Painful Epiphany
Disclaimer: I don't own Inu Yasha, never have and never well. 'cause the powers know that if I did I wouldn't be wasting my energy writing stories when I could just make the characters do my bidding! WAHAHAHAHA! *cough* anyway, I don't own any of the movies/websites I reference either, so please don't sue me either!
Fox: Are you done yet?
Hama: Yes, I am.
Fox: Good. *grabs Hama* 'cause I still need to reward you for actually posting something!
Hama: *melt* uh, um, heh.*glares at audience* What are you waiting for? Go read the story! Can't you see I'm busy?
AN: Okay, this is the first fanfic I've ever written that I've actually posted. I'm my own worst critic, so I never had the ovaries to put anything else up. But Dezi (my newly appointed beta reader) encouraged me to post it. I hope you like! BTW: the title is probably just temporary, the true point of the story doesn't emerge for a few chapters yet, otherwise I'd ask for help. Oh yeah, thoughts are expressed between asterix, since I suck at HTML and can't get italics to show up.
Chapter 1: A Girl and Her Dog
The sun, tired from a long day of shining, rolled over the horizon, painting the sky with orange, yellow, and tints of red. The black wings of the night bird spread across the darkening sky, scattering the stars over the world. A peaceful, warm, romantic evening. Nothing, it seemed, could spoil the beautiful serenity.
"OSUWARI!!" I take it back.serenity shattered.
Kagome snatched up her backpack and swung it over her shoulder with a quiet 'humph!'. She turned away from the crumpled mass that was Inu Yasha.
Shippo bounded after Kagome's retreating form. "Kagome! Don't leave! You know he never means to be so stupid!"
Her expression softened at the little kitsune. "It's okay Shippo. I'll be back in a few days."
Reassured, he smiled. "Okay!" He walked with her to the old well. "What about Miroku and Sango?" he asked, just before she jumped in.
"Like I said, I'll be back in a few days." With that, she slipped off the edge into the glowing time slide.
"Kagome! Wait up!" The now recovered hanyou came to a screeching halt at the well. He glared at the kitsune. "She already went?" Shippo nodded, shrinking away from his anger filled gaze. Inu Yasha clocked him on the head.
Shippo squealed in pain and alarm. "Whajya do that for?"
"For letting her go!" Inu Yasha growled.
Just then, Miroku and Sango appeared from the village. It didn't take a genius to realize what had transpired. Miroku sighed deeply. "What did you do this time?"
"I didn't do anything!" Inu Yasha yelled.
"I find that hard to believe." Shippo mumbled under his breath, which earned him more head trauma.
"Well she wouldn't up and leave for no reason." Sango added.
"Look, I thought I smelled. something. weird near the spring, and when I went to see what it was, she just HAPPENED to be bathing there!"
"Oh! So you were peeping?" Miroku wore a sly grin, which earned the glaring of a lifetime from Sango.
"I WAS NOT!!" Inu Yasha was fuming now. "I thought I smelled Kik-" He fell silent.
Sango raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I get it now. You went looking for Kikyo and found Kagome instead. She thought you were peeping, but the real reason wasn't much better."
He just stared at the ground, clenching and unclenching his fists. "Never mind." He snarled, and stormed off into the gathering night.
Sango sighed, watching Inu Yasha sadly. "Will he ever get it right?"
"Someday, maybe he'll learn." Miroku casually stepped closer to her. "Until then, all we can do is offer our support."
She looked up into his deep brown eyes. (an: my IY calendar told me they were brown! Don't hurt me if I'm wrong! *cowers) He wore a sympathetic expression on his face. *Sometimes.* she thought. *He can be so-* Something warm and hand-shaped swept across her backside. *Perverted!* The faint sound of hand-hitting-face echoed across the darkening landscape.
------------ Modern Day ------------
Kagome yawned, struggling with all her might to stay awake. Two AM saw her still sitting at her desk, plugging away at her textbooks in a desperate attempt to catch up on homework and lessons. (an: okay, I'm no expert on how Japanese school works, okay. So I'm just gonna use what I know and make up the rest.so just chill, okey? Dude? Okey? NEway) Kagome's head began to sink. *I have a few minutes before homeroom starts. Maybe I'll just rest my.z-z-z-z-z-z.* she dozed off. The loud chimes, signaling the beginning of school, brought her abruptly out of her dream world. The once empty room was now teeming with teenagers. The homeroom teacher was late, as usual, so they had some time to socialize before roll call. The topic of conversation was of the girl that Kagome suddenly found herself sitting behind.
"Oh! Awake now are we?" She smiled at the still half asleep Kagome. "Hallo! My name is Mikka." She extended a hand in greeting.
Kagome quickly rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "My name is Kagome, Kagome Hiragashi." She said, taking the friendly hand. Mikka's expression slipped ever so slightly, but returned to the cheery face almost as quickly as it changed. *What was that?*
"Nice to meet you. I'm not normally much of a morning person either, but I have half a liter of milk tea to thank for my alertness." (an: Mmm..milk tea.)
