REWRITTEN
Chapters 1 - 19 have been rewritten as of 1/13/2019. I advise everyone to reread the following chapters because key events and important information have either been added, changed or revised.
UPDATE 2- 12/5/2020
Chapters 1-23 are in the process of being updated. Most changes will either be for grammar mistakes, to improve readability and to include passages I felt were needed to give more clarification/information. It will NOT be necessary to reread the story for this update. Only Chapter 1 has been redone. Chapter 24 is also in the process of being written.
I would also like to mention that I create artwork for my stories which will be posted on my Deviantart page under the name TrueDarkHorse! (As well as other fandom drawings.) I have specific folders for my stories in my deviant gallery, which are accessible to everyone, so that they're easier to find. I'd really appreciate it if you guys could check it out (ˊᵕˋ). The cover art for this story is a cropped image of the larger drawing I created and is a pretty good example of what you can expect to find on my page.
I also have an AO3 account where I will soon begin posting my stories and may occasionally include the pictures from my Deviantart within the chapters. My username is the same on their as well, TrueDarkHorse.
Now that that's out of the way...
Author's Notes: So, this is the first fanfiction I've ever written. I would appreciate any constructive criticism and support you guys want to give me. I like to think I'm a pretty kind person and I'm always happy to receive PMs and write back a response. You guys are always welcome to share ideas for what you may want to see in this story's future.
I hope that you all enjoy reading this and its future chapters. I know I'll have fun writing it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High School Host Club, Inuyasha or any of their characters.
Now Enjoy.
There was a somber atmosphere surrounding the forest's well that day. The area had barely changed from the first time she'd traveled through it. It was almost as if time had never touched the open area which only made it harder for Kagome to accept that this would be her last and final trip.
Sango wrapped her arms around Kagome, embracing her in a tight hug. "We'll miss you." She told her.
Kagome gently stroked her sniffling friend's back in an effort to comfort her. She still couldn't believe what was happening herself.
Their journey was…over. Naraku was defeated, never to hurt another soul again. The Shikon jewel was now complete, resting inside its current protector's yellow backpack. They could rest now, knowing the past was finally safe. But that also meant it was time for Kagome to return to her own time. She'd chosen to go back to her family in Japan in hopes of continuing a more sedentary life. She had to admit, she was relieved she'd never have to worry about demons ambushing her in her sleep, lack of modern medicine and, the most egregious of them all, cold water.
She deeply missed her family, however, there was one thing Kagome had been dreading. While she may be returning to her family, she was practically losing another one by leaving. Saying goodbye was not something she'd been looking forward to and neither did it seem her group of companions want to part ways either.
"I'll miss you too." Kagome assured her.
Sango buried her face in Kagome's shoulder. "Don't forget us." She choked out before reluctantly letting her go.
Kagome could feel the lump in her throat growing but did her best to stop the quiver in her voice. "Don't be ridiculous. I could never forget any of you."
"Ladies, let's not make this depressing." Miroku said as he strolled towards them. "Don't you want to look back at this moment and smile? Wouldn't want to remember everyone's dejected faces on our last day together, would we?" He asked, trying to lighten the mood but they could tell it was hard even for him to give a genuine grin.
Kagome smiled and ran up to him, wrapping him in a hug as well. "I'm gonna miss yo-" She started.
A loud slapping noise soon followed, echoing throughout the clearing.
"You couldn't contain yourself just for one moment?!" Kagome frowned, protectively covering her butt with her hands. "I guess old habits die hard, huh perv?"
He smirked and fondled his reddened cheek with his hand. "Can you blame me? It was my last chance to ever do that to you."
Kagome was going to miss a lot of things about her friends but the constant groping was not one of them.
"Move over pervert. It's my turn." Inuyasha roughly pushed Miroku out of the way. He didn't give the monk's yelp any attention and turned to Kagome. "You better listen cause I'm not gonna say this again." He began assertively. "You're always finding ways to get yourself into trouble. You may be a little stronger than you were before, but you always find a way to klutz something up. I won't be around to clean up after you for a while. So, until I see you again…" He slid his gaze over to an apparently more interesting rock in the distance before continuing. "Be safe." He finally finished.
