Author's Note: This idea was dancing around in my head for sometime since I
knew The Story of Two was coming to an end, yes its coming to an end. Be
out on the lookout for the chapter tomorrow or this weekend. Well here's my
latest new story, let's see how much you guys will like it.
Disclaimer: Two words. Not yet.
Summary: Kagome was assigned to a ground-breaking historical research in a far off remote island to find Japan's lost jewel, the Shikon Jewel. She meets an old familiar face, Inuyasha Inukai, who like her is an archeologist. And it doesn't help that you're thrown in the hot weathered island with a man that you find annoyingly rude and arrogant. But as time progresses the two learn to work together and slowly come to understanding each other. In the deep jungles of the island where there is no civilization and unpredictable weather, there grows something much more complicated for Kagome.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Lost Jewel
Chapter One
The Assignment
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kagome looked at the manila folder that laid on her desk. It was one of Japan's most coveted files. And she was sitting there looking at the folder. Her hand slowly shook as she lifted the top part of the folder. This was the moment she had been waiting for since she was little. The feelings going through her were bubbling up inside of her.
The anticipation grew more and more each second. When the folder was completely opened her eyes took in the information greedily, because she didn't know when she would have another chance again to see this file ever again.
The file was about the history of the Shikon Jewel. How the jewel was created and how it split into small shards; the journey of the would-be hero and heroine and their companions who find the shards to make it whole again. There were also bits and pieces of the process of how the jewel became whole again and what had happened to the traveling companions but that was it...
The mystery now was what had happened to the jewel? Where did it go? Does it even exist? Kagome closed the file and looked over at her clock. It was eleven thirty at night. Kagome wasn't surprised. Her job often included lots of heavy duty reading and researching, which lasted well into the late night.
But she didn't mind. She loved every part of her job because she was always learning more. She knew things that most people didn't know about the world and their past, she traveled around the world to unlock the lost secrets of the past. Her job was always an adventure. The only downside was that it left barely any time for relationships and friends and family.
She sighed and turned off the lamp light ready to turn into bed when her phone rang. She groaned seeing that she was halfway in her bed. She reached over to her bedside table and picked up her phone. "Hello?"
"Hello Ms. Higurashi, I'm sorry that we called at such an inconvenience time but I have some important news for you. I am Wesley Kenton, the president of Britain's Archaeological Research Team? I do believe you have heard of it?"
Kagome's eyes widened at the familiar name. Wesley Kenton had contributed too many donations for archaeologists who were on groundbreaking researches. He also owned several buildings that were dedicated to archaeology only. They had helped thousands of important artifacts be found and learn the historical findings. It was an honor if any archaeologist could work with his team.
"Yes, yes I know of you and your work." Kagome said hoping that he was suggesting what she though it could be. "Well I asked a good friend of mine, Myouga Coji to recommend one of his top students for this amazing expedition, and he recommended a student that he had a few years ago, who had graduated. That was you my dear. So I called to know if you would be interested in working with my team. We are trying to find the Lost Jewel, the Shikon Jewel. There have been some interesting reports that it may be hidden in the deep jungles of a remote island. We will be starting two days from now. Are you up to it?"
Kagome smiled widely and was struggling herself from jumping up and down like a lunatic. "Yes! Yes I am definitely up to the challenge. Thank you so much Mr. Kenton, you don't know how much this means to me." Wesley Kenton let out a booming laugh. "Good, well I expect good news from you during the expedition. My workers will be sending me reports on how you and the others will do. Good luck!" When Wesley Kenton hung up Kagome jumped up in the air and let out a squeal of happiness.
She would be finally doing what she wanted to do. To go on an expedition to hopefully uncover Japan's Jewel. The one mystery that Japan hadn't been able to solve for a good five hundred years. She was glad that she would be part of it. Her father would've been proud. It was him that got her into archeology and history.
(Flashback)
Kagome and her father were at an archaeologist convention in Tokyo, Japan. All the well-known Japanese archaeologists were there. The place was covered with ancient artifacts, writings, sculptures, and pieces of lost temples and buildings of long ago. Kagome held her father's hand tightly as they walked around the beautiful artifacts.
Her father pointed at a statue and looked down at Kagome. "Look Kagome, see that statue there, it was from Greece. That was founded by me and my crew during one on our historical expeditions. Remember it was a few years ago; when Daddy was gone for a long time?"
Kagome looked up at her dad and gave him a toothy grin. "Uh huh, I remember Daddy. You brought me a souvenir. See!" She held up a medallion that her father gave to her years ago when he came back from his expedition. "You got it kiddo! Come on I want you to meet my good friend and my partner."
He led her to a man who had long white hair that was tied back at the neck. He waved at Kagome's father when he saw them. Her father shook hands with the tall stranger. "It's good to see you Inutashio." "Likewise Shigehiko, who is this pretty little girl that I see?" Inutashio bent down and looked at the Kagome. Kagome looked into his eyes and saw that it was bright gold, like her medallion.
"My name is Kagome. It's nice to meet you." Inutashio shook hands with Kagome and then stood up. "A well behaved child you have there my friend. It is a shame that my sons aren't well behaved. The older one is going through his teenage stages; all about drama with that one. And the younger one..." Then suddenly a younger version of Inutashio ran into his father screaming happily and talking non-stop.
"And Dad! Guess what? I saw a dinosaur that was this big and I got to touch it. It was weird, come on Dad, lets go touch it, it's really cool!" His father patted his son on the head and pushed him towards Kagome. "Inuyasha I want you to meet Kagome. Remember her? I told you about her a few days ago." Kagome smiled at Inuyasha who returned the gesture by sticking his tongue out at her.
"Eew! Girls are gross, Dad." Kagome 'hmphed' and crossed her arms together. "Girls are not gross." She said defensively. "Are too!" Inuyasha fought back. Kagome looked up and saw that the two older men were deeply in a conversation and not noticing the small feud going on below them. She looked back at Inuyasha and said "Well at least I'm smarter than you."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "No way, all girls are stupid. So, you are too." Kagome took off her necklace. "Well if your so smart then what is this?" Inuyasha peered over at the medallion in Kagome's hand. "It's a medallion." Kagome let out a sigh of irritation. "What kind?" She asked. Inuyasha took it out of Kagome's hands and looked at the details.
