A/N: Apologies for taking forever. Thank you for waiting for this update, I have the basic structure in my head, but writing is a whole other task for my meticulous nature. That and I'm incredibly busy with other things so writing falls to the wayside for me. I'll do my best to keep chugging forward with the story, but updates will not be consistent. I will try to shove as much content into each chapter as partial compensation.
Can anyone tell me when Kagome's birthday is? Spoilers for a future chapter, but I would like confirmation if it's in September. My research confused me and a chunk of story will depend on the date.
Things quickly settled into a progressive routine and before Kagome knew it, a month had passed. She came to realize it when an interruption in the form of Hatori came after her usual visit. Kureno noticed him first as he began to escort his family's guest down the usual route.
"…Hatori-san."
The dragon gave a nod in acknowledgement. "I'll take her from here."
The person in question felt Kureno's momentary hesitation before he stepped away and gave a short bow. "I will see you next week then Kagome-san."
She replied, "Mm, see you then," with warmth in her voice.
As he walked away, Hatori motioned for her to follow him on the path to his house. "I would like to go over Akito-san's progress as well as introduce you to a couple of my…more enthusiastic relatives. They too are part of the zodiac, as I'm sure you'll soon observe. I apologize for their behaviour in advance."
The healer couldn't help but give a small laugh at the last bit. "From the sound of it I've handled people like them before. You don't need to apologize." A gleam entered her eyes. "However, they may choose to do so once we are properly introduced."
Her escort idly wondered what the phrase implied, but knew that whatever happened to his peers would most likely be well deserved. Past his doorstep while switching footwear, he said, "Go ahead and take a seat at the table, I will bring out tea and snacks."
Just as Kagome settled in her spot, she heard soft footsteps approaching. "Ha-san? I heard the door open. Are you back?"
"He is, but he's in the kitchen getting tea," she replied, her reiki sensing the presence of two cursed people. She slowly turned to view the new arrivals, half-remembering Shigure who had come with a flashy, silver-haired companion. Said person's eyes immediately lit upon seeing her. "Ah, you must be Kagome-san! I must say your appearance is much more exquisite than my cousin had described. May I be forward in the way of Europeans and hold your hand for a lovely moment?"
The miko's eyes crinkled in amusement. It seemed no matter what era she resided in, flirtatious people would be nearby. "No, but you may join me at the table."
"Then I may wilt without your touch! But your presence shall have to be enough right now." He dramatically took a seat to her left at the square table, hand to his heart. A snake coiled lazily around him, poking a curious tongue in her direction.
Shigure gave weak protest to his companion's words. "Oi, Ayame, I think I did a good job describing her. By the way Kagome-san, I must say you look wonderful today. May I succeed where he did not?" He flashed what seemed to be his most charming, innocent smile, but the dog next to him seemed to leer at her dress shirt.
At this point Kagome's amused expression turned overly cheerful. "No, you may not. I do however recommend you sit as Hatori-san is here with refreshments." A bit of pressure from her power made him fall on his rump, his animal counterpart flat on the ground with paws over its face. He collapsed further onto his side, whimpering "How cruel," and "Rejection hurts."
Their host walked in at that moment, raising an eyebrow at Shigure before placing food and drink. He sat on Kagome's right side. "Shigure, I just had that floor cleaned. I don't want your dirty mind all over it."
The dog of the zodiac popped up at the remaining position across from Kagome, imaginary ears perked up. "Ah Ha-san, you lift me up with such sweet words." The dragon spirit eyed him with an undiscernible expression while the canine eagerly wagged its tail. The miko gave a giggle at the antics, to which all three men turned to her. "Sorry, I understand the curse is a burden, but watching the spirit of your creatures interact shows the nice side of a connection, one where there is trust and comfort in the familiarity of each other."
Three expressions sobered, although a hint of peace showed in the faint smiles. Hatori was the first to speak up after a moment of silence. "Perhaps it is the single bright spot in our cursed lives."
"But what a bright spot it is! I, Sohma Ayame, have a deep bond for which I am deeply grateful for with these two." The snake possessed man swept his arms out in grand interruption, said spirit weaving around his limbs in excitement before settling on his head. "And that is not all. Tohru-chan is a lovely sunflower blooming into all our lives, right Shigure?"
Eyes were on him as he nodded, a genuine smile on his face. "Indeed, Tohru-kun is the single flower amongst the rough boys in the household. It's a near miracle she accepts us so easily."
"Pardon for interrupting," Kagome said, "is Tohru-san the other person who knows about the curse?"
