he hoisted her up easily.
"Not bad Souta…" he said before walking away to join Bankotsu and Miroku.
Kagome sighed tiredly, feeling the sweat dripping down her back and forehead. She pulled her mask off and wiped her face with her sleeve. She had never felt so dirty and tired. Picking up her shinai, she walked over to her bag for some water.
XxXxXx
The try out resumed with a few more exercises and drills before Master Totosai said they could shower up. He said the results of the tryouts would be posted later that following day.
All the boys whipped off their masks and outer padding before racing to the locker room. Kagome, completely exhausted from fatigue, weakly pulled off her mask and outer padding to reveal a simple white shirt and black sweats underneath. Breathing heavily, she followed the boys in to the locker room, barely registering what she was doing…
She walked in to the room and stopped herself short before she went in too far…
'What am I doing?!' she thought as she observed all the males in the room casually stripping down to nothing and heading for the showers. Gulping loudly, and nearly fainting (from horror) she quickly strode out of the locker room, through the now empty dojo, grabbed her things and walked out towards her dorm. She kept glancing behind her back to see if anyone had noticed her hasty departure.
So focused on what was behind her, Kagome didn't notice the girl walking in front of her with an armful of books. The sudden collision with her had Kagome falling to the ground yet again that day. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and opened her eyes to stare at the girl.
Kagome gasped.
It was the exact same girl she had seen out of Inuyasha's window when he had "not been looking at anyone". The girl was absentmindedly rubbing her arm, wincing slightly. Kagome's mind clicked back on.
"Oh…sorry about that." Kagome stated hastily, helping the girl up.
"It's okay…" the girl replied.
Kagome kneeled down and immediately began picking up the girl's papers and books mumbling a few more apologies along the way. The girl had also knelt down to help Kagome. When she figured she got the last of them, Kagome stacked them neatly and handed them to the girl.
"Thanks…" the girl replied. Using her free arm, the girl moved a strand of hair out of her beautiful face. Kagome immediately took notice of the sparkling silver bracelet around her wrist.
"Oh… I love your bracelet!" Kagome all but squealed. The girl didn't seem to notice her change in octaves of her voice and smiled brightly.
"Thank you. I got it at Tiffany's! It was on sale!" she spoke very energetic and excitedly.
"No way! Really?"
"Yea… what a deal huh?"
"Definitely." Kagome replied smiling, before her eyes widened in shock. She had totally just revealed herself to another girl. She gulped, hoping the girl hadn't noticed. Kagome gazed in to her eyes. If she had noticed, she gave no indication. Kagome quickly cleared her throat and puffed out her chest slightly.
"So uh… I gotta go do some guy… stuff. So…I'll be seeing you." She said making sure her voice was as deep and as manly as it could get. The girl merely nodded and waved as she walked along her way. Kagome sighed in relief.
She was about to continue on her way when yet another voice came at her.
"Flirting with the young ladies I see…" Kagome spun around and brought her gaze downward to stare at a short, but old little man. He too, was completely bald with just a tad bit of grey hair around his ears. His face was a perfect circle, but his nose was so incredibly elongated to the point where it almost covered his mouth. He was on the chubby side, his head barely coming up to Kagome's chin.
"No… no sir." Kagome replied. The old man let out a hearty laugh.
"It's okay young man. Sexual tension between opposite sexes such as you and that young girl is expected especially at your ripe age." Kagome cocked an eyebrow.
"I'm sorry sir… but do I know you?" The old man slapped his wide forehead hard, his eyes drifting upward slightly.
"You must be new… am I correct?"
"Yes sir."
"Well forgive me. My name is Myoga Saito. I am the head principal of his school." He said rather proudly. Kagome's mouth formed a small "o" at the knowledge and she felt like an idiot, but Myoga waved her off.
"Think nothing of it Mr...?"
"Souta Higurashi."