He gave it back to her and shrugged. "Who cares it's stupid anyways." Kagome's face broke out into a large grin. "I though you were smarter than me. Weren't you suggesting that all boys knew everything?" Inuyasha 'kehed' and looked away from Kagome. "Maybe I don't want to be showing off my smartness. Besides I bet it's not real."
Kagome put on her medallion and walked up to Inuyasha, looking at him in the eyes. "It is too real. My Daddy got it for me when he went on the Ancient Greece Expedition with your Daddy. And I'm going to be an archaeologist just like my Daddy." Inuyasha rose one of his eyebrows curiously. "You're going to be an archaeologist? No way! Girls are scared of everything, like spiders and stuff. My Dad says when they have to explore in caves, there are lots of bugs and mice and stuff in them. You have to be smart and brave to be an archaeologist. In which you don't have both."
Kagome pushed Inuyasha back and watched him fall into the nearby fountain. He spluttered as he got up. "You... You did that on purpose!" Kagome rolled her eyes and said "Gee? You think?" and walked over to her father. "Daddy I'm tired, I wanna go home." Her father looked down and gave her a wink and a smile. "Okay sweetie, let's go." He looked back up at Inutashio and shook hands with him one last time and said their goodbyes. While Kagome waved goodbye to a very angry and wet-looking boy.
(End of Flashback)
It was the last time her father and Kagome ever saw Inutashio and his son Inuyasha again. Her father later went on another expedition in a remote island and contracted a disease and never fully recovered. Kagome was heart broken. But in the end what her father left behind became her duty to finish. And she never got the chance till now.
All thanks to Wesley Kenton. Kagome crawled back into bed and went to sleep, hoping the two days would come faster than she hoped. She was more than ready to go on the journey to find out what happened to the jewel. For her and her father's dream she would solved the mystery and finally find the 'Lost Jewel'.
Kagome woke up to the blaring of her alarm clock. She turned off the alarm and stretched in her bed sitting up. She looked over to her window and saw the bright sunlight slowly peaking over the city. It seemed today was a beautiful day and nothing could dampen her spirits.
She got out of bed and put on her robe and went into the kitchen to make herself coffee. She was boiling the water when she heard the doorbell ring. She looked through the peephole, it was her good friend Miroku.
She unlocked the door and let him inside. "Hello, hello, how are you today?" He said happily. Kagome looked at Miroku wondering what made him so chirpy today. "And I'm guessing today is a good day for you... Why?"
Miroku picked up Kagome and twirled her around until Kagome threatened him to put her down or else she was going to castrate him. Miroku put her down and nevertheless still smiling. "Because I know that you're going on that expedition and I'm going on that expedition too. I got the call this morning from Wesley Kenton."
Kagome nodded to confirm Miroku. "Yes I'm going too. I was going to call you later on today but you showed up so that's one less phone call to make today." Miroku and Kagome turned around towards the kitchen where a screeching noise was coming from. "Oh the water's ready." Kagome ran over to the stove and turned off the light. She grabbed a dish cloth and picked up the kettle and poured the hot water into a mug.
"Do you want some coffee Miroku?" Miroku sat down in a chair where Kagome's dining table was. "No thanks, I already had breakfast today." Kagome sat down across from him once her coffee was made. She blew on it and took a small sip. She looked over at her friend who was playing with her cat Buyo.
Kagome smiled. She and Miroku had been friends since they met at the college and he offered to help her out around the school on her first day. She later found out they have many of their classes together and was both studying archaeology. From then on they became good friends with the occasional scolding at Miroku for patting her butt.
"Miroku, I can't believe it. We're going to go on this expedition that hasn't been attempted for over thirteen years now." Miroku put the heavy cat down and looked over at Kagome. "Yeah... I wonder if the island will have some exotic and hot Amazon chicks there or something like that." Kagome shook her head disapprovingly and clucked her tongue. It wasn't a surprise for Kagome that Miroku still had childish perverted thoughts.
"On a remote island? I don't think so. Besides I doubt we'll even get to spend time with the locals, even if there were any there. That expedition is supposed to be about work and no play. I mean by the way things sounded last night when Mr. Kenton was going over things with me. He'll have people watching over us and we don't know who they are." Miroku leaned back on his chair and sighed. "Kagome you worry too much. Breathe and relax a little. It's in two days, not today, so let's go catch a flick or something."
Kagome smiled fretfully. "I wish I could Miroku but I have to pack today and make some important calls today. And I also have to get some supplies." Miroku nodded. "Okay, well see you around tomorrow?" Kagome smiled and nodded. "Of course."
Kagome closed the door when Miroku left and started to pack, when the phone rang. Kagome walked over and picked up the phone. "Hello?" "Hi this is Charles Landenberg, I'm Mr. Kenton's assistant. And I wanted you to know that tomorrow we are holding a feast for the chosen archaeologists that are to go on the Lost Jewel Expedition, and that includes you. Tomorrow in the mail, you will receive a black invitation card, please bring that with you when you come to the feasting. All information and details will be on the card. Good day to you now miss."
"Goodbye." Kagome hung up the phone and put her hands on her hips, wondering what would be appropriate to wear and there was no way she was going to ask Miroku.
The next day Kagome was rushing around the whole place getting things ready. All her luggage was ready and packed by the door. She had lunch with her mother and grandpa, and no Souta since Souta was now in college. Her mother also offered to watch the fat lovable cat, Buyo. Kagome gave her notice to her tenant about her leaving. Kagome clipped her hair into place and grabbed her car keys and purse on the way out.
She silently cursed in her head as she tried to put on her heels and managing to press the down button on the elevator at the same time. In doing so she fell on her face. Kagome firmly put on her heels and stood up. She gathered herself and pressed the button. She sighed unhappily. She wasn't use to going to extravagant parties, like the ones Wesley Kenton threw.
