Author's Note:
Hey all my faithful followers and reviewers! Sorry this chapter took so long to get out. I DO try to work on this story enough to hopefully pop out at least two chapters a week, if not at least one, but this past week has been really hectic! I had to take care of my sick husband and kids, and then I also got sick. So it's been a blast.
ANYWAYS here is the long awaited chapter! I tried to plan it out better but dang it, the girls just kept doing their own thing (you'll see as you read it.)
I also struggled hard core with the English language (even though that is my native language). One example is I was trying to solidify some plans with my dad and when I called him back to tell him about what our current plans were on my end he said "I thought that was what we agreed the plan was already?" And after a seconds silence in which I could feel him rolling his eyes at me I struggled to remember the words for 'planning; brainstorming, potential, etc and I ended up saying "Oh, well I thought that we were discussing... supposed plans?" My dad's reaction was "What!?" and my husband has been laughing at me all week about it. My dad just thinks I'm an idiot. And so life goes! Ha ha.
Hope you enjoyed that little side story.
Reviewers Responses:
Frog: Thank you thank you for your lovely review! It means a lot to me to hear that I am able to accurately portray the emotion that I want the story to take! I like to listen to music to help put me in the mood for the scenes I write. Thanks for the compliment! I'm glad that you have been enjoying this story so much! You were my first reviewer! :)
The host club wandered down the bustling street in Nagahama, Shiga. A town that prided themselves on their history, having been on the opposite shore of lake Biwa, where Oda Nobunaga had built his infamous Azuchi Castle. As such, they had preserved their traditional houses, despite also adding more modern comforts within them. The entire street they were wandering down was one such street, curving slowly as all the stalls and shops were open to the public.
"Where were we meeting them again?" Haruhi asked, idly glancing to the side at all the shops and stores.
"Kago-chan said to meet them in the square up ahead." Hani supplied hugging his Usa-chan, as he walked beside Mori. Sure enough when the square came into view, Rin and Shippo perked up at the sight of them, Kagome's back to the group. Rin and Shippo ran past her, and she turned around to watch them run up to the host club.
"Onii-sama, you came! Big brother!" Came the respective yells of excitement from the two kids. Her siblings ran up to Mori bouncing on their feet. Mori smiled and placed a large hand gently on top of both their heads by way of greeting. Kagome smiled at the sight as she walked towards them, the rest of the hosts taking in her appearance appreciatively. She was wearing a lavender blouse that had two long ruffles flowing down the side, and a soft cashmere tan cardigan and white skinny jeans, and navy flats.
The twins instantly were fawning over her feminine outfit. "That's awesome! Your outfit is so cute and flattering! Haruhi you need to learn how to dress from Kagome-san!" The twins intoned as they along with everyone else gave Kagome a thumbs up. Haruhi looked away sighing in exasperation. Kagome looked up at Mori, who was also giving her a thumbs up, and Kagome smiled, a twinkle in her eyes as Mori was stoic faced, yet a tint of red adorned his cheeks. Hani and Kagome shared a look and they both giggled.
"Well, let's get going! We have to get Shippo a samurai doll for the festival. But while we go we can definitely look at other things too." Kagome smiled at them and led the way, everyone falling into place around her. She was not surprised when Mori took up residence to her right.
"Can we get some carp streamers too!" Shippo bounced excitedly. Kagome's bright smile was not missed by any of the hosts.
"Of course!" She replied breezily. As they wandered the twins and Tamaki were excitedly zipping in and out of every store. Hani and Mori stopped when they saw a traditional katana shop. Taking a quick look around. Mori ever keeping an eye on Kagome's location from the corner of his eye.
Haruhi and Kagome watched from outside a dango shop, sitting on a bench while they ate some dango, watching as Rin held Mori's hand, Shippo having braved and having felt curious about the twins as he trailed after them.
"So what is their curiosity about commoners stuff? It seems pretty insatiable." Kagome asked Haruhi.
"I honestly have no idea... But it got really tiring for me really quickly. I felt like a pet that they are curious about. I'm still waiting for them to suddenly just lose interest. " Haruhi sighed. "I mean they dragged me all the way here when my dad actually has the week off. I'd rather spend it with him. He works so much that I hardly see him." The younger girl explained
"They dragged you here?" Kagome blinked in surprise. "By they I'm going to assume that you are referring to Suoh and the twins. I can't see the others dragging anyone around. To be at the whims of rich people..." Kagome rolled her eyes, then with a glance at Haruhi they giggled in unison.
"I'm glad that you are going to hang out with us more Kagome." Haruhi admitted. "Maybe the boys will leave me alone a little bit."
"Oh I very much doubt that. As you said, you are their exciting little 'pet'. But hopefully I can at least run some interference of some sort for you. Try and distract them a bit at least. And hey, you can use my family's private jet to go home tonight if you want. I don't want to force anyone to do anything, and I completely understand wanting to spend more time with your family." Kagome looked back at the scattered group as they began to get farther away.