"Well actually, I was just." but she was cut off as the teacher blew into the classroom, tossing her books on the desk and frantically searching for the roster.
"Everyone! Simmer! Simmer!" no response "SIMMER!" she shrieked, getting an immediate reaction. Everyone quickly took their seats and shut their yaps. The teacher cleared her throat and brushed her shoulder length, white hair out of her eyes. "We have a new student joining us today. Her name is Mikka.uh.Mikka."
The new girl jumped to her feet. "Just Mikka is fine." She smiled brightly and waved to the rest of the class. "Hiyee!"
It was then that Kagome noticed the girl wasn't wearing a school uniform. In fact, she was dressed as far from the dress code as was humanly possible. A black, baby doll tee clung to her upper torso. The words "Trogdor! The Burninator!" accompanied by a poorly drawn dragon adorned the front. She wore black, baggy raver pants, with red straps, and black "skater" sneakers. Rubber bracelets of varying colors on her wrists greatly contrasted her dark outfit. Large hoops hung from her hears, accented by a second set of crystal bumblebee studs. Her flaming red hair, streaked with purple, flowed through and around the black bandana on her head. An almost imperceptible, lavender stud glinted on her nose, as well as a bar through her right eyebrow. Around her neck, she wore a modest silver pentacle (a circle with a star in it) as well as a ball choker with a flame thumb ring resting between its links. Her eyes were bright purple, the irises slitted, like cat's eyes. Her long nails were painted purple chrome, and the faded remains of a henna tattoo could be seen trailing up her left arm.
The class gaped. Girls like this didn't come along every day, every year, every few years even, not at this school. The teacher coughed.
"Uh.yes. Mikka? Where is your school uniform?" she asked plainly.
Mikka just shrugged. "Dunno, never got one. Didn't know I needed it to be honest." The teacher lowered her eyebrows. "What? You don't like the way I dress?"
"I don't know how they did things back in.where are you from again?"
Mikka paused for a moment. "Uh, the US?"
That seemed to explain everything to everyone. "Here, the students must attend school wearing a uniform." She scribbled something on a piece of paper, the color revealed to everyone that it was an office referral. "Go to the office at the end of the day, and they'll give you all the information you need." She handed the slip to Mikka. "Now sit down."
Mikka swallowed hard and reclaimed her seat in front of Kagome. She grinned at the gaping Japanese girl. "First impressions are everything, ne?"
Kagome couldn't help but smile. "And what an impression you made." she whispered. Her expression turned serious, noticing Mikka's strange eyes.
"Contacts." Mikka answered, before the question was even asked. "I get that a lot."
The chime sounded, homeroom was over. Everyone gathered their belongings and started making their way to their first classes. Mikka stopped Kagome out in the hallway. Her once confident expression was replaced with a look of concern. "Um.Kagome?"
"Yeah?" *I wonder what's up.*
Mikka seemed to hesitate, as if sorting out what she was going to say. "I.uh.my last school was really cliquey, especially during lunch, Do you think I could sit with you and your friends?" For a moment, it seemed to Kagome that she was going to ask an entirely different question. She smiled. "Of course!" Mikka brightened "I know how much it sucks to be in a new place where you don't know anyone." Her expression drifted as she recalled the first few days she spent in the feudal era. "Arigato gosa-i mas!" (an: I can say it, I just can't spell it) Mikka bowed, and then bounded off to find her first class. *She's a little weird.* Kagome thought to herself as she too, made for her first class.
------------ Lunch ------------
There was no shortage of odd looks and whispered curiosities wherever the new girl went. Kagome's friends were more than slightly taken aback when this profoundly different girl pulled a chair up to their table.
"Girls, this is Mikka." Kagome smiled brightly as she introduced her. "Mikka, these are my friends." She introduced each of them (an: heck if I know their names!)
They smiled nervously and said their greetings. They continued to stare at her oddly. Kagome nudged one of them under the table.
"So!" she yelped, surprised. "Where are you from?"
"Well, I move a lot, but before I came here, I lived in the US."
The girls brightened. "Really? Why'd you move?"
Mikka sipped a bottle of Peach Water while she seemed to be thinking of how to answer. "I dunno. Guess I just got a little bored with the place. I mean, they had all kinds of cool stuff there, I'm a total technology geek." She smiled brightly. "But it seemed like most of the tech action happened over here. So I moved."
"Your parents just packed up and moved because you were bored?" One asked.
Mikka blinked and looked around at the four shocked girls staring at her. "I.uh.don't live with my parents." She sipped her Peach Water again.
"Eh!?" They all leaned towards her.
"You live alone?" Kagome asked.
Mikka raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, well no. Not alone. I have Nikademous." She rummaged through her pockets and pulled out her wallet. Flipping through the photo slots, she finally showed them one. A big, white, German Shepard lay in the grass, smiling a happy dog smile. (an: I LOVE when dogs smile, they look soooo cute!)
