Kagura spent most of the early morning wandering around the city. Her
sandals made sharp sounds on the strange road with the hard unforgiving
surface. Hardly anything looked the same; everywhere she turned she saw
new, strange things. Large enclosed carriages without horses, raced by in
clouds of black smoke; her nose twitched at the acrid smell. A woman
walked by in a strange outfit; black pants, very tight, and an orange shirt
that showed quite a bit of cleavage. What a weird thing, a woman wearing
pants, and showing that much of her flesh, she thought. In shop windows
strange words and phrases she didn't understand, were glowing in blinking
in garish hues of pink, green, and blue. What in the world was
"Budweiser," she wondered as she looked at one particularly large sign in a
shop window. It glowed an odd yellow color, with a red box around it. She
had to look almost straight up to see the sky, the buildings clustered
around were so tall and dense, they seemed to be doing their best to block
all sunlight.
Walking from street to street, Kagura started to look for something familiar. But all she could seem to find were more tall buildings, and more humans dressed in odd clothing. Rounding a corner she finally saw something that at least looked a little familiar. Across the road, behind a large iron gateway was a stand of trees, with a gravel path leading into them. The sign above the gate way said "Tokyo Park." She was careful crossing the street. She had almost been run down by one of those carriages once, and she did not care to repeat the experience. She stepped off the sidewalk, onto a gravel pathway. The sharp clip of her sandals changed to a pleasing crunching sound.
Kagura walked for a while up the path, through a small patch of trees and then up a hill. There was a small stone bench placed off to the left of the path at the very top of the hill. When she reached it she could see all around her. Trees surrounded this hill, but she could see buildings not to far away, stretching over the tops of the trees. She sat down on the bench, and looked up. The sky was bright blue above her. The heat of the late afternoon cast a hot heavy haze that made everything seem a little fuzzy, almost like a dream. The air was still, unnaturally still. Kagura could have made wind, but she didn't. Instead she looked up, off to her right, of to the east, and waited. She could taste it coming. Taste it in the heavy still air. If someone had seen her at that moment, they might have thought her a statue; for she did not move, did not blink. She was as still at the heavy air around her.
A cool breeze cut though the warm sluggish air, whipping the limbs on the trees below her vantage point back and forth. Large white clouds appeared over the horizon. Building quickly, they rose in the sky, thousands of feet high. The sun, which hung low on the western horizon lit up the clouds, Kagura could see a hundred different shades in them, mostly different kinds of blue, but she could also see pinks, and purples and yellows and reds. Not the harsh colors that had been prominently displayed in the store windows, but the kind of colors that came when the sun filtered through the sky. The wind carried this storm toward her. The large white folds looked like huge horses carrying the storm along. Their great white heads tossing and their mains whipping as they ran.
Kagura felt a pang of longing to be up there, with them. To ride along on their backs, and never have to touch her foot to the ground again. The sky directly above her stayed a perfect robin's egg blue, as she watched the storm build higher and higher in the sky. The top of the clouds soon reached that perfect height that made the shape of an anvil. She saw the flash of lightning as it flitted from one cloud to the other, and then heard the crack of the thunder.
The quest to find the Shikon no Tama tugged annoyingly at her mind. The power of the Shikon no Tama was a binding kind, it kept her anchored to the ground. This was real power, she thought as she watched to storm. True power and freedom, not the tantalizing promises that the Shikon no Tama gave.
Kagura's hand went absently, automatically, to the feathers in her hair. Her fingers were grasping the base of the quill, when they steadied, not finishing the movement. What was the point? She would just be forced to return back to the ground again, back to this strange city, back to Naraku. Her hands dropped back down, and sought out the spot on her chest where she should feel her heart beating. It was still. Naraku still had her heart; it was always just a moment away from him; always ready for him to crush. The clouds rolled off to the northeast, never reaching her. She watched them go with a heavy feeling in her chest, where her heart should have been.
Shaking her head, she turned her mind back on finding the Shikon no Tama. Pleasing Naraku was the only way to stay alive, and she had always had a vigorous will to live. She had her orders, and they did not include wasting time on a bench, wishing for things she would never have.
The Shikon no Tama was in this world, somewhere. Somehow its presents had awakened Naraku, and he had released her. But how was she to find it; she could not sense it like he could. He had just laughed at her and told her not to be so arrogant, that she was only to go out and scout this new world. She must report to him when she found something of interest. Naraku would stay where he was, letting her do the dirty work. A bitter taste rose in her mouth and she leaned to the side and spat on the grass. It was just like him, the bastard. He stayed where he was safe, and sent others to risk themselves. She longed to defy him, to strike out at him, and hurt him, but it was useless, as long as he had her heart, she could do nothing but obey him.
Kagome was upstairs on her bed, when she heard the phone ring. After a few moments her Mom called up the stairs, "Kagome you have a phone call."
"Hello?" Kagome said, taking the portable phone from her mother.
"Hi, Kagome this is Sango. How are you?"
"Oh hi, Sango. I'm doing much better, thanks," Kagome said smiling.
"Great! Hey, a bunch of us are going to the beach tomorrow. The senior class is having a bonfire. Wanna come?"
"Hold on," Kagome put the phone to her chest and called, "Mom, is it ok if I go to the beach tomorrow with some friends?"
"I don't see why not; just make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen," Kagome's mom answered.
"Thanks Mom," Kagome said, holding the phone to her chest, the she put it back up to her ear, "Sure. I'd love to go. A day at the beach! What fun. Running up stairs she grabbed her trusty yellow back pack Propping the phone up to her ear with her shoulder, she began stuffing the yellow bag with everything she might need; sunscreen, hair dryer, mouse, lotion, a beach towel, first aid kit, sunglasses, a Frisbee.
"Is eight a good time to pick you up?
"Yeah, eights fine. Who's going?"
"Well, the whole school should be there, plus a bunch of others from some other schools in the area. We are going with Miroku, I think he's gonna call Yasha to see if he needs a ride or not.
"Ok, I'll see you at eight tomorrow morning."
"Great, can't wait."
Kagome hung up the phone, and started rooting around in her closet, "Where is it," she mumbled to herself. Abandoning the closet, she began digging in one of her drawers. "It's gotta be here somewhere."
There was a knock on her door and her mother opened it. Smiling she said, "I noticed when I was washing your swim suit the other day that it looked really ragged, so I picked up a new one for you yesterday." She held out a armful of red fabric. "I thought this color would look really nice on you."
"Thanks Mom," Kagome said taking the suit. "Hey, it's a bikini," she said holding up the bottom half of the suit.
Her Mom nodded, "Well, try it on."
Kagome slipped on the suit. "Wow, Mom," she said, examining herself in the mirror. You don't think its two small?"
"Of course not, you look wonderful. Here tie this around your waist. She said handing Kagome the sarong that went with the suit. It was the same shade of red as the bikini, with a pattern of large white flowers on it. She did a little turn for the mirror. Then she turned to her mom, "Thanks Mama," she said, hugging her.
"I am so glad to have such a beautiful daughter. I just hope that dog eared boy realized how lucky he is."
"MOM!" Kagome cried, and then they both burst out laughing.
The clouds had long since vanished in the distance, leaving a clear, darkening sky. The sun had vanished behind the horizon. She stood up and continued walking down the path. She had her orders, and they didn't include sitting on a bench, wasting time looking at the darkening sky. She must find out about this world, and report back to Naraku.
She had reached the trees when a scream caught her attention. A woman came running out of the darkness of the trees, and bumped into her. Kagura could see her eyes were running with some sort of black substance, and her pink blouse was badly torn. Muffling another scream with the back of her hand, the woman pushed by Kagura and disappeared up the path into the increasing darkness.
"Hey baby, wait up. The funs just started." A voice brought Kagura's attention away from the disappearing woman, back to the path in front of her. Three men came running toward her, making loud crashing sounds as they ran up the path. They were laughing and whooping.
"You can run, but you can't hide bitch, one in the lead called out, then he caught sight of Kagura standing in the path. He had on strange blue pants that had holes in the knees, some kind of black jacket, which looked a bit like armor, with silver spikes on the shoulders. His black hair was slicked back, and he had a silver earring in his left ear. He came to an abrupt stop, and his three companions came barreling into the back of him. He was knocked to the ground, and his three friends sprawled on top of him. Kagura watched as they struggled on the ground.