"Really? That's nice of you. But when the club dragged me off, he told me not to worry about him and that he would pick up some shifts at work." Haruhi smiled in gratitude then watched the group with her in companionable silence. "Besides, as much as I might complain being with them always turns into some sort of adventure that I've never experienced before. So it can be fun. I just complain because I would prefer to be studying."
Kagome smiled at Haruhi who was watching the others, then her eyes were drawn to Rin who was stopped in front of a store that had some kimono's on display just outside the shop. She was pointing at a cute yellow and orange checkered Kimono. She was gently fingering the edge of the kimono, and Mori knelt down to say something to her and the little girl beamed up at him. Kagome's lips curved up into an unbidden smile. Haruhi looked from Kagome to Mori as understanding lit her eyes.
"You like Mori-Senpai, huh?" Haruhi was as blunt as ever causing Kagome to choke on the water bottle she had just taken a sip from. She turned her face to Haruhi, a blush clearly evident.
"What? I mean, yes I do like him. Both he and Mitsukuni have been really nice to me ... but ultimately Sesshoumaru is the one who is going to choose someone for me. I'm not really free to make that choice myself. Something to do with being the heir to his 'empire' I think is how he put it. Besides this world is so different. It's hard to pick someone who doesn't have some ulterior motive because of wanting my father's name and influence. Not that I think Takashi, or anyone in this club is like that in the slightest. Well... Kyouya maybe..." Kagome laughed lightly, looking down at the water bottle in her hands.
"I hadn't actually thought of that before... That makes sense. I guess I shouldn't worry about any of the guys liking me then. There is no way that any of their parents would let them choose a commoner to marry." Haruhi turned to stare at Tamaki and Kyouya as the taller and darker haired male leaned over some product that Tamaki was happily exclaiming at. Kyouya shook his head and said something that immediately deflated the flamboyant 'king'.
Both girls were brought out of their musings as Rin, trailed slowly by Mori and Hani, came up to them.
"Kagome-nee-chan! I found the samurai dolls! And guess what?!" She clasped her hands together, beaming brightly.
"What?" Kagome asked as she opened her takeout bag and handed Rin a dango stick.
"There is a samurai doll that looks JUST like Sesshoumaru-Sama!" Kagome blinked in surprise.
"Really? Let's go take a look!" Rin grabbed hold of her adopted sisters hand and tugged her forwards. Both Kagome and Haruhi followed the cousins as they led the way back to the store where Rin had been admiring the kimono. She watched as Rin eyed it longingly and smiled, gently picking it up and folding it in her hands. Rin's eyes widened, and Kagome merely smiled at her.
Rin pulled her over to the stand that held the porcelain samurai figurines. Kagome's eyes immediately found the doll that Rin had spoken about. She lifted it carefully and gently traced the crescent moon on the figurines head. Soft silky strands of silver white hair drifted down her hand. The figurine was wearing a white haori with sections that held white cherry blossom flowers within a white hexagon outline. The figurine had a spiked armor breastplate and a large fur pelt over one shoulder. It also had black chest plate and armor being held up by a golden yellow sash with swirling royal blue designs. It also held two swords.
"Apart from the markings on the face and wrists, and the pointed ears, this looks just like Sesshoumaru." Kagome breathed in astonishment. There was another figurine clad in al red and barefoot, as well as a one that looked like an older Shippo, wearing dark blue hakama, and a lighter blue haori. There was quite the collection there, along with what looked to be a monk, a female in black and pink sleek armor with a boomerang, and two other females, one with the traditional miko garb, along with the bow and arrows, and another with knee length green hakama skirt instead of the full length red pants.
"This one looks like you." Mori held the green held the green hakama one up to Kagome. The differences were minimal between that figurine and the one in red and white. The latter having longer straighter hair, and the one in Mori's hands did indeed have similar wavy waist length raven hair.
"Well I'll be. That's something else." The old gentleman shopkeeper whistled. "The resemblance is uncanny. Even this here little lady." He held up one that looked just like Rin, the figurine that resembled her even was wearing a similar kimono that Kagome held in her hands with the intent of purchasing for her sister.
"How much for these ones?" Kagome pointed to the Sesshoumaru, Rin, and Shippo looking ones, blushing when Mori added the one that resembled her to the pile.
"Well honestly I don't know. I've had these for years and no one ever buys them. I actually am looking to sell them as a whole collection. They were made by a friend of mine who was inspired by the legend of the Shikon no Tama." The man nodded in remembrance, with a hand on his chin, his white hair was up in a tight ponytail, and he was wearing a green and black striped haori and hakama. "I am afraid that it was my friends dying wish that they be sold as a collection, and not individually."
Kagome looked down at the collection, a smile on her face. "I know that legend. So this must be the hanyou, and his companions that collected shards of the broken jewel." The old man stroked his whiskers and thin beard as he regarded her.