Big white dog. Kagome couldn't help but be reminded of Inu Yasha. *Stupid pervert.* She scowled. *He wasn't even looking for me, he was looking for Kikyo. Inu Yasha no baka!*
The other girls were too busy looking through the photos in Mikka's wallet, but she noticed the sour and far off look on Kagome's face. "Hey, what's the matter? Not a big dog fan?"
"Uh.no. Well, I mean I like dogs. The picture just reminded me of someone."
One of the other girls tuned in. "Ooh, really? Who?"
"Judging by the look on her face, I'd say it was you know who." Another chimed in.
Kagome turned bright red, her brow furrowed a little with anger. "That insensitive jerk? Please!" she folded her arms and sat back in her chair.
Mikka just looked confused. "In the quiet words of the Virgin Mary, come again?"
"Kagome's boyfr-"
"He is NOT my boyfriend!"
"There's a guy that really likes Kagome." She leaned closer to Mikka and whispered. "Kagome really likes him too, but we have no idea why. He's insensitive, bossy, stubborn."
"Not to mention he's still chasing after his X!" one of the other girls added, all too enthusiastically.
Kagome fell out of her chair. Mikka couldn't help but giggle a little. "But why does my dog remind you of him?"
Kagome dusted herself off and sat back down. "I never said it reminded me of him. I just said it reminded me of someone." Everyone watched her waiting for an answer. "Hey! Tomorrow's Sunday, right? Let's go to the movies!" she desperately tried to change the subject.
"Ooh, me like the sound of that." Mikka said. "Uh.that is, if I'm even invited to go." She looked at the other girls.
One smiled. "Of coarse you are!" Mikka looked relieved. "What should we see?"
They pondered for a few minutes. "How about Underworld?" Mikka suggested enthusiastically.
"Why am I not surprised you want to see that?" Kagome gave her an amused look.
"Aw c'mon! you can't all sit there and tell me you don't think that movie looks like good times."
"What about Matchstick Men?" everyone groaned. (an: actually, I thought it was a good movie)
"Cabin Fever?" scowl.
"Once Upon a Time in Mexico?" slightly more enthusiasm (an: Mmm.Jonny Depp)
"Pirates of the Caribbean?" everyone brightened.
"Izzat still out even?" Mikka looked excited.
"I should hope so, it just came out two weeks ago."
"No way. I saw it at least a month ago." Mikka looked confused. The truth suddenly dawned on her. "Oh yeah! American movies come out later over here, I forgot!" (an: okay, I have no idea what's in the box office over there in the land of anime and cool technology, so I just used crap that came out here, okay? Ps: Mmmm. Jonny Depp AND Orlando Bloom.*melts*) She shrugged. "I certainly wouldn't mind seeing it again."
"Okay, let's see that then." Kagome looked to the other three. They nodded enthusiastically. "I'll look up times and give everyone a call, 'kay?"
Mikka whipped a piece of paper and a pen out from one of her numerous pockets. "Here are my digits." she scribbled some more "And my addy." She slid the paper over to the waiting Kagome.
She studied the paper briefly. "Hey!" she said, recognizing the street. "You live right near me!"
"Really?"
"Yeah. I live in that huge shrine at the top of the hill."
"Perfect!" Mikka said. "I sorta don't know my way around yet. Could we meet up and go in together?"
"Sure thing!" Kagome smiled brightly.
Just then, the chimes sounded. Lunch was over and students began cleaning up their lunches. Back to the salt mines.
------------ Sunday Morning ------------
Kagome whisked the brush through her now dry hair, putting the finishing touches to the look. Glancing at her watch, she suddenly realized how late it was. *Ack! I'm supposed to be at Mikka's in a few minutes!* She crammed all her beauty products into her bag and ran into her room. She tore into her desk, desperately searching for her wallet. She didn't even notice the hanyou crouched on her bed, glaring at her impatiently. After several seconds of scrambling, he started to get annoyed.
"Oi!" He shouted, causing her to throw the papers on her desk everywhere.
"Inu Yasha! Don't scare me like that!" She shouted furiously.
"Well I've only been sitting here, being totally ignored!" he growled. "Come on! You've been here for three days already, it's time to come back!"
She put her hands on her hips. "No! I'm spending some quality time with my other friends today!"
Inu Yasha jumped off the bed, growling. "And what about your other friends, huh? We've only been sitting around waiting for you to come back!"
"I'm over there all the time! I've missed a lot of school, I miss my family, and I miss my friends. I need to be here for a little while!" If she got any madder, Kagome's eyes would've turned a demonic red.
Without saying a word, Inu Yasha swept her up and swung her over his shoulder. He jumped out the window and headed for the well.
"Hey! Let go of me Inu Yasha!" She started to struggle.
"No way. We're going back now!" he threw the door to the small building open.
"Alright! Alright! I'll go! Just put me down first!"
