Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters; that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own Final Fantasy (any of the titles), that right belongs to the game developers, Artist, storyboard writers and Sony/Square soft!
Author's Notes: I am stating this now, here is who Kagome will not be paired with. President Shinra, Hojo, Heidgarr, Veld, Vincent Valentine, Palmer, Reeves, or Sesshomaru (I meach Fucking really, he is in another world!). As of right now those are the only ones I am able to list. And still have no idea of the end pairing. So if you do not like that, I politely ask you toturn around and leave now. Because I don't see the point in you wasting your time and mine.
Month 3, Week 1, Day 5
It had been a week since what was deemed her mental breakdown while working out. And frankly, Kagome didn't give two hoots. Her mind was rationally going over all the facts that she had learned and discussed with Sesshomaru while in the Mako baths the last few times. It had been a very grudging acceptance of what she had been given. Though she still was not happy about what he said. Time was moving at a very different pace than what she initially guessed.
For every month she'd been here had been ten years in her world. So, that meant that Sango and Miroku were old and their kids were grown. InuYasha was well... himself, she guessed. The relationship between him and his brother had gotten better. But now there was unrest happening. The humans were starting to rise back against the demons more and more often and leaving her feeling very insecure and worried about the safety of her friends.
Knowing she was unable to do anything didn't help matters at all. Even now, with this knowledge burdening her, Kagome couldn't feel regret at all at the choice she made. Even with the knowledge that Shippo was growing up quickly under the tutelage of Sesshomaru. He was able to show her an inked picture that Souten drew of him. He was turning out to be a looker, making her so proud of her adopted son.
With a sigh as she looked around the bar as she waited for the group to show up. They were about an hour late, and there had been no call from Red. Who had in the last few days been well behaved for him. Grumbling under breath, she got the bartender's attention and ordered a scotch on the rocks. While drumming out the melody of the karaoke song being sung at the moment. She was flinching when the singer hit a particularly sour note.
"You know answering your PHS would be nice Ka-go-me," came a teasing whisper next to her ear.
Snapping her head up and spinning the stool to face the person, Kagome narrowed her blue eyes at Reno. Who was smiling, though he looked very annoyed? Quirking an eyebrow before turning back to the bar, noting that it was just him and Rude. No Tseng.
"Well, I would if you called," she snapped back as she caught movement in her peripheral vision on both sides.
"He did. A few times. Do you have it on silence again and forget?" was Rude's calm reply.
Eyes widening as she reached into her pocket, Kagome pulled out the small device and checked it. She realized that it was still silent, and there were about six calls from Reno and one from Rude. Flushing darkly, Kagome shoved the PHS back into her pocket and muttered a hasty sorry.
"Oh no, no... you don't get out of this so easily tonight. Tseng... had to work late with Vincent... So, it is just the three of us. And tonight is our karaoke battle. But since you were all huffy, I am partnering with Rude, and you have to find a new buddy for the night," Reno said as Rick slid him a tumbler filled with Tequila and lime.
Frowning, Kagome turned and looked at Reno, giving him large puppy eyes. She didn't want to have to find a random person to partner for Karaoke night. It meant that when the contest started that she'd be lagging. The way he just shook his head and licked took a drink before biting into the lime told her she was not getting out of it. So, speaking softly, to call him a prick and getting him to laugh, Kagome slid off her stool to prowl around the crowded bar.
Her ears were tuning in on the people speaking, looking for that certain depth of voice and pitch that would compliment her own. It seemed it would be fruitless as she circled back the long way going by the door. Only to pause when a flash of red caught her attention. Sneakily she tapped the person on the shoulder, making them pause and look back at her.. Well back and down, before smiling at her.
Swiftly she raised a finger to her lips to indicate they should remain quiet as she leaned in and whispered to them. She was explaining that she needed a karaoke partner, as well as a bit on to the why. The grin she got in return as they reached out and placed an arm on her shoulder was the answer she needed. The Kami's were smiling on her at that moment.
Slipping free of the arm, she grasped their hand and pulled them through the crowd to the bar. Delighting in the way, both Reno and Rude paused at seeing who she was tugging. Adopting an innocent look as she smiled at them.
"This man said that he would be my partner tonight," she giggled at them. Noting how they both paled at Genesis, only to nod as he pretended to be a bit confused but amused all the same.