"What the hell," one said; he had managed to wrench himself free and got to his feet. This man had on black pants, a shirt that looked like it used to be white. The sleeves were torn off it, and a red cloth tied to his head. "Who the hell are you?"
The other two men had managed to get to their feet by that time. The third man was shorter than the other two, but more muscular. His pants and shirt were black, and Kagura noticed silver glinting on his knuckles in a solid silver bar.
"Come on man, that little bitch it getting away," said the man with the red cloth on his head, looking past Kagura up the path.
"Naw, don't worry Frankie, she won't get very far. We'll get our money from her later," he eyed Kagura up and down, "Looks life one of those Geisha chicks here, check out the outfit." Then he said to Kagura, "What's a pretty little girl like you doing out here in this part of town. Didn't your Daddy ever warn you not to wander around in the park at night?"
"Hey Ricco, maybe she's looking to turn her first trick?"
The man in the black jacket eyed Kagura again, "Is that right, you lookin to turn a few tricks?" Ricco snorted with laughter, "Well, you should have cleared that with us first."
"She's one fancy looken whore. What you say we have some fun with her before we take her to the boss. That'll teach her not to turn tricks without clearing it with us first. The shorter man named Jaz said.
"I don't see why not. I say you owe us a little something for distracting us. Now we're gonna have to hunt that little bitch-whore down again to get the money she owes us. Why don't you come over here and me and you and Jaz and Frankie here can have our selves a little party."
"Hey Ricco, Shouldn't we take her to the boss first?"
"Nah, we can do that later. We saw her first."
Kagura chuckled, a low deep sound. Casting her eyes down in a seemingly demure fashion she reached inside her sleeve and pulled out her fan. Her red lips twitched in a half smile.
"Hey, does she have a knife?"
"Nah man, that's a fan."
"Well well well, I ain't never seen such a classy whore before. If you're really good to us sweet thing then maybe we won't rough you up too much before we take you to the boss.
With a deft motion of her hand Kagura opened her fan with a sharp snap. Kagura looked back up almost flirtatiously, her violet eyes sparkled, it might have been a trick of the week moonlight, but they seemed to glow red. A breeze ruffled the hem of her kimono. She moved her wrist slightly to the left; the wind increased.
"Hey, what the hell was that?" Frankie looked around, with slightly wide eyes.
"Hmmmm. Such language. I shall have to teach you a lesson." Kagura brought the fan diagonally across her body. Straight armed, "Fuujin no Mai," she said. Wind blades flew toward Frankie.
"What the Hel." Frankie was cut off as the wind blades hit him. Blood spattered the trees behind him. He fell, hard and did not move. A few of the cutting blades winged Ricco, cutting through his leather jacket, slicing his right shoulder. He managed to stay standing for a moment, his face white with shock and spattered red with Frankie's blood, but then collapsed, landing on his butt, with a dull splat in a pool of blood.
Jaz's eyes grew wide with fear and he turned and started running back down the path screaming. Kagura brought her fan back up in a sharp motion, and the cutting blades flew again. Jaz's screams broke off suddenly, and his dark shape fell to the path.
"Who the hell are you Bitch. what the Hell are you?" Ricco screamed, trying to scoot back on his butt, clutching his injured shoulder with his other hand.
Kagura walked smiling toward him.
"Stay back!"
Kagura closed her fan. The wind died down. She bent down, placing the tip of her fan under his chin, raising his head to an uncomfortable angle so that he looked her in the eyes. "I have some questions, and you are going to answer them for me. Then if I like your answers and decide to let you live, we are going to visit your boss."
This, Kagura thought, is something that Naraku might find interesting, very interesting indeed.
Kagura stole into the darkened well house. It was very early morning; the sun should be up in an hour or so. What a fascinating world she had discovered. Naraku should be able to fit into it quite nicely, she thought with a sneer. Ricco had been most helpful, answering all her questions and even taking her to see his boss. It turned out; Ricco's boss was just a small fish in a very big pond. After a small demonstration of her powers she went to his boss and then the boss after that. She had managed to cover quite a bit of ground in one night. Humans might be weak pathetic creatures, but even she had to admit, they had the ability to be very well organized.
She smoothed down her new skirt. It was knee length and red, flaring slightly at the knees, and she had on a crisp white blouse that had long sleeves that buttoned at the wrist, and a high collar. It had recently belonged to one of the secretaries to one of the bosses, she had forgotten his name, there had been so many. When she had admired it, he had told the girl to give it to her. It had seemed wise to change her form of dress. Her Kimono had attracted much too much attention and these new clothes would be far better suited to moving around the humans un-noticed. She also combed her hair over her ears, so that fact that they were pointed would go unnoticed.
"What news do you bring," Naraku's hollow voice came from the well.
"Much has changed since last we walked this land, but quite a bit has also stayed the same Naraku-sama. Youki no longer run free, and humans run the world. But death and corruption still is a path to power."
"Tell me what you know."
Kagura told Naraku of her meeting with the head of a very powerful crime organization. "He expressed an interest in gaining the power of a youkai,"
Naraku was silent for a moment, and then his voice rang from the well. "Very good Kagura, you have done well. Arrange another meeting with this..human. Tell him your master has a proposition that will interest him; the power of a youkai, in exchange for the use of some of his," Naraku's voice paused slightly, "resources."
"Yes Naraku-sama."
The sun was just rising when Kagura left the well house. Birds were starting to move around. She was crossing the yard when she saw the tree. It couldn't be, she told herself. But as she neared it, there was no mistaking the Go Shinboku. It was the very same tree that that hanyou, Inu Yasha, had been pinned to all those years ago. She stood and stared at it. Everything else in this world had changed, except that tree. She heard whispering. Was it coming from the tree? She slowly walked toward it, the branches seemed to be moving in a breeze, yet there was no wind during this calm morning. The leaves on the tree flipped back and forth, and the whispering continued. She strained her ears, trying to make out what it was saying.
She was listening so intently that she didn't hear the person behind her until he spoke, "Good Morning Miss. You're up quite early on this fine, fine day."
Kagura jumped, and spun around, her had going to the inside of her sleeve, reaching for her fan.
Kagome's grandfather broke into a wide smile, "so sorry to startle you young miss. That was most rude of me." He looked past Kagura and up at the god tree, "It's an amazing thing, isn't it. Been here for generations."
Kagura's fingers relaxed their grip on her fan. It was just an old human man.
"I run this shrine. You're here to learn about the Shikon no Tama no doubt." He said nodding sagely.
Kagura's mouth fell open, "How.. How." she stammered.
Grandpa just chuckled. "I know all about its history, and would be happy to tell a nice young lady like you all about it. Come and sit under the shade of the tree with me."
Well, why not, she shrugged mentally. Kagura followed the strange little man, and sat next to him on the bench.
"Now," he said importantly, "let me tell you of the history of this shrine, and the Shikon no Tama.."
Kagome was dreaming. "Inu Yasha! No come back! Don't leave me!"
Inu Yasha was bounding from tree to tree and she was running after him, tripping on tree roots as she went. She shifted restlessly in her bed. She had almost caught up to him when out from behind a stump stepped Kikyou.
She had on her Miko's robes and had her bow pointed at Kagome. "Didn't I tell you? He's mine. I will never let you have him." Kikyou released the arrow, and it hit her. That was strange. The pain should be in her shoulder, where the arrow hit, not on her stomach. And since when did arrows growl? Her eye's fluttered open, and she looked up at her ceiling. The strange prickling sensation was still on her stomach, and she could feel growls vibrating there.
Kiarra was settled on her stomach, and had been sleeping there, after ousting Buyou from the favored spot. But he wasn't cuddled up anymore. He was tense and growling. His claws scratched Kagome through her pale blue pajamas. "Kiarra, what's wrong?" she asked.
Kiarra leapt from the bed, and went over to the window, jumping up on the frame. His nose sniffed the air and he pawed at the glass. Kagome looked outside, and saw her mother working in the flowerbeds, and her grandfather sitting on the bench under the god tree, talking to a woman. She was probably a visitor to the shrine that her grandfather cornered and was boring silly with all sorts of useless talk. But when the woman laughed, the pleasant sound drifting up in the breeze, Kagome thought that maybe that Grandfather had gotten lucky, and found someone who actually enjoyed being board to death.