Shigure nodded once more. "Yes. The reason why Tohru-kun stands out so much is because most people are disgusted once they find out about us. They call us monsters. Freaks." His face gained a bit of weariness, telling of a lifetime burden. "Even our own parents usually reject or avoid the topic of our possession. But Tohru-kun is different. She is selfless and loving and gives so much. She currently lives in my house with two other cursed family members, all three of them are in their second year of high school. I get to have a high school girl living in my house." The last sentence was said with a bit of a dreamy look, which the others pointedly ignored.
Kagome took the information in, mulling over all the aspects of their lives. She could understand how people who were different were not easily taken in by normal society. At least the Sohmas were visibly human. Being called names was the least of a hanyou's worries back in the feudal era. "How do you manage all the people who see your curse? There must surely be accidental witnesses, especially when you were children running around."
"Remember when you first met us, and Akito-san called on me?" Hatori's quiet voice permeated the air, a certain weight behind it foretelling this was not a light topic. "I am the person who erases the memories of people who should not see us, or people who wish to forget. Akito-san instructs me on who I am to deal with, and due to our bond I cannot disobey."
At these words the dog of the zodiac looked away while Ayame sipped his tea. Hatori's dragon became restless, fidgeting to the side. Kagome was hesitant to push for more information, but she wanted to understand the curse better. "What does it feel like, when you are…compelled?"
The dragon grew more agitated, but to Hatori's credit he remained stoic. "It…it's like a part of me…that isn't me, takes action. I move against my will, yet I want to please the other side of the bond. In the end I am helpless." His expression almost broke as he cast his eyes downward, recalling the dark moments of his life. The begging. The crying. The silence. The apologies –
Glowing fingertips reached out and caressed the dragon's head. Rather than flinching from her power, it calmed and settled into place. Ayame and Shigure stared at Kagome, reminded of who she was, not quite comprehending what she was doing.
Hatori on the other hand felt the part that was both him and not soothed. He didn't understand, but this was similar to Tohru's kind eyes and words. This reached deeper, like a balm on his soul. Tense shoulders slowly relaxed while his breath evened out.
"I am sorry for putting you through that," The miko softly said as her reiki withdrew.
"What did you do?" Ayame breathed, eyes alight with wonder.
Kagome looked deliberately at each person, but also took time to look at what seemed to be empty space. "Each of you are possessed by a spirit of the zodiac. I am a miko, one with the power to interact with the spiritual world and purify any taint in it. My powers allow me to see the spirit possessing you and directly affect them. I can see that they appear to be affected by your emotions…or perhaps it is the other way around."
Silence reigned as each member tried to wrap their head around the concept. Hatori recovered first, considering he had heard this before. "Kagome-san, thank you. For coming here, for helping us, for helping Akito-san."
Shigure was next, hearing the clan head's name. "Yes, how is Akito-san doing? Has there been much progress over this month?"
She tilted her head, remembering the past few weeks. "Hmm, he hasn't been keeping up with the recommendations I set for him, but I have Kureno-san ensuring that he does. A friendly reminder that the whole thing is for his benefit may help. He is eating better, and is not as hostile compared to our first meeting, although still withdrawn and wary of me."
A gleam entered his eyes at her reply. "I am due for a visit. Perhaps I will be that voice." He rose from his seat, stretching as the dog gave a wide yawn. "May I give you a proper goodbye before I depart?"
Ayame quickly recognized the overtly sugary expression developing and stifled his usual exuberance to watch. Kagome replied to Shigure's advance, "I prefer you stay your distance from me." There was a flash at his feet and he tripped forward onto his face. "Why me?" was mumbled from the floor.
Hatori gave a sigh as Ayame caved in with laughter. Kagome's featured settled as she explained. "At least Ayame-san is genuinely flirtatious and energetic. You're just lecherous."
The snake possessed man quelled his laughter, although his spirit continued to look delighted. "May I escort you to the gate while my fine cousins clean up and visit our clan head?" They all rose as he put his outdoor footwear on while offering an arm.
This teased a genuine smile from her. "You may. Hatori-san, thank you for the food and drinks." She gave a shallow bow of appreciation. "Until next time Shigure-san. Hopefully you learn how to treat a lady properly." After switching shoes, she took the offered appendage as they strolled outside.
Sounds of echoing goodbyes faded into the foliage around the pathway. Kagome was pleasantly surprised by Ayame's thoughtful silence. He was obviously more than a loud voice with energy to spare.
Soon his thoughts emerged. "I want to thank you for helping Hatori. He bears a difficult burden for all of us, especially after some difficult events these past years."
