Chapter Four: A Whole New World

Kagome woke to frantic knocking on her door. She moaned, burying her head deeper into her pillow. From outside her room, Karin called to her.

"Kagome! Come on, wake up, this is so cool," she said. Kagome heard Sango get out of bed and walk over to the door. She yanked it open.

"What do you want?" she snapped at Karin.

"Oh," Karin said, "Hello, sorry. You're Tayama?"

"Sango," Sango replied. Kagome could imagine Karin's wide smile.

"I'm Karin! I'm so glad to meet you Sango, I'm sure we'll all be good friends! But you guys have to get dressed, they've got breakfast downstairs for us, and it's amazing." Immediately Kagome lifted her head from the pillow.

"Breakfast?" she mumbled.

Breakfast was an understatement. This was a feast. When the three girls made it to the common room, they saw long tables nearly overflowing with food. Fruits, pastries, cereals, yogurt cups, stacks of pancakes and french toast, and every other breakfast food imaginable. An omelette cart stood off to the side, a line already forming. Kagome checked to make sure she wasn't drooling before grabbing a plate and going for some pancakes. Once she'd piled her plate high, she found Karin and Sango sitting by one of the fireplaces. Karin was digging into a bowl of cereal and fruit, while Sango was munching on a pear.

"I could get used to this," Kagome said, digging in.

"Ina said it's a one-time thing," Karin replied, "But the dining hall's like two minutes away." Sango's eyes flicked up, and someone behind Kagome spoke.

"Morning, ladies," Ina said. Kagome forced her mouthful of food down, then turned to face their 'den mother'.

"Morning," she and Karin chorused. Sango chewed her pear. Ina, holding up another clipboard, smiled at them.

"I'm glad you're getting something to eat, today's a big day," she said. Kagome stared at her blankly.

"I've got your class schedules," Ina continued, pulling some papers from her clipboard. Duh, Kagome! Kagome thought as Ina handed the papers to each of them.

"If you have any questions, let me know. There are maps by the juice table, so take one before you leave."

"Thanks Ms. Ina," Karin said. Kagome nodded in agreement.

"Of course," Ina replied. She looked at Kagome.

"And if you have any concerns," she said, "My door is always open." Kagome stiffened a little. Then Ina walked over to another group, leaving Kagome to wonder what exactly she was implying.

Karin squealed.

"Look at these classes!" she said, "A History of Interspecies Duels? Cuisine of the Youkai Elite? So cool…"

"We have to cook?" Sango mumbled, leaning over to compare her schedule to Karin's.

"What do you have, Kagome?" Karin asked. Kagome looked down to her schedule.

"World Youkai, Ethics in Media, Understanding the Youkai Sector-"

"I have that too," Sango said. Karin snatched Kagome's paper, reading over the classes.

"No fair! No classes with Kagome…" she whined. Kagome pulled her paper back gently, leaning over to see Karin's schedule.

"But you've got Crafts Across Cultures," she said, "That sounds fun. Maybe you'll get to make a demon katana." Karin giggled at the thought of learning swordsmithing.

"And I'll show a youkai how to make a cute bento," she added. Kagome laughed and Sango cracked a smile.

Kagome and Sango got dressed quickly, but it was already nine by the time they headed out of the dorm. It was strange, Kagome thought, considering her classes usually started at eight a.m. and went through the day, non stop. In her new schedule she had gaps, sometimes more than an hour long, and the classes she attended depended on the day. Today, Monday, she had a ten a.m. 'Understanding the Youkai Sector', a one p.m. 'Writing for Publication', and a three-thirty p.m. 'World Youkai'. After a quick check to make sure her flashdrive was securely around her neck, Kagome and Sango left their room and headed towards Taisho Hall at a leisurely rate. Sango, seemingly a skilled map-reader, took charge of navigation. Kagome was content to follow and take in their surroundings. Campus was completely different in the daytime. When they came in the night before, she didn't notice the academic buildings up the slope. The library, Taisho Hall, and several other buildings rose out of the grassy landscape. Made of wood and glass, they glinted in the sunlight.

"It doesn't even feel like a city in here," Kagome commented. Sango 'hmm'd in response.

"So…" Kagome said, trying to make conversation, "Where are you from?"

"Hokkaido." When Sango didn't elaborate, Kagome tried again:

"Where in Hokkaido?"

