Focusing on school is a struggle. Kagome finds her mind wandering all day. She doesn't care about the dates of the Showa Period. Her thoughts are centered around the present.
When she arrived, people crowded around her. Surprisingly, Sesshōmaru encouraged this. He claimed it would keep her safe— too many witnesses for a follow-up attack.
Everyone asked what she was doing back at school so soon. Kagome hadn't had a good answer for that. She wasn't hurt— not that she could explain why to anyone —and considering her dismal attendance record, she figured it was best to stick to her routine.
Her friends walked with her into the classroom, all concerned but supportive of her decision. Eri even offered to let Kagome copy her notes if she needed to.
Kagome thinks she will have to take her up on that. She hasn't written more than a few lines all morning.
She doesn't know what will happen when she and her friends confront the guys from the gym. For their sake, Kagome hopes they can be reasoned with. If not...
...well, at least she knows she tried.
Life in Tokyo isn't as cut and dry as the world she left behind. People aren't allowed to take justice into their own hands— not without repercussions.
Following her conversation with Sesshōmaru, Kagome tries to see things from his point of view. If their roles were reversed and she was an all-powerful demon, would she sit idly by while someone targeted him?
Of course not, Kagome thinks.
She snorts, scratching out a line of notes that is utter gibberish. Kagome doesn't know why she even bothers. It's not like she's heard her teacher has said all class.
Expecting Sesshōmaru not to defend her is as silly as expecting Inuyasha and Kōga to become best friends. Even without his polished manners, he is still a dog demon and, like her friends explained, he is wired to protect his pack. That includes her and her family.
Kagome can't fault him for his behavior. Sesshōmaru is only doing what he thinks is right. Besides, it isn't like he chose to be here. He's just as trapped as she is.
They are both trying to navigate their situation and their developing relationship.
She sighs. Kagome wonders if she's been too quick to judge. When they were angry or frustrated, Inuyasha and Kōga always resorted to violence. Sometimes, their outbursts were understandable but sometimes they were the rash actions of an immature man.
Sesshōmaru is neither immature nor rash. His actions have a purpose. He was provoked by a cruel attack and even though Kagome knows what the law states, she has to admit, she too has considered hunting down those creeps.
Kagome pictured how their faces would contort when she cornered them with her bow. Would they cower in fear the way she had during the fire? Would they scream for mercy? Would she care if they did?
It's unnerving to follow that train of thought. It feels dark,— evil —, but Kagome finds herself wishing for revenge. She wants those men to hurt the way her mother is. She wants to make them fearful, the way Sōta is. She wants to make them uncomfortable the way Gramps is. They should know what it feels like.
A vision of Naraku comes to mind. Kagome shivers. She doesn't want to taint her heart with thoughts of wickedness. That road only leads to misery and despair. She can't indulge in those dark thoughts for long.
Shaking her head, she dislodges the images and focuses on their strategy.
Once Sesshōmaru locates the men, they will confront them. No matter what happens then it doesn't resolve the fact that she and her family are homeless. Gramps and Mama still have work to do. Commuting between the apartment and the shrine will take a lot of time out of their day. They need a plan to rebuild their house.
Kagome recalls what she told her friends the first time they met Sesshōmaru.
He's helping us with a historical event at the shrine.
She grins at her notebook and begins scribbling down ideas. They haven't hosted an event at the shrine in ages but Kagome still remembers how Mama set up the courtyard and where Gramps keeps his vendor contact book. She's pretty sure she can figure it out.
Kagome sketches out some preliminary banner designs and her concept for a flyer. She can ask for a pass to the computer lab to print a few to hang up around the neighborhood. Her pencil scratches against the paper, not with details of the Showa Period but with details for fundraising.
By the time the bell rings to signal their break, Kagome has several pages of notes on the event she plans to throw.
She discusses it with Yuka, Ayumi, and Eri over lunch. The girls each offer to help out.
