CHAPTER 22

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.

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CHAPTER 22 A perfectly normal day – Part 2

Rin waved at her mother and Izayoi, who sat at a table near the window with the Akitas tied to it. Such a busy day, just as Shiori and Soten left…

She then turned to tend to her customers. One was an older woman with an eye patch in a simple blouse and skirt.

"Welcome to our Café," Rin smiled brightly, "How may I help you?"

The woman was fixating on her menu, obviously still deciding what to get. Then, as if sensing something she hadn't before, she lifted her head. "I'll take the jasmine tea and a piece of chocolate cake. Thank you, dear."

Rin nodded her head as she jotted the order down. "Thank you. Your order will be right up." She turned around and went to the next table. The man seated there with his date, if Rin had to guess from the slightly awkward posture she had, was already waving his hand for her.Way to impress a lady. You'll get far.

Rin kept her thoughts from showing on her face as she went over. "How may I help you?"

"Yeah, see, so we were already waiting for a really long time," he started without really acknowledging Rin. "So, the lady will take the herbal tea and I want the triple chocolate mocha walnut cake and an extra strong Oolong tea."

Dutifully, Rin jotted the order down, trying to keep up with the speed of delivery the man put forth. As if his life would end, if he breathed too soon. Once she was finished, she turned to the woman. She's already sunk into her chair, as if this is the most awkward she's ever felt…

"Would you like something to eat as well, ma'am?"

"No, she can't afford it," the man cut in without even looking at either woman. "She actually needs to watch her weight. She's getting fat."

"That's not very nice to say," Rin said before she knew it. The woman's head snapped up. Her eyes wide, her posture stiffening. Damn, that was a mistake…

"What's it to you? I don't like being questioned." The growl was low and threatening. "I can treat my woman however I please. It's called privacy for a reason. So, keep your nose out of our business or you'll find I can be very unpleasant. Got that?"

"Sorry." Rin had to force the words past her lips. Without another word, she spun on her heel and left. I have to offer her a way to escape. He reeks of trouble and hurt and violence.

"Rin?" her boss called. Rin looked up and stepped closer. "Was there a problem with that customer?"

"He," Rin paused. She realised her heart was beating faster, her mouth was dry. "He is very authoritative and tries to order the woman with him into not eating anything. She didn't say a single word and seemed frightened. I called him out on it and he threatened me."

Her boss jerked his head up to stare at the customer in question. The pair was still sitting at their table. The woman almost curled in on herself, feet on the balls to get her knees higher, shoulders hunched forward. The man was a sharp contrast to her. Full of confidence and obviously at ease, he cracked jokes and told stories. It didn't even seem to matter that his companion didn't respond to any of it.

"I'll keep an eye on them," her boss said. "Thank you for reporting your observation to me, Rin. Please, continue with your work now."

"Of course."

Rin didn't look back at the table. I can't risk raising suspicion. It might put her in danger when they are alone again. Boss has it under control. He is known to make sure his patrons are safe.

Rin came out of the kitchen with a tray full of cake and tea. On the way, she had to pass the crucial table in question. Rin allowed herself a glance from the corner of her eye. The woman had sunken even more into her chair, arms held forcibly loose in her lap. Her head was lowered.

It's surprising; no one else is watching them right now. He wasn't exactly quiet in his attempts to get to me.

"Hey, missie," the man called out as if on cue. "We're still waiting for our tea."

With a sinking feeling in her stomach, Rin turned her customer service smile on. At least that hid her true emotions. "And the tea is being brewed as we speak, sir." She turned her smile blindingly helpful. "Anything else, I can assist you with?"

The man shook his head and returned his attention to the woman across from him. Rin snuck a glance at her. She had her head slightly lowered, shoulders hunched. But otherwise she didn't let any of her possible discomfort show. Rin delivered the tray to her customers. They smiled and thanked her for her efforts.

Taking another route back, Rin returned to the kitchen and picked up the next tray. It was the order for the nice older lady by the window. At least a little bit of distraction.

Rin weaved her way back over to the table near the window. The elderly woman looked up just in time to greet Rin with a delighted smile. "Oh, thank you, dear. It looks very delicious." Her eyes fixated on something behind Rin. "It's a shame. She's such a pretty woman."

"Excuse me?"

"The couple you were serving earlier. With the utterly impolite man. He should be ashamed of himself. A lady is to be treated with respect." The woman furrowed her brows, before looking back up at Rin. "I'm sorry, surely you have better things to do than to listen to me whine."