He reluctantly set her on her feet. Within a heartbeat she had one of his sensitive ears in between her fingers. She pinched a little, causing him to wince, and then proceeded to drag him to the well. With one final shove, he was teetering over it.
"Kagome, what?" he was too shocked to defend himself.
"I'll be back later tonight." she growled. His eyes widened. "Osuwari!" the prayer beads glowed and yanked him into the darkness of the well. She heard him yelp just before he disappeared. "And don't even think of coming to get me!" She turned to leave and tripped on something. "Hey! There's my wallet!"
On the other side, Inu Yasha sat at the bottom of the well, nursing his pinched ear. Mixed emotions clouded his brain. He was mad with Kagome for pinching his ear, and 'sit'-ing him into the well, and not coming with him. He was especially mad with himself. *Why'd I try to force her to come back here? Now she'll really be mad at me. Maybe I do need to think before I act.* He was sad as well, that she would rather be over there with her other friends than with him. *She was right ya know.* The little voice in the back of his mind chimed in. *She really does spend an awful lot of time here, when she has so many obligations over there.* He growled at himself. *Aw, shut up!*
"Inu Yasha!?" Shippo's voice called from above. "Did you bring Kagome back?"
He jumped out of the well, landing on the little kitsune's head and squashing him. "No. She said she'd come back later on tonight." Fuming, he wandered off to sit in a tree and sulk.
------------ Back on our side ------------
Kagome climbed the stairs of the smallish apartment building. *Number 42.* She looked at each door. *40, 41, 42!* It was a plain, dark wooden door. Numerous deadbolts and other such locks adorned the aged wood. Although the neighborhood was considered fairly safe, it was still part of the city, and cities could be dangerous. She gently rapped her knuckles on the door. Loud barking followed the noise.
"Just a second!" There was scrambling from inside the apartment. The barking continued. "Nikki! Would you calm down, it's just Kagome!" The locks began clicking and sliding. More barking. "Go lie down!" The noise finally stopped, and the door swung open. There was Mikka, wearing a dorm jersey, slippers, and a bandanna. "Hey, come on in. I kinda overslept, so I need to get dressed real quick, okay?" She let the door lean open and walked back to her bedroom. Kagome stepped inside.
The apartment was small and crowded. The entrance opened into the living room, which in turn led to the open kitchenette and dining area. There was a short hall off to the left that led to a small bathroom, as well as a bedroom. Posters of all kinds, varying from band and movie posters, to anime wall scrolls, covered the atrocious paint job on the walls. The far window was shaded by a large sheet, tie died to look fiery, with Celtic knots around the boarder and a spindly dragon in the center. The furniture consisted of a couch and a few mismatched chairs that looked like they had been dragged out of the trash. (an: yay for big garbage day!) An old bookshelf had been reassembled to hold a disorganized array of technology, including a TV, DVD/VCR, and some game systems. Movies, books, and manga dotted the floor and furniture, along with electrician's tools and computer parts. Kagome had never seen such a mess before. *I guess this is what happens when you live without parents.I wonder what happened to them?* She was just about to ask when a deep growl caused her to freeze. Across the room, lying on an old sofa cushion, was Nikademous. He was much bigger than he looked in the picture, about one and a half the size of a normal German Shepard. His fur was pure, shining white, and looked as if it was really soft. He was probably the most handsome example of the breed that Kagome had ever seen. She was too frightened to notice, because this beautiful white dog was now bearing his sharp white teeth. He growled menacingly, fur standing on end, ears pressed flat against his skull. "Mikka?" Kagome squeaked. "Mikka?" But the aforementioned girl was too busy changing in her room to hear. Kagome pressed against the wall, eyes wide and frightened. She inched closer to the door. Bad move.this enticed the snarling canine to come closer. Sensing her fear, he decided to attack. He lunged foreword, snarling, claws scraping against the fake hardwood of the floor. Kagome screamed and threw her arms up in self-defense. Any second now and that beautiful white fur would be stained with the blood of the reincarnated miko.
End Chapter One.
Hama: Oh-hohohohohoho! I left quite a cliffhanger, ne? *dodges a barrage of flying objects* I guess you'll just have to R+R, 'cause otherwise I won't write anymore.
Fox: You know Dezi will kill you if you don't.
Hama: No she won't.
Fox: Yes, she will.
Hama: No! She won't!
Dezi: Yes, I will!
Hama: No! You won't! 'Cause if you do, then I'll never finish your Christmas/birthday present story!
Dezi: *struggles to quell the tide of fury* Fine.Please R+R folks!
Hama: Fox.
Fox: *blink blink* What?
Hama: Say it.
Fox: Ha! No!
Hama: *growl* Fine, fine. I guess I could always daydream about being with Inu Yasha instead of you.
Fox: *jaw drops* You wouldn't!
Hama: *nods*
Fox: Please R+R! *eyes narrow* Bitch.
Hama: *looking sweet* I love you?