She looked down at her dress. It was black with a halter tie. The bottom of the hem was loose and flowing with asymmetrical sides. In the back it slightly dipped show that it showed some of her back. There was some beading done on the front but nothing too fancy to give it all away. Kagome stepped out of the elevator and walked towards the entrance out of the condominium. When she saw the yellow cab waiting for her outside on the curb she heard a voice call out her name. She turned around and saw that it was Miroku.
Miroku was wearing a nice crisp black suit that looked like that it came straight from the cleaners. "Watch out, Mr. Hot stuff coming through." Miroku smiled at Kagome's gesture. "Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself Kagome. In fact I don't ever recall you wearing a dress. You should dress up more often." The cab driver honked. Miroku looked at the cab then at Kagome.
"Why don't you ditch the cab and come with me? We'll go as dates just for the night... As friends." He said defensively as he saw Kagome's face. Kagome's face relaxed at the last part and nodded. "Okay, give me a minute." She walked over and talked to the cab driver and gave him some faring money as an apology for making him come all the way out here and waiting.
When the cab driver sped off Kagome stuck out an arm. "Well off to the party my lord." Kagome said jokingly. "Then let us go away in my car." Miroku locked his arms with Kagome and headed towards their supposed 'carriage' that would take them to the party.
When the car was parked Kagome glanced over at Miroku. "This is scary as it is exciting." Miroku patted Kagome's hand gently. "Don't worry about it. Let's have a good time. After all it was thrown for us." Kagome flashed him a bold smile. "Okay let's do it."
Kagome looked at the enormous theatre in front of them. "Miroku, do you think it's true that they spent five days clearing out the theatre in order to set up this party?" Miroku let out a wolf-call whistle. "I don't know but it's a very beautiful thing." Kagome looked at Miroku and saw that his eyes were on a young blonde-haired woman that was wearing a sheer-like material dress.
She smacked the back of Miroku's head. "Not that stupid. Come on let's go in, it's getting cold out here." They went up the steps and entered the grand building. Kagome tugged at Miroku's arms when they stepped inside. Kagome couldn't even move her jaw to talk. The whole theatre was decked out in only the best and the finest things. The crystal chandeliers shined across the marbled floors. The appetizers even looked too exquisite that it seemed more as of an display than to eat.
She saw all the people that were here were good looking. Every gentlemen handsome and every women beautiful. Kagome handed her coat to the man who hung it up for her and showed her invitation as well as Miroku, the man collected them. She led Miroku to the dining area. She weaved herself and him through the strategically placed tables and sat down in a corner area. Miroku pulled out the menu and whistled when he saw the prices. "I'm glad all of these are free, the original prices are not cheap at all. I mean fifty dollars for a small rack of lamb? Or how about this, their salmon is forty-five without the seasoning." Kagome nodded while looking around the dance floor.
She was sure she saw a familiar face in the crowd. She looked back at Miroku dismissing the thought in her head. "I'm not feeling very hungry right now." She said. Miroku continued looking at the menu, drooling at the fact he would be eating all these food for free. Eating was Miroku's second favorite thing to do on his imaginary list. Kagome stood up and looked back over at Miroku. "I'll be right back, I'm going to look around here." Miroku nodded his eyes still glued to the menu.
Kagome weaved out of the tables and headed to the upper level of the theatre. She took this chance as an opportunity to explore the grand theatre. She stopped here and there to look at the prestigious awards and the beautiful sculptures that they had. She was particularly interested in a painting that hung near the balcony entrance. It was of a woman with long black raven tresses down past her shoulders holding what Kagome supposed was the Shikon Jewel. There was a man kneeling in front of her looking at the jewel with her, the man had long white hair with dog ears perched on top of his head. The girl looked eerily like Kagome. And the man looked in somewhat like...
Kagome shook her head. It was just a coincidence, right? She was walking away from the painting looking down at the intricate rug that ran across the floor. 'Must be from India.' She thought as she looked at the symbols and designs more closely. 'Everything here is rare or expensive.' Deep in thought she bumped into somebody, not expecting anybody but only her to be up here.
"I'm so sorry." She said before she had looked up at him. Her eyes slowly looked up. Brown met bright gold. She gasped when she saw who she had bumped into. The tall man had white long hair and a perfectly handsome face. 'White hair and gold eyes... It has to be.'
"I...Inuyasha?" The man that was looking down at her looked surprised. "Kagome?" Kagome smiled and nodded. "Yeah you do remember. What are you doing here?" Inuyasha crossed his arms across and smiled. Kagome felt her heart do a leap. He had smiled at her.
"Of course I remember, you're the only girl rude enough, to ever push me into a fountain like that. As for why I'm here it's because I will be going on the Shikon Jewel Expedition. I'm one of the lucky chosen ones." He said proudly. Kagome smiled back even wider. He was still somewhat the same little boy that Kagome had met long ago. He had the same over the top confident attitude and cockiness.
"Oh! Good for you... So am I." She added. Inuyasha's face changed into a look of surprise. "What?! You're an archaeologist too? No way? I thought you were kidding back then." Kagome shook her head. "Nope I'm not kidding."
Inuyasha's eyes combed over Kagome. She had changed significantly. Her hair wasn't a messy mop anymore, it was smooth and sleek and tied back elegantly. Her face now had cheekbones that gracefully brought her whole face together. Her eyes carried depth and knowledge over the years. And she definitely had womanly attributes that she didn't have when she was younger. She was a woman now. A very attractive woman.
"I see." He said still looking at Kagome. Kagome blushed looking away from his gaze and looked at the crowd below her. "You know I never thought I would see you again. Not after my father's death." Inuyasha tilted his head slightly curious to what she had to say.