Ayumi promises to discuss it with the select choir during their after school practice. Yuka says she'll create and air commercials via the broadcasting club. Eri suggests having the art club make the banners and flyers. She proposes the idea of using it as a community service assignment. Hojo hears them chatting and agrees. He volunteers to bring it up at tomorrow's student council/teacher meeting.
Kagome returns to class feeling better. She won't be the victim. She is taking charge of her own story.
The afternoon is spent drawing up a grid and parsing out the different tasks and advertising collateral. Where no one is currently assigned, Kagome writes in her own name. After all, this fundraiser is for her home. Whatever Kagome can't get help for, she will make time to do herself.
At the end of the day, several people in her class and a handful of underclassmen approach her about the fundraiser. It seems that Hojo and her friends have been spreading the word. Everyone wants to get involved.
When Sesshōmaru arrives to escort her to the metro station, people are still coming up to her to ask what they can do.
"You are organizing an event?" he asks once they are alone in their seats.
"Yep," Kagome answers. "I'm going to earn the funds to rebuild our home."
"That is an admirable quest," Sesshōmaru tells her.
"Thanks. So," she hedges hesitantly, "did you find them?"
He nods.
"And?" Kagome prompts.
"I kept my word," he says.
She senses a 'but' coming. His body language is tense. Kagome can see he is working out how to speak to her.
"Just tell me," she pleads.
"Two are on their way out of the city," Sesshōmaru reveals.
"That's great!" Kagome cheers, earning several bewildered stares from the surrounding passengers. She mumbles an apology and turns back to Sesshōmaru. "What about the third guy?"
"Gaku Tenro will not be as easy to dismiss."
"Why not?"
"He is a demon hunter," Sesshōmaru shares.
"You mean like Sango and Kohaku?"
"No," he returns. "Not like your friends. He is a fanatic. We believe he joined the gym because he suspected Shippō and Sōten. When I arrived, it only furthered his belief that he had stumbled upon a demon horde. He wishes to eradicate us."
Kagome's eyes go wide. "What?"
"As a precaution, Shippō and Sōten are moving all their tenants to other locations, including your family," he informs her.
"But where will they go? We—."
"—have friends," Sesshōmaru answers her. He wraps his arm around her. "Your brother is staying with Satoru. Your mother and grandfather are safe with one of her friends, your neighbor, Mrs. Nakagawa."
"And us? Where are we staying?" she asks, staring up at him.
"We will stay with the kit and his mate until all the others have found lodging. By then, I plan on resolving the situation," he explains.
Kagome feels her good mood evaporating. A demon hunter in Tokyo? It sounds like the plot to some supernatural sitcom. Then again, her life has been a crazy drama. She shouldn't judge.
"Is everyone safe?"
"For now," Sesshōmaru says with a nod. "Gaku thought he could sway the other two men to join his cause. I persuaded them to leave instead."
"Persuaded?" Kagome quips.
"Convinced," he clarifies.
"But you suspect Gaku isn't working alone," she surmises.
Sesshōmaru remains tense. Kagome has only ever seen him this way when danger is imminent. Despite her reassurance, he is still shielding her from the weight of the situation.
"Shippō mentioned that he has run into demon hunters before. He called them fanatics," Sesshōmaru replies.
Kagome doesn't like the term. It makes her think of unbalanced, erratic people who have no sense of right or wrong. They don't care. There is no way to predict their movements. She doesn't know how to battle an enemy like that.
"What do we do?"
"We snuff out the flame before it grows into a fire," Sesshōmaru responds.
She swallows thickly. "You're going to kill him?"
He levels his golden eyes with her blue ones. "I made you a promise. I will not go back on my word unless you deem it acceptable."
There is a sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach. Kagome knows what her decision will be if she has to choose between her family or the man who torched their house.
It's not a choice at all.
She reaches across Sesshōmaru to grab his free hand. "We're in this together, remember?"
"Together," he agrees.