She looked at her clock; the alarm was set to go off in 5 minuets. Why on earth had she set the alarm for so early on a Saturday? She sat back down heavily on her bed, and rubbed her eyes. Maybe she could get back to sleep.. She had just lain back down when her eyes popped open. The beach! How in the world could she have forgotten, she had stayed up late packing for it. Suddenly not feeling the least bit tired, she jumped out of bed, she raced for the shower; just barely beating a tousled haired, sleepy eyed Souta who looked up surprised when the bathroom door slammed in his face.
....................................
"Kagome, your friends are here."
"Thanks Mom, I'll be right down," Kagome said. Grabbing her backpack she checked her reflection in the mirror. She wore a simple yellow sundress; the neckline was low enough so that the Shikon no Tama winked up at her. Her hair was pulled back with a yellow ribbon and she slipped on a pair of straw sandals. Hauling her oversized pack over her shoulder, she was good to go.
Sango, Miroku and Inu Yasha were sitting at the kitchen table waiting for Kagome. They were sipping bowls of Miso soup. Kagome's mom was humming while she heated water for tea
"Shippou said he would meet us here, then we could all drive over together," Miroku said. He was wearing dark blue warm up pants that snapped up the side and a white tank top. Kagome dropped her backpack with a thud.
Kagome's Mother handed her a bowl of soup. "Thanks Mom," Kagome said.
"Kagome, don't forget this," Kagome's mother said indicating a large picnic basket, while she filled a small tray with two bowls of soup, and some pickled fish. "I thought you and your friends might like some snacks."
"Thanks Mom," Kagome said.
"Oh, it's no problem," Kagome's Mom said smiling.
"You think you've got enough stuff, Kagome?" Inu Yasha said eyeing Kagome's overstuffed Yellow backpack. He was wearing knee length denim shorts, a red Hawaiian shirt, and no shoes. His prayer beads were on the out side of his shirt.
"Yeah, I know," Kagome smiled, "I never know what I'm gonna need, so I tend to bring it all."
"Hey, I know what you mean," Sango said. Sango had on a pair of blue denim overalls, with a hot pink half shirt. Glimpses of her bare sides peeked out from the sides of the overalls. Kagome couldn't help notice Miroku kept sneaking peaks whenever he thought Sango wasn't looking.
The low rumble of a motorcycle caught their attention. Miroku peeled his eyes away from Sango's nicely shaped midsection, and looked at his watch. "8:00, Shippou's right on time."
Sango and Kagome stood and started clearing the table. "Oh, don't worry about that, I'll clear the dishes. You go and have a good time."
"Thanks Mom," Kagome said.
"Yeah, thanks Mrs. Higurashi," Sango added.
Miroku picked up the picnic basket, "Thanks for the snacks. Mrs. Higurashi."
Inu Yasha picked up Kagome's backpack and slung it over his shoulder, like it weighed nothing. "You ready?" he asked Kagome.
Kagome's breath caught in her throat as she looked at the familiar sight.
"Oi," Inu Yasha looked at Kagome a bit suspiciously, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Hm.Oh, goman, it's nothing. I was just thinking of something silly."
"So what was it?"
"Really, it was nothing."
"So if it was nothing, why don't you tell me?"
"Gezz, I don't even remember anymore."
"Tell me."
"Drop it already."
Inu Yasha and Kagome faced each other down, bickering. Sango and Miroku cast confused glances at each other. "Call me crazy," Miroku whispered to Sango, "but this seems oddly familiar."
Sango nodded.
Kagome's mom hummed happily while she watched her daughter run off to enjoy her day. She put the finishing touches on the tray she was preparing to take out to Granpa and his young guest, when a there was a knock on the door. "Souta," she called, "would you take this out to Grandpa for me?"
"Sure Mama," Souta said, coming in from the living room.
"Thank you sweetie," she said going to answer the door.
Souta picked up the tray carefully, making sure not to slosh the tea. Walking carefully to the back door, he balanced the tray in his right hand, and snagged a small folding tray, which was leaning against the wall next to the door, with his left.
Kagura was resting comfortably on the bench and for the first time in her life, enjoyed the company of another living being. She figured out very early in the conversation, that Mr. Higurashi really didn't know all that much about the Shikon No Tama, but he was so funny and charming. She couldn't remember having this much fun talking to someone before.
"Now about the Go Shinboku.."Grandpa said importantly, "its history starts with...."
"Jii-Chan, Mama asked me to bring this out to you," Souta called, interrupting his grandfather.
"Ah Souta, my boy, thank you. Bring it right over here." He turned back to Kagura, "My daughter is a very good cook, I would be pleased if you would join me in a bit of breakfast, Miss.. Er., you know I feel like such a clod, I never asked you for your name." Grandpa said.
Souta had managed to unfold the table with one hand, placing it in front of the bench, and set the tray on it. Picking up the pot he poured tea into two small cups. "Kagura. my name is Kagura," Sota sloshed the tea a bit and some of it spilled on the tray. Neither Kagura nor his grandfather noticed.
"Kagura-chan, what a beautiful name, and very unique; I've never heard it before."
Kagura lowered her eyes, "Why thank you Mr. Higurashi."
Grandpa picked up a bowl of soup and sipped it with relish. "Ah, your mother sure can cook," he said to Souta, "I keep hopping Kagome's cooking will improve, but that is one place she seems to be lacking."
Kagura had just taken a sip of tea, her eyes widened a bit. Kagome? It couldn't be the same girl. "I'm sorry, but did you say your granddaughter was named Kagome?"
"Why yes. And a wonderful girl she is. Even though her cooking isn't all that tasty, she is a most capable girl. She has much skill with the bow and arrow, and she is even in training to be a miko for this shrine."
"A miko?" Kagura raised an eyebrow, "you must be very proud, is she here?" It couldn't be the same girl, it just couldn't be. That was years ago, and she was human, she must be dead by now.
"Souta, where is your sister?"
"She went to the beach today Jii-Chan." Souta was now looking intently at Kagura, there was something familiar about her. He was sure he had never seen her before, but something kept tugging at the back of his mind. Ever since he heard her name..
"Maybe another time then," Kagura said smiling, but Souta noticed that her smile didn't reach here eyes this time. There was something definitely off about this woman. She looked normal enough, except for her odd colored eyes. He had never seen violet eyes before. She moved her head slightly, and Souta could have sworn her eyes flashed red for just a moment, then she glanced back at him and they were violet again.
"Souta," Mama called from the house, "would you please come here, I need you to take this to the curb for me." She held up a full trash bag.
"All right Mama, I'll be right there," He bowed to Kagura, "it was a pleasure meeting you."
Kagura nodded once, "Likewise, I hope we meet again," a stray breeze drifted across the yard and gently ruffled Kagura's hair. Sango looked up as the breeze pushed aside a few strands of her hair for just a moment, revealing a pointed ear. His eyes widened slightly. Kagura lifted a hand to smooth her hair back into place.
Souta looked at Kagura once more, and then bowing again, turned and ran back to the house, his mind racing. Something that Kagome had told him a long time ago seemed to be trying to struggle to the surface of his mind. He banged into the kitchen and almost smack into his mother who was still holding the bag. "Whoa Souta, you're as white as a sheet, you look like you've seen a ghost," she said, handing him the bag of garbage.
Something in Souta's mind clicked. "A ghost," he said, more to himself than his mother. "A ghost. His eyes suddenly got very large. She looked familiar, her eyes flashed red, and her ears were pointed.. And he was sure he had heard the name Kagura before. He was sure his sister had told him about someone named Kagura before. Dropping the bag of garbage he spun on his heal and raced upstairs.
Puzzled him mother stared after him. "Now what has gotten into him?" she said. Then shrugging she placed the garbage bag next to the door. He could take it out after he got done whatever it was that he was doing, she decided.
Upstairs Souta was rooting under Kagome's bed. Kiarra had jumped down from the window cell to see what he was up too. He felt a surge of triumph as he found what he was looking for. Pulling the blue picture album from under the bed. Kagome had often showed him pictures from the Sengoku Jidai, and had told him stories about her, Inu Yasha, Sango, Miroku, Shippou. He quickly flipped to the back of the book. There was a picture there that he had asked Kagome about once, she had said that it was taken by mistake, when her camera went off during a fight, and she had stuck it loosely in the back of the album. He found the picture. Kneeling with the book still on his knees he stared at the picture. It was a bit off center, and it looked like it had been taken from the ground looking up judging from the angel, but it was clear. The automatic focus of the camera had done its job well. The woman held a fan up, and was looking off to the right. The clothes were different, but it looked just like her. No. Souta shook his head; it had to be some mistake. That would have been over 500 years ago, and it couldn't be the same person. He flipped the picture over and his heart missed a beat. On the back, in his sister's handwriting, was written, "Kagura, the wind user." He hadn't realized that he had said it out loud, until he heard Kirra hiss, and jump back up on the window cell, and peer out it growling.
