Sisters

By Hidden-Pen (Near the Lake Side Story)

Component 4: Soul

"Kagome, do you need anything else?" Asked an attentive Chiyo.

She had always been accustomed to serving Kagome in the past eleven years in this manner.

Her servitude actually positively affected her, and caused her to mature into a young woman, who now was in her twenties, as was Kagome.

"That's all…" Kagome spoke blankly.

"Kagome, I'm worried about you… All you do these days is sit in front of that computer mindlessly. It's as if you've sold the remainder of your being to the network…" Chiyo worried.

"Chiyo… Do you remember the contract we made nearly eleven years ago?" Kagome spoke.

"What of it?" Chiyo raised her brow.

"The time has come…" Kagome said.

"For what?" Chiyo questioned.

"To end your contract with me…" Kagome did not even turn to face Chiyo as she spoke.

"Say what!?" Chiyo exclaimed.

"I hereby end your service to me." Kagome glared in her direction slightly.

"What about you though!? Without someone taking care of you, you can't do anything! You need someone to help you! Please reconsider Kagome! What will happen if I am not here?" Chiyo protested out of her compassion for Kagome.

"I will die. That is what shall happen. You will be gone, and shortly after I shall die." Kagome explained, still not caring or turning.

"Kagome, the doctors said that so many times, and they were wrong! You can still fight, I can help you!" Chiyo encouraged.

"I do not want to fight." Kagome sighed.

"Why!?" Chiyo's eyes were lined with tears at the thought.

"I do not wish to live any longer. I have outlived my purpose, and no longer have any quality life within me." Kagome spoke coldly.

"Kagome, we can go to a hospital, they can slow this down." Chiyo attempted to stomp the idea out of Kagome's head.

"And then what? I can not live on my own anymore. I am incapable of the simplest of tasks without help. Before I had a reason, but now that I am one step from killing Larkin, I am no longer needed to live. All they can do is slow this down, never reverse it. I'd rather die than live with this disease that will eat away at me for the rest of my days." Said Kagome.

"Kagome…" Chiyo sniffed.

"Go Chiyo, all you will do is keep me alive, that is why your contract must end." Kagome commanded in response.

Chiyo fought inside herself, and pushed back what was right to appease Kagome.

"Alright, you win… I'll go…" She accepted.

"May I come visit you?" She added.

"I'm afraid not…" The sickly girl replied.

"Very well… I had a feeling you'd say that…" Chiyo sighed.

Chiyo gathered the little things she had brought with her to the house over the years, and started to throw them in one bag. Kagome watched for a moment as she stood up and slid herself across the room as Chiyo was about to make it out the door.

"Chiyo…" She spoke almost as a whisper.

Chiyo turned to think Kagome wanted to embrace her one last time before she left. How she longed for that.

However, Chiyo was mistaken, as instead of a hug, Kagome swung an axe with the little strength left that she could muster, thus impaling her head.

The remainder of the now brainless Chiyo fell to the floor in front of Kagome who dragged her a few inches out of the doorway, but quickly became tired and left her lay there.

Kagome was too weak to move the body too far, so she had no choice but to leave her there.

She dropped the axe, and heard its loud clank.

"I told you before Chiyo… Your contract was over…" Kagome began.

"The deal was simple. A lifetime of servitude… That's what you agreed to. It isn't a lifetime of servitude if you live longer than me, as then you're not giving your life to serve me. You had sealed your fate when you made the deal in the first place." Kagome spoke to herself out loud.

"It's funny you fell for my trick, as I couldn't kill Tamao until I mastered the abilities that I have now…" She sighed.

"Now there's only one thing left to do…" She added.

"Hello?" Answered Eric Larkin on his cell phone.

"We haven't spoken for a while Eric." She replied.

Eric was quick in saying, "what do you want?"

"It's time Eric…" Said she.

"Time for what…?" He spoke nervously.

"For us to meet face to face." Kagome answered.

Eric's pupils grew large in shock, as he quivered in fear.

"What did you say…?" He tried to be sure he didn't hear what he thought he did, unfortunately he did hear it.

"I shall guide you to where I am located now." Kagome said.

Eric twitched for a moment.

"Check the streetlights, the ones that are on are the ones that will guide you to where I am." She instructed.

"What are you? Some kind of super hacker?" Asked he.

"No." Kagome replied.

"What then?" Eric questioned.

"I have mastered abilities that normal humans can not comprehend, one of which is control over all electronic devices on Earth, and in space." She said.

"The police will find you then! They'll trace this call back to you!" Eric challenged.

"Impossible. I'm hooked up to the black layer network, it gives me control over all information in the world, that includes the police records. I can simply delete the records before the police gain access to it. I am protected by the highest security protocols known to man, as I created them myself." Kagome explained.

"They can find your computer!" Eric nearly yelled.

