Chapter 20
Kagome walked a few blocks down from her house to the nearby convenience store, seemingly oblivious to the thriving street life around her. The sun hung low in the sky, making its descent towards the horizon as the late afternoon set in; the sky a deep azure, speckled with golden clouds that were strung across the heavens like lanterns. Street vendors were lined along the sidewalk, the overwhelming sights and smells jumping out at her as she passed by. People brushed past her, but she didn't notice. She was in her own world; her eyes trained on the ground with her hands stuffed into her pockets. She didn't feel the curious looks or the irritation of the bustling crowd as she meandered at her own pace.
Her brain was a muddled mess of information. Things she had never wanted to know and had never even thought to ask. She couldn't bear to stay in that house a moment longer after everything her mother had told her. It was all too new, too fresh and she wasn't sure how to handle it all. She was supposed to be strong, but then… why did she feel so damned weak?
Like she was always on the brink of existential crisis; like her world was always falling apart.
One thing after the next, and endless cycle and she didn't know how much more she could take… but no matter what she had to keep going. She could feel that instinctual pull deep in her gut, guiding her along this new path and she had known what she had to do.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Hinata… It's Kagome."
"What's up?"
"Are you… uh... are you… busy right now?"
"I'm at school, but I can leave if you're ready."
"Oh… Okay yeah I guess… can you, um, can you pick me up?"
"Send me your location. I'm on my way."
It was crazy. She didn't know if she could deal with all this crap, especially after what had happened with Bankotsu. It was all still so fresh in her mind. She could still feel his hands pressing down on her throat, could remember vividly how he'd bored into her eyes with those lifeless, rage-filled orbs of his. His vile and calamitous evil had been put on full display; his rotting soul surviving on the fire of his hatred. It sickened her to know that he had caressed her in ways only InuYasha had… his touch was poisonous; she didn't know if she would ever feel pure again.
And now everything was getting blurred together. All her emotions, her burning questions, the things that she couldn't even begin to process yet… they just swirled in a sickening mass there in the forefront of her mind. She didn't know if it was a good idea to go after Hinata in the state that she was in, never mind the fact that InuYasha had firmly warned her off him after they'd gone to that party. He didn't know the things she knew… and her father had asked it of her. She couldn't disobey him; it wasn't an option. She was just flying by the seat of her pants at this point. A couple of days ago she was just a regular girl and now… now she didn't know who she was anymore.
A kami's daughter… but what the hell did that mean?
She'd gone seventeen years as Kagome Higurashi. Just your average schoolgirl, nothing too special about her. She'd been so sure of who she was. Of what her life was going to look like. And now, suddenly, all of that was crumbling. She wanted to go back in time. She wanted to erase these past few weeks and just go back to being that naive, happy girl that she used to know so well.
But what scared her the most… beyond any mystical powers, or talk prophecies and seals, or even malicious Ronin… was the fact that she just didn't know if that girl existed anymore.
She was jostled back into reality, her steps faltering as she was roughly shoulder checked by an impatient stranger.
"Watch it!"
She stumbled, catching herself just as she thought she was going to smack into the pavement. "S-sorry…" she muttered, hurrying through the crowd as she finally reached the corner store. She'd already texted Hinata where she would be at, so now all that was left to do was wait. It was agonizing. Minutes ticked by, faces and people blurring together like smoke and she'd never felt more alone.
Outsider.
She wasn't like these people… she wasn't human. At least, not completely. She felt it deep in her bones, deep as the churning tide and the feeling was swallowing her.
But then her phone buzzed where it was clutched in her hand and she was pulled out of the swirling vortex, back into reality as she checked the notification.
"Get in."
She looked up to see that familiar black sports car, modern and sleek, idling there on the street in front of her. She remembered it from when he'd picked her and InuYasha up that night of the party. It seemed so long ago though it hadn't been even two weeks since. The windows were blacked out, but she knew without a doubt that it was Hinata. She walked over on shaky legs, the drumming of her heartbeat pounding in her ears as her fingers hesitated over the shiny handle.
She didn't know if she was ready. She didn't know if she could look him in the eye, now knowing that he was a follower of her father's, whatever that meant. But she had to. She had to face this, whatever this was because she knew with a startling certainty that she was on the precipice of something that went beyond anything she could imagine.
Screw it
She pulled open the door, climbing onto the cool, dark leather of the interior clumsily, the door slamming shut heavily behind her. There was a penetrating silence and she couldn't bring herself to look at him, though she could see his pale hands gripping at the wheel out the corner of her eye.