"Heard of the legend have you? Not many young people these days know of it." He mused, his eyes moved to the rest of the club that filtered in behind her looking over her shoulder.
"Actually, my foster mother was a retired shrine maiden who lived on Sunset Shrine..." Kagome admitted sheepishly. That gave the man a start.
"Wait you lived on a shrine?" Hani looked up and asked. Kagome nodded, turning her attention back to the elderly man.
"Well I'll be! That's where the legend of the jewel was said to have originated! So Kaede still taking in kids eh? That lady is pretty old. We go way back. My name is Totosai." Totosai grinned at her. "Do me a favor will you? I had my friend make this one for her." He held up a short and stout porcelain doll, also in miko garb, however, unlike the woman it was made to resemble, it had an eyepatch, and was hnched over.
Kagome hid a snigger behind her hand. "It looks just like her. Except for the-"
"The eyepatch, I know. It is a long time running joke of ours." Totosai grinned. Kagome grinned, knowing likely how annoyed Kaede would likely take it.
"I can give it to her for you. And I will take the collection of dolls as well. And this." She handed the children's kimono up to the man.
"Sure thing!" He went to the register and started ringing the items through. There was a tug on her sleeve, making her look down.
"Is it really okay to buy all of them?" Shippo asked her. Kagome smiled at her little brother.
"It's fine Shippo. A lot of people usually pull out a whole set for the festival anyways. And we have the room. I'm sure father won't mind. Especially when we tell him it was Rin's idea." She whispered conspiratorially. Shippo grinned in response to her mischief.
"He can't ever say no to her." He crossed his arms and nodded sagely.
"Exactly!" She laughed, paying for their items. Before she could grab the bags that held the travel boxes for all the figurines and the kimono, Mori grabbed it for her, his hand brushing against hers as he glanced down at her.
"Allow me." He murmured. Kagome could feel her face warm as she thanked him and pulled her hand away.
They turned to go before and kagome turned to look at two swords displayed on the wall. One called Tenseiga, the other Tessaiga. She tilted her head and then turned back to look at the old man who held a look of mirth in his eyes.
"Totosai... did you make these dolls?" He looked up at the group then ran a hand over his partially balding head apart from the ponytail.
"I'm found out, eh? What gave me away?" He admitted with some mirth.
"My father is Sesshoumaru Taisho." Her eyes glimmered with amusement as she caught on to his joke. "And those gave you away." She pointed at the swords on the wall.
"Heh. Well you are pretty sharp. Tell the Demon Lord I said hi." Kagome shook her head and waved.
"I will... Bye Totosai." Totosai watched the girl go with a fond look in his eyes.
Once outside of the store, Hani looked up at Kagome. "What was that about Kago-Chan?"
"Totosai is one of my father's old business associates. He retired before we were adopted, but now I know why some of these dolls look just like us. It appears he has kept an eye on us from afar."
"Does the white haired samurai really look like your father?" Tamaki asked, an air of nervousness swirling around him.
"It does, and before you ask, no my father is not actually a demon. That's just a nickname his employee's call him... though only the ones he gets along with, and mostly those that he started his business ventures with."
"Why did the swords give it away?" The twins shrugged, equal looks of confusion directed to her.
"Totosai was the same name as the man who retired a few years ago from being the head of one of fathers businesses. Totosai was a traditional sword maker, and was hired to be the head of the katana making firm that supplies traditional swords as well as kendo and other martial arts supplies across Japan. Once I saw the swords, it makes sense that some of these dolls look like my family, they look exactly like two swords that my father already owns. So it wasn't Totosai's 'dying friends' wish. I think he probably made those dolls himself as a joke." Kagome sighed with a smile. "And it was pure dumb luck that we happened to be the first ones to buy them."
"Oooh... I see!" Tamaki declared, flowers floating around him. Somehow she doubted he understood the begrudging amusement her father may or may not have with the dolls. But she shrugged it off.
As Shippo and the twins, and Tamaki ran ahead to a store that had the carp streamers floating outside the shop, Kagome stopped momentarily in front of an artisan's shop. She stared at a glass windchime that had dark pink glass at the top, fading to clear at the bottom, and pale cherry blossom petals hand painted on it. The thick paper pendant hanging below it also flowed from a pale pink at the top, to a dark rose pink at the bottom, also with white cherry blossoms ink pressed onto it. She gazed at it longingly but thinking of how much she had already spent she gave it a look of longing and then slowly withdrew from it.
Mori and Hani both watched this with interest, and shared a knowing look, then Hani darted into the store, and came out with a small brown box and a bright smile on his face, Mori nodded at him, also with a smile on his face.
Author's Note:
I originally was going to have this be an actual scene for the festival itself, but then I had an idea for a different festival scene AND this one took on a life of it's own. I did NOT expect Totosai of all people to show up! LOL
Anyways hope you liked it! Please review!