Light of the Sohmas'

Chapter 11Ai?


Kagome sighed as she looked up from the shrine. Damn, this place became dusty. Without her, Kagome's ojiisan can not manage the shrine. Her otousan was probably busy working with Inu Taisho-sensei. Kaasan was probably in her flower shop. She realized that she was the one who had been taking care of the shrine all this time. Kagome shrugged and walked up the steps to get a brook from the warehouse.

As she entered the warehouse, Kagome instantly regret it. Kagome tried to run, but the boxes wiggled and landed on her. Dust gathered everywhere as she started to cough. "Grandpa!" She exclaimed angrily. She trudged away from the boxes as she pushed it against herself. Damn . . . Where is everyone? By now, they all should be rushing out to see the commotion. Shrugging her shoulders, Kagome glared at the boxes as if she can turn them to ashes.

Getting the broom on the side, Kagome kicked the boxes inside before closing the shed once more. It was probably ojiisan's ridiculous artifacts. As she reached the steps, Kagome started to sweep the shrine. Though it may be a boring past time, this was one of her favorites. It gave her some time to think and sort out her mind. Sesshoumaru-senpai . . . was her senpai and childhood friend. He's been there for her since she can remember. She just hoped he wouldn't blame her for anything that happened two years ago, although she knew it was her fault to begin with.

Kagome sighed. There was Kyo too . . . He seemed pretty ticked off at her. Maybe she shouldn't have laughed. Yeah, maybe that's why he's so mad. Who knew he can be such a drama queen? She smiled suddenly at his weird attitude towards her. He reminded her of Inu Yasha. She kept Inu Yasha and Kouga as a brother, but there are times they can act like idiots. Kouga and Inu Yasha are idiots that are overprotective. she really do consider them as older brothers. They sure act like one, she noticed.

Kagome swept the leaves to the bushes next to the goshinboku tree. She smiled up at it. This was a time tree or so her otousan and ojiisan kept nailing in her mind. They told her something unusual about it too and the relation to the Sohma. She was a fool to think that it was just a legend. The Sohmas' were real and mikos' are real. And she just happened to be an ancestor of the priest who served the king.

--

"Kagome-chan, now I'll proceed to the lesson of the Goshinboku tree," her father started.

The small child scowled. "I've heard it from ojiisan a lot of times already! Do I have to?"

"Hai . . ." Utsuri said with exasperation. "It's been passed down from the Higurashi line since-I don't care when," he said nonchalantly.

Kagome grumbled inaudible whines as Utsuri told the seven year old to sit on the ground as he hopped over the Goshinboku tree. "This tree was planted during the feudal era by an emperore-and don't ask which emperor, I haven't the slightest- and a priestess by the name of Keade," he said. "For some reason, it grew in three years as it is today after it was planted. It must be the power of the emperors'."

"Keade?" Kagome perked up at hearing the child's voice.

"Hai, Keade from the Higurashis'," Utsuri explained. "The Hiyokashis' are related to us by her elder sister Tsubaki, a dark miko." Kagome gasped as Utsuri shook his head. "Do not think badly of the Hiyokashis' Kagome. They're the ones who have helped kept our family powerful. By competing with us, our generations of heirs and heiress become stronger and stronger from other ancestors of miko and monks. Since Tsubaki and Keade's generation, the Higurashis' has been superior, per say."

Utsuri shook his head. "Keade had always been a kind-hearted soul who was chosen to serve the emperor since she was a child. Tsubaki was the elder sister who had not accepted Keade's position and did whatever she can to foul Keade's plans," he said softly. "Tsubaki placed a curse on this tree once . . . the tree that Keade and the emperor planted together."

Utsuri leaned against the tree. "This was the tree that started the Sohma's curse . . . "

"Curse?" Kagome asked.