A surprised smile crossed Rin's lips. If she had thought the rest of the café ignored that man, she surely had been mistaken. Upon looking around once more, Rin found many people were stealing awkward glances at the couple. None of them seemed inclined to aid although being aware of the situation. Izayoi and her mother on the other hand had even turned slightly so they would be able to leap out of their chairs to help. At least someone thinks the same as me.

"It's rare people react like this," the old woman said. "Usually they would all look away, don't you think?"

Rin nodded mutely.

The woman sighed, taking a sip from her tea. "A pity, really. But you and these ladies don't. You would protect her. It is an admirable trait to have."

With a mumbled apology, Rin left the old woman to her tea and cake. Other customers required her attention as well. Luckily, her boss had sent one of the men to continue serving the couple, so none of the waitresses had to endure the man's comments.


WITH KAGOME

Kagome leaned back on the bench, humming happily at the sun shining in her face. Next to her, Jakotsu was stretched out completely. "So," he said, "How long have you known about demons?"

"If you count the times my grandpa told me of their existence, then probably from the age of three. If you mean since when I believe he was right in the telling of his stories, then probably a couple months." Kagome looked up at the sky in thought. "Yeah, a couple months. Inuyasha protected me from a demon attack and forgot to put on his charm. That's how I found out and then other pieces started to click into place."

Jakotsu hummed thoughtfully. His eyes were closed. Kagome turned back to look out over the park. There were a few couples dotted around the paths enjoying the sun and fresh air. Bees and butterflies flitted between the flowerbeds and somewhere close by she could hear a fountain.

"Now that I know you know about our little secret, I have another question for you." Jakotsu sat up on the bench. His hair fell in slight tangles down his back and he quickly wrangled it back into its bun. "What do you actually need my black wigs for?"

Kagome felt faint. She had dreaded answering that question anyone but her mother and sister. And given her mother's reaction it was entirely possible, Jakotsu might think less of her for trying to use her powers safely while lying to some of her friends. Not to mention the interlude with Inuyasha.

"Given your look, I'm assuming, it's something a young lady like yourself shouldn't be indulging in." Jakotsu leaned in closer.

Kagome stared at him like a deer caught in headlights. Has he figured me out already?Kagome bit her lip and fiddled with her hair. "Well, I need the wigs because I am kind of turning into another person? On occasion? And fighting demons?"

With every word uttered, her voice grew quieter and quieter until the last word was barely a squeak. Still, Jakotsu seemed to understand her. His eyes widened almost comically. "Don't tell me, you're the priestess everyone keeps gushing about?"

"Uh-huh…"

"Oh my god, I can't believe it!" Jakotsu threw his arms around her. "Everyone is talking about you, girl. They are so in awe, that Taisho actually has a priestess on his side to fight Naraku. It got some of the undecided parties to side with him even. I cannot believe that you took on that mantle."

Kagome blinked rapidly. What? The demons already know of my fight against Naraku and his minions? And they approve and take it as a sign to join Taisho?

"Of course," Jakotsu went on, almost vibrating with excitement, "I'll fix the burnt wig. If that is what keeps your identity safe from the other demons, I am obligated to help you on your quest to quench evil."

A ring interrupted Jakotsu's praise. Kagome winced, then she remembered she had her phone on to get Izayoi's call on when she should pick up the dogs at the café – a last-minute change from the previous plans to just drop by and get them.

Kagome picked up. "Hello, Izayoi."

"Hello, Kagome. Your mother and I are at the café. Can you come over and get the dogs? We want to go shopping for a little bit and the dogs can't come along."

"Yes, of course. I'm on my way. I'll be there in five minutes."

"You're a darling."

Izayoi hung up and Kagome put her phone away. Jakotsu watched her face. "I guess, that's the end of our little get together."

"It doesn't have to be," Kagome said. "If you want to, you can come along and we can walk the dogs together. They're sweethearts. You'll love them."

Jakotsu's face split into a delighted smile. "Very well then. Show me those dogs."

As promised, the pair entered the café five minutes later. Kagome looked around and spotted her mother and Izayoi immediately. Waving slightly, she lead Jakotsu to them.

"Hey, Jakotsu," Korari greeted him with a smile.

"Hello," Jakotsu returned the greeting politely. "It's nice to see you again, Miss H."

"Likewise. I like your new look. Is the nail polish new?"

While Korari and Jakotsu chatted amongst themselves, Kagome took the leashes form Izayoi. She noticed the other woman had a sombre look on her face. "What's the matter?" Kagome inquired quietly.

"The couple over there."

Kagome followed her nod and found the couple easily as well as the cause for Izayoi's sour expression. The woman looked almost frightened of the man sitting across from her. He on the other hand wore the most despicable, self-satisfied smirk Kagome could remember ever seeing. She needs to get out of there. That is a catastrophe waiting to happen.