When Rick came over, he caught the glance and smiled as he handed Genesis' usual drink to him — giving a small nod of hello before walking to the other end of the bar to fill another order that had been called out.
"So, you are back... Are the other two as well?" Reno asked, his voice polite but showing he was tense.
The deep chuckle from Genesis had Kagome looking up at him as she stood next to him. The way he just nodded yes, had her looking back at her two friends. Who shared a look before shrugging as if it wasn't important. Leaving her feeling as if she missed something important.
"They will be joining me later. I am sure that they'd like to catch up with you two. But where is Tseng? Vincent?" Genesis asked.
The silence that filled the space between the four of them was telling — earning a small grunt from Genesis in understanding. It was something they couldn't talk about — neither here or in private since it dealt with their work.
"Okay, I might be a bit rusty, but who am I to deny when a pretty lady asks me to sing in a Karaoke battle with me?" Genesis said, breaking the tension and had the other two laughing.
Kagome didn't miss the way they looked possessively at her before looking at Genesis. She knew for a fact that Genesis didn't swing her way. He'd made it very clear the day after they made it when he strolled into the lab. Where Genesis intently annoyed Hojo to no end for his amusement. Since he was the son of another Scientist who did the same type of genetic research as Hojo.
"Aww.. you think I am pretty sir?" she asked, keeping in tune with the act of not knowing him.
"Definitely, look at those eyes. A man could write a sonnet about them as he drowns," was the playful reply she got, that made her cheek heat up as she looked away.
Twin grunts from Reno and Rude had her look at them and frowning. "Are you two saying I am not pretty?" she asked, her voice dropping a bit.
The way they shook their heads to deny that accusation, while Reno swallowed his foot to his knee in trying to deny it verbally, got him slapped by Rude. She was well aware of their preferences, as well. Rude was straight; Reno swung both ways. It was all in good jest, though, as she burst out laughing at Reno, who was sulking openly.
These were her boys as they termed herself, though Tseng said he was not part of the club. But he too was in away getting close and protective of her. She was happy to have people she knew she could rely on, even if it were only to a certain extent. It left her feeling warm, safe, and loved. The last she was sure was a delusion on her part.
"Hey... Gaia to Kagome... what song do you want to sing?" Genesis whispered next to her ear. Making her flush darkly as she started and tried to reply only to sputter.
The laughter that came from those around her, the bartender included, had her looking at the ground as she calmed herself down, which took some time since her heart was beating hard in her chest. The knowledge that Reno and Genesis would be the death of her with the way they teased her had her groaning. The clear image of them teaming up to do it was not a pleasant idea, even if it was pretty.
"Oh... uh... I... um..." she stumbled over her words in though before an idea hit her hard. "How about this!"
Pulling him down and whispering in his ear what song. It was a switch song for two people. When she let him go, his gray eyes sparkled as he looked at her, Kagome knew he liked the idea immensely.
The way he smiled at her before he spoke, "That would be perfect. So, sign us up, kiddo."
Snorting at his choice of words, Kagome weaved her way through the crowd of people to the stage to give their name and song. Then she was promptly told that she would have to wait a bit. The way the tech stared at her before saying to her that he was shocked and curious. The normal had been her with either Reno, Rude, or Tseng... and one time Vincent as a partner. No one in the bar ever really hit on her or came near her when they were around. Which at least one was all the time, except the day she met Genesis.
Once she was back by his side, she noted that Rude was gone. Shooting a questioning look at Reno, who jerked his head in the direction she just came from telling her that he was doing the same. Smiling brightly, she climbed back onto her stool. From there, they all just started to chat about random inane things. Reno and Rude are still unaware that she knew Genesis already. And enjoying the way he reacted to their attempts to either impress him or embarrass her as they regaled him with her exploits.
Looking up at the clock, Kagome pulled out her PHS and turned it from silent to ring. It was almost time for her nightly check-in call from Hojo. There was no work tomorrow as it was Sunday. So, staying out a bit later and having fun was allowed.
The moment she slipped the small device back into her pocket, she heard her name and Genesis being called out. Looking at the Red-head next to her, who was grinning like a lunatic, had her laughing as they made their way to the stage. The bar was going silent since the contest was now getting serious. Their first song would either make or break them. Standing on the stage and looking out, Kagome winked at everyone as Genesis announced the song they were doing, Porcelain Black - Pretty Little Psycho - Nightcore Mix.