Kagome giggled to herself. "I can't wait to see you as an old man." She joked.
He tsked. "It's only going to be 500 years. Even a half demon like me would live well past that date." He told her.
She waved her hand at him dismissively. "I know. I know." She repeated.
She knew this wouldn't be the last time she saw her demon comrades. Living through a few centuries was nothing special to them. But Sango and Miroku... She tried not to think about it.
Kagome glanced up at Inuyasha and shook her head with a smile. 'He might act all high and mighty but he's still such a softy.' She thought, hiding a smirk. She put her hands on both of his cheeks and brought his face closer to hers. Ignoring his shocked expression, she turned his head to the side and gave him a gentle peck on the cheek, causing his face to only grow redder. Kagome tried to savor the moment of his embarrassment. 'I'm really going to miss him." She thought to herself.
Kagome was reminded of all the times they had shared together. Although their attempt at a romantic relationship had been short-lived, she was glad they could still stay this way as friends. In a way, it felt like that was the best for them. Besides, by the time they saw each other again it was possible Inuyasha would have moved on and found his own partner(s). Right?
The prayer beads around his neck glinted in the sunlight which reminded Kagome of something she'd almost forgotten to do. "Here." Kagome reached for his neck. "I bet you've been dying for me to take off those prayer beads."
Before she could touch the beads, he gently grabbed her by the wrists. She looked up towards him in confusion.
"Actually…You don't need to take them off. Uh…Only because…" He trailed off.
"Kags!" A high-pitched voice yelled. Everyone turned to see another silver haired demon walk into the well's clearing with an orange furry blur flying off from his shoulder.
"It wanted to see you before you left." Sesshomaru said.
At that point, Shippo had already jumped from Sesshomaru into Kagome's arms. She hadn't been expecting him to move so fast, but she was able to remove herself from the hands of Inuyasha in order to catch him.
She brought him up to her chest as he nuzzled into her. "You're getting bigger." She told him, setting her chin on his head. "Promise me you'll protect everyone while I'm gone, okay?"
"I'll make sure nothing happens! No one'll get hurt on my watch, Kags!" He exclaimed, stars in his eyes.
She giggled at his nickname for her. "That's my boy." She smiled, then looked up towards Sesshomaru. "And I have you to thank for agreeing to take care of Shippo while I'm gone. I know you'll raise him right."
Kagome chose to ignore the disapproving grumble that came from Inuyasha. She knew while her friends had respected her choice they still weren't quite on-board with it.
The others had criticized Kagome for picking Sesshomaru to be Shippo's primary caretaker, but she knew what she was doing. She'd seen the amount of progress they'd made with the stoic dog demon. If this were the old Sesshomaru right now he would have attempted to kill them countless times without a second thought. Of course, they had to thank most of that conversion to Rin though. She was the reason the cold man had softened up so much, but, sadly, Rin was only human. Eventually, she would pass and there was no telling what Sesshomaru would do when that happened. But, if an innocent soul like Shippo was with him then the fox could help support him and keep him preoccupied, whether Sesshomaru wanted it or not. Kagome could relax with the thought of Shippo by his side.
The only real problem was getting him to agree to it. But after secretly proposing Rin with the idea of having a playmate, it was easy sailing for Rin to do the work of persuading him for her.
"Hm." Sesshomaru looked down at her. "Goodbye, Miko."
Kagome's eyebrow twitched as her smile became forced. "Thank you, Fluffy."
He inwardly cringed at her nickname for him. "Why must you insist on that name?" He growled.
She placed one hand on her hip while the other held Shippo. "The same reason you keep calling me 'Miko' even though I've told you countless times to call me Kagome. Ka-go-me." She sounded it out. "And stop calling Shippo an 'it'!"
Everyone in the clearing smiled with amusement at the situation but no one dared laugh at him. Well, everyone except Kagome. She openly laughed right in front of him from seeing the look of displeasure on his face.
He walked towards her, making her companions stiffen. They may be allies but they were still unsure if they could fully trust the demon.