Souta got up, the album falling to the floor, the picture of Kagura still clutched in his hand. Walking to the window he looked down in to the yard. He could still see grandpa talking to the woman. Every now and then he could hear her giggling at something that grandpa said. He looked at the picture again. It couldn't be the same woman, it just couldn't. Souta bent to pick up the album and was about to put the picture back in it, when he paused, and stuck it in his back pocket. Kneeling he put the album back under the bed. He left his sisters room closing the door, and went down stairs to take the garbage out for his mother.
Random: Hey, I'm back. Sorry it took so long.. Here's your next chapter
toocoolforschool: I love this story too! I wanna do another chapter.
del_kaiden: Yup, back from Colorado safe and sound. So much has been going on in my life. If you're interested I put it all in the notes at the bottom. :~D
Lavande: I know how you feel. * twitch * I feel the same way when I can't write.. * twitch * It's been Hell not having a computer. * twitch twitch * Hopefully it won't such a wait for the next Chappie!
Foxfur: Thanks for your support. Gee when ever someone says that to me it makes me feel like a bra. * sigh * Ah well. a good bra is hard to find. LOL Anyway, I'm glad you like how I did the reincarnation thing. I kept reading fan fictions, and sometimes they really bugged me. so I decided if I thought I could do better then I just better give it a try. I would love to touch Shippou. * grin * And it is soooo much fun to torment Inu Yasha. I have been putting quite a bit of thought in how much I want Inu Yasha, Miroku and Sango to remember.. But I do have definite plans. I don't want to tell you one what those plans might be though, in case I change my mind. I do that quite often. Sometimes I have whole chapters written and I delete them because they aren't quite right. And remember there are no dumb questions... Only dumb people. * wink * * grin *
Rogue Pryde: When I started writing this story I was worried about Inu Yasha just being another reincarnation too. I'm so glad I came up with this idea, I really like it.. Glad you do too. BTW.. I love your stories they're great!
Inu-Angel Z: Hey, thanks. I can understand how you're a bit skeptical about Sess having any emotions for his bro.. But I think he does.. Even if he never shows them. He has strong family honor, and even if he does not really like Inu Yasha, he is still his fathers son, and Sess has certain obligations to him in that respect. Plus even as Inu Yasha grows up and becomes more mature. (I know I know in some respects Inu Yasha will never grow up ) So too does Sesshoumaru. After all who would have ever thought Sess would ever take care of a human girl. As you may have guessed, I have put quite a bit of thought into this, and if you would like to discuses it, maybe even debate it.. I would love too. I love getting more opinions. Just let me know and I'll add you to my MSN chat and we can go at it. * grin *
Selena and Miana: I'm soooo glad you reviewed! I never mind reading any reviews. I hope you get a chance to see or read Inu Yasha soon, it's really the best. I love to hate Kikyou, she is such a great tragic bitch. Hope to hear from you again.
Kitsune Akira: * bows to the reader * Without readers, us writers wouldn't have much to say. Continue I shall.
Arianna15: I just couldn't have the story without Kiarra. Thanks for reading.
Elianora: I don't mind two reviews at all.. I makes me feel loved. I love how Kagome's mom reacts to things. She is just so different than any Mom I have ever seen, anime or otherwise. Spur of the moment stuff is good, I'll keep your suggestion in mind. And as far as the school finding out. well.. You know how rumor mills are. By all means babble away. I love it all. XOXO
Silver Dragon 2488: Yay! I mentioned you again. I have put some thought about what the ogress Urasue said about her power never failing, but I figured that there could be other reasons that Kikyou's soul did not come back. There was always the possibility that Urasue was wrong, especially how Kagome took her soul back from Kikyou. From what Urasue said that should not have happened. So if she was wrong about that she could have been wrong about other stuff too. (Actually, I think in the actual story that Kagome is probably Kikyou's reincarnation, though there is always hopping that she's not, but I really wanted both Kagome and Kikyou in my piece so I came up with a bit of fancy reasoning why it could be.)
Zighawk: Hey, I'm glad you LUV my story. I have heard that Kiarra is both a girl and a boy, there is quite a bit of speculation on which it is. and since the neko's sex really wasn't a large part of the story, I decided to make it a he. Gotta love creative license. * grin *
GeshronTyler: All very good points. I took a bit of creative license to get both Kagome and Kikyou in the same time. I have seen many spellings of the demon cats name, and since I'm used to watching the fan subs in Japanese, I decided to go with Kiarra. It seems to be the closest to what the characters are saying. I hope the spelling doesn't throw off you enjoyment of the piece. I've also seen her/him referred to as both a male and a female, and since the sex doesn't matter much in this story, I decided to make him a him. Once again, you gotta love creative license. * grin *
S@n-ch@n: WOOWHOWOOWOWOW! Thanks for the review! You rock too!
InvisibleRain: * Blush * Thanks
Starlight4u: * hugglez right back at yah * I won't hurt you. Lots of people have different spellings for the Japanese words. Though you are right on the Ramen thing. I would be interested in hearing more about your original manga fic. Hmmmm.. How about we alternate guys. You can have Vash on the even days, and I'll take Inu Yasha, and they we switch. I love to chat. Ja Ne!
Random: Thanks! Nothing is ever official until it's written and posted. :~), and even then it can be changed. ;~D
arrow-card: I'm assuming you mean that you hope Kikyou doesn't fight with Kagome. Well.. Maybe, maybe not.
Ayanna24: Thanks.. I will.
3GBAD: THANKS! I LIKE CORNEY SOMETIMES, BUT NOT CORNEY IS GOOD TOO!
del_kaidin: Sorry for the long wait. Hopefully the next will come much quicker.
Geminia: And the real problems can be soooo much fuuuun! I think you will like what I have planed for Kagura.
Miko of the Dark: Thanks, I will write as fast as I can.. And still try to maintain the same quality of work.
Rouge: Thanks for being paitent
Taltos. *Grin*
jubilation15: I'm not sure about Kouga, I might bring him in, if it fits with the rest of the story. I just have to see how it's gonna turn out. Yeah. the sit command will be really good. I haven't written it yet, but I just know it will be good. Oh, and I do have plans for Kagome to use her Miko's powers, I think you'll like it.
Yume no Ame: That last chapter was probably the most fun to write. I will keep writing.
Selena11: Hmmmm... Death and reincarnation.. That sounds workable.. Let me play around with it a bit... Thanks for the subjection. Titles are always the hardest thing for me to come up with. Usually that is the last thing I come up with after I write the story. Don't apologize for taking up my time, I love to read reviews and get feed back. If you think of any other titles and want to share, please do, I love sharing ideas.
Ice-2k4: Thank you so much for taking the time to review my story. I'm glad the formatting is working for you. It is so frustrating when you get into a story, but it's almost impossible to read. I know I've missed many great fan fictions, because they are too hard to read and I go cross-eyed.
Silverhanyuo29: I agree that Kikyou and Kagome don't look much alike in the anime, although there are more similarities in the manga. Ah well.. I hope you like how I decided to spell Kiarra's name. There are so many different ways to do it.
WOW! I got so many reviews for that Chapter! You guys are great. and so patient! I want to give you an explanation on why it took me so long to get this last chapter out. After I got back from Colorado my work has been so busy that I didn't even have time to even think about getting the chance to sneak the computer for writing. I don't know if any of you heard about all those fires that are going on out west, but when they are busy, we are busy. Sorry guys, but getting crews out to those fires has to take priority over writing. My job is seasonal, and I will be getting laid off on the 5th of September. Ah Well.. It is good and bad. It would be nice to have a full time job, but this is really urging me to go back to collage and finish up my degree. There are other upsides too, I am moving in with my Boyfriend. Yes! I have a boyfriend now. and my Dad loves him. In fact my whole family loves him. And even more good news for you guys, he has a computer he is more than happy to let me use. So once the hectic- ness of getting my moving and other stuff done I will be able to really get going on this fic. Yay! (Thanks Sweetie! I Love You!) Actually. he hasn't read my fictions yet. I told him he couldn't until after he has seen some Inu Yasha. I don't want to ruin anything for him. *grin* He's the reason I had the chance to finish this chapter; I have been furiously typing at his home for the past few days. I am very happy. He's such a great guy.