The look on Reno's and Rude's face had Kagome wanting to laugh as the music started. Putting on her best psychotic face, she began to sing the opening chorus. As she trailed off, Genesis sang the next verse; his voice was surprisingly lovely. Though it was apparent, he was pushing the range of his vocal limit. Back and forth, they continued until the last verse, their bodies swaying, bumping, and miming actions that would go with the song as they sang. And from the way the bar patrons were hollering, they were eating it up.
Once they finished, Kagome grabbed Genesis' hand and bowed at the waist. She couldn't help the smile that was splayed across her face as she jumped off the stage, once more dragging Genesis behind her to Rude and Reno. Both just stared at them, then their hands and back again before just shaking their head in tandem, seemingly unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed.
"It wasn't that bad, was it Kagome?" Genesis asked as he extracted his hand from hers.
"I didn't think so," she said as she walked over and poked both of the stunned men in the cheeks. She was effectively startling them from their trance. Their compliments were forthcoming. Just as she heard their names be called out to come to the stage, her PHS started to ring. She was rolling her eyes as she looked apologetically at them. Only to get a look that said they understood and didn't want to be in any trouble if she didn't answer.
"Okay, I will make it quick and come back. Gotta take care of Daddy dearest!" she quipped, watching as the two blanched and shook their head and left as Genesis choked on his liquor.
With that, she quickly pushed her way through the crowd to avoid his potential questions. All the while, the communication device never stopped ringing. Once she was outside, Kagome pressed the button and held it up to her ear. The voice on the other end was not Hojo. Narrowing her eyes, she let her arm drop and ended the call. Annoyance crossed her face as she looked at it, wondering how that person had gotten it.
She stiffened when she felt an aura behind her flare. It set her nerves on her end as she slowly turned around. A tall man with tattoos on his neck and arms was standing there. Leering down at her in a manner that she was very familiar with from her time traveling across feudal Japan. He was reeking of alcohol.
"You are a pretty gal. And a nice voice to boot, I think you'd do well at the honey bee..." The man slurred as he took a few steps towards her.
Narrowing her eyes, Kagome knew not to use magic or her Reiki here. The scene it would cause would be disastrous; on top of the lecture, she would be given not just by Hojo and that creature, but Tseng as well before she would have to erase the memories of those around. A thing she didn't relish ever having to do, though the Tama's had assured her that she was quite capable of it.
On the man's next step, she took a step back, trying to keep space between them. He reeked not just of Alcohol, but also sweat, nicotine and drugs. It was sickening to her stomach and the liquor she had in it. Shaking her head, she kept her eyes on him.
"Oh.. now don't be that way, girlie. Come peacefully, and you'd be very popular. Trust me," the man slurred again, his dark eyes gleaming as she saw the dark malicious colors in his aura.
The moment he reached for her, Kagome stepped back and smacked his hand away. "You need to stop, sir, or you will not like the consequences," she stated simply.
The man went from leering to angry in seconds. Just what she needed a belligerent, drunk, and high man angry. Her eyes swept over him, assessing his height, weight, and equilibrium in a glance and knowing that with his mind inhibited by the drugs and alcohol that he would be a bit more unpredictable.
"Don't give me trouble, little girl," he growled as he lunged forward both arms out to grab her.
Taking that moment, Kagome rushed in and thrust both her fist into his stomach and hissed. It was like connecting with a solid wall and putting her now in a dangerous place. Trying to dart back and duck at the same time, she felt as one of his hand tangled in her long curls, drawing a cry of pain from her as he pulled on them.
"Awww you have some claws, that kinda tickled," he laughed next to her ear.
Growling as she lowered her body, thrusting her left elbow back and down to the junction of his thigh and groin. She was hoping to hit a softer spot. When it connected, he howled and threw her away from him and to the ground. Just as she hit the packed dirt, feeling the flesh on the palms on her hand be peeled back. The distinctive sound of flesh hitting flesh, followed by an extremely pained grunt, had her rolling over and trying to get the hair from her face.
"Miss... are you alright?" a deep, mellow voice spoke, sending shivers through her body.