Utsuri sighed. "When Tsubaki placed a curse upon this tree, the emperor thought of an idea. Keade was able to remove the curse by placing it on a human. Demo . . .It had dire consequences," Utsuri said, his presence darkining. "Though she did it to save the tree, a tree that kept the forest from being corrputed, it was wrong of our ancestor to do this to a whole family."

"Anyways . . . the emperor thought of a plan by creating a competition for animals within the forest. This emperor was a chinese emperor who believed in the chinese zodiac. Here, he called several animals to the competition."

"Once the competition was done, he placed the curse upon a noble who served under the emperor. He was a Sohma . . . who was loyal and the tree was what preserved the forest and kept the balance between demons and humans at bay from the humans. The curse to the tree had almost destroyed it. Because accepted the task of the curse, his life was shorten. The curse made all the animals become humans. It was tragic how the noble Sohma's ancestors continue to pass down the curse to other generation. Even now . . ."

"Huh?"

Utsuri shook his head. "It is nothing Kagome. Now . . . Summarize the story of the Goshinboku tree for me."

"Eh?"

--

She never understood what he meant about the "Sohma" or "curse" then, but now it was easy to comprehend. Keade had lost her powers thanks to Tsubaki for the next generation of Keade could've destroyed the curse. They needed to wait for a five hundred years for someone to harbor the same power as Keade and it just had to be her. Tsubaki had protected the Shikon jewel until she became corrupted and it was given to Keade. Soon, it was passed down to the Hiyokashis' once more when they proved their purity. The Higurashis' had lost all their powers at the time thanks to Tsubaki's curse. Over the course of time, the Higurashi had been cured.

Kikyou was suppose to be the guardian of the Shikon, but because she was born, they've given her the task to be the "Sohma's Light" and the guardian once more as Keade was. Kagome sighed as she made herself over the tree. It was getting late and there was no key to go home and sleep on her bed. She might as well wait here then. Leaning against the tree, Kagome looked at the sunset. This was the sunset shrine and from here, she can watch the sunset fully descend. "Kii . . .re," she whispered before closing her eyes in a medative state.

--

Utsuri sighed as he placed the phone down. Where the hell did Kagome head off to? Shigure said she hasn't come home yet and it's been five hours since she disappeared! Dammit! He was in Inu Taisho's mansion for at least five hours celebrating Sesshoumaru's awakening. Yet, Sesshoumaru's best and closest friend wasn't here.

"Is she coming?" Inu Taisho asked.

Utsuri sighed. "That stupid girl. They said she wasn't there and at the time being, searching for her. I don't what Kagome is doing, but she is so grounded once I find her," he said with annoyance clearly in his tone.

They turned to Sesshoumaru who catching up with the others. Inu Taisho sighed and ran a hand through his silver mane. "Though, I fear what Sesshoumaru will do once he finds out she's engaged," Inu Taisho said, his voice angrier than intended. " I don't understand why you have engaged her to the Sohmas' when she can just cure them," Inu Taisho said. "Kagome could've belonged to Sesshoumaru."

Utsuri sighed stressfully, "Gomen Inu Taisho, the counselor had decided the marriage, not me."

"But I take part in influencing the world and I was the descendant of the emperor . . . I truly do not understand."

Utsuri shrugged. "You're in the same boat as me then," he replied to Inu Taisho's unvoiced question.

--

Tohru, Kyo, and Yuki didn't have an appetite. Shigure tried to eat his food, yet he was too worried for Kagome. She disappeared sometime later this afternoon. "Maybe we should search for Kagome . . ." Tohri suggested.

"We looked for her all afternoon. If that idiot's not back now, she's probably won't be coming back," Kyo said. Although he sounded angry, Shigure caught the slight of hint of worry in his voice. He really did care for Kagome, but had no clue to express. What a poor sap? Shigure laughed at his thought. He doesn't mean to be cruel, but it was kind of pathetic. Pathetic in a sense that Kyo doesn't know how show affection and pathetic that Kagome can never take a serious interest in relationship between a boy and girl.