Thanks for reading; I'll be posting more soon
Yours Always Nandelin
Walking from street to street, Kagura started to look for something familiar. But all she could seem to find were more tall buildings, and more humans dressed in odd clothing. Rounding a corner she finally saw something that at least looked a little familiar. Across the road, behind a large iron gateway was a stand of trees, with a gravel path leading into them. The sign above the gate way said "Tokyo Park." She was careful crossing the street. She had almost been run down by one of those carriages once, and she did not care to repeat the experience. She stepped off the sidewalk, onto a gravel pathway. The sharp clip of her sandals changed to a pleasing crunching sound.
Kagura walked for a while up the path, through a small patch of trees and then up a hill. There was a small stone bench placed off to the left of the path at the very top of the hill. When she reached it she could see all around her. Trees surrounded this hill, but she could see buildings not to far away, stretching over the tops of the trees. She sat down on the bench, and looked up. The sky was bright blue above her. The heat of the late afternoon cast a hot heavy haze that made everything seem a little fuzzy, almost like a dream. The air was still, unnaturally still. Kagura could have made wind, but she didn't. Instead she looked up, off to her right, of to the east, and waited. She could taste it coming. Taste it in the heavy still air. If someone had seen her at that moment, they might have thought her a statue; for she did not move, did not blink. She was as still at the heavy air around her.
A cool breeze cut though the warm sluggish air, whipping the limbs on the trees below her vantage point back and forth. Large white clouds appeared over the horizon. Building quickly, they rose in the sky, thousands of feet high. The sun, which hung low on the western horizon lit up the clouds, Kagura could see a hundred different shades in them, mostly different kinds of blue, but she could also see pinks, and purples and yellows and reds. Not the harsh colors that had been prominently displayed in the store windows, but the kind of colors that came when the sun filtered through the sky. The wind carried this storm toward her. The large white folds looked like huge horses carrying the storm along. Their great white heads tossing and their mains whipping as they ran.
Kagura felt a pang of longing to be up there, with them. To ride along on their backs, and never have to touch her foot to the ground again. The sky directly above her stayed a perfect robin's egg blue, as she watched the storm build higher and higher in the sky. The top of the clouds soon reached that perfect height that made the shape of an anvil. She saw the flash of lightning as it flitted from one cloud to the other, and then heard the crack of the thunder.
The quest to find the Shikon no Tama tugged annoyingly at her mind. The power of the Shikon no Tama was a binding kind, it kept her anchored to the ground. This was real power, she thought as she watched to storm. True power and freedom, not the tantalizing promises that the Shikon no Tama gave.
Kagura's hand went absently, automatically, to the feathers in her hair. Her fingers were grasping the base of the quill, when they steadied, not finishing the movement. What was the point? She would just be forced to return back to the ground again, back to this strange city, back to Naraku. Her hands dropped back down, and sought out the spot on her chest where she should feel her heart beating. It was still. Naraku still had her heart; it was always just a moment away from him; always ready for him to crush. The clouds rolled off to the northeast, never reaching her. She watched them go with a heavy feeling in her chest, where her heart should have been.
Shaking her head, she turned her mind back on finding the Shikon no Tama. Pleasing Naraku was the only way to stay alive, and she had always had a vigorous will to live. She had her orders, and they did not include wasting time on a bench, wishing for things she would never have.
The Shikon no Tama was in this world, somewhere. Somehow its presents had awakened Naraku, and he had released her. But how was she to find it; she could not sense it like he could. He had just laughed at her and told her not to be so arrogant, that she was only to go out and scout this new world. She must report to him when she found something of interest. Naraku would stay where he was, letting her do the dirty work. A bitter taste rose in her mouth and she leaned to the side and spat on the grass. It was just like him, the bastard. He stayed where he was safe, and sent others to risk themselves. She longed to defy him, to strike out at him, and hurt him, but it was useless, as long as he had her heart, she could do nothing but obey him.
Kagome was upstairs on her bed, when she heard the phone ring. After a few moments her Mom called up the stairs, "Kagome you have a phone call."
"Hello?" Kagome said, taking the portable phone from her mother.
"Hi, Kagome this is Sango. How are you?"
"Oh hi, Sango. I'm doing much better, thanks," Kagome said smiling.
"Great! Hey, a bunch of us are going to the beach tomorrow. The senior class is having a bonfire. Wanna come?"
"Hold on," Kagome put the phone to her chest and called, "Mom, is it ok if I go to the beach tomorrow with some friends?"
"I don't see why not; just make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen," Kagome's mom answered.
"Thanks Mom," Kagome said, holding the phone to her chest, the she put it back up to her ear, "Sure. I'd love to go. A day at the beach! What fun. Running up stairs she grabbed her trusty yellow back pack Propping the phone up to her ear with her shoulder, she began stuffing the yellow bag with everything she might need; sunscreen, hair dryer, mouse, lotion, a beach towel, first aid kit, sunglasses, a Frisbee.
"Is eight a good time to pick you up?
"Yeah, eights fine. Who's going?"
"Well, the whole school should be there, plus a bunch of others from some other schools in the area. We are going with Miroku, I think he's gonna call Yasha to see if he needs a ride or not.
"Ok, I'll see you at eight tomorrow morning."
"Great, can't wait."
Kagome hung up the phone, and started rooting around in her closet, "Where is it," she mumbled to herself. Abandoning the closet, she began digging in one of her drawers. "It's gotta be here somewhere."
There was a knock on her door and her mother opened it. Smiling she said, "I noticed when I was washing your swim suit the other day that it looked really ragged, so I picked up a new one for you yesterday." She held out a armful of red fabric. "I thought this color would look really nice on you."
"Thanks Mom," Kagome said taking the suit. "Hey, it's a bikini," she said holding up the bottom half of the suit.
Her Mom nodded, "Well, try it on."
Kagome slipped on the suit. "Wow, Mom," she said, examining herself in the mirror. You don't think its two small?"
"Of course not, you look wonderful. Here tie this around your waist. She said handing Kagome the sarong that went with the suit. It was the same shade of red as the bikini, with a pattern of large white flowers on it. She did a little turn for the mirror. Then she turned to her mom, "Thanks Mama," she said, hugging her.
"I am so glad to have such a beautiful daughter. I just hope that dog eared boy realized how lucky he is."
"MOM!" Kagome cried, and then they both burst out laughing.
The clouds had long since vanished in the distance, leaving a clear, darkening sky. The sun had vanished behind the horizon. She stood up and continued walking down the path. She had her orders, and they didn't include sitting on a bench, wasting time looking at the darkening sky. She must find out about this world, and report back to Naraku.
She had reached the trees when a scream caught her attention. A woman came running out of the darkness of the trees, and bumped into her. Kagura could see her eyes were running with some sort of black substance, and her pink blouse was badly torn. Muffling another scream with the back of her hand, the woman pushed by Kagura and disappeared up the path into the increasing darkness.
"Hey baby, wait up. The funs just started." A voice brought Kagura's attention away from the disappearing woman, back to the path in front of her. Three men came running toward her, making loud crashing sounds as they ran up the path. They were laughing and whooping.
"You can run, but you can't hide bitch, one in the lead called out, then he caught sight of Kagura standing in the path. He had on strange blue pants that had holes in the knees, some kind of black jacket, which looked a bit like armor, with silver spikes on the shoulders. His black hair was slicked back, and he had a silver earring in his left ear. He came to an abrupt stop, and his three companions came barreling into the back of him. He was knocked to the ground, and his three friends sprawled on top of him. Kagura watched as they struggled on the ground.
"What the hell," one said; he had managed to wrench himself free and got to his feet. This man had on black pants, a shirt that looked like it used to be white. The sleeves were torn off it, and a red cloth tied to his head. "Who the hell are you?"
The other two men had managed to get to their feet by that time. The third man was shorter than the other two, but more muscular. His pants and shirt were black, and Kagura noticed silver glinting on his knuckles in a solid silver bar.
"Come on man, that little bitch it getting away," said the man with the red cloth on his head, looking past Kagura up the path.