Kagome continued. "I guess I wouldn't have imagined you to become an archaeologist, I mean my father told me all about you and your family. You were the perfect student at your all boys-only exclusive private school. And that you're so rich that you wouldn't ever have to lift a finger in life in order to make money. I also heard that you have three houses." Inuyasha shrugged. "I guess most of it is true but that's has nothing to do with what I want to do. Just because I'm rich doesn't mean I don't have dreams that I want to accomplish. Money has nothing to offer that's meaningful in the end." Kagome looked at Inuyasha amazed. He had matured after all.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I was just saying why are you doing a job like this, when you have all this endless amounts of money to fall back on?" Inuyasha looked away from Kagome. "I guess money doesn't fascinate me like history does. There is no passion with money. I mean the adventures my father went on, all his stories that he told me when I was younger, were everything that I wanted to do, to be. It was glamorous the way he described all of it. Nothing seemed flawless, or out of place, I wanted this job for so long. I guess then money didn't become an objection of my life, it was just what I had. I'm not what you might expect me to be, and that's fine with me. I like surprises whether they're good or bad, it makes things more interesting. Remember that... Kagome." He winked at her and kissed the back of her hand before he left.
A few minutes after he had left, it became arduous for Kagome to walk. Inuyasha wasn't the same person that she hated years ago. He was suddenly becoming interesting and charming.
It was a start.
Sango saw Inuyasha come down the wide elegant stairway. "Where were you? I agreed to come as your date and you leave me hanging here by myself? Some friend you are. What were you doing up there anyways?" Inuyasha chuckled at Sango's questions. "Relax I was just looking around. And I'm sorry for leaving you, it wasn't intentional." Sango rolled her eyes. "Typical of you, always finding something new to ponder upon. You missed Wesley Kenton's speech it was about tomorrow's journey."
Inuyasha showed very little concern for what Sango had said. "Your point?" Sango let out an exasperated sigh. "It's kind of important. I mean this expedition could be longer than we expect, and it could be dangerous. Besides what's up there that is so interesting?" Inuyasha smiled at Sango. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
Sango dragged Inuyasha to the entrance. "Come on let's go. We came and we left an impression." Inuyasha nodded, handing Sango her jacket. Sango exited outside first and Inuyasha looked around the theatre one last time while putting on his coat. "I hope I did leave an impression. A good one that is." He smirked and exited outside.
The alarm clock blared too loudly for Kagome's liking. She had set it back an hour early yesterday for her early flight tomorrow. Groaning as she got out of bed. She headed towards her bathroom to enjoy a nice long hot shower before she went to a place where she doubted had any 'decent indoor plumbing'. She changed into khaki shorts and a white tank top, and putted on her hiking boots, she then tied her hair back into a ponytail. Grabbing her bags she went downstairs to Miroku's and left with him to the airport. She saw that Tokyo's airport was as usual crowded and bustling along to get to their designated places.
Kagome looked over at Miroku as she saw him get whacked by an old lady with her purse. Kagome walked over to him. "What did you do?!" Miroku gave her a sheepish grin. "Nothing, I don't understand why she was accusing me of touching her daughter indecently?" Kagome pulled Miroku by the ear. "Come on let's try to get on our plane alive."
Miroku half nodded and followed Kagome to where they were supposed to meet. She saw there, where she and Miroku were to meet, accompanied several individuals. Three of whom she didn't know and one that she did know of some what. Inuyasha. She quickly glanced over at him and saw that he too, was dressed for the occasion, though his shirt was rather tight and showing off his lean sculpted muscles...
Kagome looked over to the others that she didn't know. She extended out an hand to the one nearest Inuyasha. "Hi I'm Kagome Higurashi, nice to meet you." The woman with the shoulder length black hair smiled warmly at her. "Sango Atkushi... Wait a minute? You're the daughter of the legendary Shigehiko Higurashi?" Kagome nodded. Sango laughed and punched Inuyasha in the shoulder. "Did you hear that the daughter of Shigehiko Higurashi, is coming with us. You know all about him. He's one of your idols." Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Keh." He muttered and looked at his watch. He tapped one of his foot impatiently on the floor.
Kagome looked over to the flaming red-haired boy. He was young, no more than nineteen or so. "Shippo Kitsune, it's refreshing to have someone like you, unlike grumpy pants over there, to accompany us." Inuyasha looked at Shippo and growled. Shippo laughed nervously and scooted closer to the girl with light brown hair and cerulean blue eyes. Kagome turned to the last and final person of the group, the one Shippo scooted closer to. She put on a pretty smile and shook Kagome's hand, like the others had before. "Nice to meet you Kagome. I'm Lanai Kimero. I'm the linguist." Kagome smiled at her and pulled Miroku into the group. He was still rubbing his ear that Kagome had pulled on earlier and waved to the group in front of him.
"Everybody this is Miroku." Kagome introduced. Inuyasha looked at Miroku intensely. "Are you her boyfriend?" he asked curiously. Kagome laughed. "Yeah right, me and Miroku? No, we're friends." Inuyasha's face softened.
Miroku smiled "Yep good friends." He looked over to Sango and Lanai. He went to them and took both of their hands, each in one in his, and said "If any of you ladies are interested in engaging in a..." Kagome covered his mouth and laughed nervously.
"Don't mind him... He's delusional." Kagome glared at Miroku before she pulled her hand away. She turned around when she heard footsteps stop in front of her group. A short balding man stood before them. The man licked his lips nervously. "I'm guessing you are the archaeologists that are going on the expedition?" Lanai raised her hand. "Well yes and no. I'm the linguist and he's the historian." The bald man nodded and rolled his eyes dramatically. "I see, well if you follow me, we are going out of this exit on your right and there you will see a large private plane. That's what will transport you to the island."
Kagome quickly asked a question before everybody filed out. "Well don't we need maps or something in order to know what direction we should head in once we get there?" The man smiled. "That will all be taken care of once you get there. Don't worry, Mr. Kenton has taken great care of everything in order for this mission to be successful." The man walked out of the exit first leaving no more room for questions to be asked.
Kagome looked over at Miroku. "Well that was weird." Miroku nodded as he was picking up his luggage. "Yeah, I don't trust that man for some reason." Kagome picked up her luggage as well. "I don't either. He didn't even say much about that map I asked him about."
"Come on let's go guys." Inuyasha said and exited. Kagome and Miroku followed him.