"The mountains," Sango said. After a moment she added: "Near Furano." Sango glanced at Kagome, then quickly away, pursing her lips.

"So this is a big change," Kagome said. Sango nodded.

"Why did you apply to the program?" Kagome asked. She resisted the urge to pull out her notebook, not wanting to spook Sango back into her shell.

"My family asked me to," Sango replied. By the tone of her voice, Kagome wasn't going to get anywhere further down that line of questioning. She redirected:

"What does your family do?"

"They give hiking tours," Sango said, quickly, "My parents do, at least. Sometimes I help." Kagome smiled at her.

"My family runs a shrine," she said, "And they drag me into helping too. My gramps is nuts about the place." Sango looked to her, a hint of a smile crossing her face. Kagome felt a swell of pride. Getting Sango to smile was not an easy task. It didn't last long. Sango was quickly back to business, pointing out one of the wood and glass buildings.

"We're in here," she said.

They walked into 'Understanding the Youkai Sector' a few minutes early. Kagome sat down close to the front, Sango walking past her to sit at the back of the room. Okay then, Kagome thought. And here she thought they were bonding.

Friendless, Kagome looked around the rest of the room at the other students who'd arrived early. Most were human. There was a gangly boy sitting in the front row who, when he turned his head, had greenish freckles on his face and a long, pink tongue. He caught Kagome staring, and she flushed, looking down at her desk. When she looked up again he was already turned forward. Kagome checked her phone to see the time. It was almost ten, and there was no sign of the teacher.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, a tall man walked into the classroom and shut the door behind him. He carried a briefcase, and wore a pair of rimless glasses.

"Hello class," he said, "My name is-"

Someone tried to open the door from the hallway, then began knocking frantically. Turning to face the door, the teacher raised an eyebrow. He glanced back to the class.

"Should I let them in?" he asked, grinning a little. The students exchanged confused glances, wondering if the question was rhetorical. The teacher looked straight at Kagome, crossing his arms.

"What do you think?" he asked. Kagome gestured to herself. The teacher nodded.

"It's just the first day," she said, "they could've gotten lost."

"That's true," the teacher said. He walked over to the door and pulled it open, revealing a flushed boy standing on the other side.

"Hello Tardy," the teacher greeted.

"Sorry," 'Tardy' said, "I got lost." The teacher stepped aside, letting the boy through to take a seat. He plopped down in the desk next to Kagome, school supplies nearly falling out of his arms. The teacher closed the door and resumed his place behind his desk.

"As I was saying," he said, "My name is Mr. Ooturo. For those of you who are wondering, yes, I am a youkai, though I appear human to you now." Kagome quickly pulled out a notebook and started scribbling in it.

She wrote: Mr. Ooturo, demon, human disguise.

"This class is called 'Understanding the Youkai Sector'. It is required for all first-semester human students, and recommended for demon students as well. The purpose of this class is to enrich your understanding of this city and its history. I'll be doing most of the talking in here, but if you have any questions, please just raise your hand whenever. I…" Mr. Ooturo trailed off, staring at the boy beside Kagome. She glanced over, and saw that he had his hand raised high.

"Yes, Tardy?" Mr. Ooturo said. He seemed cautious, as if he weren't sure this question would at all pertain to understanding the Youkai Sector.

"What type of demon are you?" the boy asked. A whisper ran around the room. Mr. Ooturo nodded.

"I suppose that's a fair question," he said, "rude, but fair." Kagome jotted down that asking a demon's type was rude.

"I'm a tree spirit," Mr. Ooturo said, "I was once tied to a tree that grew where Tokyo now stands. I suppose you could say my job is to teach you how I lost that home." Kagome wrote 'tree spirit' next to Mr. Ooturo's name.

"We'll begin with the feudal era," Mr. Ooturo said, turning to the board. Picking up a marker, he started to write dates and names. Kagome heard the students behind her shift, retrieving notepads and pens. The only student who didn't jump into action was 'Tardy'. He simply sat, leaned forward in his desk, listening intently to Mr. Ooturo's words.

"So there you have it," Mr. Ooturo said, stepping back from the now crowded board. He turned to his class, most of which was still frantically writing down Youkai names and various battles. Kagome finished her last stroke, and started massaging the base of her thumb for some relief in her hand.

