Chapter 14: Screw Sick Day!

This morning's training has been grueling. Not because, it became harder by Tomoe's version of revenge, but because I have a cold. True, I don't have a fever, but I have the other symptoms: coughing (hacking), sneezing, and scratchy throat. When I came back from my wash, I was less clogged, but I went about making the potion I learned from Kaede. Few cups of water, this herb seeping in it, that herb crushed, this root juiced, and, vuwala, the potion is made. Knocking back the bitter drink, I pulled out a sick mask, placed it on, grabbed some cough drops, and left with my bento. Tomoe was to stay to show Mizuki the differences between his old shrine and our shrine and teach the snake all the rules and regulations and all that.

When I got to school, Nanami freaked out seeing my mask. She started to worry over me, wanting me to go home, but I reminded her of our school rules. Unless you have a fever, you have to come to school. Nanami cried for me. I didn't really care. Education is important. I would have crawled here if I had to, given if I really did have a fever.

Smoke trailed into the classroom. Kurama is able to make it back to school. Arrogant as always. I winced at the headache the girls' squeals were making.

"Haven't seen you all in a week."

Has it been a week? It felt longer and shorter at the same time with all the events happening to me.

"Ultra-busy super idol Kurama-sama is back to school. Long time not see, Kagome. Here's a gift from where I was working."

Then he noticed my sick mask as he gave me the bag. In a scratchy voice, I gave my thanks. I peeked inside to see tissue paper. I'll have to look through it later.

"You are sick? You should be resting then, not going to school. Would you like a ride home?"

Acting like a gentleman, I wanted to snort, but that would mean hacking or swallowing/tasting the mucus at the back of my throat. I tried to clear my throat away from the idol, then spoke in a little less scratchy voice. That potion better kick in soon.

"Thanks for the consideration, but school is important, so I can preserve. I'm sorry to have to pass up that offer, though. It's good to see you too."

I smiled even though he couldn't see it. I could hear the girls hissing and feel their glares. Saved by the bell, Kurama went back to his seat. I swallowed to moisten my dry throat, but some relief was seeping in. Yes, the potion was working! With hope of not feeling so miserable, I went back to reviewing my English and math.

It was during English that my voice wasn't all that bad anymore. I popped one of the mint cough drops to get ready in case the teacher wanted me to read. Grimacing at the taste, I swirled it around to get used to it and smoothen out then stuck it one side of my mouth. We were popcorn reading some English text when it came to my turn. I stood, and coughed a little to clear my throat. I was about to speak when Kurama interrupted me.

"Sensei, Kagome is sick at the moment and can't speak loudly. I'll read for her."

Then he proceeded to speak in perfect English. I sat back down to listen as I read along. I mouthed along to see if I could get the pronunciations right. I began to get frustrated when I couldn't get a few right with Kurama's pronunciations. I glanced over to him to see how he said a couple of words to see him looking at me. I raised an eyebrow. I went back to the text when someone else started.

Next came choir, but it seems the potion was slow going through my system. My voice was fine now, but my nose was still clogged, and my throat was still a bit scratched. Teacher called me out on singing a little flat. She wasn't satisfied when I sang again a bit better, so she had Kurama sing. He did sound good, but it made feel useless. I pouted and refused to look at him.

It was when it was time for P.E. that the potion finally worked out my cold. Throwing away my mask, I breathed freely. I walked down the hallway to the classroom drop off my binder. A chill went down my spine. A Youkai was here, somewhere. Miasma filled the air. I turned when I heard my name called out.

"What's wrong? Is your cold getting worse? Or are you worried about something, I don't mind listening."

"Oh, I'm fine. I took a potion this morning to help relieve me of my cold. It's working now. Right now, what' I'm worried about is why are you being so nice and gentlemanly? Tomoe told me you are after my heart and my position as a God. He told me to be on my guard around you. Is that why you are being so nice?"

"Oh, come on, don't listen to that fox, but if you have been worried about that all this time, I am sorry. I didn't realize it sooner, but it's just a misunderstanding," He told me suavely as he grabbed my hand, "what I really want is your heart."

He kissed my hand. A jolt went through me. He was lying. Not surprising, but I thought we weren't enemies anymore. I pulled my hand back and walked away. I stopped when he spoke to me again.

"Kagome, I'm serious. The miasma at this school has gotten thicker compared to before. You shouldn't go to dark places on your own."

"I know, and even if you use the English term for it, you're still after it anyways, you liar."

I walked off. I was the last person to get to the change rooms because of Kurama. Dang. I paused when I opened the door, and Ami fell over in front of me. A youkai is here. I braced myself when Ami threw herself at me in fright.

"Higurashi-san! There's a monster! A monster appeared! It liked my face!"

"Alright, I need you to head to class. I'll handle the youkai. Go to class ahead of me."

"What about you?"

"I'll take care of this first. I'm experienced in these kinds of things. Go on, I'll be there shortly."

Shortly after closing the door, I threw up a barrier around the door and myself. A yowl sounded when Youkai came into contact. It rolled on the floor in pain until I stepped on it to hold it in place. I had bubbles of pink flout about to see and threaten the youkai to talk. It was just a perverted youkai. Just as I was going to shove it back into its own portal and seal off this area, Ami startled me by slamming open the door and shouting my name. My miko ki doesn't have any effect on good humans. In my distraction, the youkai was able to lick my face, ew.

"Mmmh! You taste good, like cherries!"

Even as Ami got a look at it, I fogged up my barrier and sound proofed it. I lassoed the pervert and tossed him to the ground. Stomping up to him, I kicked him into his portal. Using more power than I should have, I sealed off the area. Huffing in satisfaction, I brought down my barrier to see Kurama and Ami standing there in bewilderment. I smiled. I'm not defenseless.

"Well, can you keep the lights on as I change Ami? And, Kurama out! This is the women's locker room!"