"Naw, don't worry Frankie, she won't get very far. We'll get our money from her later," he eyed Kagura up and down, "Looks life one of those Geisha chicks here, check out the outfit." Then he said to Kagura, "What's a pretty little girl like you doing out here in this part of town. Didn't your Daddy ever warn you not to wander around in the park at night?"
"Hey Ricco, maybe she's looking to turn her first trick?"
The man in the black jacket eyed Kagura again, "Is that right, you lookin to turn a few tricks?" Ricco snorted with laughter, "Well, you should have cleared that with us first."
"She's one fancy looken whore. What you say we have some fun with her before we take her to the boss. That'll teach her not to turn tricks without clearing it with us first. The shorter man named Jaz said.
"I don't see why not. I say you owe us a little something for distracting us. Now we're gonna have to hunt that little bitch-whore down again to get the money she owes us. Why don't you come over here and me and you and Jaz and Frankie here can have our selves a little party."
"Hey Ricco, Shouldn't we take her to the boss first?"
"Nah, we can do that later. We saw her first."
Kagura chuckled, a low deep sound. Casting her eyes down in a seemingly demure fashion she reached inside her sleeve and pulled out her fan. Her red lips twitched in a half smile.
"Hey, does she have a knife?"
"Nah man, that's a fan."
"Well well well, I ain't never seen such a classy whore before. If you're really good to us sweet thing then maybe we won't rough you up too much before we take you to the boss.
With a deft motion of her hand Kagura opened her fan with a sharp snap. Kagura looked back up almost flirtatiously, her violet eyes sparkled, it might have been a trick of the week moonlight, but they seemed to glow red. A breeze ruffled the hem of her kimono. She moved her wrist slightly to the left; the wind increased.
"Hey, what the hell was that?" Frankie looked around, with slightly wide eyes.
"Hmmmm. Such language. I shall have to teach you a lesson." Kagura brought the fan diagonally across her body. Straight armed, "Fuujin no Mai," she said. Wind blades flew toward Frankie.
"What the Hel." Frankie was cut off as the wind blades hit him. Blood spattered the trees behind him. He fell, hard and did not move. A few of the cutting blades winged Ricco, cutting through his leather jacket, slicing his right shoulder. He managed to stay standing for a moment, his face white with shock and spattered red with Frankie's blood, but then collapsed, landing on his butt, with a dull splat in a pool of blood.
Jaz's eyes grew wide with fear and he turned and started running back down the path screaming. Kagura brought her fan back up in a sharp motion, and the cutting blades flew again. Jaz's screams broke off suddenly, and his dark shape fell to the path.
"Who the hell are you Bitch. what the Hell are you?" Ricco screamed, trying to scoot back on his butt, clutching his injured shoulder with his other hand.
Kagura walked smiling toward him.
"Stay back!"
Kagura closed her fan. The wind died down. She bent down, placing the tip of her fan under his chin, raising his head to an uncomfortable angle so that he looked her in the eyes. "I have some questions, and you are going to answer them for me. Then if I like your answers and decide to let you live, we are going to visit your boss."
This, Kagura thought, is something that Naraku might find interesting, very interesting indeed.
Kagura stole into the darkened well house. It was very early morning; the sun should be up in an hour or so. What a fascinating world she had discovered. Naraku should be able to fit into it quite nicely, she thought with a sneer. Ricco had been most helpful, answering all her questions and even taking her to see his boss. It turned out; Ricco's boss was just a small fish in a very big pond. After a small demonstration of her powers she went to his boss and then the boss after that. She had managed to cover quite a bit of ground in one night. Humans might be weak pathetic creatures, but even she had to admit, they had the ability to be very well organized.
She smoothed down her new skirt. It was knee length and red, flaring slightly at the knees, and she had on a crisp white blouse that had long sleeves that buttoned at the wrist, and a high collar. It had recently belonged to one of the secretaries to one of the bosses, she had forgotten his name, there had been so many. When she had admired it, he had told the girl to give it to her. It had seemed wise to change her form of dress. Her Kimono had attracted much too much attention and these new clothes would be far better suited to moving around the humans un-noticed. She also combed her hair over her ears, so that fact that they were pointed would go unnoticed.
"What news do you bring," Naraku's hollow voice came from the well.
"Much has changed since last we walked this land, but quite a bit has also stayed the same Naraku-sama. Youki no longer run free, and humans run the world. But death and corruption still is a path to power."
"Tell me what you know."
Kagura told Naraku of her meeting with the head of a very powerful crime organization. "He expressed an interest in gaining the power of a youkai,"
Naraku was silent for a moment, and then his voice rang from the well. "Very good Kagura, you have done well. Arrange another meeting with this..human. Tell him your master has a proposition that will interest him; the power of a youkai, in exchange for the use of some of his," Naraku's voice paused slightly, "resources."
"Yes Naraku-sama."
The sun was just rising when Kagura left the well house. Birds were starting to move around. She was crossing the yard when she saw the tree. It couldn't be, she told herself. But as she neared it, there was no mistaking the Go Shinboku. It was the very same tree that that hanyou, Inu Yasha, had been pinned to all those years ago. She stood and stared at it. Everything else in this world had changed, except that tree. She heard whispering. Was it coming from the tree? She slowly walked toward it, the branches seemed to be moving in a breeze, yet there was no wind during this calm morning. The leaves on the tree flipped back and forth, and the whispering continued. She strained her ears, trying to make out what it was saying.
She was listening so intently that she didn't hear the person behind her until he spoke, "Good Morning Miss. You're up quite early on this fine, fine day."
Kagura jumped, and spun around, her had going to the inside of her sleeve, reaching for her fan.
Kagome's grandfather broke into a wide smile, "so sorry to startle you young miss. That was most rude of me." He looked past Kagura and up at the god tree, "It's an amazing thing, isn't it. Been here for generations."
Kagura's fingers relaxed their grip on her fan. It was just an old human man.
"I run this shrine. You're here to learn about the Shikon no Tama no doubt." He said nodding sagely.
Kagura's mouth fell open, "How.. How." she stammered.
Grandpa just chuckled. "I know all about its history, and would be happy to tell a nice young lady like you all about it. Come and sit under the shade of the tree with me."
Well, why not, she shrugged mentally. Kagura followed the strange little man, and sat next to him on the bench.
"Now," he said importantly, "let me tell you of the history of this shrine, and the Shikon no Tama.."
Kagome was dreaming. "Inu Yasha! No come back! Don't leave me!"
Inu Yasha was bounding from tree to tree and she was running after him, tripping on tree roots as she went. She shifted restlessly in her bed. She had almost caught up to him when out from behind a stump stepped Kikyou.
She had on her Miko's robes and had her bow pointed at Kagome. "Didn't I tell you? He's mine. I will never let you have him." Kikyou released the arrow, and it hit her. That was strange. The pain should be in her shoulder, where the arrow hit, not on her stomach. And since when did arrows growl? Her eye's fluttered open, and she looked up at her ceiling. The strange prickling sensation was still on her stomach, and she could feel growls vibrating there.
Kiarra was settled on her stomach, and had been sleeping there, after ousting Buyou from the favored spot. But he wasn't cuddled up anymore. He was tense and growling. His claws scratched Kagome through her pale blue pajamas. "Kiarra, what's wrong?" she asked.
Kiarra leapt from the bed, and went over to the window, jumping up on the frame. His nose sniffed the air and he pawed at the glass. Kagome looked outside, and saw her mother working in the flowerbeds, and her grandfather sitting on the bench under the god tree, talking to a woman. She was probably a visitor to the shrine that her grandfather cornered and was boring silly with all sorts of useless talk. But when the woman laughed, the pleasant sound drifting up in the breeze, Kagome thought that maybe that Grandfather had gotten lucky, and found someone who actually enjoyed being board to death.
She looked at her clock; the alarm was set to go off in 5 minuets. Why on earth had she set the alarm for so early on a Saturday? She sat back down heavily on her bed, and rubbed her eyes. Maybe she could get back to sleep.. She had just lain back down when her eyes popped open. The beach! How in the world could she have forgotten, she had stayed up late packing for it. Suddenly not feeling the least bit tired, she jumped out of bed, she raced for the shower; just barely beating a tousled haired, sleepy eyed Souta who looked up surprised when the bathroom door slammed in his face.
....................................