But, they were worried for nothing because all he did was set his hand on her head. He leaned down and softly talked close to her ear. "As soon as you leave, we'll be looking for you in the future. I'm sure there will be much we'll need to discuss."
She looked up at him with a confused look. 'What's that supposed to mean?' She thought. Not only was she confused, but also stunned at his gentleness. It was a side he only showed Rin during the moments he thought no one was looking.
Sesshomaru removed his hand from her head and took a few steps back. His usual blank expression appeared again as Shippo hopped onto his shoulder.
'Well, so much for compassion.' She thought, making her way to the well.
It was weird. Until now she'd never thought about how close her house was to the entry of a whole different world. But now, with one jump, this place would be closed off from her permanently. The jewel inside her bag no longer contained the immense power it had held before. It was nothing more than a jewelry piece now. Without its power she could never come back. The thought made her even more depressed.
With a deep breath, she put one foot on the well and turned around to give everyone one last smile before readying her jump.
"Wait!" Shippo yelled.
Kagome almost fumbled into the well from surprise but was able to steady herself.
Shippo ran up to her with Kirara resting on top of his head. When he reached her, he started to dig in his shirt until he pulled something out. In his hands dangled a bar of milk chocolate which he handed to Kagome. "I want you to have it. So, when I see you again we can share it together like we always do. It'll be like the old times."
She tenderly smiled at the treat, remembering how she would regularly bring the boy bars of chocolate to snack on during their travels. They would eat it together when they had time and it turned into great bonding moments for the two. In the process, it seemed the two had grown a sweet tooth for it.
She tucked the chocolate in her yellow bag and zipped it up. Kagome bent down to the boy's level and gave him a kiss on the forehead. "Don't worry. I won't forget." Kagome whispered.
She looked back at everyone as she sat on the edge of the well. "I'll always remember our time together." Kagome told them. "I love you guys!"
They gave her sincere looks as they waved goodbye to their dear friend until the pink energy from the inside dispersed and all that was left was an old brown well.
.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`
As the warm glow of the aura around her dissipated, she opened her eyes to find herself on the other side of the well. She easily climbed out with the help of the ladder her family had placed inside for her and hopped over the well's lip. She looked back at it and gently set her hand on the wood. It rested there for a while before she pulled back. Turning away, she walked towards the door and slid them open. The sunlight immediately invaded the inside of the dark shrine.
Kagome gave a soft sigh. "I'm home." She whispered to herself.
"Sis!"
Sota had exited out of the house in haste after seeing Kagome step out of the shrine from the window. He was standing outside now, staring at his sister.
Kagome had noticed her brother from the corner of her eye and turned to him. What she didn't expect was for her brother to start running, his bare feet thumping on the grass, and encasing her in a hug so strong and abrupt that she ended up falling back.
"Sis! I missed you so much!" He cried with his head smushed in her stomach. Kagome raised her hand and playfully mussed his hair.
"Aww. You missed me. Isn't that cute." She commented, digging her fist in his head.
"Hey, stop that." He rose from his current position and stood up, attempting to fix his hair.
"Now there's the cranky Sota I know." She said as she also got up.
They walked together to the house where they were met by their mom in the doorway. Now that Kagome looked at the both of them, Sota was still in his pajamas while their mom was wearing an apron with batter splattered across it. It had to be morning.
'She must be making pancakes.' She thought.
"Kagome…" Ms. Higurashi whispered. "You're back."
Kagome was whisked into yet another hug. It seemed that had been happening quite a lot today but she couldn't blame them. She hadn't returned home for a few months after her last journey. They'd been so busy preparing for the final battle that there hadn't been much time in her schedule for casual chit chat back at home. They were probably worried sick after not hearing from her for so long which only made Kagome feel more guilty for neglecting them.
Letting go of her daughter, she cupped her hands on her cheeks. "You look so much more mature now. How did things go? Are all your friends okay? Did anything…happen?" She questioned.
"Everyone made it out alright. Everything...went as it was supposed to." Kagome said quietly.