"Well hey," His voice was open and friendly, just like normal. She didn't know why, but it surprised her. She didn't know why but for some reason she'd expected him to suddenly sound all deep and profound.
"Hey…" She responded softly; her gaze trained on the road ahead as the car began to move.
"So… what's up?"
She couldn't help but snort. "Don't you already know?"
To her surprise he only laughed at her snarky remark, shrugging idly.
"Sort of, he gave me the gist, but the guy is kinda cryptic, ya know?" He chuckled, and Kagome found herself nodding in agreement because that was the damn truth.
"Yeah…" She agreed quietly, but she didn't know where to start. So many things she had wanted to ask before but now her mind was blank. "what are you?" her voice was barely a whisper. It was perhaps not the most eloquent thing to say, but it slipped out before she could stop it; her eyes finally flashing up to his face to try and gauge his reaction.
His profile was outlined sharply in the late afternoon sunlight; his expression mostly hidden by his dark, jagged hair but she could see his hands tighten on the wheel. His mouth was set in a troubled line, his gaze was trained firmly on the road ahead.
"That's kind of a… long story." He sighed, at last, breaking the terse silence. "But I promise… I'll tell you everything you need to know once we get back to my place, okay?" His eyes flickered over to meet hers, a serious look reflected there that told her he was all business.
She could only nod in response, feeling numb and confused as her gaze shifted back to the window. The city flew past and a heavy silence had fallen over them both. She couldn't think. Could hardly breathe because suddenly everything was weighing on her; crushing her into the dark leather seats like a bag of bricks. He didn't speak again until they pulled into the parking garage of his building, and she was grateful. She didn't know what to say, anyway.
He led her through the main entrance, his shoulders set rigidly beneath the sway of his spikey hair. The lobby was just as pristine and crisp as she remembered it, feeling very cold and sterile as the only sound was the faint music playing over the speakers and the clacking of her own footsteps on the smooth tile floor.
"Good afternoon Mr. Adachi, and friend," The amicable looking old man at the front desk greeted, his dark eyes warm and twinkling as he waved towards them in acknowledgment.
Hinata did little more than give a curt nod back and Kagome could only offer a wilted, halfhearted wave, hurrying after Hinata who was already at the elevator. His slender fingers pressed the button going up, and they awkwardly waited, skillfully avoiding each other's eyes. At last the black, glossy doors opened and she hurriedly scurried in after him before they closed again.
The ride was even more awkward, and she hardly dared to breathe in the enclosed space, pressed up against the far wall, arms crossed over her chest. He stood with his hands stuffed into the pockets of his skinny jeans, his hair covering most of his face, hiding his expression. Her heart was pounding, and she could feel a dull burn as her cheeks flushed darkly, her chest gripped with anxiety as the elevator slowly climbed higher and higher. Floor by floor it felt like her throat was squeezing tighter and tighter, and she could hardly even think.
What have I gotten myself into now…?
Finally, finally, the metal box came to a stop; the doors opening slowly, revealing the top floor and all its modern splendor. Hinata smoothly exited, and she followed suit. At the end of the long hallway was a familiar set of black, silver-handled double doors, and she watched as he unlocked them, swallowing the thick lump of uncertainty that had built up in her throat while he pushed them open.
The penthouse was much the same as she remembered it. Large and spacious, drenched in black marble and rich colors; the design impressive, though hollow and devoid of signs of life. The door shut firmly behind her and she jumped at the sound, a breathy laugh escaping her even though she felt like she was going to puke.
"let's go sit on the patio… we can talk there." He suggested lightly, moving towards a large set of glass sliding doors before waiting on her to respond.
Hesitantly, she followed him outside, feeling the rush of a breeze brush over her skin instantly. The feeling was not unwelcome. In fact, it was soothing, and she found herself taking a deep, centering breath before closing the door and turning around to face him.
But her eyes just grazed over him before being consumed by the beauty of the heavenly scene that was spread out around them. The skyline was spread out before her in a startling array over colors, the skyscrapers reaching up through the clouds and for the first time, she realized just how high up they actually were. She couldn't help the gasp that escaped her, her eyes filling with wonder as she unconsciously stepped closer to the stone rail. It was the only thing separating her from a quick, messy end but she was floored by the view. Tokyo was laid out beneath her in all its bustling glory and she was soaking it all in. The way the late afternoon light danced across hundreds of panes of glass to reflect a breathtaking mosaic of gold, the clouds that swirled overhead, the pure, unfiltered blue of the sky. It was beautiful.