Disclaimer: I don't own Inu Yasha, never have and never well. 'cause the powers know that if I did I wouldn't be wasting my energy writing stories when I could just make the characters do my bidding! WAHAHAHAHA! *cough* anyway, I don't own any of the movies/websites I reference either, so please don't sue me either!
Fox: Are you done yet?
Hama: Yes, I am.
Fox: Good. *grabs Hama* 'cause I still need to reward you for actually posting something!
Hama: *melt* uh, um, heh.*glares at audience* What are you waiting for? Go read the story! Can't you see I'm busy?
AN: Okay, this is the first fanfic I've ever written that I've actually posted. I'm my own worst critic, so I never had the ovaries to put anything else up. But Dezi (my newly appointed beta reader) encouraged me to post it. I hope you like! BTW: the title is probably just temporary, the true point of the story doesn't emerge for a few chapters yet, otherwise I'd ask for help. Oh yeah, thoughts are expressed between asterix, since I suck at HTML and can't get italics to show up.
Chapter 1: A Girl and Her Dog
The sun, tired from a long day of shining, rolled over the horizon, painting the sky with orange, yellow, and tints of red. The black wings of the night bird spread across the darkening sky, scattering the stars over the world. A peaceful, warm, romantic evening. Nothing, it seemed, could spoil the beautiful serenity.
"OSUWARI!!" I take it back.serenity shattered.
Kagome snatched up her backpack and swung it over her shoulder with a quiet 'humph!'. She turned away from the crumpled mass that was Inu Yasha.
Shippo bounded after Kagome's retreating form. "Kagome! Don't leave! You know he never means to be so stupid!"
Her expression softened at the little kitsune. "It's okay Shippo. I'll be back in a few days."
Reassured, he smiled. "Okay!" He walked with her to the old well. "What about Miroku and Sango?" he asked, just before she jumped in.
"Like I said, I'll be back in a few days." With that, she slipped off the edge into the glowing time slide.
"Kagome! Wait up!" The now recovered hanyou came to a screeching halt at the well. He glared at the kitsune. "She already went?" Shippo nodded, shrinking away from his anger filled gaze. Inu Yasha clocked him on the head.
Shippo squealed in pain and alarm. "Whajya do that for?"
"For letting her go!" Inu Yasha growled.
Just then, Miroku and Sango appeared from the village. It didn't take a genius to realize what had transpired. Miroku sighed deeply. "What did you do this time?"
"I didn't do anything!" Inu Yasha yelled.
"I find that hard to believe." Shippo mumbled under his breath, which earned him more head trauma.
"Well she wouldn't up and leave for no reason." Sango added.
"Look, I thought I smelled. something. weird near the spring, and when I went to see what it was, she just HAPPENED to be bathing there!"
"Oh! So you were peeping?" Miroku wore a sly grin, which earned the glaring of a lifetime from Sango.
"I WAS NOT!!" Inu Yasha was fuming now. "I thought I smelled Kik-" He fell silent.
Sango raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I get it now. You went looking for Kikyo and found Kagome instead. She thought you were peeping, but the real reason wasn't much better."
He just stared at the ground, clenching and unclenching his fists. "Never mind." He snarled, and stormed off into the gathering night.
Sango sighed, watching Inu Yasha sadly. "Will he ever get it right?"
"Someday, maybe he'll learn." Miroku casually stepped closer to her. "Until then, all we can do is offer our support."
She looked up into his deep brown eyes. (an: my IY calendar told me they were brown! Don't hurt me if I'm wrong! *cowers) He wore a sympathetic expression on his face. *Sometimes.* she thought. *He can be so-* Something warm and hand-shaped swept across her backside. *Perverted!* The faint sound of hand-hitting-face echoed across the darkening landscape.
------------ Modern Day ------------
Kagome yawned, struggling with all her might to stay awake. Two AM saw her still sitting at her desk, plugging away at her textbooks in a desperate attempt to catch up on homework and lessons. (an: okay, I'm no expert on how Japanese school works, okay. So I'm just gonna use what I know and make up the rest.so just chill, okey? Dude? Okey? NEway) Kagome's head began to sink. *I have a few minutes before homeroom starts. Maybe I'll just rest my.z-z-z-z-z-z.* she dozed off. The loud chimes, signaling the beginning of school, brought her abruptly out of her dream world. The once empty room was now teeming with teenagers. The homeroom teacher was late, as usual, so they had some time to socialize before roll call. The topic of conversation was of the girl that Kagome suddenly found herself sitting behind.
"Oh! Awake now are we?" She smiled at the still half asleep Kagome. "Hallo! My name is Mikka." She extended a hand in greeting.
Kagome quickly rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "My name is Kagome, Kagome Hiragashi." She said, taking the friendly hand. Mikka's expression slipped ever so slightly, but returned to the cheery face almost as quickly as it changed. *What was that?*
"Nice to meet you. I'm not normally much of a morning person either, but I have half a liter of milk tea to thank for my alertness." (an: Mmm..milk tea.)