They have dinner as a family one last time before Mama, Gramps, and Sōta move to their respective new locations. Shippō and Sōten take guard duty so Sesshōmaru can join them.
When Kagome shares her plans for the fundraiser, Mama is impressed by her ingenuity. Gramps tells her that she inherits that from his side of the family, while Sōta asks if they can have a gaming booth. Kagome and her mother both roll their eyes.
Her brother can tell he won't get his way and offers to put together a 5k run. "We can start and end at the shrine," he tells Kagome.
"That's a great idea, Sōta!"
She's pleased to see he is embracing the idea. Plus, a run will bring in a new wave of interest for members of the community who are active and competitive.
A monetary prize is always a strong incentive. Her family discussed having an entry fee and splitting the length fifty-fifty between the shrine and the winner of the race.
Her mother suggests having a bake sale. Between her and Mrs. Nakagawa, they can make a decent amount of cookies for the event. Mama's specialty is green tea cookies while Mrs. Nakagawa likes the more traditional butter cookie. Both are popular and will offer up freshly-made snacks for the attendees.
"What about you, Gramps? What are you going to do?" Sōta asks.
"Well," her grandfather says pensively as he strokes his beard, "I could conduct blessings under the Sacred Tree."
"That's nice," Mama comments, before taking a sip of her tea.
"And for every three blessings, they can have a Shikon no Tama keychain!"
Kagome groans. Leave it to Gramps to find a way to capitalize on the shrine's spiritual significance.
"What about you, Kagome?" her mother inquires.
"Sesshōmaru and I are going to do a demonstration. I'm going to showcase my archery and he is going to display his sword skills."
"Awesome," cheers Sōta.
"That will definitely draw a crowd," Mama remarks with a smile.
Kagome tells them about her friends' involvement and how the art club is working up banners and ads.
"We just need to land on a date," she points out.
"What about the end of the month?" her mother suggests. "That's two weeks away which should give you enough time. Plus, that Sunday is your father and mine's anniversary. Maybe it will bring us luck."
Gramps pats Mama's arm. "I think that's a wonderful idea, Mayumi."
"Me too," Sōta agrees.
"Then it's settled. We'll have the event on your anniversary and raise enough money to rebuild our home!" Kagome declares.
"There's a lot that needs to be done between now and then," her mother says.
"Don't worry," Kagome reassures her. "I made a chart of all the items and who is in charge of what. I'll just add the bake sale, blessings, and Sōta's 5k to the list. Between us and my friends at school, I think we have it all covered."
She rummages through her backpack for the sheet and then flattens it out on the table. Gramps, Mama, and Sōta lean in to read it.
"Whoa, sis, I'm impressed."
"Thanks," Kagome drawls.
She knows she shouldn't be annoyed. Sōta has covered a lot for Kagome over the last year while she lived a double life. He's not used to her being so organized.
Of course, he forgets Kagome wasn't just taking care of Inuyasha. She was taking care of all her friends— managing their food supplies, her medical kit, and making sure they had enough water. Planning a fundraiser is not difficult when compared to her past trials.
"I find your perseverance exceptional," Sesshōmaru praises.
"Thanks," she grins.
He has been reserved all evening. Clearly, he remembers their conversation from last night. Kagome is grateful. Between the fundraiser, Gaku and the demon hunters, and trying to unlock the mystery of the well, she doesn't have the energy to worry about her relationship.
There is a knock on the apartment door. A second later, Shippō pokes his head in. "All set?"
"Almost," Kagome's mother responds, beginning to pick up the dishes.
"Leave it, Mama. I can take care of it," Kagome tells her.
Sesshōmaru helps her gather the bowls and take them into the kitchen to be washed. When they return, Kagome's family is standing by the door.
She hugs each of them, pausing the longest for her mother.
"You have Sōten and Shippō's phone numbers?" Kagome asks.
Mama nods.
"Notify us if you require any assistance," Sesshōmaru reminds her.
Again, Mama nods.
Kagome recognizes the watery look of her eyes and doesn't say more.