A small smile lit up her face. "I am doing this for all of you, not just Hatori-san or Akito-san. For Shigure-san, for you Ayame-san, and for those I have not yet met." The smile turned into a frown as she recalled something. "I noticed one of Hatori-san's eyes is damaged. Is it part of his difficult past?"
Ayame nodded, but was hesitant to speak. "Hatori…displeased Akito a couple years ago. He – "
"You don't need to give me the details," she cut in. "I'm sure it was a family disagreement, which is a private matter. Thank you for trusting me enough to speak about it. You are obviously more than the façade everyone sees."
At those words the man became almost obnoxiously loud again. "But the façade is true! So it is no façade, but a facet of the brilliant gem I am!" He winked at her, causing a small laugh. "Speaking of more than mere appearances, you my dear, are obviously much more than just a darling lady. What story lurks behind your power and the confidence to wield it?"
Kagome's expression reflected several feelings at once. Contemplation. Peace. Rue. "It is quite the story I have. Perhaps for another time of tea and company."
"Something to look forward to in the future," he replied. Arriving at the gate, he took the hand on his arm and quickly bowed over it. "So you can say to 'Gure-san I was a perfect gentleman," he explained over another wink. "You must come by my shop sometime, I sure it would contain the perfect outfit fit for your station."
"Oh?" She countered with a smile. "Another perhaps for another day then. Goodbye, Ayame-san. It was nice to meet you."
"Goodbye Kagome-san. See you soon."
He watched her turn and cross the street to a man with unusually bright auburn hair. Not that he was one to talk. Noting his appearance with mild interest, he walked back into the main house. It was time to plot another visit to Shigure's place to see his dear brother and Tohru.
-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-
"Hope you didn't wait too long," the black-haired woman said. Her companion was quick to reassure her. "I visited the compound beside here. Everything is good."
"That's good," she replied absently, her mind wandering elsewhere. Her son recognized that look, and what it entailed. "Hey, let's go visit it. They have a beautiful courtyard with a garden full of pathways and private areas." He steered her down the street alongside the Sohma main house. As they walked, Kagome noticed a lot of climbing ivy and a hole in the wall close to Hatori's house. She kept the observation for future reference as they approached the hanyou compound.
The miko hummed as she detected the various residents. "What is the purpose of this location?"
"It is for the misfits, mostly hanyou and their families," Shippo whispered into her ear. "It isn't perfect, but as close as can be."
She nodded in reply. Regardless, it was still thoughtful of Sesshoumaru to create such a place to accommodate the fringes of both youkai and ningen society. Upon entering a few people greeted her while others gave a friendly gesture before returning to their work. Mother and son went to the courtyard, where Kagome couldn't help but give a small gasp at the beauty and scale of the foliage.
"I know right? You've complimented them by your reaction." He couldn't help but give a sly grin with his words. "I'll tell Obaa-san you won't be home for dinner." With that he left her at the entrance to the garden.
-o-O-o-O-o-
Kagome settled onto a bench hidden in the trees. She once again needed time for contemplation after all the information the Sohma family had given her. How to help this family? What was the root issue?
Obviously the curse, but who cast it and how does it resolve? She thought to herself. It's all about social relations. Most non-cursed members reject them and are rejected. They are comfortable with each other, but Akito is on another level. They fear him, refer to him out of obligation. 'God' is not one of the zodiac.
Recalling past conversations with Akito, an idea startled her. He wants the curse. The others hate it but he wants it. He wants them. He's incredibly possessive, to the point that he doesn't want any outsider taking their attention away. Well that made things all lovely and pear-shaped. Why do they matter to him so much…?
Hours passed as she continued to mull over all the aspects of the curse and its' afflicted. The sun was beginning to set when a strong presence landed in front of her, pulling the miko's consciousness to the forefront.
"…"
"Sesshoumaru-sama, good evening."
He inclined his head towards her. "What causes your prolonged exposure to the wildlife, Miko?"
"Ah, I'm contemplating the Sohma clan and their curse. The spirits that possess them don't seem very vengeful. Closer to…quietly settled with their possessed." She observed from her memories.
"...This Sesshoumaru believes you have spent enough time in contemplation. You will be accompanied home."
Quickly bowing, Kagome expressed her gratitude. "Thank you for taking the time."
The pair walked out on the path to a waiting car in companionable silence. The Shikon Miko couldn't help but feel contentment welling up from having her son, her family, and Sesshoumaru present as her foundation to rest on. Without the security from them, after her feudal era adventures she would have been lost. Even now, they were her constant while taking on the challenge that was the Sohma family.
She let out a huff with a smile on her face, thankful for all she had.