Little did they know what was waiting for them on that island...
AN: So what do you think? Tell me, I'd love to hear what you think about it?
Disclaimer: Two words. Not yet.
Summary: Kagome was assigned to a ground-breaking historical research in a far off remote island to find Japan's lost jewel, the Shikon Jewel. She meets an old familiar face, Inuyasha Inukai, who like her is an archeologist. And it doesn't help that you're thrown in the hot weathered island with a man that you find annoyingly rude and arrogant. But as time progresses the two learn to work together and slowly come to understanding each other. In the deep jungles of the island where there is no civilization and unpredictable weather, there grows something much more complicated for Kagome.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Lost Jewel
Chapter One
The Assignment
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kagome looked at the manila folder that laid on her desk. It was one of Japan's most coveted files. And she was sitting there looking at the folder. Her hand slowly shook as she lifted the top part of the folder. This was the moment she had been waiting for since she was little. The feelings going through her were bubbling up inside of her.
The anticipation grew more and more each second. When the folder was completely opened her eyes took in the information greedily, because she didn't know when she would have another chance again to see this file ever again.
The file was about the history of the Shikon Jewel. How the jewel was created and how it split into small shards; the journey of the would-be hero and heroine and their companions who find the shards to make it whole again. There were also bits and pieces of the process of how the jewel became whole again and what had happened to the traveling companions but that was it...
The mystery now was what had happened to the jewel? Where did it go? Does it even exist? Kagome closed the file and looked over at her clock. It was eleven thirty at night. Kagome wasn't surprised. Her job often included lots of heavy duty reading and researching, which lasted well into the late night.
But she didn't mind. She loved every part of her job because she was always learning more. She knew things that most people didn't know about the world and their past, she traveled around the world to unlock the lost secrets of the past. Her job was always an adventure. The only downside was that it left barely any time for relationships and friends and family.
She sighed and turned off the lamp light ready to turn into bed when her phone rang. She groaned seeing that she was halfway in her bed. She reached over to her bedside table and picked up her phone. "Hello?"
"Hello Ms. Higurashi, I'm sorry that we called at such an inconvenience time but I have some important news for you. I am Wesley Kenton, the president of Britain's Archaeological Research Team? I do believe you have heard of it?"
Kagome's eyes widened at the familiar name. Wesley Kenton had contributed too many donations for archaeologists who were on groundbreaking researches. He also owned several buildings that were dedicated to archaeology only. They had helped thousands of important artifacts be found and learn the historical findings. It was an honor if any archaeologist could work with his team.
"Yes, yes I know of you and your work." Kagome said hoping that he was suggesting what she though it could be. "Well I asked a good friend of mine, Myouga Coji to recommend one of his top students for this amazing expedition, and he recommended a student that he had a few years ago, who had graduated. That was you my dear. So I called to know if you would be interested in working with my team. We are trying to find the Lost Jewel, the Shikon Jewel. There have been some interesting reports that it may be hidden in the deep jungles of a remote island. We will be starting two days from now. Are you up to it?"
Kagome smiled widely and was struggling herself from jumping up and down like a lunatic. "Yes! Yes I am definitely up to the challenge. Thank you so much Mr. Kenton, you don't know how much this means to me." Wesley Kenton let out a booming laugh. "Good, well I expect good news from you during the expedition. My workers will be sending me reports on how you and the others will do. Good luck!" When Wesley Kenton hung up Kagome jumped up in the air and let out a squeal of happiness.
She would be finally doing what she wanted to do. To go on an expedition to hopefully uncover Japan's Jewel. The one mystery that Japan hadn't been able to solve for a good five hundred years. She was glad that she would be part of it. Her father would've been proud. It was him that got her into archeology and history.
(Flashback)
Kagome and her father were at an archaeologist convention in Tokyo, Japan. All the well-known Japanese archaeologists were there. The place was covered with ancient artifacts, writings, sculptures, and pieces of lost temples and buildings of long ago. Kagome held her father's hand tightly as they walked around the beautiful artifacts.
Her father pointed at a statue and looked down at Kagome. "Look Kagome, see that statue there, it was from Greece. That was founded by me and my crew during one on our historical expeditions. Remember it was a few years ago; when Daddy was gone for a long time?"
Kagome looked up at her dad and gave him a toothy grin. "Uh huh, I remember Daddy. You brought me a souvenir. See!" She held up a medallion that her father gave to her years ago when he came back from his expedition. "You got it kiddo! Come on I want you to meet my good friend and my partner."
He led her to a man who had long white hair that was tied back at the neck. He waved at Kagome's father when he saw them. Her father shook hands with the tall stranger. "It's good to see you Inutashio." "Likewise Shigehiko, who is this pretty little girl that I see?" Inutashio bent down and looked at the Kagome. Kagome looked into his eyes and saw that it was bright gold, like her medallion.
"My name is Kagome. It's nice to meet you." Inutashio shook hands with Kagome and then stood up. "A well behaved child you have there my friend. It is a shame that my sons aren't well behaved. The older one is going through his teenage stages; all about drama with that one. And the younger one..." Then suddenly a younger version of Inutashio ran into his father screaming happily and talking non-stop.
"And Dad! Guess what? I saw a dinosaur that was this big and I got to touch it. It was weird, come on Dad, lets go touch it, it's really cool!" His father patted his son on the head and pushed him towards Kagome. "Inuyasha I want you to meet Kagome. Remember her? I told you about her a few days ago." Kagome smiled at Inuyasha who returned the gesture by sticking his tongue out at her.
"Eew! Girls are gross, Dad." Kagome 'hmphed' and crossed her arms together. "Girls are not gross." She said defensively. "Are too!" Inuyasha fought back. Kagome looked up and saw that the two older men were deeply in a conversation and not noticing the small feud going on below them. She looked back at Inuyasha and said "Well at least I'm smarter than you."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "No way, all girls are stupid. So, you are too." Kagome took off her necklace. "Well if your so smart then what is this?" Inuyasha peered over at the medallion in Kagome's hand. "It's a medallion." Kagome let out a sigh of irritation. "What kind?" She asked. Inuyasha took it out of Kagome's hands and looked at the details.