"That's the basic overview of the feudal power structure in Youkai society. This power structure existed until the Sector was founded, and sometimes still defines our social roles today. Of course, that's probably because our oldest Youkai were alive in the feudal era, and they don't like change." The class giggled. For a history teacher, Mr. Ooturo could be funny. Especially when he called ancient demon generals 'righteous pricks who couldn't hold their sake'. Of course, he'd actually met them, so he'd know. The thought made Kagome's head spin. This man was hundreds of years old! Looking at him, she'd never be able to tell.

"Yes, Mr. Tardy?" Mr. Ooturo said, gesturing to the boy who sat beside Kagome.

"What about Lord Naraku?" he asked. Mr. Ooturo sucked in a breath. Kagome glanced between the boy and the teacher. 'Tardy's eyes were narrowed, a fist clenched on his desk. Kagome frowned, she hadn't noticed when he came in, but the boy was wearing a single glove.

"You mean the Lord Naraku who is pouring funds into this education program?" Mr. Ooturo asked, "What about him?"

"What kind of demon is he? Does he have powers?" 'Tardy' asked. Mr. Ooturo picked up an eraser and started to clear the board.

"That is hardly my information to share. If you want to ask Lord Naraku, feel free," he said.

"But-"

"Class dismissed," Mr. Ooturo said. 'Tardy' crossed his arms, sinking down in his seat while the other students began to pack up. Kagome threw her stuff into her backpack and headed towards the door, but Mr. Ooturo stopped her.

"Ms. Higurashi, a word?" he asked. Kagome felt herself grow nervous, but pushed the feeling down and approached Mr. Ooturo's desk.

"I hope that note-taking didn't wear you down too much," he said as he took some papers and put them back in his briefcase. Kagome shook her head.

"No sir," she said, "I'm a quick writer."

"That's good. I'm sorry to keep you, but I have to say I'm intrigued by your surname. I can't help but feel I've heard 'Higurashi' somewhere before," Mr. Ooturo said.

"I don't know," Kagome replied, "Maybe you've heard of our shrine? It's small, but it's been in the family for a long time." Mr. Ooturo nodded absently.

"Perhaps," he said, "Anyway, if you have any questions about the course, please let me know. I'll see you Wednesday." Kagome nodded, then fled the room. Sango was waiting for her outside.

"Sorry," Kagome said, "You ready for lunch? I'm starved!" Sango nodded, steering them down the hall and towards food.

Sango, Karin, and Kagome sat in the common room, in front of one of the fireplaces. Someone, maybe Ina, had built the fire up and it was pleasantly crackling away.

"Did you know that dog demons and wolf demons have had this huge rivalry for like...forever?" Karin was saying, "There was a huge battle between Inuuki of the West and the Northern wolf tribe-one youkai against a whole army! And she won!"

"Which class was this?" Kagome asked.

"Oh, this wasn't from class, I was just talking to one of the youkai students. Her father was one of the wolves who survived the battle. He said he would never mess with an Inuyoukai after that."

"They're rare," Sango said, "Always were." Karin started to chatter away again, this time about some duel between a famous monk and youkai. Kagome, weary from the day, let her mind drift a little. Sango seemed to be paying attention to Karin well enough.

Kagome knew she would like her 'Writing for Publication' class. It was a mix of demons and humans, some of whom had an interest in journalism. Most wanted a writing credit. Kagome had learned, to her disappointment, that there was no student newspaper on campus. There weren't really any newspapers in the Youkai Sector. It was so small and packed together that most people heard the news within a matter of hours. But her teacher seemed knowledgeable nonetheless-a thunder youkai who'd worked closely with reporters when the Youkai Killer was around. She was eager for the chance to put together some writing samples.

World Youkai was another history class, not nearly as interesting as Mr. Ooturo's lecture. Mostly they were learning about long-extinct demon breeds, either hunted down by humans or each other. But, Kagome reminded herself, there was an upcoming lecture on dragons, so it couldn't be too boring. 'Tardy' boy would probably really like it, since he seemed so curious about demon types and powers.

Kagome realized she was absently fiddling with her dad's flashdrive. She stuffed it back down her shirt, not wanting Karin or Sango to ask any questions.

Distracted by her classes, she hadn't thought about finding out what happened to her dad all day. She wasn't quite sure where to start. All she knew was she was looking for the boy in the pictures. Kagome slumped down in her chair. It was dumb, but she thought he might be a student. Or maybe she would just run into him on the street. Or maybe he'd seek her out, somehow knowing she was there to see him. Yeah, pretty dumb.