Jakotsu stepped up next to her. "This doesn't look good. How long have they been here?"

"Almost as long as we have. I suspect, the man might be a demon in disguise and have bound the woman to him. There is something very unnatural about him." Izayoi mumbled.

A demon?Kagome concentrated on her powers. With careful precision she stretched them out towards the couple. What she found was a miasma strong enough to make her stomach flip. Kagome looked up at Jakotsu, who already watched her face carefully.

"Demon," she mouthed. He nodded grimly. She could see the wheels in his head turning already, trying to figure out how to get the woman out of the way to confront the demon and extract him. But Kagome could not yet think of that. There was someone else she needed to know was safe before that. Her eyes darted around the café. "Where's Rin?"

"I'm here," Rin slid up next to her sister without a comment. "Thank you for eating at our café, but you should leave now," she told the older women with a sad smile. "We will see to it that the young woman does not come to any harm."

With soft goodbyes and hugs, Izayoi and Korari left the café. If they had any inkling of what the girls and Jakotsu might get up to, they weren't showing it. At least, Korari knew of the priestess's powers. The Aktias stayed quietly next to Kagome's feet. Tongues hanging out, they watched the humans around them bustle, keen eyes looking for any scraps they might be able to scavenge.

"Don't worry." Jakotsu squared his shoulders and narrowed his eyes, "I have an idea."

Rin's eyes flitted up to Jakotsu. Her brows rose almost inconceivably. But one nod from Kagome and she settled into the new situation. Another ally against the threat in their middle. "So what's your plan? We already have an eye on him and one more comment and we'll call the police for harassment."

Without a word, Jakotsu strutted forward, directly towards the table. There was a spring in his step as he avoided hitting any tables or bustling staff on his way. What is he doing? Kagome gripped the leash of the Akita's tighter.

"Darling," Jakotsu said loud enough for the whole café to hear. A lot of heads turned towards the table everyone had been eyeing secretly before. "It's so good to finally see you again." Jakotsu opened his arms as if to hug the woman. She just blinked up at him, mouth ajar. A light went up in Kagome's head. If that's his plan then I better play along.

With long strides she positioned herself next to Jakotsu, the Akitas pointedly on the side of the demon. She plastered a surprised smile on her face. "Oh hi, I didn't think we'd meet here. How have you been?"

"Do you know these people," the man snarled. His formerly relaxed posture morphing into one of a tiger ready to pounce. His hands were splayed on the table, his eyes glimmering eerily. Momoka gave a short, low growl.

Before the woman could even begin to answer, Jakotsu cut in. He directed a sunny grin at the man's scowl. "Oh, yeah. We sat next to each other last year. We kinda lost track of each other after but how lucky is it, we're meeting again."

It seemed to placate the man at least somewhat. He still didn't look pleased to have someone so blatantly taking up their attention.

Kagome turned towards the woman with an imploring look. "It's so nice to see you again. Would you mind if we sat with you and chatted for a bit?"

"No." The man said lowly. "And now get the hell away from us."


WITH RIN

Rin watched her sister and her friend talk to the couple. He has a surprising ability to just talk so fast and with such conviction that it leaves no room for argument. He is creating a situation in which the guy has to dial back his behaviour because it is someone he seems to know.

With the usual air of polite business, she walked towards the table to intersect before any of her colleagues could. Kagome and Jakotsu were standing slightly in the way for everyone else.

"Excuse me, is everything alright?" Rin cut in with a smile plastered onto her face.

"Oh yes," Jakotsu grinned broadly, "Everything is tip top. We were just catching up with an old friend and just asked, whether we could sit down to chat for a bit. Would you have any additional chairs for us?"

Without even blinking, Rin clasped her hands in front of her. "I'm sorry, sir. Unfortunately you cannot add any chairs to this table since it is in the middle of the café. However, I can relocate you all to one of the other tables." She motioned towards an empty table towards the front of the café. Well in view of the rest of the café as well as from outside.

Jakotsu gave a delighted squeal. Faces turned towards them. Kagome hid her grin by ducking her head to look at the dogs. Momoka and Caleb sat next to her calmly. Only the tilt in their head told her they were paying attention to the man next to them.

"Come, come!" Jakotsu pulled the woman from her chair, although she was already standing up by herself. She smiled at Jakotsu's energy. Rin stepped back slightly to allow for room so they could move around her and away from the man.

"No," the man jumped to his feet. "Don't touch her. And you," his eyes flashed as he looked directly at his partner, "sit back down."