He gave it back to her and shrugged. "Who cares it's stupid anyways." Kagome's face broke out into a large grin. "I though you were smarter than me. Weren't you suggesting that all boys knew everything?" Inuyasha 'kehed' and looked away from Kagome. "Maybe I don't want to be showing off my smartness. Besides I bet it's not real."
Kagome put on her medallion and walked up to Inuyasha, looking at him in the eyes. "It is too real. My Daddy got it for me when he went on the Ancient Greece Expedition with your Daddy. And I'm going to be an archaeologist just like my Daddy." Inuyasha rose one of his eyebrows curiously. "You're going to be an archaeologist? No way! Girls are scared of everything, like spiders and stuff. My Dad says when they have to explore in caves, there are lots of bugs and mice and stuff in them. You have to be smart and brave to be an archaeologist. In which you don't have both."
Kagome pushed Inuyasha back and watched him fall into the nearby fountain. He spluttered as he got up. "You... You did that on purpose!" Kagome rolled her eyes and said "Gee? You think?" and walked over to her father. "Daddy I'm tired, I wanna go home." Her father looked down and gave her a wink and a smile. "Okay sweetie, let's go." He looked back up at Inutashio and shook hands with him one last time and said their goodbyes. While Kagome waved goodbye to a very angry and wet-looking boy.
(End of Flashback)
It was the last time her father and Kagome ever saw Inutashio and his son Inuyasha again. Her father later went on another expedition in a remote island and contracted a disease and never fully recovered. Kagome was heart broken. But in the end what her father left behind became her duty to finish. And she never got the chance till now.
All thanks to Wesley Kenton. Kagome crawled back into bed and went to sleep, hoping the two days would come faster than she hoped. She was more than ready to go on the journey to find out what happened to the jewel. For her and her father's dream she would solved the mystery and finally find the 'Lost Jewel'.
Kagome woke up to the blaring of her alarm clock. She turned off the alarm and stretched in her bed sitting up. She looked over to her window and saw the bright sunlight slowly peaking over the city. It seemed today was a beautiful day and nothing could dampen her spirits.
She got out of bed and put on her robe and went into the kitchen to make herself coffee. She was boiling the water when she heard the doorbell ring. She looked through the peephole, it was her good friend Miroku.
She unlocked the door and let him inside. "Hello, hello, how are you today?" He said happily. Kagome looked at Miroku wondering what made him so chirpy today. "And I'm guessing today is a good day for you... Why?"
Miroku picked up Kagome and twirled her around until Kagome threatened him to put her down or else she was going to castrate him. Miroku put her down and nevertheless still smiling. "Because I know that you're going on that expedition and I'm going on that expedition too. I got the call this morning from Wesley Kenton."
Kagome nodded to confirm Miroku. "Yes I'm going too. I was going to call you later on today but you showed up so that's one less phone call to make today." Miroku and Kagome turned around towards the kitchen where a screeching noise was coming from. "Oh the water's ready." Kagome ran over to the stove and turned off the light. She grabbed a dish cloth and picked up the kettle and poured the hot water into a mug.
"Do you want some coffee Miroku?" Miroku sat down in a chair where Kagome's dining table was. "No thanks, I already had breakfast today." Kagome sat down across from him once her coffee was made. She blew on it and took a small sip. She looked over at her friend who was playing with her cat Buyo.
Kagome smiled. She and Miroku had been friends since they met at the college and he offered to help her out around the school on her first day. She later found out they have many of their classes together and was both studying archaeology. From then on they became good friends with the occasional scolding at Miroku for patting her butt.
"Miroku, I can't believe it. We're going to go on this expedition that hasn't been attempted for over thirteen years now." Miroku put the heavy cat down and looked over at Kagome. "Yeah... I wonder if the island will have some exotic and hot Amazon chicks there or something like that." Kagome shook her head disapprovingly and clucked her tongue. It wasn't a surprise for Kagome that Miroku still had childish perverted thoughts.
"On a remote island? I don't think so. Besides I doubt we'll even get to spend time with the locals, even if there were any there. That expedition is supposed to be about work and no play. I mean by the way things sounded last night when Mr. Kenton was going over things with me. He'll have people watching over us and we don't know who they are." Miroku leaned back on his chair and sighed. "Kagome you worry too much. Breathe and relax a little. It's in two days, not today, so let's go catch a flick or something."
Kagome smiled fretfully. "I wish I could Miroku but I have to pack today and make some important calls today. And I also have to get some supplies." Miroku nodded. "Okay, well see you around tomorrow?" Kagome smiled and nodded. "Of course."
Kagome closed the door when Miroku left and started to pack, when the phone rang. Kagome walked over and picked up the phone. "Hello?" "Hi this is Charles Landenberg, I'm Mr. Kenton's assistant. And I wanted you to know that tomorrow we are holding a feast for the chosen archaeologists that are to go on the Lost Jewel Expedition, and that includes you. Tomorrow in the mail, you will receive a black invitation card, please bring that with you when you come to the feasting. All information and details will be on the card. Good day to you now miss."
"Goodbye." Kagome hung up the phone and put her hands on her hips, wondering what would be appropriate to wear and there was no way she was going to ask Miroku.
The next day Kagome was rushing around the whole place getting things ready. All her luggage was ready and packed by the door. She had lunch with her mother and grandpa, and no Souta since Souta was now in college. Her mother also offered to watch the fat lovable cat, Buyo. Kagome gave her notice to her tenant about her leaving. Kagome clipped her hair into place and grabbed her car keys and purse on the way out.
She silently cursed in her head as she tried to put on her heels and managing to press the down button on the elevator at the same time. In doing so she fell on her face. Kagome firmly put on her heels and stood up. She gathered herself and pressed the button. She sighed unhappily. She wasn't use to going to extravagant parties, like the ones Wesley Kenton threw.