"Nice view, eh?"
Hinata's voice broke the spell and all at once reality came crashing down. For a moment she had forgotten all about him, consumed by the beauty of the city around them. She spun around, worrying her lip between her teeth as she fidgeted.
"Oh… y-yeah…"
His large, dark eyes were very expressive, clearly showing his worry as he looked at her, shoulders sagging a bit.
"Look… I know that you don't know me… and that you've been through a lot these past few days… but you can trust me, 'Gome… cause I've known you for a very long time."
"w-what do you mean?"
"Why don't you come sit down?" He gestured to a metal table and chairs set she only just noticed; his voice gentle.
She still had lingering doubts about all this, but she remembered what Tsukuyomi had said. He had told her that she could trust Hinata, and for some crazy reason she believed him. She hesitated only a moment before slowly taking a seat, feeling the metal press uncomfortably into her skin as she wrung her hands together nervously.
The dark-haired boy sat across from her, leaning his elbows on the tabletop while he looked to be in deep thought, his bangs covering his eyes. She impatiently waited for him to speak, her eyes glancing over his pale skin, the harsh black of a tattoo peeking out from beneath his sleeve, the way he avoided her gaze. Her mind was swirling with countless questions.
Who are you? What are you? And why the hell are you here, in Tokyo, going to my high school?
She wanted to scream. But she didn't, forced her lips shut just as the words were about to come spilling out, swallowing them before they could hit the air. None of it made sense… she didn't even want to think about it. It was too much. But she was here. And hopefully, Hinata could fill in some of the gaps because it just wasn't fitting. She didn't get it. She wasn't special…
"I can tell you're not your normal self… I don't want to make you feel any worse than you already do…" He said uneasily, breaking the terse silence but his words only served to strike an off chord with Kagome, striking a fire to rise inside her.
"What would you know?" She muttered balefully; her brows furrowed in indignation as her fists clenched in her lap. "Just… get to the point already…"
She saw his eyes widen in surprise at the sharpness of her tone, but he just nodded, a heavy sigh escaping him as he seemed to gather himself up a bit.
"Well… I guess I should just give you the gist, eh? I'm sure you've heard your fair share of long speeches over the past couple of days."
"Please." She nodded, settling back into the metal chair, ready to hear whatever he had to say. Or, as ready as she could be anyway.
"So… I mean… it's pretty obvious to you that I'm not human, right? You had to have sensed it by now…" His voice was low and serious, his large, dark eyes flickering up to capture hers as his lips formed the words.
"well, yeah…" she squirmed uncomfortably under the intensity of his gaze; those eyes that shone like pure, polished obsidian.
"I am a Yokai. I pledged myself in service to your father as his acolyte over two hundred and fifty years ago. But my story doesn't matter much… I'm sure you're wondering why Tsukuyomi sent you here in the first place, aren't you?"
For a long moment she didn't speak. She'd known that he wasn't human, she could sense his aura easily now even though for the life of her she couldn't get a read on him. It was unfamiliar to her, the way his energy flowed around him with an almost eerie glow. It seemed almost sedated in the way it moved slowly; writhing tendrils that brushed against her own power gently, submissively. The feel of it was completely unique; cool and serene, and she felt a wave of calm rush across her skin as her breathing evened out. It was slightly familiar to her… a feeling that made her reminiscent of a childhood long gone even though she couldn't understand why. All of this was so deeply confusing but at the same time, she knew instinctively that he wouldn't hurt her. He was watching her with those large eyes of his, his face composed though she could see the nervous tap of his fingers against the arm of his chair as he waited for her to speak.
"Well of course I am but…I just don't get it… what the hell are you doing here? I didn't think demons existed in this time…"
"Kagome…" Hinata sighed heavily, running a hand through unruly, spiky hair as he sat back. "Now that is a very long, very complicated story and to be frank I won't get into it with you now. I'm am indebted to Tsukuyomi… and when you were born, he charged me with looking after your safety. So, I've been here ever since." He shrugged at the last bit, watching her openly while she just stared back, stunned.
"This is impossible…" she mumbled, her mouth going dry as she felt a cool sweat break out across her forehead. But the look on his face said it all. He was dead serious.