That voice sounded very familiar for some odd reason. When Kagome had enough hair out of her eyes, she saw the guy lying unconscious on the ground a few feet from her. A tall, muscular man with short dark hair looking at her in worry. While a pale, slender, and long-fingered hand was thrust in her field of vision.
Not even thinking she took it in her own stinging and slightly bloodied hand and let the person pull her up while focusing on why she got a very odd feeling from the hand's owner. Lifting her head, her eyes traveled up the length of the thin but toned arm to see a fall of silver-white hair. Eyes were going wide as she finally made eye contact with the man. Her brain was finally registering why he sounded so familiar.
"Miss... Hey... Do I need to get you to a clinic?" the man spoke again.
Unable to help it, Kagome jerked her hand away from the man, her blue eyes still locked on his aquamarine orbs as she stepped away. She was shaking her head in denial. This was not possible. It couldn't be. He sounded and looked like Sesshomaru. But the feeling she got from him was far different from the Demon Lord. Instead, he felt similar to Hojo when she touched him.
The moment the man reached out for her again, she slapped his hand away, baring her teeth. "No! This is wrong. Stay away! You... You... why... No!"
Panic seeping into her voice, making it shrill to her ears as she stepped back away from the stunned guy. While soft, smothered chuckling came from his friend. Again the man tried to reach for her, and she couldn't help it, she growled and darted forward, pushing past him in need to get away, with more strength then she should have. Already she could feel her power rise to the surface and surround her. She was casting a lilac glow on the ground. In the next instant, the world vanished as she rounded the corner, barely seeing startled black-brown eyes.
When she next could see she was looking up at a ceiling with a hole in it. The scent of flowers overpowering her nose as a surprised squeak was heard. Slowly she sat up, her body aching at teleporting, something she was not aware she could do. Looking around, Kagome realized she was in a dilapidated church. And she was not alone.
Looking over, she saw bright spring green eyes staring at her in shock. The person they belonged too was a girl roughly her age with long brown hair. Feeling awkward and sheepish, Kagome blushed.
"Hi! sorry?" She said, making the girl react by laughing.
"It is alright. I knew I would have an interesting visitor. The Planet told me so," she said as she held out her hand to Kagome. "I am Aeris. And you must be Kagome."
Leaving Kagome shocked in so many ways as she looked at the girl's aura over and realized that she could feel the Planet here as she took the girl's hand and let her help her up.
Tseng had been in shock when he saw Kagome come running around the corner — glowing with her Reiki only to vanish before his eyes. The look of panic and fear in her eyes had him on edge instantly. Looking back behind him, he saw Vincent looking pensive. So, after sharing a small nod of his head, he crept slowly to the corner and peered around the corner to see two very particular people. Tseng raised a hand to Vincent to come over and look. Noting he went from pensive to tense.
"Dude, I have never seen a woman react like that to you, Seph. I mean seriously, they usually throw themselves at you. But to pull away from you, smack your hand and then run as if you were the devil himself... Wow!" The deep voice of Angeal Hewley rang in the air.
"I do not know what is so funny. That man was assaulting her, we helped," came the soft reply from Sephiroth, "She must have thought we were going to hurt her as well."
It was clear that he was upset by her reaction to him. Tseng looked at Vincent to note that the man had become a blank facade. It was at that moment a ringing went off, a very familiar ringtone. It is making him curse under his breath. Just what in the hell had happened? This was not good, and if someone didn't pick up that PHS and answer it, hell would rain down on all of their heads. Where was Reno and Rude they were supposed to watch and protect Kagome?
The sound of shifting cloth had him looking at Vincent, who rounded the corner and making his presence known to the two S.O.L.D.I.E.R Generals as Sephiroth bent down and grabbed the small communication device. The tension in the air increased as they looked at each other — the ringtone pausing before going off again. Tseng watched as Vincent plucked the device from Sephiroth and pressed the button.
"Kagome! Why did it take you so long to answer?" came Hojo's very distinct and angry voice.
The way that Tseng saw not just Sephiroth's eyes but Angeal's eyes widen had him wanting to facepalm. Calmly he walked around the corner, coming to stand next to Vincent like a silent shadow as he spoke.
"This is Vincent, Professor Hojo," he said.