She looked down at her dress. It was black with a halter tie. The bottom of the hem was loose and flowing with asymmetrical sides. In the back it slightly dipped show that it showed some of her back. There was some beading done on the front but nothing too fancy to give it all away. Kagome stepped out of the elevator and walked towards the entrance out of the condominium. When she saw the yellow cab waiting for her outside on the curb she heard a voice call out her name. She turned around and saw that it was Miroku.
Miroku was wearing a nice crisp black suit that looked like that it came straight from the cleaners. "Watch out, Mr. Hot stuff coming through." Miroku smiled at Kagome's gesture. "Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself Kagome. In fact I don't ever recall you wearing a dress. You should dress up more often." The cab driver honked. Miroku looked at the cab then at Kagome.
"Why don't you ditch the cab and come with me? We'll go as dates just for the night... As friends." He said defensively as he saw Kagome's face. Kagome's face relaxed at the last part and nodded. "Okay, give me a minute." She walked over and talked to the cab driver and gave him some faring money as an apology for making him come all the way out here and waiting.
When the cab driver sped off Kagome stuck out an arm. "Well off to the party my lord." Kagome said jokingly. "Then let us go away in my car." Miroku locked his arms with Kagome and headed towards their supposed 'carriage' that would take them to the party.
When the car was parked Kagome glanced over at Miroku. "This is scary as it is exciting." Miroku patted Kagome's hand gently. "Don't worry about it. Let's have a good time. After all it was thrown for us." Kagome flashed him a bold smile. "Okay let's do it."
Kagome looked at the enormous theatre in front of them. "Miroku, do you think it's true that they spent five days clearing out the theatre in order to set up this party?" Miroku let out a wolf-call whistle. "I don't know but it's a very beautiful thing." Kagome looked at Miroku and saw that his eyes were on a young blonde-haired woman that was wearing a sheer-like material dress.
She smacked the back of Miroku's head. "Not that stupid. Come on let's go in, it's getting cold out here." They went up the steps and entered the grand building. Kagome tugged at Miroku's arms when they stepped inside. Kagome couldn't even move her jaw to talk. The whole theatre was decked out in only the best and the finest things. The crystal chandeliers shined across the marbled floors. The appetizers even looked too exquisite that it seemed more as of an display than to eat.
She saw all the people that were here were good looking. Every gentlemen handsome and every women beautiful. Kagome handed her coat to the man who hung it up for her and showed her invitation as well as Miroku, the man collected them. She led Miroku to the dining area. She weaved herself and him through the strategically placed tables and sat down in a corner area. Miroku pulled out the menu and whistled when he saw the prices. "I'm glad all of these are free, the original prices are not cheap at all. I mean fifty dollars for a small rack of lamb? Or how about this, their salmon is forty-five without the seasoning." Kagome nodded while looking around the dance floor.
She was sure she saw a familiar face in the crowd. She looked back at Miroku dismissing the thought in her head. "I'm not feeling very hungry right now." She said. Miroku continued looking at the menu, drooling at the fact he would be eating all these food for free. Eating was Miroku's second favorite thing to do on his imaginary list. Kagome stood up and looked back over at Miroku. "I'll be right back, I'm going to look around here." Miroku nodded his eyes still glued to the menu.
Kagome weaved out of the tables and headed to the upper level of the theatre. She took this chance as an opportunity to explore the grand theatre. She stopped here and there to look at the prestigious awards and the beautiful sculptures that they had. She was particularly interested in a painting that hung near the balcony entrance. It was of a woman with long black raven tresses down past her shoulders holding what Kagome supposed was the Shikon Jewel. There was a man kneeling in front of her looking at the jewel with her, the man had long white hair with dog ears perched on top of his head. The girl looked eerily like Kagome. And the man looked in somewhat like...
Kagome shook her head. It was just a coincidence, right? She was walking away from the painting looking down at the intricate rug that ran across the floor. 'Must be from India.' She thought as she looked at the symbols and designs more closely. 'Everything here is rare or expensive.' Deep in thought she bumped into somebody, not expecting anybody but only her to be up here.
"I'm so sorry." She said before she had looked up at him. Her eyes slowly looked up. Brown met bright gold. She gasped when she saw who she had bumped into. The tall man had white long hair and a perfectly handsome face. 'White hair and gold eyes... It has to be.'
"I...Inuyasha?" The man that was looking down at her looked surprised. "Kagome?" Kagome smiled and nodded. "Yeah you do remember. What are you doing here?" Inuyasha crossed his arms across and smiled. Kagome felt her heart do a leap. He had smiled at her.
"Of course I remember, you're the only girl rude enough, to ever push me into a fountain like that. As for why I'm here it's because I will be going on the Shikon Jewel Expedition. I'm one of the lucky chosen ones." He said proudly. Kagome smiled back even wider. He was still somewhat the same little boy that Kagome had met long ago. He had the same over the top confident attitude and cockiness.
"Oh! Good for you... So am I." She added. Inuyasha's face changed into a look of surprise. "What?! You're an archaeologist too? No way? I thought you were kidding back then." Kagome shook her head. "Nope I'm not kidding."
Inuyasha's eyes combed over Kagome. She had changed significantly. Her hair wasn't a messy mop anymore, it was smooth and sleek and tied back elegantly. Her face now had cheekbones that gracefully brought her whole face together. Her eyes carried depth and knowledge over the years. And she definitely had womanly attributes that she didn't have when she was younger. She was a woman now. A very attractive woman.
"I see." He said still looking at Kagome. Kagome blushed looking away from his gaze and looked at the crowd below her. "You know I never thought I would see you again. Not after my father's death." Inuyasha tilted his head slightly curious to what she had to say.