"Believe me when I tell you it's very possible. I know this is crazy for you. You've just gone through something really traumatic, and on top of that you're dealing with all this mess… It isn't ideal, but it'll be okay, I promise." He smiled. A crooked, genuine smile that lit up his raven black eyes. It was that easy grin that had first disarmed her; had allowed her to get comfortable with him so quickly before she'd first sensed his undeniable aura. Somehow it reassured her slightly, the warmth of it. "I've always been here for you… even though you never realized it. This glamour of mine has changed many times… and many times I have been your friend. I will continue to do so, Kagome…everlastingly."
She didn't realize she was crying until a fat, wet droplet splattered across the back of her hand, bringing her back into reality. So many emotions rose to the surface inside her and she didn't know how to handle it all. Confusion. Disbelief. Awe. Even a little fear but it was misplaced.
"I don't… I don't even know you…" She said finally, hiccupping on the words as her tears fell freely; her body's natural response to the swirling storm of different thoughts and feelings that raged inside her.
"I know." His eyes seemed sad, then, his smile faltering a bit. "But you will… I promise you that."
His words sank like a stone in her belly and she swallowed the lump in her throat, wiping the tears from her cheeks while avoiding his eyes. She didn't know what to say and didn't feel particularly inclined to break the silence, absently looking out across the breathtaking skyline.
The sun was had began its descent through the sky, bringing with it the deep, vibrant colors of the sunset. A flock of birds flew through pink-tinged clouds, the waning light smattered down across millions of glass panes. It was surreal.
She was getting to her feet without giving it much thought, standing and walking over to the smooth, cement wall that was the only thing separating her from a messy end. Her fingers gripped the ledge as she finally took it all in, audibly gasping at the beauty of it all. It was like for a moment her head was perfectly clear; the fresh, cool breeze rushing across her flushed skin, soothing and centering.
She didn't have to look to know he was coming up beside her, though he made no sound and was there in almost an instant. Her senses were much higher, now, able to pick up on his muted energy almost effortlessly. Even still she had to fight the urge to flinch, her eyes fluttering shut as she took a deep breath.
"Is Hinata even your real name?" She said, at last, her eyes trained firmly on the staggering skyline.
He breathed a laugh beside her, standing so close she could feel the rush of air as it ghosted over her.
"No… but you can still call me by that if you'd like, I don't mind..."
"No," She shook her head immediately. "Tell me." She looked up at him, somehow just now noticing just how tall he was. He had almost a full head on her, and he was standing a little too close for her liking. She took a small step back, crossing her arms over her chest and looking him firmly in the eye.
"Mamoru…" He said softly, the ghost of a smile tracing across his full lips as he met her gaze openly.
"Okay." She nodded. "Anything else I need to know?"
"Yes, just one more thing… it's so small it's hardly even worth mentioning, really…" He paused as if he was weighing his words very carefully. "From now on… I will be training you, helping you to unlock the six gates that remain on the seal while you finish your work in the past."
Her eyes narrowed as she mulled over his words shrewdly, hand cocked on her hip as she thought.
"Okay… so you're saying what, exactly?" she said, voice tilted with reproach.
"I'll be traveling with you, and I'm going to teach you how to use that power of yours along the way." He was smirking, and in that moment, she wanted nothing more than to give him a good sucker punching and wipe that look off his face.
"No way! Out of the question!" She ground out, fisted clenched. If Hin- Mamoru… if Mamoru came back with her, she'd never get a moment alone with InuYasha again, she was sure.
"Sorry." His shrugged, full-blown grinning now. "Tsukuyomi's orders."
"Ugh!" She exclaimed with a huff, crossing her arms childishly as she turned away from him.
"Don't worry, your Hanyou will warm up to me eventually, I'm sure."
"Shut up! His name is InuYasha!" She looked back at him with a clear warning held there in her eyes; one that said if he put his foot in his mouth again, he'd be dead meat.
"My bad," He put his hands up in surrender. "All I'm saying is he'll get over it, Kagome. This is the way it's gotta be."
The sun was sinking below the horizon, dusk falling around them; the sky painted in various hues of purple and blue as the light slowly faded. The cool breeze lifted her hair around her, and she fought the urge to cry, steeling herself.
Everything was changing. But she had to be strong. She couldn't falter now, not when she knew there was so much more to be done.
"Please take me home now." She whispered; her gaze downcast.
"Are you sure? I was thinking we could get into a few breathing exercises that might help, at least…" He trailed off, looking concerned but she didn't care. That was enough for one day.