Only to move the device away from his head when a loud stream of epitaphs came in the form of an answer. When they died down, Vincent, put it back to his head.
"I do not have the full facts, but from the look of things, she was attacked and got some help from an unexpected source. Tseng and I saw her running around the corner as if trying to get away," was all he said.
Silence filled the air, as no reply was forthcoming. "Do you have any idea where my ward might be after watching her run away?" Hojo asked, his voice showing he was trying to restrain his anger.
Tseng looked at the duo who looked curiously on, silent and wanting answers. "No. She... vanished before we could react," Vincent said.
A long-suffering sigh was heard, "Who helped her? And I want my ward found. You are aware of the situation and how valuable she is to me," Hojo commanded.
Tseng flinched as he saw the stiffening and tightening around Sephiroth's eyes and mouth. The man had been out of the country for over five months on a top-secret mission somewhere, so he was unaware of Kagome and the situation. And since it was his father that was making this statement, it was more than likely being taken the wrong way.
Before anyone could react, Sephiroth took the PHS from Vincent and spoke, "I did Professor Hojo. Is that a problem?" he spoke into the small device.
Again there was silence before Hojo responded, "That depends on her. But I had already intended to introduce you two since she is helping me with the S.O.L.D.I.E.R and Jenova Project. Besides, she has already met Rhapsody."
This time when silence fell, it was somewhat awkward. Tseng was not aware that Kagome had met one of the Generals. He knew that the man was back. Glancing up at Vincent, he saw a barely noticeable tic in his jaw. It made him worry since Vincent was barely tolerable of the red-haired, Loveless spouting boy. And while Vincent was still a bit upset at her hitting him, leaving a bruise all while calling him a pervert, he had taken a liking to the girl.
Soon a loud ruckus was heard from the doorway of the bar. Glancing up, he meets the eyes of Reno, Rude, and Genesis.
"I understand, Professor. She is a priority to find," Sephiroth bit out, not bothering to hide his contempt.
Tseng was still looking at the trio who were now paling greatly as they quickly absorbed what they were seeing and hearing. Nothing good was going to come from this, cause they'd lost track of Kagome, who had vanished into thin air. And now hearing an angry, resigned Hojo on top of a now upset Sephiroth was never a good thing.
Readying to say something to his subordinates, he paused when his own PHS rang. Drawing all attention to himself. Sighing, he pulled it from his suit pocket and answered it.
"Sir! Report, the girl has made contact with another female, who just... appeared in the church. I cannot hear what they are saying, but they are being friendly with each other. The new arrival is a short, pale-skinned girl with black hair and blue eyes. Her cheeks are flushed as well."
Unable to help it, Tseng knew he looked as dumbfounded as he felt. And the quiet hiss from Hojo at hearing the message of Kagome's contact with Aeris was telling. Giving the agent and quick thanks, he looked up at Vincent, who was still looking at Sephiroth, who was looking at Tseng with curiosity.
"You heard that Hojo, she has been found," Angeal said aloud, snapping them all back to reality.
"Good. Vincent, I want you to get Reno and Rude and ask what the hell happened that she was left alone... and assaulted. While not defenseless, you know I do not want my property damaged in any way. And Sephiroth, you report to the lab's first thing Monday morning. You have been gone for an extended period of time; I need to evaluate you thoroughly... Kagome as well now too... And she is not being allowed out from my labs or home for a month, Tseng. You make sure those idiots understand this. It was a privilege I extended to them. Now they get to earn it back from me," Hojo barked out.
The line went dead as soon as he finished speaking. Looking at everyone, he saw the shock on Angeals face, the darkening of Sephiroth's eyes as he frowned. The other three had come over to be near. Reno and Rude looked ashamed and sad at what was said, though he knew they were scared shitless at having to earn anything from Hojo.
"I will go fetch Kagome and deliver her to Hojo. Rude, Reno, you two will report everything to Vincent. Genesis, Angeal, and Sephiroth, please also cooperate," Tseng said in a business like manner before turning and leaving, not wanting a response.
As he walked away, he heard Genesis speak up, "Man, this blows. I wanted to introduce you guys to Kagome. She is a pretty, kick-ass girl. Real Gem. And loves my sense of humor."
Only to have Reno yell What the Hell, you know her? As he vanished around the corner. A small smile playing across his lips.
TBC!