"Kagome, your friends are here."
"Thanks Mom, I'll be right down," Kagome said. Grabbing her backpack she checked her reflection in the mirror. She wore a simple yellow sundress; the neckline was low enough so that the Shikon no Tama winked up at her. Her hair was pulled back with a yellow ribbon and she slipped on a pair of straw sandals. Hauling her oversized pack over her shoulder, she was good to go.
Sango, Miroku and Inu Yasha were sitting at the kitchen table waiting for Kagome. They were sipping bowls of Miso soup. Kagome's mom was humming while she heated water for tea
"Shippou said he would meet us here, then we could all drive over together," Miroku said. He was wearing dark blue warm up pants that snapped up the side and a white tank top. Kagome dropped her backpack with a thud.
Kagome's Mother handed her a bowl of soup. "Thanks Mom," Kagome said.
"Kagome, don't forget this," Kagome's mother said indicating a large picnic basket, while she filled a small tray with two bowls of soup, and some pickled fish. "I thought you and your friends might like some snacks."
"Thanks Mom," Kagome said.
"Oh, it's no problem," Kagome's Mom said smiling.
"You think you've got enough stuff, Kagome?" Inu Yasha said eyeing Kagome's overstuffed Yellow backpack. He was wearing knee length denim shorts, a red Hawaiian shirt, and no shoes. His prayer beads were on the out side of his shirt.
"Yeah, I know," Kagome smiled, "I never know what I'm gonna need, so I tend to bring it all."
"Hey, I know what you mean," Sango said. Sango had on a pair of blue denim overalls, with a hot pink half shirt. Glimpses of her bare sides peeked out from the sides of the overalls. Kagome couldn't help notice Miroku kept sneaking peaks whenever he thought Sango wasn't looking.
The low rumble of a motorcycle caught their attention. Miroku peeled his eyes away from Sango's nicely shaped midsection, and looked at his watch. "8:00, Shippou's right on time."
Sango and Kagome stood and started clearing the table. "Oh, don't worry about that, I'll clear the dishes. You go and have a good time."
"Thanks Mom," Kagome said.
"Yeah, thanks Mrs. Higurashi," Sango added.
Miroku picked up the picnic basket, "Thanks for the snacks. Mrs. Higurashi."
Inu Yasha picked up Kagome's backpack and slung it over his shoulder, like it weighed nothing. "You ready?" he asked Kagome.
Kagome's breath caught in her throat as she looked at the familiar sight.
"Oi," Inu Yasha looked at Kagome a bit suspiciously, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Hm.Oh, goman, it's nothing. I was just thinking of something silly."
"So what was it?"
"Really, it was nothing."
"So if it was nothing, why don't you tell me?"
"Gezz, I don't even remember anymore."
"Tell me."
"Drop it already."
Inu Yasha and Kagome faced each other down, bickering. Sango and Miroku cast confused glances at each other. "Call me crazy," Miroku whispered to Sango, "but this seems oddly familiar."
Sango nodded.
Kagome's mom hummed happily while she watched her daughter run off to enjoy her day. She put the finishing touches on the tray she was preparing to take out to Granpa and his young guest, when a there was a knock on the door. "Souta," she called, "would you take this out to Grandpa for me?"
"Sure Mama," Souta said, coming in from the living room.
"Thank you sweetie," she said going to answer the door.
Souta picked up the tray carefully, making sure not to slosh the tea. Walking carefully to the back door, he balanced the tray in his right hand, and snagged a small folding tray, which was leaning against the wall next to the door, with his left.
Kagura was resting comfortably on the bench and for the first time in her life, enjoyed the company of another living being. She figured out very early in the conversation, that Mr. Higurashi really didn't know all that much about the Shikon No Tama, but he was so funny and charming. She couldn't remember having this much fun talking to someone before.
"Now about the Go Shinboku.."Grandpa said importantly, "its history starts with...."
"Jii-Chan, Mama asked me to bring this out to you," Souta called, interrupting his grandfather.
"Ah Souta, my boy, thank you. Bring it right over here." He turned back to Kagura, "My daughter is a very good cook, I would be pleased if you would join me in a bit of breakfast, Miss.. Er., you know I feel like such a clod, I never asked you for your name." Grandpa said.
Souta had managed to unfold the table with one hand, placing it in front of the bench, and set the tray on it. Picking up the pot he poured tea into two small cups. "Kagura. my name is Kagura," Sota sloshed the tea a bit and some of it spilled on the tray. Neither Kagura nor his grandfather noticed.
"Kagura-chan, what a beautiful name, and very unique; I've never heard it before."
Kagura lowered her eyes, "Why thank you Mr. Higurashi."
Grandpa picked up a bowl of soup and sipped it with relish. "Ah, your mother sure can cook," he said to Souta, "I keep hopping Kagome's cooking will improve, but that is one place she seems to be lacking."
Kagura had just taken a sip of tea, her eyes widened a bit. Kagome? It couldn't be the same girl. "I'm sorry, but did you say your granddaughter was named Kagome?"
"Why yes. And a wonderful girl she is. Even though her cooking isn't all that tasty, she is a most capable girl. She has much skill with the bow and arrow, and she is even in training to be a miko for this shrine."
"A miko?" Kagura raised an eyebrow, "you must be very proud, is she here?" It couldn't be the same girl, it just couldn't be. That was years ago, and she was human, she must be dead by now.
"Souta, where is your sister?"
"She went to the beach today Jii-Chan." Souta was now looking intently at Kagura, there was something familiar about her. He was sure he had never seen her before, but something kept tugging at the back of his mind. Ever since he heard her name..
"Maybe another time then," Kagura said smiling, but Souta noticed that her smile didn't reach here eyes this time. There was something definitely off about this woman. She looked normal enough, except for her odd colored eyes. He had never seen violet eyes before. She moved her head slightly, and Souta could have sworn her eyes flashed red for just a moment, then she glanced back at him and they were violet again.
"Souta," Mama called from the house, "would you please come here, I need you to take this to the curb for me." She held up a full trash bag.
"All right Mama, I'll be right there," He bowed to Kagura, "it was a pleasure meeting you."
Kagura nodded once, "Likewise, I hope we meet again," a stray breeze drifted across the yard and gently ruffled Kagura's hair. Sango looked up as the breeze pushed aside a few strands of her hair for just a moment, revealing a pointed ear. His eyes widened slightly. Kagura lifted a hand to smooth her hair back into place.
Souta looked at Kagura once more, and then bowing again, turned and ran back to the house, his mind racing. Something that Kagome had told him a long time ago seemed to be trying to struggle to the surface of his mind. He banged into the kitchen and almost smack into his mother who was still holding the bag. "Whoa Souta, you're as white as a sheet, you look like you've seen a ghost," she said, handing him the bag of garbage.
Something in Souta's mind clicked. "A ghost," he said, more to himself than his mother. "A ghost. His eyes suddenly got very large. She looked familiar, her eyes flashed red, and her ears were pointed.. And he was sure he had heard the name Kagura before. He was sure his sister had told him about someone named Kagura before. Dropping the bag of garbage he spun on his heal and raced upstairs.
Puzzled him mother stared after him. "Now what has gotten into him?" she said. Then shrugging she placed the garbage bag next to the door. He could take it out after he got done whatever it was that he was doing, she decided.
Upstairs Souta was rooting under Kagome's bed. Kiarra had jumped down from the window cell to see what he was up too. He felt a surge of triumph as he found what he was looking for. Pulling the blue picture album from under the bed. Kagome had often showed him pictures from the Sengoku Jidai, and had told him stories about her, Inu Yasha, Sango, Miroku, Shippou. He quickly flipped to the back of the book. There was a picture there that he had asked Kagome about once, she had said that it was taken by mistake, when her camera went off during a fight, and she had stuck it loosely in the back of the album. He found the picture. Kneeling with the book still on his knees he stared at the picture. It was a bit off center, and it looked like it had been taken from the ground looking up judging from the angel, but it was clear. The automatic focus of the camera had done its job well. The woman held a fan up, and was looking off to the right. The clothes were different, but it looked just like her. No. Souta shook his head; it had to be some mistake. That would have been over 500 years ago, and it couldn't be the same person. He flipped the picture over and his heart missed a beat. On the back, in his sister's handwriting, was written, "Kagura, the wind user." He hadn't realized that he had said it out loud, until he heard Kirra hiss, and jump back up on the window cell, and peer out it growling.