Sesshōmaru waits until they begin their descent down the stairwell to wrap his arms around her. "They will be fine," he assures her. "Any distance they gain from me makes them less of a target."
Kagome nods, though she can feel her lower lip trembling. The truth doesn't make the separation any easier. This isn't like leaving through the well. Each time she ran into the well house, Kagome intended to come back. She knew she'd see her family again. This time, Kagome isn't sure.
The reality of her situation feels heavier without her family's presence. Her high from generating buzz about the fundraiser ebbs. Kagome's thoughts spiral darkly as she realizes that she's homeless, jobless, and well-less.
She sags against Sesshōmaru, seeking comfort. He responds immediately, tightening his hold and combing his long fingers through her hair.
"I will not let anything happen to them or you," he vows.
"I know," Kagome whispers, clinging to him.
"We will find the demon hunters and put an end to their reign, then we will find a way to return home."
She tilts her face up to study his expression. "Do you really think it's possible?"
"I believe you possess the power to will it to be," Sesshōmaru answers.
Kagome buries her face in his chest, attempting to hide her tears. How can she be so terribly sad and incredibly happy at the same time?
Sesshōmaru doesn't tell her to stop crying or make a comment about her being emotional like Inuyasha used to. He simply holds her.
Kagome feels the warmth of his body seeping through the layers of their clothes. She can smell him— a blend of fresh air through the trees, newly sharpened steel, and musk. Kagome lingers there in the safety of his embrace, drawing strength from the person who has become her rock.
She thought she loved Inuyasha but being with Sesshōmaru shows Kagome how naive that was. Real love doesn't ask you to be a different person. Real love exists because both people accept each other as they are.
The words bubble up, perched on the tip of her tongue. Kagome presses the heel of her palm to her eyes, brushing away her tears.
"Sesshōmaru?"
He stares down at her.
"I—."
The apartment door bursts open. "We found him!"
Kagome stiffens. She feels Sesshōmaru pull her a bit closer as he glares at the younger demons over the top of her head.
"We will join you shortly," he tells them.
"Uh, right," Shippō replies.
The door slams shut and Kagome sinks deeper into his hold. "Guess we should go, huh?"
"What did you wish to say?"
"It can wait," she mutters. "Let's go."
He appears concerned by her decision but allows her to lead him up to Shippō and Sōten's apartment.
They find the mated couple in a heated discussion.
"We need her for protection!"
"It's not safe!"
"And chasing after jewel shards was?"
"What is going on here?" Sesshōmaru demands, stepping in front of Kagome.
Sōten glares at Shippō before answering, "He doesn't want Kagome coming with us to confront Gaku."
"That's not your choice, Shippō," Kagome tells him, moving around Sesshōmaru to face her friend. "I'm going to fight."
"See?" Sōten shoots a look at her mate while crossing her arms over her chest.
"What did you mean about protection?" Kagome inquires.
"Do you remember Unagi?" Shippō questions.
"He tried to purify Sesshōmaru but it didn't work," she replies. "What about him? He can't possibly still be alive."
"No, but his teachings are. He passed them down and created the next generation of hunting monks."
"What?" Kagome gasps.
"If Gaku is one of his disciples, he may know how to create a vajra. It won't harm us but it could kill any bystanders or cause property damage," Sōten explains.
"Those talismans were Unagi's specialty. We haven't seen one in use since the monks conducted raids. They aren't easy to make. Gaku may be waiting to use it until he is sure he can take out as many of us as possible," Shippō shares.
Kagome looks to Sesshōmaru. He appears stoic until she catches the slight twitch of his lips. He's worried. She glances at her friends and realizes that they all are.
"What can I do?" she asks again.
"You can stop it," Sōten tells her. "Your reiki is far stronger than anything Unagi was capable of creating. The majority of his followers are normal mortals. We haven't come across a true holy man in centuries. With you at our sides, their attacks will be nullified."
"Fine," Kagome agrees. "I'll do it."