"I doubt it. I am running on a complex mainframe that uses nearly six hundred thousand micro processing units. It was custom built, and uses several microcomputers to give power to the main unit. It has its own internet service provider in the same room that is hidden by nearly all protocols available, and will not identify itself unless I allow it to do so. Not to mention the computer I am using does not need a keyboard or mouse, or any sort of human interface devices. It requires only the input of the human mind, and has several ten terabyte drives hooked to it that are all stored in the other room, so if I want to hide anything from being seen all I must do is unhook two wires. I don't think the police can find me, so the only chance you have at getting me is coming directly to me." She enlightened.

"You built all of that!?" Eric was astounded.

"Yes. I am the black layer network's sole creator. I built this entire system with no other human assistance." Kagome took credit.

"So why are you leading me to you?" Eric raised his brow in suspicion.

"You'll see." Kagome's words were blank and lacking feeling.

Eric had no choice but to follow her orders, as it was the best chance he had at capturing her. Eric was aware that not only was she a threat to Chikaru, but a threat to his own intentions. If Kagome came forward with her knowledge, then Eric's plans would be ruined. He was aware that without Shizuma he could not execute his plan, however he convinced his father to allow him to marry someone else, and all he needed now was to get someone else who wanted in on the scheme.

The streetlights turned on only one at a time, and only one in the direction of where he was to turn and follow would come on.

He made it about fifteen blocks from where he had started, and was heading towards Astraea Hill, where he remember Chikaru had gone to school, and he arrived at a house just near the campus.

This meant that Chikaru was correct, and the person causing her troubles was indeed from Astraea.

"Who's here!?" Yelled he.

"Go to the room to the left, then follow the cables." Kagome answered on the phone.

Eric darted to the next room, and immediately followed the cables that extended across the entire house, and led him to each dark room, with every room darker than the last, until at last he reached one with an eerie glow of monitors, and sounds of computers running.

"Welcome, Eric Larkin." Kagome spoke, standing still in the center of the room.

Cables wrapped around her body like snakes trying to strangle their prey. Her sickly skin was prominent next to the contrast of its white, cold, lifeless flesh next to the black and red cables.

"So you're Kaori…?" Asked he.

"No, I am not." Kagome informed.

"Then explain yourself, why do you pass yourself off as she?" He questioned.

"I never claimed I was Kaori, you all just assumed I was her. I had never specified a name for myself, both you and Chikaru assumed I was Kaori, I never told either of you that I was however. Not to mention Tucker thought the same thing for a while, however strangely, for a while she assumed I was also Shizuma's sister come to spy on her and Nagisa. These ideas were lost quickly when her real sister stepped into the picture." Kagome explained.

"Wait… Tucker…? How is Tucker involved in this!?" Eric yelled.

"Tucker had an encounter with something that was picked up as supernatural on my detections. I began to tail Tucker for a little while then, as I believe she could hold evidence towards the Goddess of the Domon's existence, and possibly even her motives. However I was unable to extract the information from Tucker, as she had not put any of it down into electronic records, nor any hints towards it. That information shall forever remain a mystery to me, as my time here is short now." She responded.

"So you're not the Goddess?" Asked he.

"No, I am not." She replied.

"What are you then? If you're not the Goddess of the Demon, and you're not Kaori, what the Hell are you?" Eric was demanding the knowledge be revealed to him.

"I'm as human as you are, however I have mastered abilities that normal humans can not comprehend. I am not immortal, I am not a Goddess. I am a simple living being. I am Kagome Byakudan." She answered.

"Wait… Kagome…? Weren't you one of Chikaru's friends?" Asked he.

"Yes." Kagome smiled.

"That explains why you're after me…" He sighed.

Eric looked down holding back his regret, however soon tears would lace his eyes and run down his face.

"What do you want me to do!? I can't take back what I did… Please… Have mercy…" He cried falling to his knees.

Eric had come to a realization that Kagome had figured out his plan, and had no intent of letting him go so easily. Even as sickly as she was, he feared her. He could feel something in this girl that would destroy him in an instant, even if he were to slay her now. Not to mention with the amount of technology at her disposal, she has probably figured out a way to live even after death, and that would surely haunt him forever.

"How about a test?" Kagome asked walking over to him with a syringe in her hand.

She jabbed it into Eric's neck and injected the liquid into him.

"Ah!" Eric moaned.

"Now we shall see." Kagome giggled, followed by a series of coughs.

"What I just injected you with is a special poison that I created. It takes about seventy-two hours before it becomes lethal to your body, as it does not leave the body, Instead it hides within its cells and holds itself until it has grown powerful enough to kill you instantly. Within three days, that poison will kill you." Kagome told.

"How does that help me?" Eric grunted.

"All you must do is prove to me that Chikaru would forgive you. Tell her the truth, tell her your deeds. If Chikaru forgives you, or you return to me with her body over your shoulders, then I shall give you the antidote and never bother you again." Kagome smiled.

"What if you die before then!" He challenged.

"Don't worry, I shall contact you every day, and in the event I die, there is a safe behind me that contains the antidote, and will open with my DNA, so you may use my body, however I assure you, that I won't die." Kagome enlightened.

"What if I should fail…?" Eric hesitated to ask.

"You'll die." Kagome was simple in saying those words.

"Well you can either die right away, or die in three days if you don't like my test. The choice is yours." Kagome pointed out.