After her statement she got a distant look in her eye. Sota and their mom both exchanged glances, wordlessly communicating to not mention anything about the feudal era for a while. She'd obviously been through a lot and needed some rest.
"Come and sit down." Said Ms. Higurashi, trying to change the subject. "We're about to have breakfast."
'Called it.' She thought. As they stepped into the house, Kagome took a casual look around the hallway before looking at Sota. "Where's Grandpa?"
"Oh. Gramps is either still sleeping or putting up those written oracle thingies." Sota explained. "He won't tell us why. We're a little worried."
Kagome brushed it off, assuming he must be overreacting, but during the walk to her room she was greeted by a wall covered in the slips of paper. After inwardly sighing from the evidence, she made her way up the stairs. "Hey mom! I'm gonna take a shower first, okay?"
"Alright, take your time!" Her mom answered.
Kagome opened her bedroom door. Everything was just as she had left it. If a stranger had come in they would have thought no one had slept there in months. Which was technically true...
'This feels oddly nostalgic.' She thought. It felt weird to return to life like normal as if nothing had happened but the idea was somehow relaxing. She could finally start over the way she wanted to now.
'Speaking of relaxing…'
A smile appeared on her face as she looked at her bathroom. "At least I can finally get some hot water."
Later
Kagome gave a sound of contentment as she began to eat the breakfast her mother had made. "I missed your cooking so much!"
Her mom smiled warmly. "Why, thank you Kagome."
Kagome looked to Sota who was eating beside her. "So, Sota." She began.
He glanced at her suspiciously. "What?"
"How are you and that girl getting along?"
His face turned pink. "Wh-why do you ask?" He asked, flustered.
She gave him a sly grin. "I wanted to know if you liked your first kiss or not." She told him.
His face was now a deep red as he immediately stood up and slammed his hands on the table in shock, causing the tableware to jump up. "How do you know about that?!"
"I have my ways." She said, leaning back. "How about a little wager?" She asked him, watching curiosity creep onto his angry face. "We'll play a little 1v1. If I win you tell me all the juicy details. If you win I'll take you out to that Soba restaurant you like. My treat."
She smugly watched as his eyes grew at her offer just as she'd expected. "You mean the place a street down from the park?"
"I'll even let you pick the video game. Since I'm so considerate."
He gave her a cocky look. "You think you still have what it takes to beat me? I've been practicing while you were away."
"You sound confident in your skills. Maybe you'll finally be a challenge for me."
There was a sudden knock at their hallway door and they turned their heads toward the sound.
"Someone's here?" Sota thought out loud.
"I'll get it." Their mother said as she stood up from the dinner table.
Kagome turned back around and lifted her cup to her lips, ready to dive back in on the delicious spread in front of her.
She was about to take a sip until her head snapped up. 'No. It couldn't be.' She thought. There was no way this could already be happening. She'd just gotten back home. 'But that aura is unmistakable. It has to be-'
"Good morning. I'm here for…Kagome."
'-him.' She finished her thought.
She hurriedly got up and peeked her head out from the room to see someone she hadn't been expecting to see so soon standing directly at her front door. Don't get her wrong though. Kagome was thrilled to see him.
"I apologize for the sudden intrusion. I'm-"
"Sesshomaru!" Kagome lunged herself at him and gave him a huge hug around his neck. He didn't pay her action any mind.
"My name is Sesshomaru Taisho, a friend of Kagome's when she was on her 'trips'."
Kagome continued on with her greeting. "How have things been? What has everyone been up to? How's Shippo doing?" She barraged him with questions while still hanging from his neck.
"That can wait. I have more important matters to discuss with you right now, Kagome." He said, casually pushing her away from him.
Her eyes widened. "You're speaking in long full sentences now! And you called me by my first name. I'm so proud of you!" She exclaimed.
Now that she had been pushed off of him, she was able to take in his appearance. He was wearing a grey, almost silver, business suit with a black shirt underneath, with a magenta tie and handkerchief in his jacket pocket. His hair was still as long as ever but he still looked clean and put together. His appearance was practically the same as how he'd looked hours ago from when she'd bid them farewell. It was hard to believe he'd lived through 500 years since then. However, she did notice his tail, ears, and face markings were nowhere in sight.