Without a single word, Kagome and Jakotsu switched places. Thank the gods they know each other so well. Otherwise this might take a dark turn.

Jakotsu caught the fist flying their way in his hand, while Kagome pulled the woman back further. Momoka and Caleb growled in warning.

"Oh, not so fast," Jakotsu said. "I was just trying to speak with her."

"But I don't want you to."

It happened too fast for either of the sisters to react. The demon shredded his human skin, ready to fight. Something opened in Rin's chest. A strong energy crackled under her skin at the distorted sight of the demon. Without even thinking about it, Rin directed the strange energy towards the demon. It erupted from her, spreading throughout the café in pulsating waves. The other patrons didn't react to it, as if hypnotised by the energy.

Only their small group stood stock still in the middle of it all. The woman stared in shock, then started weeping. "You – you are – Kami. You are a priestess. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."

Kagome stroked her back soothingly. "It's going to be okay now. It might take time and not always look like it, but it's going to be okay. Let us get you out of here."

Rin blinked. That was a lot of energy. And she says it was a priestess? But I've never done this before…

"What about him?" Jakotsu bent down to tie the demon up with a rope he had just pulled from seemingly nowhere. "We can't just leave him here."

The group jumped when footsteps closed in. Kagome blinked owlishly, as she watched the old woman from the window seat slowly make her way towards them. She smiled slightly at Rin. "I'm impressed, young Miko."

"Who are you?" Rin stepped between her and the still trembling woman. If she is another demon I am not going to let her harm anyone.

Kaede smiled brighter, her eye crinkling. "I can tell you all about that. But I think this young lady would like to get out of here and report this man to the police." She looked up at Jakotsu. "Make sure to catch Shako. He will know what to do."

Jakotsu looked behind him to Kagome, who gave a short nod. Quietly asking for consent, Jakotsu began escorting the woman out of the café and towards the police station.

"Now, with that out of the way, I assume, the police will soon come to pick this one up." Kaede looked down at the demon with a frown.


WITH KAGOME

"What are you doing here, Kaede?" Kagome burst out. "Why were you just sitting there and not helping out?"

Kaede looked at the sisters with an earnest expression. "I am here, because I felt your energy signature. And just like your sister's it is very strong and in combination, your powers are something truly special."

Rin and Kagome exchanged a look. I completely forgot to tell her that… There was all that noise with fighting and Kikyo and Mom trying to break us away from Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. How could I forget?

With guilt knotting her stomach, Kagome turned to her sister. Rin looked between her and Kaede expectantly. Upon seeing her look, Rin took a deep breath. "Let me guess: You met her at the Taisho's and because of all the drama all around you forgot to tell me about it."

"Yeah."

Rin smirked crookedly. "You're never going to change, are you?"

Kaede cleared her throat. "As nice as it is to watch you two, I am not only here to enjoy some tea and cake. You are twin souls. Two halves of a whole meant to work together. Not related by blood, but irrevocably connected," she explained. "As soon as the enemy knows about you, he will try to get you both. Your power."

Kagome looked between her sister and the older Miko. Now I remember, why I forgot to tell her. It would endanger her, if she fought with us. We would be unstoppable, but at the same time in more danger than ever with or without the boy's protection.

"Okay," Rin blinked, "So, if I get this straight, not only is my sister a powerful Miko, I am too, and if we were to combine our powers they would be basically unstoppable?"

"Not unstoppable but close, yes." Kaede smiled, obviously pleased.

Rin just took it in stride. "Okay then. So, what you're saying is, Kagome and I are important players in the war against Naraku and it would be better, if we both fought together."

"You don't have to, if you don't want to," Kagome hurried to assure her. I don't want you to feel like you're obligated to do anything.

Kaede pulled out another small object. This time it was a bead necklace made of white, almost silver-grey pearls. "If you choose to enter the fight," she said. "This necklace will help you harness your power and use it to your advantage."

Kagome watched in awe, as her baby sister took the necklace from Kaede without saying a single word. Rin looked at it intently. Then, with grim determination, she pulled the necklace over her head and stuffed it under her uniform.

"I don't have to do it, but I will." Rin looked at Kagome. "You shouldn't be the only one risking your life out there with them. I'll help you."

Kaede nodded her head once in understanding. Then, she turned and left the café.

As if a spell was broken, the café burst back into action. Patrons congratulated Rin and Kagome on nailing the unpleasant man down and getting the woman out of the situation safely.

Kagome watched her sister smile and thank them with a blush spreading across her cheeks. Oh yeah, she thought, Just an ordinary demon. Nothing out of the ordinary. A perfectly normal day.