Souta got up, the album falling to the floor, the picture of Kagura still clutched in his hand. Walking to the window he looked down in to the yard. He could still see grandpa talking to the woman. Every now and then he could hear her giggling at something that grandpa said. He looked at the picture again. It couldn't be the same woman, it just couldn't. Souta bent to pick up the album and was about to put the picture back in it, when he paused, and stuck it in his back pocket. Kneeling he put the album back under the bed. He left his sisters room closing the door, and went down stairs to take the garbage out for his mother.
Random: Hey, I'm back. Sorry it took so long.. Here's your next chapter
toocoolforschool: I love this story too! I wanna do another chapter.
del_kaiden: Yup, back from Colorado safe and sound. So much has been going on in my life. If you're interested I put it all in the notes at the bottom. :~D
Lavande: I know how you feel. * twitch * I feel the same way when I can't write.. * twitch * It's been Hell not having a computer. * twitch twitch * Hopefully it won't such a wait for the next Chappie!
Foxfur: Thanks for your support. Gee when ever someone says that to me it makes me feel like a bra. * sigh * Ah well. a good bra is hard to find. LOL Anyway, I'm glad you like how I did the reincarnation thing. I kept reading fan fictions, and sometimes they really bugged me. so I decided if I thought I could do better then I just better give it a try. I would love to touch Shippou. * grin * And it is soooo much fun to torment Inu Yasha. I have been putting quite a bit of thought in how much I want Inu Yasha, Miroku and Sango to remember.. But I do have definite plans. I don't want to tell you one what those plans might be though, in case I change my mind. I do that quite often. Sometimes I have whole chapters written and I delete them because they aren't quite right. And remember there are no dumb questions... Only dumb people. * wink * * grin *
Rogue Pryde: When I started writing this story I was worried about Inu Yasha just being another reincarnation too. I'm so glad I came up with this idea, I really like it.. Glad you do too. BTW.. I love your stories they're great!
Inu-Angel Z: Hey, thanks. I can understand how you're a bit skeptical about Sess having any emotions for his bro.. But I think he does.. Even if he never shows them. He has strong family honor, and even if he does not really like Inu Yasha, he is still his fathers son, and Sess has certain obligations to him in that respect. Plus even as Inu Yasha grows up and becomes more mature. (I know I know in some respects Inu Yasha will never grow up ) So too does Sesshoumaru. After all who would have ever thought Sess would ever take care of a human girl. As you may have guessed, I have put quite a bit of thought into this, and if you would like to discuses it, maybe even debate it.. I would love too. I love getting more opinions. Just let me know and I'll add you to my MSN chat and we can go at it. * grin *
Selena and Miana: I'm soooo glad you reviewed! I never mind reading any reviews. I hope you get a chance to see or read Inu Yasha soon, it's really the best. I love to hate Kikyou, she is such a great tragic bitch. Hope to hear from you again.
Kitsune Akira: * bows to the reader * Without readers, us writers wouldn't have much to say. Continue I shall.
Arianna15: I just couldn't have the story without Kiarra. Thanks for reading.
Elianora: I don't mind two reviews at all.. I makes me feel loved. I love how Kagome's mom reacts to things. She is just so different than any Mom I have ever seen, anime or otherwise. Spur of the moment stuff is good, I'll keep your suggestion in mind. And as far as the school finding out. well.. You know how rumor mills are. By all means babble away. I love it all. XOXO
Silver Dragon 2488: Yay! I mentioned you again. I have put some thought about what the ogress Urasue said about her power never failing, but I figured that there could be other reasons that Kikyou's soul did not come back. There was always the possibility that Urasue was wrong, especially how Kagome took her soul back from Kikyou. From what Urasue said that should not have happened. So if she was wrong about that she could have been wrong about other stuff too. (Actually, I think in the actual story that Kagome is probably Kikyou's reincarnation, though there is always hopping that she's not, but I really wanted both Kagome and Kikyou in my piece so I came up with a bit of fancy reasoning why it could be.)
Zighawk: Hey, I'm glad you LUV my story. I have heard that Kiarra is both a girl and a boy, there is quite a bit of speculation on which it is. and since the neko's sex really wasn't a large part of the story, I decided to make it a he. Gotta love creative license. * grin *
GeshronTyler: All very good points. I took a bit of creative license to get both Kagome and Kikyou in the same time. I have seen many spellings of the demon cats name, and since I'm used to watching the fan subs in Japanese, I decided to go with Kiarra. It seems to be the closest to what the characters are saying. I hope the spelling doesn't throw off you enjoyment of the piece. I've also seen her/him referred to as both a male and a female, and since the sex doesn't matter much in this story, I decided to make him a him. Once again, you gotta love creative license. * grin *
S@n-ch@n: WOOWHOWOOWOWOW! Thanks for the review! You rock too!
InvisibleRain: * Blush * Thanks
Starlight4u: * hugglez right back at yah * I won't hurt you. Lots of people have different spellings for the Japanese words. Though you are right on the Ramen thing. I would be interested in hearing more about your original manga fic. Hmmmm.. How about we alternate guys. You can have Vash on the even days, and I'll take Inu Yasha, and they we switch. I love to chat. Ja Ne!
Random: Thanks! Nothing is ever official until it's written and posted. :~), and even then it can be changed. ;~D
arrow-card: I'm assuming you mean that you hope Kikyou doesn't fight with Kagome. Well.. Maybe, maybe not.
Ayanna24: Thanks.. I will.
3GBAD: THANKS! I LIKE CORNEY SOMETIMES, BUT NOT CORNEY IS GOOD TOO!
del_kaidin: Sorry for the long wait. Hopefully the next will come much quicker.
Geminia: And the real problems can be soooo much fuuuun! I think you will like what I have planed for Kagura.
Miko of the Dark: Thanks, I will write as fast as I can.. And still try to maintain the same quality of work.
Rouge: Thanks for being paitent
Taltos. *Grin*
jubilation15: I'm not sure about Kouga, I might bring him in, if it fits with the rest of the story. I just have to see how it's gonna turn out. Yeah. the sit command will be really good. I haven't written it yet, but I just know it will be good. Oh, and I do have plans for Kagome to use her Miko's powers, I think you'll like it.
Yume no Ame: That last chapter was probably the most fun to write. I will keep writing.
Selena11: Hmmmm... Death and reincarnation.. That sounds workable.. Let me play around with it a bit... Thanks for the subjection. Titles are always the hardest thing for me to come up with. Usually that is the last thing I come up with after I write the story. Don't apologize for taking up my time, I love to read reviews and get feed back. If you think of any other titles and want to share, please do, I love sharing ideas.
Ice-2k4: Thank you so much for taking the time to review my story. I'm glad the formatting is working for you. It is so frustrating when you get into a story, but it's almost impossible to read. I know I've missed many great fan fictions, because they are too hard to read and I go cross-eyed.
Silverhanyuo29: I agree that Kikyou and Kagome don't look much alike in the anime, although there are more similarities in the manga. Ah well.. I hope you like how I decided to spell Kiarra's name. There are so many different ways to do it.
WOW! I got so many reviews for that Chapter! You guys are great. and so patient! I want to give you an explanation on why it took me so long to get this last chapter out. After I got back from Colorado my work has been so busy that I didn't even have time to even think about getting the chance to sneak the computer for writing. I don't know if any of you heard about all those fires that are going on out west, but when they are busy, we are busy. Sorry guys, but getting crews out to those fires has to take priority over writing. My job is seasonal, and I will be getting laid off on the 5th of September. Ah Well.. It is good and bad. It would be nice to have a full time job, but this is really urging me to go back to collage and finish up my degree. There are other upsides too, I am moving in with my Boyfriend. Yes! I have a boyfriend now. and my Dad loves him. In fact my whole family loves him. And even more good news for you guys, he has a computer he is more than happy to let me use. So once the hectic- ness of getting my moving and other stuff done I will be able to really get going on this fic. Yay! (Thanks Sweetie! I Love You!) Actually. he hasn't read my fictions yet. I told him he couldn't until after he has seen some Inu Yasha. I don't want to ruin anything for him. *grin* He's the reason I had the chance to finish this chapter; I have been furiously typing at his home for the past few days. I am very happy. He's such a great guy.
Thanks for reading; I'll be posting more soon
Yours Always Nandelin