"Well actually, I was just." but she was cut off as the teacher blew into the classroom, tossing her books on the desk and frantically searching for the roster.
"Everyone! Simmer! Simmer!" no response "SIMMER!" she shrieked, getting an immediate reaction. Everyone quickly took their seats and shut their yaps. The teacher cleared her throat and brushed her shoulder length, white hair out of her eyes. "We have a new student joining us today. Her name is Mikka.uh.Mikka."
The new girl jumped to her feet. "Just Mikka is fine." She smiled brightly and waved to the rest of the class. "Hiyee!"
It was then that Kagome noticed the girl wasn't wearing a school uniform. In fact, she was dressed as far from the dress code as was humanly possible. A black, baby doll tee clung to her upper torso. The words "Trogdor! The Burninator!" accompanied by a poorly drawn dragon adorned the front. She wore black, baggy raver pants, with red straps, and black "skater" sneakers. Rubber bracelets of varying colors on her wrists greatly contrasted her dark outfit. Large hoops hung from her hears, accented by a second set of crystal bumblebee studs. Her flaming red hair, streaked with purple, flowed through and around the black bandana on her head. An almost imperceptible, lavender stud glinted on her nose, as well as a bar through her right eyebrow. Around her neck, she wore a modest silver pentacle (a circle with a star in it) as well as a ball choker with a flame thumb ring resting between its links. Her eyes were bright purple, the irises slitted, like cat's eyes. Her long nails were painted purple chrome, and the faded remains of a henna tattoo could be seen trailing up her left arm.
The class gaped. Girls like this didn't come along every day, every year, every few years even, not at this school. The teacher coughed.
"Uh.yes. Mikka? Where is your school uniform?" she asked plainly.
Mikka just shrugged. "Dunno, never got one. Didn't know I needed it to be honest." The teacher lowered her eyebrows. "What? You don't like the way I dress?"
"I don't know how they did things back in.where are you from again?"
Mikka paused for a moment. "Uh, the US?"
That seemed to explain everything to everyone. "Here, the students must attend school wearing a uniform." She scribbled something on a piece of paper, the color revealed to everyone that it was an office referral. "Go to the office at the end of the day, and they'll give you all the information you need." She handed the slip to Mikka. "Now sit down."
Mikka swallowed hard and reclaimed her seat in front of Kagome. She grinned at the gaping Japanese girl. "First impressions are everything, ne?"
Kagome couldn't help but smile. "And what an impression you made." she whispered. Her expression turned serious, noticing Mikka's strange eyes.
"Contacts." Mikka answered, before the question was even asked. "I get that a lot."
The chime sounded, homeroom was over. Everyone gathered their belongings and started making their way to their first classes. Mikka stopped Kagome out in the hallway. Her once confident expression was replaced with a look of concern. "Um.Kagome?"
"Yeah?" *I wonder what's up.*
Mikka seemed to hesitate, as if sorting out what she was going to say. "I.uh.my last school was really cliquey, especially during lunch, Do you think I could sit with you and your friends?" For a moment, it seemed to Kagome that she was going to ask an entirely different question. She smiled. "Of course!" Mikka brightened "I know how much it sucks to be in a new place where you don't know anyone." Her expression drifted as she recalled the first few days she spent in the feudal era. "Arigato gosa-i mas!" (an: I can say it, I just can't spell it) Mikka bowed, and then bounded off to find her first class. *She's a little weird.* Kagome thought to herself as she too, made for her first class.
------------ Lunch ------------
There was no shortage of odd looks and whispered curiosities wherever the new girl went. Kagome's friends were more than slightly taken aback when this profoundly different girl pulled a chair up to their table.
"Girls, this is Mikka." Kagome smiled brightly as she introduced her. "Mikka, these are my friends." She introduced each of them (an: heck if I know their names!)
They smiled nervously and said their greetings. They continued to stare at her oddly. Kagome nudged one of them under the table.
"So!" she yelped, surprised. "Where are you from?"
"Well, I move a lot, but before I came here, I lived in the US."
The girls brightened. "Really? Why'd you move?"
Mikka sipped a bottle of Peach Water while she seemed to be thinking of how to answer. "I dunno. Guess I just got a little bored with the place. I mean, they had all kinds of cool stuff there, I'm a total technology geek." She smiled brightly. "But it seemed like most of the tech action happened over here. So I moved."
"Your parents just packed up and moved because you were bored?" One asked.
Mikka blinked and looked around at the four shocked girls staring at her. "I.uh.don't live with my parents." She sipped her Peach Water again.
"Eh!?" They all leaned towards her.
"You live alone?" Kagome asked.
Mikka raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, well no. Not alone. I have Nikademous." She rummaged through her pockets and pulled out her wallet. Flipping through the photo slots, she finally showed them one. A big, white, German Shepard lay in the grass, smiling a happy dog smile. (an: I LOVE when dogs smile, they look soooo cute!)