"Daijoubu, just eat our dinner. She'll be here . . . Kagome is capable of defending herself," Shigure said with a smile. "Besides . . . I think she'd rather be alone right now."

--

Akito walked up the shrine, feeling that similar warm presence. Somehow, the information leaked that Kagome was missing. For some reason, he knew where to find her. She's a stranger to him as he is to her. Yet, they were engaged. He wanted to know more about if given the chance. Though, he needed to win her favor before that. Fortunately, she was kind enough to start over. Even with her tough outlook and appearance, he can tell she was kind. She did smile at him, of all people. Akito wasn't a fool. He knew he reeked of the curse. It affected people and his negative mood only distance himself further. He was hated in the Sohma, but also needed.

As he came across the Goshinboku tree, he stared for a moment. Crouching down to her level, he waved a hand in front of her face. "Kagome," he whispered. When her head tilted to the side, he chuckle softly. As he seated himself under the Goshinboku tree, his back grazed against it. He felt a shock enter his body as his eyes widen.

His lungs were suddenly stuck. The leaves of the trees began to hissed loudly as he fell against the ground. His body contorted into pain. He breathing became erratic as he felt his heart painfully pulsing inside of him. It hurts to even breathe. Sweat started to plaster against his skin.

He watched through blurry eyes as Kagome woke up with a started. He panted as he watched as she turned to him, eyes widening. "Akito!" Kagome exclaimed as she crouched down towards his level. "What's the matter?" She asked, concern lacing in her voice. As she touched him, Akito felt warmth wash over him. He grabbed onto her arm as she helped him away. When he touched the tree, he groaned in agony.

"I-It hurts to-to be near it," he whispered.

Kagome turned to the tree as she helped him struggle away from the tree. It was hurting, that much she was certain. As they made it to the well house, Kagome switched open the light. They modified the well house so it would be some sort of shed to keep old antiques in. She laid him on the ground and watched him with darkening eyes. Akito can feel it too. The curse was engulfing him. The tree . . . It was the Goshinboku tree and he cursed himself for not noticing sooner.

"Akito . . . Daijoubu, I'll help," she said.

Her hands hovered against his heart. The darkening aura started to calm as her blue hands began to glow a luminescent blue. It engulfs her hands as he absorbed as much healing power that she gave him. When she started to pant, he realized that she still has no idea to control her power. The curse started to lessen as the black orb deep within his conscience started to fall away into the inner chamber of his mind. She was assuaging his pain. When his breathing became calm, he found himself being lulled by her warmth into sleep.

--

Kagome panted as the glow in her hand disappeared. She stared at Akito and sighed. Placing a hand against her chest, she felt relief wash over her when she noticed he was sleeping. The Goshinboku had that affect on him . . . huh? It's amazing, yet horrible. That tree had always provided her with comfort and warmth while it gave Akito coldness and pain. She felt it once she woked up. The tree was violently pushing something away. She'd expected to be a robbery, but she was surprised to find Akito.

He wasn't evil and she doubts his intentions are anything bad towards her. He was good to her the times she was with him. Kagome fell against her rear as she started to breathe. Wow, it took a lot out of her. None of her family knew how to hone their spiritual awareness and there are none that are mikos'. Kagome was surprised she didn't pass out. She learned that trick from a scroll she read when she was little. Who knew it would come in handy? Hocus pocus . . . Kyo was right.

Kagome soon nudged Akito with her hands. "Ne . . . wake up baka," she said.

He groaned before his eyes fluttered open. She smiled at him as he sat up. "Where . . . Where am I?"

"In the Higurashi's well house," she replied. "Daijoubu ka?"

Akito nodded slightly. "Just a little sore." His eyes widen as he realized something. "Arigato . . ." He said to her.

"Ah, it's nothing . . . Just don't disturb the tree again okay?" She asked.

"I understand," he said. He looked away and Kagome sighed with a smile. At least the guy is okay now.

"You know . . ." Kagome started, "You're pretty weak for a guy."

"I'm not the one always fainting when I'm around."