"What happened to...? You know." She pointed to his new human ears.
He already knew what she was referring to before she gestured. "I think the humans would riot if they found demons were roaming their world, running around with their tails and horns out.
'Oh. Right.' She thought.
Ms. Higurashi put her hand on Sota's shoulder, who had snuck his way towards them during their happy reunion. "It seems like you both may want some privacy. Sota and I will go-"
"Actually, Ms. Higurashi" He interrupted. "I would like for you to stay for a moment."
"Oh." She said, surprised. "Alright then."
As Sota reluctantly left to allow them to talk alone, everyone else sat in the living room. Sesshomaru and Ms. Higurashi sat on the couch while Kagome sat in a chair facing them. A table separated the couch and chair from each other.
"I think this is the most I've ever heard you talk in one day, Sesshomaru." She laughed to herself.
His face was still stoic as he spoke. "Only because this era has forced it." He told her.
"You could have at least given me a little time to settle back in before showing up. I haven't even gotten a chance to fully meditate on everything that's happened, ya know?" She brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I guess you just missed me too much, right?"
He didn't entertain her teasing which didn't surprise her.
"So, what suddenly brought you here?" She questioned.
"I'm giving you a choice." He bluntly said.
"...okay?" Kagome looked at him skeptically. Was this the important thing he was talking about before?
"I'm offering you a better chance at life."
His statement piqued her interest but she was beginning to feel a bit impatient with how slow he was delivering the information. The irritation must have been visible on her face because Sesshomaru quickly directed the conversation to discuss the main reason for his sudden presence at her home.
"The others felt it was necessary to find a way to show their...gratitude for you." Kagome could easily hear the indifference in his voice. She tried not to roll her eyes at his obvious attempts to convey he was being forced to offer her whatever he was talking about. If he truly didn't want to do this he wouldn't have come in the first place.
"We weren't exactly sure when you'd return. However, we had an approximation so we've had your house under surveillance for the past few months."
She furrowed her brow. "Wait, you wha-"
"So I stayed in Tokyo during that time to wait for you to arrive." He said, quickly cutting her off. "Since your number one desire was to live normally, they wanted to be the ones to assist you for a change."
Kagome lightly tapped her finger on her knee. She was grateful for the information but desperately needed him to stop dragging this out.
He turned his head back to her and their eyes locked. "We've arranged for you to attend a prestigious school where you can receive a first-rate education. Merely putting the school's name on an application would assuredly increase your chances of being accepted. All educational and personal expenses will be paid for you."
She blinked. '…What?'
"Or-" He began.
'He's not done!?'
"If you would rather work with us at the company we can easily arrange that as well." He finished.
Kagome silently sat in shock, trying to process the information that had just been quickly thrown at her. She couldn't help but feel he'd given her no time to fully understand everything that he'd just said. He may be more verbal now, but his social skills definitely needed some polishing. With all these different questions soaring through her head she wasn't quite sure which to tackle first.
"Com...pany?"
"Yes." He said, rather bored. "It's a company I and the others created during the time you were gone. We mainly specialize in the production and manufacturing of medicine and medical supplies." He said, not giving any other details on the subject.
Her mind zoned in on his second sentence. "By 'others', do you mean-"
"Yes. Everyone is a part of it." He answered before she could finish.
Kagome tried to hide her joy. 'I would have been happy just to know that they hadn't killed one another. But they're actually working together? Must be a miracle.'
His eyebrow twitched as if he could hear her thoughts.
"You've been busy, huh?" Kagome smirked.
"Indeed." He focused his gaze on Kagome. "Now, as I was saying, the school is rather advanced. We'll need you to catch up on your studies if you want any chance to pass. The school we've chosen is rather far from here so you'll need to move. It'd be best for you to stay in the main manor. So you-"
'Wait, what?' She thought while he continued to tell her the detailed plan he'd created for her. "Uh, Sesshy?" She tried to get his attention.
"-required to maintain an acceptable average or-" He continued on with a look that showed he knew what she was thinking and just didn't care. Which rightfully pissed her off.