Big white dog. Kagome couldn't help but be reminded of Inu Yasha. *Stupid pervert.* She scowled. *He wasn't even looking for me, he was looking for Kikyo. Inu Yasha no baka!*
The other girls were too busy looking through the photos in Mikka's wallet, but she noticed the sour and far off look on Kagome's face. "Hey, what's the matter? Not a big dog fan?"
"Uh.no. Well, I mean I like dogs. The picture just reminded me of someone."
One of the other girls tuned in. "Ooh, really? Who?"
"Judging by the look on her face, I'd say it was you know who." Another chimed in.
Kagome turned bright red, her brow furrowed a little with anger. "That insensitive jerk? Please!" she folded her arms and sat back in her chair.
Mikka just looked confused. "In the quiet words of the Virgin Mary, come again?"
"Kagome's boyfr-"
"He is NOT my boyfriend!"
"There's a guy that really likes Kagome." She leaned closer to Mikka and whispered. "Kagome really likes him too, but we have no idea why. He's insensitive, bossy, stubborn."
"Not to mention he's still chasing after his X!" one of the other girls added, all too enthusiastically.
Kagome fell out of her chair. Mikka couldn't help but giggle a little. "But why does my dog remind you of him?"
Kagome dusted herself off and sat back down. "I never said it reminded me of him. I just said it reminded me of someone." Everyone watched her waiting for an answer. "Hey! Tomorrow's Sunday, right? Let's go to the movies!" she desperately tried to change the subject.
"Ooh, me like the sound of that." Mikka said. "Uh.that is, if I'm even invited to go." She looked at the other girls.
One smiled. "Of coarse you are!" Mikka looked relieved. "What should we see?"
They pondered for a few minutes. "How about Underworld?" Mikka suggested enthusiastically.
"Why am I not surprised you want to see that?" Kagome gave her an amused look.
"Aw c'mon! you can't all sit there and tell me you don't think that movie looks like good times."
"What about Matchstick Men?" everyone groaned. (an: actually, I thought it was a good movie)
"Cabin Fever?" scowl.
"Once Upon a Time in Mexico?" slightly more enthusiasm (an: Mmm.Jonny Depp)
"Pirates of the Caribbean?" everyone brightened.
"Izzat still out even?" Mikka looked excited.
"I should hope so, it just came out two weeks ago."
"No way. I saw it at least a month ago." Mikka looked confused. The truth suddenly dawned on her. "Oh yeah! American movies come out later over here, I forgot!" (an: okay, I have no idea what's in the box office over there in the land of anime and cool technology, so I just used crap that came out here, okay? Ps: Mmmm. Jonny Depp AND Orlando Bloom.*melts*) She shrugged. "I certainly wouldn't mind seeing it again."
"Okay, let's see that then." Kagome looked to the other three. They nodded enthusiastically. "I'll look up times and give everyone a call, 'kay?"
Mikka whipped a piece of paper and a pen out from one of her numerous pockets. "Here are my digits." she scribbled some more "And my addy." She slid the paper over to the waiting Kagome.
She studied the paper briefly. "Hey!" she said, recognizing the street. "You live right near me!"
"Really?"
"Yeah. I live in that huge shrine at the top of the hill."
"Perfect!" Mikka said. "I sorta don't know my way around yet. Could we meet up and go in together?"
"Sure thing!" Kagome smiled brightly.
Just then, the chimes sounded. Lunch was over and students began cleaning up their lunches. Back to the salt mines.
------------ Sunday Morning ------------
Kagome whisked the brush through her now dry hair, putting the finishing touches to the look. Glancing at her watch, she suddenly realized how late it was. *Ack! I'm supposed to be at Mikka's in a few minutes!* She crammed all her beauty products into her bag and ran into her room. She tore into her desk, desperately searching for her wallet. She didn't even notice the hanyou crouched on her bed, glaring at her impatiently. After several seconds of scrambling, he started to get annoyed.
"Oi!" He shouted, causing her to throw the papers on her desk everywhere.
"Inu Yasha! Don't scare me like that!" She shouted furiously.
"Well I've only been sitting here, being totally ignored!" he growled. "Come on! You've been here for three days already, it's time to come back!"
She put her hands on her hips. "No! I'm spending some quality time with my other friends today!"
Inu Yasha jumped off the bed, growling. "And what about your other friends, huh? We've only been sitting around waiting for you to come back!"
"I'm over there all the time! I've missed a lot of school, I miss my family, and I miss my friends. I need to be here for a little while!" If she got any madder, Kagome's eyes would've turned a demonic red.
Without saying a word, Inu Yasha swept her up and swung her over his shoulder. He jumped out the window and headed for the well.
"Hey! Let go of me Inu Yasha!" She started to struggle.
"No way. We're going back now!" he threw the door to the small building open.
"Alright! Alright! I'll go! Just put me down first!"