"Oi!" She exclaimed angrily. "At least I'm not wuss enough to suck out other people's energy," she said. He was quiet after that staring at her with indifference.

"I do not have the power to 'suck' out you're energy. It's the way you react to me. You're miko instincts will always have the urge to cure and purify. Considering the power of this curse, I can understand why you lose control of you're own power." He sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. "That is why I'm bringing Kazuma back from his travels." He smiled as she tilted her head.

"Who's Kazuma?"

"A martial arts instructor to the Sohmas'. He knows how to control spiritual powers and I believe he will be able to assist your control, or lack there of."

The inevitable question came after that. "Then why do I have to marry you?"

Akito stared at her as Kagome looked at him with the same fire she did a few years back. Kagome waited patiently for his reply. He sighed in exasperation. "Ikou . . . Shigure and the others must be worried for you," he said as he stood up.

Kagome continued to stay on the ground. "Well?" He asked, giving her a pointed look.

"I don't wanna . . ." She said.

"Doushite?" He asked.

When she stubbornly stayed put on the ground, Akito grabbed onto her arm and hauled her up, only to watch her fall back down with lifeless legs. "Kagome?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. The truth was, she depleted her energy enough that her legs were temporarily wobbly.

"Uh . . . Yeah," Kagome replied with a sheepish smile. "I lost too much energy."

To her surprise, Akito started to laugh. Kagome's eyes twitched. "Stop laughing teme!" She exclaimed, glaring at him.

When he smiled at her after laughing, Kagome lost her breathe. He can really smile when he wants to. It wasn't a coy smile nor was it a cynical expression. How come she never noticed before? His genuine smiles are only reserved for her. Kagome gulped as she blushed. Akito seem to notice as his smile widen into a grin. "Am I that handom?" He asked.

"U-Urusai!" She exclaimed looking away stubbornly.

When she felt herself move, Kagome's eyes widen as she felt herself carried by Akito. Kagome pushed backward as she stared at him. "Hey! What are you doing?" She asked.

"You can't move remember? I might as well be a man and carry you home," he said.

"Home? I am-"

"To Shigures'. They've been searching for you for awhile now."

Kagome gasped. "Shimatta! I forgot to call them!" She exclaimed, laughing suddenly. "Whoops . . ." She whispered.

Akito tighten his hold on her legs as they walked out of the wellhouse. "Demo . . . How are we getting back without a ride? I doubt the taxi would be here and we'll have to wait a while for the bus to come," she said.

Akito chuckled lightly at her response. "Daijoubu, I'll just drive us there," he said.

"You can drive?" She asked as if it was the most amazing thing to do in the world.

"Hai . . . I do have freedom outside the main house Kagome. I'm not required to stay there all day."

"Then why do you?" She asked as they made their way down the shrine's steps.

Akito stayed silent. He wasn't sure how to reply to answer. Would she be repulsed by his reason? Would she think he's a coward? Or would she feel compel to do something about it? He was hoping for the third question. So . . . He took a chance. "I hide away from the world, knowing whoever I meet will despise me as I and the rest of the Sohmas' despise me."

"I don't . . . get it," she replies. For some odd reason, he expected that from her.

"Of course someone as pure and have people roaming around you for who you are and know they'll feel warm would never feel the sense of isolation."

An awkward silence fell after than and Akito was rethinking about his choice of words. Maybe he was too harsh? "Gomen ne . . ." Akito heard. Slowly her arms wound itself around his neck as he felt Kagome pressed against him. She embraced him behind as she placed her head on his shoulder. He was trying so hard to stop the impending blush, but failed miserably as she tightened her arms. "I'm sorry that you had to be alone for so long. Gomen," she whispered.

Akito sighed as he breathed in her scent. "It's alright. It's not so lonely anymore," he said silently.

"Daijoubu . . . I'll fix it, I promise."

"Hai, I trust you," he said. Kagome . . . She can gain trust so easily, but give it so leisurely as well.