Sōten grins. Shippō shifts uncomfortably but it is Sesshōmaru who speaks.
"You will stay behind me."
She pivots around. "What? No way! I can't hit him with an arrow if I'm stuck behind you!"
"Nor will he be able to strike you," Sesshōmaru points out.
Putting her hands on her hips, Kagome fixes him with a stare. "So you're going to be a shield?"
"Yes."
"No, that's not what we agreed on," she argues.
"Kagome—."
"Don't 'Kagome' me! If you think I'm going to let you get hurt for me, you're wrong," she snaps.
"I heal quicker," Sesshōmaru reminds her.
"I don't care! I love you but that doesn't mean you can just—."
His golden eyes gleam. "What?"
"I said, just because you can heal quickly doesn't mean—."
"Before that," he cuts her off.
Kagome replays the words in her mind. Her mouth falls open. This was not how she wanted to tell him— far from it, in fact. She planned on speaking those words someplace special while they were alone. She wanted the moment to be perfect. This is—
— not.
"I...," she trails off, caught between repeating the words and apologizing for allowing her emotions to get the best of her. Shaking her head, Kagome staggers backward.
Sesshōmaru catches her wrist. "You honor me greatly," he says before he is drawing Kagome to him.
When his lips meet hers, she forgets all about her disappointment. Sesshōmaru's hands drift from her arms, down her sides, to rest on her hips. This close to him, Kagome can feel every crease and each hem of his outfit. She can also feel everything beneath. He is strong, warm, and very, very pleased.
Kagome can feel it as effortlessly as she can feel the heat coming off his body. The impact of his happiness feels like a tangible thing, bursting forth out of him and coloring his aura in shimmering sparks of golden light.
She feels her reiki lace through the flecks, looping over and around them like a summer breeze. His yōki responds in turn, twisting and entwining with her power until the two are woven together like a fine leather cord.
Kagome is barely aware of being pressed against the wall. Her hands are buried in his hair, already several inches longer than when she cut it. Demon healing, she absently thinks to herself.
Sesshōmaru breaks from her lips only long enough to place his mouth over her pulse point. Kagome arched into his touch when a sound startled them.
"Ahem," Shippō clears his throat rather loudly.
"We're happy for you," Sōten says, "but maybe you two could, um, do that after we've taken care of the pyromaniac destroying our peace of mind?"
"Right," Kagome drawls, blushing as she pulls away. "Uh," she pauses, tucking her hair behind her ear as she glances up at Sesshōmaru, "shall we?"
He answers by taking her hand.
Together, they walk out of the apartment.
Gaku's residence is a dingy apartment only a couple of blocks from the shrine. Knowing the creep lives so close to her home, makes Kagome's skin crawl. She hopes Sesshōmaru can convince him to leave Tokyo too.
"Ready?" Sōten asks.
They all nod. Shippō has his hands up, ready to produce fire, Sesshōmaru is gripping Bakusaiga, and Kagome has her first arrow drawn.
Sōten knocks on the door.
For a tense minute, they all wait. No one speaks. No one breathes. Kagome is convinced the only thing any of them can hear is her pounding heart. She anticipates the door opening and all hell breaking loose but nothing happens.
"Nothing," Sesshōmaru says.
"Nope," Sōten agrees, moving away from the door. "He's not here."
As she turns her back on the apartment, they hear a ping.
"Watch out!" Kagome fires an arrow a split second before Sesshōmaru hauls her over the balcony and to the street below.
There is a blast of smoke and flames, resembling a series of firecrackers going off. Kagome glances wildly around, searching for Shippō and Sōten.
"There," Sesshōmaru says, inclining his head to the left.
Shippō is floating near the railing of the apartment building with Sōten on his back. They are more than two stories up but Kagome isn't worried about them being seen. She can tell from the shimmer cast around them that they are shielded.
She's glad for it because the minor explosion has drawn a crowd. Gaku's neighbors are peering out of their homes, scanning the corridor. Others are climbing up and down the staircase, trying to determine the cause of the blast.