"…Mr. Souta. Many new students have yet to learn my name. I am just glad that I was able to make your acquaintance on this fine day." He gestured to the scenery around them.
"It's nice to meet you too Mr. Saito." Myoga grinned brightly.
"Such manners! Your parents must be proud." Kagome coughed rather loudly, but Myoga continued. "Shikon State is very proud to have you here Mr. Souta!"
"I'm happy to be here…" Kagome replied simply. Myoga bowed his head.
"I must be off. Have a nice day Mr. Souta." And with that, he walked off, leaving Kagome feeling a little, uneasy.
XxXxXx
When Kagome entered her dorm room, she was completely exhausted. She could barely keep her eyes open as she dragged her feet behind her. Without even bothering to change her clothes or wash up, she collapsed on her bed and was asleep before her head hit the pillow.
She woke up about two hours later feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. She still felt sweaty and dirty and she didn't doubt that she probably smelled too. Grabbing a new set of clothes, she walked to the boys bathroom. There were (of course) other boys in there, so she was unable to take a shower. Instead, she splashed some water down her face and back and slipped on her clean clothes.
Her stomach growled in hunger, but she ignored it for the moment. She knew that the kendo team list was up and she had to see it. Making it over to the dojo in record time, Kagome saw the white piece of paper with the names of the boys who had made the team. There were fourteen boys on the list; seven for the "A" team and seven for the "B" team. Eagerly, she searched for her name.
She found it.
And her heart nearly dropped.
Souta Higurashi: Team B
Kagome eyes saddened as she read the name and team over and over again. She couldn't believe it! She thought she had impressed Master Totosai with her skills! Heading back to the cafeteria for some food, Kagome felt as if her mood had completely deflated and she felt a sad sort of despair come over her. Her feet dragged behind her once more, but this time out of unhappiness.
The whole point of her trying out for the boy's kendo team was so that she could face the Kyoto Boy's Kendo Team in the Osaki tournament. But now it looked like she would never even get the chance. Kouga and his teammates were on the "A" team, and Kagome would have been lucky to even get a glimpse of them during the tournament.
Walking in to the cafeteria, Kagome grabbed a tray and proceeded toward the sandwiches. As she gathered her food, she heard loud laughter come from her left. She turned her head and saw Inuyasha, Bankotsu, and Miroku sitting together eating their lunch.
She felt a bitter sort of anger at seeing them, especially Inuyasha. He had made her look weak in front of Master Totosai, and she had no doubt that he was the reason behind her "B" Team position. She gasped and sighed at where her thoughts were going.
Kagome shook her head.
No.
She couldn't blame Inuyasha for her lack of skills. It wasn't his fault that she still needed some more practice.
By now, Inuyasha, Miroku, and Bankotsu had noticed her and were giving her odd looks.
'Great… now they've noticed me staring…oh well, better make the best of it.' Putting on a new smile, Kagome strode over to their table.
"Mind if I join you guys?" No one answered her. They just kept staring at her with that odd look. She shrugged and set her tray down in the empty spot next to Bankotsu. He scooted away from her, but Kagome didn't notice. Pulling up a chair, Kagome sat down. She was starting to feel a little uncomfortable with how quiet they were.
"So… talk about those kendo tryouts huh? Bogus huh?" she said, attempting to livin' up the table. It didn't work…
"Really weird how I got on to Team "B" huh dudes?" Again silence… and this time Kagome dropped her eyes to her tray and started picking at her food. She spoke again.
"Do you guys know who our first match is against?" she asked nonchalantly, not really expecting an answer. She didn't even both looking up at them.
"Kyoto University… school rival." Inuyasha answered. Kagome laughed bitterly. She knew all too well of the rivalry between the schools.
"That'll be interesting…"
"Why would it be interesting?" Bankotsu asked. Wow… they were actually listening to her now. She looked up from her food to see all three pairs of eyes on her.
"Well… uh. My sister goes there. And I think she used to date the captain of the kendo team…" she said through gritted teeth.