"I'll do it…" Said he.

It was too bad that would be the last time Eric Larkin would ever see Kagome.

Some time had passed since Eric's death, and Kagome was graced by a visit from Chikaru, whom she gave her beloved Oshibaru to as a gift of friendship, and to show that Kagome meant no harm.

Nearly a two months had passed since Larkin's death, and Kagome had long since left her home to enter the outside world, in an attempt to get rid of her remaining life, however she was soon placed in a hospital on bed rest.

Kagome laid there day in and day out. She requested no visitors, or any entertainment. She just sat in silence until she slept. She was possibly the least demanding patient there.

"Kagome, you have a visitor, darling." The kind nurse spoke.

"Come to return Oshibaru?" Kagome asked without even looking at her visitor.

"Something like that…" Chikaru spoke.

"How'd you know I would come here?" Chikaru questioned.

"Because of this." Kagome's word were weak as she held up a necklace.

"You still have that…?" Asked Chikaru.

"I take it you've come to put me in jail now?" Kagome changed the subject.

"No." Chikaru sighed.

"Why's that?" Kagome smiled.

"You and I both know you won't last in jail, Hell, you'll barely last her in this hospital. What justice is in that?" Said Chikaru.

"What ever happened to being a girl of justice?" Kagome coughed.

"You spent your whole life suffering. What you did may have been a crime, but it was for a greater good. I do not have any place causing more misery in the remainder of the life that you have left in you. Sometimes justice isn't always following the rules. You have suffered enough, I can at the very least allow you to die with some honor." Chikaru placed her hand on Kagome's face.

"Chikaru… I only wish my eyes were functioning properly, so that I may see what you've become. I am certain your life will be lived for a righteous cause." Kagome choked while speaking.

"There are so many things about you that I don't understand Kagome… So many questions that are still unanswered… I guess they shall forever remain unanswered…" Chikaru sighed.

"Life is a gift Chikaru." Kagome said.

"Hm?" Chikaru responded.

"Some of us are blessed with long healthy lives, others are not so fortunate. I have found it is not because we are bad people, but because we are all tested from the moment we enter this world. We have no choice but to press onward even when things are harsh. I was fortunate to have met you… Because of you, I had a reason to live. A reason to fight what was destroying me inside. You're a true friend Chikaru, and I hope you'll keep me warm in your memories." Kagome tightened her grip on Chikaru's hand.

"What about your family?" Chikaru wondered aloud.

"I have already killed them…" Kagome admitted.

"I see." Chikaru said plainly, it was as if it didn't phase her now.

"I almost don't want to die now…" Kagome allowed a simple tear to run down her face.

That was the first time she had cried in so long. All these years she was hurting, but had never let tears to leave her eyes.

"However, death is something I must face now." Kagome sighed.

"Why though…?" Chikaru questioned.

"Chikaru…" Kagome brought Chikaru closer to hear her speak.

"It's not how long we live, but what we do with our lives, that shape what we are. We are nothing in life, only in death." Kagome smiled.

"Chikaru, I thank you for bringing Oshibaru back. He's the last thing I have left of my sister… I wish to spend my last hours being as close to her as I can." Kagome allowed herself to be filled with joy over the very simple favor done for her.

"May God bless, Kagome, and spread his mercy on you in death…" Chikaru's parting words made Kagome smile, even though she knew they were wrong.

Kagome sat in silence with her arms around her beloved Oshibaru. She was silent until she heard footsteps insinuating a another visitor.

Tilting her head, she could only see the outline of a figure. She could make out long silver hair, and cloths that were obviously too large for her.

"I knew you'd show up eventually…" Kagome smirked.

"I am aware." Said she.

"So now's the time you tell me… What does being the Goddess of the Demon really mean? Are you the angel of death?" Asked Kagome.

"In a way you could say I am." She answered softly.

She had a soft voice that reminded Kagome of the virgin mother when she spoke, just like when Chikaru would speak.

"So I can assume why you're here…" Said Kagome.

Kagome could detect the footsteps of another there, possibly the escort of such a Goddess, as Kagome understood it would be impossible for a Goddess to live in the mortal world without protection.

"So this is it huh? Have you come to kill me?" Asked Kagome with a smile.

"No." She replied.

"What then?" Kagome added.

"I've come to save you…" She nearly whispered.

Kagome blinked, and allowed her hands to clench into fists of rage, with the strength left that she could muster.

"Son of a bitch…" Kagome muttered.

---

A/N: So with that Sisters is over, and the story of Kagome is told. However there is still one last tale to be told. I know a lot of you have been wondering what that last tale was going to be about, so at LONG LAST I shall reveal it.

Living Grace. The story of the Goddess of the Demon. Did you really think I'd leave this story with such a wide mystery unresolved? I shall at long last break the identity of the Goddess of the Demon. There was a lot of accusation on her. First she was thought to be Kaori, then Kagome, even Shizuma, however the TRUTH shall be revealed soon, and the true ending to Near the Lake comes with the final side story. I hope you're all prepared for:

Living Grace.