"No. I want to go home." That was the end of the story as far as she was concerned, and without another word she turned and walked back into the penthouse, hovering in the entryway.
He didn't keep her waiting long.
The ride back to her house was completely silent save for the soft music that played from his radio. When he finally pulled up at her place, she went to get out immediately, but he stopped her with a light touch to her arm.
"Wait… will you be in class tomorrow?" He said quietly, eyes searching her face though she skillfully avoided his gaze.
"Probably." She replied airily, shrugging. "Have a good night." She got out of the car and she didn't look back, listening to the sound of the vehicle reversing before he took off down the street. She breathed a sigh of relief, her steps faltering as she approached the house. She wasn't sure if she was ready to go back there, either.
She paused, eyes flickering between the family home and the shadowed well house, hesitating. She worried her lip between her teeth anxiously for a moment, unsure. She had school in the morning… she really shouldn't, but… she couldn't shake the desire to see InuYasha again. His arms felt like home. That was the only place anything ever made sense these days… tucked securely against his chest nothing else mattered. She longed for that feeling, pined for his touch and she knew she couldn't resist. His lure was much too strong. She dug out her phone from her pocket, checking the time. It was only just past seven o'clock, she could pop back into the past for a few hours and be back in time to get enough rest before class tomorrow easily. But the only problem was the jewel shards. They were upstairs, still tucked into one of the pockets on her canary yellow backpack.
She cursed herself silently, scuffing at the ground with her foot as she mulled it over. If she was quiet and fast, she could probably grab them and be on her way again without anyone noticing. She could at least try.
Kagome hurried over to the house, pausing in front of the door to slide off her shoes so she wouldn't make as much noise before gripping the door handle, sliding it open as quietly as possible. She delicately stepped over the threshold, closing the door behind her silently before turning to pad up the stairs. Making sure to skip the creaky step, she bounded up to her room, walking on her tippy toes the whole way. She breathed a sigh of relief when the door finally shut with a soft click. Her heart was pounding; she rested her head on the smooth wooden surface for a moment, her eyes fluttering shut as her breathing calmed.
After a long second had passed, she took a deep breath, turning to rifle through her backpack that sat in the corner. The jewel shards were exactly where she had last left them; tucked deliberately into one of the more inconspicuous pockets. She grinned in satisfaction, feeling her stomach flip flop with excitement.
Quickly, she stuffed the small glass jar into her pocket, making sure it was secure before peeking out into the hallway again. It was empty. The house seemed quiet, save for the tv which she could hear playing from the den. She sneaked back down the stairs, mindful of every step she took.
Finally, her fingers grasped at the door handle, mid-step as she was about to slide it open when she heard it. A painfully loud board creaking beneath her sock-clad feet.
"Kagome? Is that you, sweetheart?"
She froze instantly. It was her mother, and it sounded like she was calling from the kitchen.
She was rooted to the spot; unable to move or breath for a long, agonizing moment as her mind raced. She didn't know what to do. Her eyes were wide, staring much like a deer in headlights back down through the hallway, waiting with bated breath to see her mother's face pop into her field of vision and catch her.
"Nah mom, it's just me."
Kagome's head snapped to the right at the sound of the voice, finding her brother Sota standing there watching her from the bottom of the steps, wearing his pajamas.
"Oh, alright honey." Her mother called back, sounding disappointed.
Sota's dark brown eyes were trained firmly on her, the ghost of a smile on his lips. For some reason he seemed so grown to her at that moment. Something about the way his face had lost some of its baby fat, or maybe it was the fact that he'd suddenly sprouted up like a bean pole and now rivaled her in height. But either way at that moment she realized that Sota was becoming a young man. No longer that cheeky little eleven-year-old who was always on her heels, he was now pushing fourteen and he was maturing right under her nose.
He didn't say anything else, just gave her a thumbs up and turned and went back up the stairs without so much as a backward glance.
Kagome didn't need to be told twice.
As quiet as possible, she turned back to the door and slid it open, wincing at the inevitable noise but it didn't matter now. She was home free. She scurried out into the open air, shutting it firmly behind her and all but running to the well-house.
A/N: Okay first of all pls forgive me this update took forever! I've had a crazy past two weeks tbh, I just turned 22, got a new boo, and on top of everything else school has really been kicking my ass lately. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and the next she be up soon as a treat for ya'll ;) Tell me what you guys think! & thanks for reading!