"It was a precaution, in case we came by," Sesshōmaru informs Kagome.
"He was expecting us," she surmises.
He nods, his face grim.
Kagome starts to say they should regroup somewhere else when she catches a shadow running off.
"Hey, that's him!" she cries, breaking free of Sesshōmaru's hold.
"Kagome!" Shippō calls.
She barely hears him over the whipping sound of the wind. Sesshōmaru has her in his arms and is charging. The pavement is a blur of concrete and asphalt, a whirling mixture of black and white. If she wasn't used to riding on Inuyasha's back, it might make her sick.
Kagome shifts in Sesshōmaru's arms, attempting to nock a new arrow. Despite his speed, he doesn't jostle her. She manages to take aim. Right as Gaku makes to duck into an alley, she fires a warning shot, startling him so badly that he stumbles.
Sesshōmaru takes advantage of the opportunity. He deposits Kagome on the curb and rushes at the man. Gaku tries to flee but he is no match for Sesshōmaru. The demon has him cornered within seconds.
"You should have listened to your friends," Sesshōmaru tells him.
"I'm not scared of you," Gaku spits.
"Then why run?"
"I wasn't," the man insists, even if his eyes tell a different story. "I'm just not finished yet."
"Yes, you are," Kagome says. "You're going to go to the police and confess to burning my house down."
He scoffs and mutters, "Demon-loving bitch."
Sesshōmaru snarls and slams him against the nearest wall. "You do not speak to her."
Gaku chuckles. "What are you going to do? Kill me? Go ahead. It won't stop my cause. Killing me will just make my brothers stronger. They'll have renewed interest. They won't rest until they hunt down every last one of you."
Kagome watches as Sesshōmaru draws back a clawed hand, his eyes going crimson with rage. She keeps her arrow steady, covering him in case Gaku has any more traps set.
She understands his anger. Hearing those hateful words makes her worry about the demon underground. Regardless, Kagome trusts Sesshōmaru. She knows he will keep his word.
"What are you waiting for?" Gaku prompts.
Sesshōmaru releases him and he goes sputtering to the ground. "I will not grant your wish for death. You deserve a far longer punishment."
As Sesshōmaru returns to her side, Gaku pushes himself up and draws a knife. Kagome's eyes go wide. The jagged blade is unlike anything she has ever seen. Dread settles in her gut like a stone. She knows what she has to do.
Her reaction is instinctive. The arrow finds its mark.
She stands frozen, watching the man clutch his chest where the projectile is lodged. He attempts to take a step towards her. Kagome flinches as he raises his blade but it is premature. The weapon clatters to the ground and Gaku falls beside it.
His gaze is pined upon her as her powers take effect. As suspected, the blade was a holy weapon, forged specifically for demon hunting. It's dark abilities are evil. Kagome's reiki shines as it dissolves the blade and it's wielder. They vanish into the night as if they never existed.
Tears well in her eyes. Kagome didn't want to kill him. Still, she knows that if she could go back her decision would remain the same. He tried to kill the man she loves. There was no choice, only action.
Kagome doesn't condone unnecessary violence. Self-defense and protection aren't the same as targeted raids against whole species. Kagome wishes she regretted her choice to end Gaku but she doesn't. He was vile. No number of chances would have changed his view on demon-kind.
"Kagome."
She doesn't even realize she's on the ground until Sesshōmaru is helping her up. A ragged breath leaves her as she grasps hold of him. All the tension in her body releases and she cries. She sheds tears for the demons who were harmed by the hunting monks. She mourns their loss of life, their loss of land, and their loss of freedom.
Moments later, Shippō and Sōten find them in the same position. They tell her to take comfort in the fact that the threat is gone. She saved Sesshōmaru and the demon underground. They tell her to be happy.
But Kagome isn't, because all she can hear in her head is Gaku's promise.
They won't rest until they hunt down every last one of you.