"Kouga Ookami?"
"Yea him…" Inuyasha laughed lightly and Kagome was once again startled by the sound of his voice.
"I remember him… I kicked his sorry ass last year in the Osaki Tournament." Inuyasha stated proudly, smirking widely. Recollection appeared on Bankotsu and Miroku's face as they remember last year's tournament. They laughed as well giving Inuyasha high fives.
Kagome shook her head amusingly and returned to her food. She was about to ask them another question when she realized that their attention was no longer on the conversation, but instead on the three females that had just walked in to the cafeteria. Bankotsu and Miroku's eyes held poorly concealed desire and lust, but Inuyasha's held something else… Something Kagome couldn't describe…
All three girls were walking close together, giggling at something Kagome couldn't quite hear. One of the girls, shorter than the others, had a quiet, pretty face, with short black hair tied back low. She wore an orange tank top and knee length jeans. The other girl was dressed much more tomboyish, with a simple black shirt and jeans. Her hair was tied high in a pony tail and she had a fierce look in her eyes. She had a solid figure; strong and toned. Kagome recognized that the last girl was the same girl in the window and the one she had run in to after try outs.
Feeling out of place with the other guys and their lustful stares, Kagome decided to join them.
"Wow! Check out those babes! Pretty smoking hot!" she exclaimed. Miroku was the only one to nod.
"Yes indeed…The one in the orange is Keade Nakamura, tomboy is Sango Taijiya, and the last one is Kikyou Nakamura. Kikyou and Keade are sisters, Kikyou being one year older." Miroku supplied.
"Kikyou huh?" Kagome pondered out loud. Before she knew it, Inuyasha's eyes were on her, practically glaring at her.
"Back off Souta…" he warned firmly. Kagome grinned evilly.
"Why? Is she your girl friend? That why you were staring at her from the window?" she taunted. Inuyasha growled low in his throat. Miroku and Bankotsu burst out laughing.
"Aww! Inuyasha! Again?!"
"Shut up." He snarled. Kagome laughed.
"Dude chill…I was just playin…"
"Keh." Kagome smiled and shook her head. She swept her gaze over to the girls again and noticed this time there was a male among them. Although, the girls looked none too pleased at having him there.
"Who's that?" Kagome asked.
"Just Onigumo Naraku…stupid little prissy…" Inuyasha said tensely. He gripped his fork hard in his hand, almost breaking it. Kagome observed Onigumo and noticed that he did look sort of creepy. He had piercing black eyes, and dark black hair that had been firmly slicked and oiled back. He looked like a frail little guy with just brains, but no brawl. His wore a button up checkered top tucked in to beige pants and a brown belt.
Onigumo gave a quick, sadistic smirk toward their table and then immediately began conversing with Kikyou in a very excited and logical tone. She politely answered all his questions, while trying to keep the bored expression off her face.
"Poor thing…" she pondered out loud. The three odd stares returned and suddenly she was the center of their attention again. She cleared her throat and tried to make up her mistake.
"It's just… I can kinda understand what she's going through. I mean… when I was with my gu-girl… gal friend… it was really nice at first…" Kagome closed her eyes and sighed dreamily and she recalled all her good moments with Kouga. Her audience looked a little disturbed…
"We would take nice long walks along beautiful beaches, have picnics at the park, and stay up late at night watching videos, cuddling up to each other on the couch and…" Kagome paused in her memories when she heard the shuffling and sound of movement around her. She opened her eyes and saw that her three "friends" had gathered their food and left the table, leaving her all alone and looking quite stupid.
"But it wasn't all that great!" Kagome called out trying to assure them, but they ignored her. "He- I mean she! SHE was always nagging and complaining and…" Kagome whined softly as she watched them go. She sighed.
'And I was just starting to get to know them too…'
XxXxXx
I meant no offense to people who dress like Onigumo!
Happy Holidays!