He reluctantly set her on her feet. Within a heartbeat she had one of his sensitive ears in between her fingers. She pinched a little, causing him to wince, and then proceeded to drag him to the well. With one final shove, he was teetering over it.
"Kagome, what?" he was too shocked to defend himself.
"I'll be back later tonight." she growled. His eyes widened. "Osuwari!" the prayer beads glowed and yanked him into the darkness of the well. She heard him yelp just before he disappeared. "And don't even think of coming to get me!" She turned to leave and tripped on something. "Hey! There's my wallet!"
On the other side, Inu Yasha sat at the bottom of the well, nursing his pinched ear. Mixed emotions clouded his brain. He was mad with Kagome for pinching his ear, and 'sit'-ing him into the well, and not coming with him. He was especially mad with himself. *Why'd I try to force her to come back here? Now she'll really be mad at me. Maybe I do need to think before I act.* He was sad as well, that she would rather be over there with her other friends than with him. *She was right ya know.* The little voice in the back of his mind chimed in. *She really does spend an awful lot of time here, when she has so many obligations over there.* He growled at himself. *Aw, shut up!*
"Inu Yasha!?" Shippo's voice called from above. "Did you bring Kagome back?"
He jumped out of the well, landing on the little kitsune's head and squashing him. "No. She said she'd come back later on tonight." Fuming, he wandered off to sit in a tree and sulk.
------------ Back on our side ------------
Kagome climbed the stairs of the smallish apartment building. *Number 42.* She looked at each door. *40, 41, 42!* It was a plain, dark wooden door. Numerous deadbolts and other such locks adorned the aged wood. Although the neighborhood was considered fairly safe, it was still part of the city, and cities could be dangerous. She gently rapped her knuckles on the door. Loud barking followed the noise.
"Just a second!" There was scrambling from inside the apartment. The barking continued. "Nikki! Would you calm down, it's just Kagome!" The locks began clicking and sliding. More barking. "Go lie down!" The noise finally stopped, and the door swung open. There was Mikka, wearing a dorm jersey, slippers, and a bandanna. "Hey, come on in. I kinda overslept, so I need to get dressed real quick, okay?" She let the door lean open and walked back to her bedroom. Kagome stepped inside.
The apartment was small and crowded. The entrance opened into the living room, which in turn led to the open kitchenette and dining area. There was a short hall off to the left that led to a small bathroom, as well as a bedroom. Posters of all kinds, varying from band and movie posters, to anime wall scrolls, covered the atrocious paint job on the walls. The far window was shaded by a large sheet, tie died to look fiery, with Celtic knots around the boarder and a spindly dragon in the center. The furniture consisted of a couch and a few mismatched chairs that looked like they had been dragged out of the trash. (an: yay for big garbage day!) An old bookshelf had been reassembled to hold a disorganized array of technology, including a TV, DVD/VCR, and some game systems. Movies, books, and manga dotted the floor and furniture, along with electrician's tools and computer parts. Kagome had never seen such a mess before. *I guess this is what happens when you live without parents.I wonder what happened to them?* She was just about to ask when a deep growl caused her to freeze. Across the room, lying on an old sofa cushion, was Nikademous. He was much bigger than he looked in the picture, about one and a half the size of a normal German Shepard. His fur was pure, shining white, and looked as if it was really soft. He was probably the most handsome example of the breed that Kagome had ever seen. She was too frightened to notice, because this beautiful white dog was now bearing his sharp white teeth. He growled menacingly, fur standing on end, ears pressed flat against his skull. "Mikka?" Kagome squeaked. "Mikka?" But the aforementioned girl was too busy changing in her room to hear. Kagome pressed against the wall, eyes wide and frightened. She inched closer to the door. Bad move.this enticed the snarling canine to come closer. Sensing her fear, he decided to attack. He lunged foreword, snarling, claws scraping against the fake hardwood of the floor. Kagome screamed and threw her arms up in self-defense. Any second now and that beautiful white fur would be stained with the blood of the reincarnated miko.
End Chapter One.
Hama: Oh-hohohohohoho! I left quite a cliffhanger, ne? *dodges a barrage of flying objects* I guess you'll just have to R+R, 'cause otherwise I won't write anymore.
Fox: You know Dezi will kill you if you don't.
Hama: No she won't.
Fox: Yes, she will.
Hama: No! She won't!
Dezi: Yes, I will!
Hama: No! You won't! 'Cause if you do, then I'll never finish your Christmas/birthday present story!
Dezi: *struggles to quell the tide of fury* Fine.Please R+R folks!
Hama: Fox.
Fox: *blink blink* What?
Hama: Say it.
Fox: Ha! No!
Hama: *growl* Fine, fine. I guess I could always daydream about being with Inu Yasha instead of you.
Fox: *jaw drops* You wouldn't!
Hama: *nods*
Fox: Please R+R! *eyes narrow* Bitch.
Hama: *looking sweet* I love you?