Kagome continued. "I guess I wouldn't have imagined you to become an archaeologist, I mean my father told me all about you and your family. You were the perfect student at your all boys-only exclusive private school. And that you're so rich that you wouldn't ever have to lift a finger in life in order to make money. I also heard that you have three houses." Inuyasha shrugged. "I guess most of it is true but that's has nothing to do with what I want to do. Just because I'm rich doesn't mean I don't have dreams that I want to accomplish. Money has nothing to offer that's meaningful in the end." Kagome looked at Inuyasha amazed. He had matured after all.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I was just saying why are you doing a job like this, when you have all this endless amounts of money to fall back on?" Inuyasha looked away from Kagome. "I guess money doesn't fascinate me like history does. There is no passion with money. I mean the adventures my father went on, all his stories that he told me when I was younger, were everything that I wanted to do, to be. It was glamorous the way he described all of it. Nothing seemed flawless, or out of place, I wanted this job for so long. I guess then money didn't become an objection of my life, it was just what I had. I'm not what you might expect me to be, and that's fine with me. I like surprises whether they're good or bad, it makes things more interesting. Remember that... Kagome." He winked at her and kissed the back of her hand before he left.
A few minutes after he had left, it became arduous for Kagome to walk. Inuyasha wasn't the same person that she hated years ago. He was suddenly becoming interesting and charming.
It was a start.
Sango saw Inuyasha come down the wide elegant stairway. "Where were you? I agreed to come as your date and you leave me hanging here by myself? Some friend you are. What were you doing up there anyways?" Inuyasha chuckled at Sango's questions. "Relax I was just looking around. And I'm sorry for leaving you, it wasn't intentional." Sango rolled her eyes. "Typical of you, always finding something new to ponder upon. You missed Wesley Kenton's speech it was about tomorrow's journey."
Inuyasha showed very little concern for what Sango had said. "Your point?" Sango let out an exasperated sigh. "It's kind of important. I mean this expedition could be longer than we expect, and it could be dangerous. Besides what's up there that is so interesting?" Inuyasha smiled at Sango. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
Sango dragged Inuyasha to the entrance. "Come on let's go. We came and we left an impression." Inuyasha nodded, handing Sango her jacket. Sango exited outside first and Inuyasha looked around the theatre one last time while putting on his coat. "I hope I did leave an impression. A good one that is." He smirked and exited outside.
The alarm clock blared too loudly for Kagome's liking. She had set it back an hour early yesterday for her early flight tomorrow. Groaning as she got out of bed. She headed towards her bathroom to enjoy a nice long hot shower before she went to a place where she doubted had any 'decent indoor plumbing'. She changed into khaki shorts and a white tank top, and putted on her hiking boots, she then tied her hair back into a ponytail. Grabbing her bags she went downstairs to Miroku's and left with him to the airport. She saw that Tokyo's airport was as usual crowded and bustling along to get to their designated places.
Kagome looked over at Miroku as she saw him get whacked by an old lady with her purse. Kagome walked over to him. "What did you do?!" Miroku gave her a sheepish grin. "Nothing, I don't understand why she was accusing me of touching her daughter indecently?" Kagome pulled Miroku by the ear. "Come on let's try to get on our plane alive."
Miroku half nodded and followed Kagome to where they were supposed to meet. She saw there, where she and Miroku were to meet, accompanied several individuals. Three of whom she didn't know and one that she did know of some what. Inuyasha. She quickly glanced over at him and saw that he too, was dressed for the occasion, though his shirt was rather tight and showing off his lean sculpted muscles...
Kagome looked over to the others that she didn't know. She extended out an hand to the one nearest Inuyasha. "Hi I'm Kagome Higurashi, nice to meet you." The woman with the shoulder length black hair smiled warmly at her. "Sango Atkushi... Wait a minute? You're the daughter of the legendary Shigehiko Higurashi?" Kagome nodded. Sango laughed and punched Inuyasha in the shoulder. "Did you hear that the daughter of Shigehiko Higurashi, is coming with us. You know all about him. He's one of your idols." Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Keh." He muttered and looked at his watch. He tapped one of his foot impatiently on the floor.
Kagome looked over to the flaming red-haired boy. He was young, no more than nineteen or so. "Shippo Kitsune, it's refreshing to have someone like you, unlike grumpy pants over there, to accompany us." Inuyasha looked at Shippo and growled. Shippo laughed nervously and scooted closer to the girl with light brown hair and cerulean blue eyes. Kagome turned to the last and final person of the group, the one Shippo scooted closer to. She put on a pretty smile and shook Kagome's hand, like the others had before. "Nice to meet you Kagome. I'm Lanai Kimero. I'm the linguist." Kagome smiled at her and pulled Miroku into the group. He was still rubbing his ear that Kagome had pulled on earlier and waved to the group in front of him.
"Everybody this is Miroku." Kagome introduced. Inuyasha looked at Miroku intensely. "Are you her boyfriend?" he asked curiously. Kagome laughed. "Yeah right, me and Miroku? No, we're friends." Inuyasha's face softened.
Miroku smiled "Yep good friends." He looked over to Sango and Lanai. He went to them and took both of their hands, each in one in his, and said "If any of you ladies are interested in engaging in a..." Kagome covered his mouth and laughed nervously.
"Don't mind him... He's delusional." Kagome glared at Miroku before she pulled her hand away. She turned around when she heard footsteps stop in front of her group. A short balding man stood before them. The man licked his lips nervously. "I'm guessing you are the archaeologists that are going on the expedition?" Lanai raised her hand. "Well yes and no. I'm the linguist and he's the historian." The bald man nodded and rolled his eyes dramatically. "I see, well if you follow me, we are going out of this exit on your right and there you will see a large private plane. That's what will transport you to the island."
Kagome quickly asked a question before everybody filed out. "Well don't we need maps or something in order to know what direction we should head in once we get there?" The man smiled. "That will all be taken care of once you get there. Don't worry, Mr. Kenton has taken great care of everything in order for this mission to be successful." The man walked out of the exit first leaving no more room for questions to be asked.
Kagome looked over at Miroku. "Well that was weird." Miroku nodded as he was picking up his luggage. "Yeah, I don't trust that man for some reason." Kagome picked up her luggage as well. "I don't either. He didn't even say much about that map I asked him about."
"Come on let's go guys." Inuyasha said and exited. Kagome and Miroku followed him.
Little did they know what was waiting for them on that island...
AN: So what do you think? Tell me, I'd love to hear what you think about it?