--

Shigure was surprised to see the two in front of the house. Akito had Kagome in a piggy back ride as she smiled and waved. "Hey Shigure! I'm back!" Kagome exclaimed.

He sputtered for a bit before ushering them inside. Akito stepped in and Shigure was really surprised at his strength. He was strong enough to carry Kagome? All the Sohmas' are aware of Akito's health and the way he carried the miko so easily without a sweat only makes him question the extent of Akito's health. "Where's your room Kagome?" He asked her lightly. Shigure was again taken aback. The affectionate tone was definitely there. Does this mean . . . no way.

He watched as Kagome pointed upstairs and watched mildly amused as the others rush down the stairs. Yuki, Kyo, and Tohru panted as they spotted Kagome and Akito. "Kagome!"

"Akito!"

Instantly, he can feel the indifference between Akito and the rest. It was harsh and cold. As Kagome was let down, Akito assisted her against his arms as Shigure continue to watch the exchange. "Where were you?" Tohru asked with concern.

Kagome laughed nervously as Kyo and Yuki took her away from Akito who stood there with an air of arrogance. "I was at my house. I wanted to see my okaasan, but she wasn't there," she said sighing. "Kami . . It's alright now though! Akito was there to keep me company!" She exclaimed happily tossing a warm smile to Akito.

Shigure was again surprised as Akito's features soften. Kagome was really having an affect to the Lord of the Sohma's house . . . no, to everyone. She can destroy the coldest of walls and Shigure was glad for that personality trait of hers'. As the four went up the stairs, Shigure decided to tell Utsuri tomorrow of her return. She needed the rest, or so he assumed from her legs.

Akito turned to him and Shigure smirked. There was something in his eyes that Shigure wanted to figure out. "Akito . . ." The look that Akito gave him made him smiled falsely, ". . . Sama, would you like to stay the night?" He asked to be polite.

"Iie . . . Call the main house that I am at you're house Shigure and will be for awhile," he ordered.

Shigure sighed. Even with Kagome's influence, Akito still have a superiority complex. Sometimes, he wonders if he should just sent Kagome to the main house, but he was given specific orders from Utsuri . . . and a warning. A warning about the type of troublemaker Kagome can be. He wouldn't want to take that chance of getting in trouble anyhow.

--

Yuki and Kyo stood outside as they waited for Tohru and Kagome. It seems Kagome's legs are a bit paralyzed. "Dammit, why did she come back with Akito anyway?" Kyo asked, frustrating lining his features.

"I wonder too . . . She did mention that they're in better terms ever since the Sohma's christmas party," Yuki said, "Hopefully, she understand what she's getting herself into?"

"And what the hell do you mean by that you damn rat?" Kyo asks as his eyes burned angrily.

"If she end up falling in love with A-"

"The hell! What the hell is this crap about love you rat? She won't . . ." He whispered the last part. He looked away as Yuki stared him down with indifference. A smirk formed on his lips.

"Strange how karma can bite someone in the horrendoes of ways . . . right Kyo?" He asked. He was referring to his one-sided love to Tohru. It seems Kyo was stuck in the same predicament, but knowing Kagome . . . It's troubling and mysterious. Who knows her input about this. Her tomboyish ways and lack of intimate romantic characteristic can befuddle his mind. Yuki truly does not understand Kagome when it involves "love".

"Urusai," Kyo mumbled in response.

The door opened and Tohru peeked outside. She smiled and Yuki can feel the same butterfly effect as she always seem to have on him. "Kagome's decent now, please come in," Tohru said softly.

Yuki truly did fall . . . hard.

--

"I;ve decided to let her live in the main house," Akito said as he sipped his tea.

"Nani? Demo . . . Why now?" Shigure asked quietly.

"Iie . . .not now, but after her training with Kazuma," Akito said. "She needs to get comfortable in the main house to be comforable around me."