"Hold on." Kagome interrupted him, abruptly standing up from her chair. "Excuse me if I'm being rude but there is no way I'm leaving my family especially after I just got back. And I'm already in a good school that's close to home." She quickly told him. "Look, I can see everyone spent a lot of time planning this for me and I'm grateful for the offer. I know you guys had the best of intentions but I don't plan on moving out at the moment. I just don't think the timing's good for me. Right, Mom?" She looked to her for confirmation.
Ms. Higurashi fidgeted under her daughter's studying eye.
"Mom?"
Both of their attention was now on her mother.
"I was going to tell you after you got settled back in." She looked down to the ground and played with her finger tips. "But sweetie, you missed a lot of school…"
"But they'd never had a problem with it before." Kagome sternly said. "As long as I came back and did all the work there was never an issue!"
"Well, yes. But after you didn't come back for those last few months the principal thought it would be best for you to go...somewhere else. Somewhere that could better suit your...medical needs."
"…" Kagome processed what her mother had just said. "I got kicked out?!" Kagome said, outraged.
Ms. Higurashi looked up towards her daughter. "Technically, yes." She said gently.
Kagome fell back into her chair in distraught and hunched over with her hands cradling her head. She couldn't believe this, but she'd be lying if she said she hadn't been suspecting it. She had barely shown up for school. And even though she tried hard to do the work she missed out on, it was hard to keep up so her grades never reflected her efforts. 'Heh. What am I saying?' She pitifully laughed to herself. 'It was amazing they hadn't kicked me out sooner.'
"Wait." Kagome sat up with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "I could always stay here and work at the shrine."
"Kagome, I think your friend and I both know you wouldn't be content with that." Her mom said.
Kagome turned her head away from her.
Her mom was right. She'd really wanted to finish high school and, if possible, college. Keeping up the shrine was enough to get by but it wasn't the best source of income so she'd wanted to be able to help aid her family financially. Now, she was being offered a more than substantial education, a free ride to do anything she wanted and even a high-ranking job. Most people would kill for a chance like that. But she'd just gotten back. She hadn't seen her family in ages and now she was expected to leave them for even longer?! Way too much was happening way too fast and it was hard to comprehend anything at the moment.
"I know your acting like this because you haven't seen us in so long, but you'll regret rejecting your friend's offer. This is an amazing opportunity, Kagome." Her mother urged her.
Kagome looked down and gave a long sigh. She hated that her mom was right.
"I know. How about I go make us some tea?" Ms. Higurashi offered. She quietly got up from her seat and disappeared down the hallway.
There was a tense silence for a moment until Kagome spoke up. "What school would I be going to?" She directed to Sesshomaru.
He turned his attention back to her. "Ouran Academy." He answered.
Kagome thought it over for a while. When it seemed that she'd finally come to a conclusion, her eyes gradually opened to face the man.
There was hesitation in her voice. "I'll do it."
Sesshomaru straightened up. "I'm glad you've seen it our way. But I do have one more matter I would like to discuss with you."
She tilted her head and waited for the man to continue.
"You'll be going as a male student."
With that one comment, the tense silence quickly returned.
Kagome blinked at him. "..."
He stared her down in return.
"What do you mean a MALE student!?" Kagome yelled.
"You will dress and act as a male when you attend the school." He repeated as if the woman must have gone temporarily deaf.
"I heard what you said!" She explained. "But why?"
The man gave an uncharacteristic smirk. "Because it'll amuse me."
She stood up from her chair again, with a furious expression. "WHAT?!"
Author's Notes: And now begins her REAL journey. Why is Sesshomaru making her dress up as a guy I wonder. And, don't worry. The other characters will be showing up in a little bit.
As for the girl I was referencing with Sota, it was the girl in the episode in which Sota told her he liked her. I believe it was episode 90.
And, I know I've already said this, but I'd really like it if you guys could check out my art(*´▽`*). It's something I really enjoy and I spend a lot of time on them so I hope everyone likes it. My earlier drawings are pretty bad but my more recent art for the story is way better. More art will be coming out shortly.
See you next time.