"You okay, Kagome?" Karin asked. Kagome nodded.

"Just tired," she said.

By Friday, Kagome was homesick. She wanted to call her mom, but her phone didn't work. She couldn't even text her. She lay in bed Friday morning, caught between getting up and going to breakfast or rolling back over and drifting back off to sleep. Really she wished she could get up and go to class to distract herself, but there wasn't even that option. Classes had been cancelled that day, because of the Sponsors' Lunch. Kagome grimaced thinking about it. All the human students had to attend and meet their sponsors, the Youkai who paid for them to come to the Sector. Ina had explained that once they'd met preliminary qualifications, each student was hand-picked by a sponsor who reviewed their grades, extracurricular activities, and family life. These sponsors had made a personal investment in the future of human and youkai students blah-blah-blah… So they were going to meet them. Karin was ecstatic. Kagome sighed, throwing her blanket off and swinging her legs out of bed.

"Sango, come get breakfast with me," she whined. Sango grunted, still half-asleep.

"Please?" Kagome replied, walking over to her dresser and pulling out the comfiest clothes she could find. Sango mumbled something unintelligible.

"It's Continental day," Kagome said, trying to tempt her out of bed with the promise of eggs and bacon. Sango, evidently, was not as motivated by food as Kagome was. Kagome sighed.

"See you later then," she said. No response. Sango was already off to dreamland. Alone, Kagome left their room and headed out of the dorm. She had to admit, being away from Sango and Karin for the first time in a week was nice. She liked her new friends, but it was exhausting being around people all the time.

Breakfast did wonders for Kagome's mood. She returned to their room to find Sango doing her morning meditation, dressed in a sports bra and yoga pants. Curiously, Kagome snuck another peek at the scars on her back. She winced a little, imagining the wound that made them. Then she realized Sango's eyes were open and she was caught staring.

"Sorry," she mumbled, putting an apple down on Sango's nightstand.

"It's okay," Sango said, "They're old." She stood and stretched, then grabbed the apple.

"Thank you," she said. Kagome nodded, sitting down on her bed.

"How did you get them?" she asked.

"I was on a hike that went south," Sango said. Kagome's eyes widened. Were those from a bear? Or a mountain lion?

"Were you attacked by something?" she asked. Sango tensed a little.

"I fell," she said, voice curt. That was a lie, Kagome thought to herself. She didn't want to push the topic, though. It wasn't her business.

"Have a nice run," she said as Sango left. Then she settled down to the real question of the day: what should she wear to meet her sponsor?

An hour, four outfits, and a Karin later, Kagome settled on wearing a dress. Ina didn't say whether it was a formal lunch, but better safe than sorry. So they got dressed and headed to the bathroom so Karin could curl her hair. Kagome sat on the counter, playing with her flash drive while Karin fussed with her bangs.

"I wish I had curls like you," Karin said. Kagome scoffed.

"What? I do! They're so pretty," Karin said. Kagome smiled at the compliment.

"Thank you, but they're a pain in the ass." She tucked her flash drive away and hopped off the counter, turning to face herself in the mirror.

"Who do you think your sponsor is?" she asked Karin.

"I dunno," Karin replied, "I hope they're nice. I want to stay the night off campus if they are."

"You can do that?" Kagome asked. Karin nodded.

"If you're staying with your sponsor. Otherwise you have to be back before dark."

Sango opened the bathroom door, calling to them.

"We're gonna be late," she said.

"Five more minutes," Karin pleaded. Kagome pulled the curler from her hands and herded her towards the door.

"Your hair looks fine," she said.

As soon as they entered the library commons, Karin completely forgot she was worried about her hair. The sight of so many demons, some wearing armor, others dressed in fine silks, had her drooling. These weren't the scrappy students, they were the youkai elite.

A mousy demon came up to Kagome and asked her name.

"Follow me," the short woman said, turning and scampering away on white paws. Kagome followed her to a small table with only two chairs.

"Your sponsor: Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands," the demon said. Then she was gone, moving on to seat the next student. Kagome stood, frozen, staring at her sponsor. He looked up to her, and raised an eyebrow.

"Please, girl, sit down," he said. Swallowing, Kagome did as she was told. Lord Sesshomaru leaned over the table towards her.

"Are you scared?" he asked. Kagome shook her head. Not scared, surprised. Sesshomaru had long, silvery white hair. He was the youkai on her dad's flash drive.