"Why so soon?" Shigure asked. "What if she wants to go back to Tokyo after her training? Couldn't you release her after she cures us?" The inu asked.

Akito glared at Shigure as he stared at the older man with contempt. "Free her? You talk as if I had imprisoned her in a cage. What are implying Shigure?" He asked his eerily venomous.

Shigure looked away for a moment before locking eyes with Akito. "I mean . . . What if she loves another? What if you can't gain that affection? And what would happen if she wants to leave?" Shigure asked. "What are you going to do? It's your decision more than anyone else Akito." Shigure's eyes did not waver as he asked, "Would you let her leave?"

Akito's lips became frigid. His hands clenched around his cup. Instead of answering, Akito stood up and left. Shigure sat there looking at the figure with a mix of confusion and understanding.

What can he say? He's already fallen for her . . . What can he do? As he start up his car, he drove off thinking. I can't provide a clear answer yet.

--

"Yeah! Seriously man, I think I've been hit in the head one too many times," Kagome said. She laughed nervously. It's a wonder how she was able to survive after the trip to the hospital four times. She wonder how in the world was she able to sustain this much energy left.

"So it's true then! You were locked out of your own house!" Kyo exclaimed slapping her back. "You baka!"

"Urusai! I am not a baka!" She said, glaring at him.

"Demo, Kagome please call next time. We were worried about you," Tohru said with a frown.

She smiled sheepishly at Tohru. Kagome really appreciated Tohru's concern. She's like a mother in teenage form. "Arigato Tohru, demo, I can defend myself perfectly well."

"What's with your legs then?" Kyo asked.

"Uh . . . I depleted my energy helping Akito," she said.

A look of understanding dawned on everyone's faces. They've witnessed how she cured him before and the strength she gave him just by threatening him. "Speaking of Akito, why were you with him?" Yuki asked, "And how did he find you?"

"Well . . .I was sleep-meditating under the Goshinboku tree when suddenly it hissed at something. When I looked, Akito was hunched over in pain. I had no other choice but to bring out my spiritual powers and heal him. I think . . ." Kagome sighed, "The curse was acting up."

Kagome frowned as she remembered the pain in his expression. "He was really hurt . . .I don't think I like that image much," she said. "He was in so much pain and his skin was pale. His hands were cold too and . . . I didn't think the curse would be so awful," she whispered.

They stayed silent for a moment before Kagome looked up. "So I promised him that I'll help him!" She exclaimed with a grin. She wanted to do something to help him. After he told her about his predicament with the curse and people around him, she felt empathy towards him. She understands the pain of isolation. When she was younger, she had always been a shadow under Sesshoumaru until she proved herself. She was always isolated because Kikyou was older and superior. She wants to help Akito too.

"Dammit, I'm going to sleep," Kyo suddenly said as he stomped out of the room. Kagome raised an eyebrow at his bitter tone. He seems angry for some reason. Oh well.

"You two should head to bed too," Kagome told them. "The hell I need some sleep," she said softly before covering herself with her blanket.

"Oyasumi Kagome."

She grunted in response as her eyelid heavily fell. She didn't notice them turn off the light as she succumb to sleep.

--

Sesshoumaru sighed as he looked up at the ceiling. He wasn't able to see Kagome all day. Sesshoumaru could've sworn that Utsuri had already contacted her. What is that baka doing anyway? Turning to the side, he stared at the picture of the blue-eyed tomboy. They had their arms around each other's shoulder. Kagome was leaning into the camera with a cheeky grin and a peace sign. Sesshoumaru stood stoically behind her with a peace sign. A hint of smile can be seen on his lips.

With Kagome, he would always smile. She his best and closest friend, but he hopes that someday it'll be more than just that. Not much as changed in the past two years except physical appearance. Sesshoumaru hope that Kagome hadn't changed much either.

He really missed her.


TWO TO THREE YEARS! .. . .Oh shit . . .Gomen you guys. I think I have some more ideas now. I really do! My writer's block, I think, has disappeared. SO SORRY!