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Law is theory, only power rules.
CHAPTER TWO: Setting the Stage
Irony. A word indicating an essential loss of control. A word sparking both surprise and interest. A word I have used comically to describe the lives of others countless times.
So why is it that I have found myself using this very word to describe my own life at the moment?
As I parked the red Toyota on the concrete lot amongst the mass collections of Ferraris, Porches, and Mercedes, I realized that the answer lay within my own weakness. For one brief moment I had made a stupid, lenient judgment without foreseeing all of the consequences first. And here is the result.
I was standing by myself in the last place I wanted to be. A fucking rich kids' paradise.
I took in the sight of the generous sized tennis and basketball courts beside the concrete parking lot. I took in the sight of the gorgeous garden on the right filled with multitudes of different flowers, walls of rose bushes, and vegetation I didn't even know existed in such splendor. I took in the sight of the large circular driveway with its own giant fountain in the middle spraying diamond clear water into the air as limousines swarmed the path. But most of all, I took in the massive Victorian castle looming overhead with what seemed like five floors. Colossal windows and marble balconies were only a part of the brilliant design, giving me adrenaline with its impressive workmanship.
Perhaps I may be in a little over my head this time.
"Good morning" I heard someone greet from behind me. At first I thought it was intended for someone else, but as the figure refused to move with an expectant silence for a response, I was faced with the sneaking suspicion that the person meant me.
I turned around to be greeted by a lean male with unruly chestnut hair and thick round glasses on his nose. Wearing the required black pants and royal blue jacket with the school crest embedded in the left breast, he looked rather out of place. From the looks, this must be....Hojo. Once again, Kikyo's list to the rescue.
"Hey Hojo" I greeted enthusiastically. Fake enthusiasm is what I do best, although usually there is a sarcastic tone underlined. "How was your holiday?"
"Great." He replied with a smile. "And yours Kagome?" The sound of my name sent a shock wave throughout my system.
"You know who I am?" I asked with skepticism. Looks like the secret's out.
"Yes, Kikyo told me she would try to convince you to come back for her." He explained. "Although I am still completely against the idea, perhaps it was time for her to take a break from this stress."
"Did she happen to tell you that I don't respond to higher level education very well?" That has got to be the understatement of the year.
"Yes, we both feared there might be a gap in your education from this level, but I will try my best to help you." Hojo assured. "Kikyo's academic expectations are very high since she's in Winston Academy on a scholarship."
Scholarship....interesting. Now I finally understood as to how the hell she managed to get into a private school without worrying about the tuition. Suddenly, her role as the genius in this academy clicked into place. Perhaps a part of her problem lay in her social circumstance?
"Good, I'm glad you know about his whole thing. Now you can explain to me why the hell she ran?"
"She didn't run" he defended. "She just needed some time to think things through for herself." I looked at him in a new light. Either he was gay or there was something more than friendship going on between him and my sister. And he didn't look gay.
"Let me take a blind stab in the dark" I smirked as we began walking towards the giant arched gates of the front entrance. "You two are dating?"
"Kikyo and I?" He chuckled in response. A sort of nervous chuckle. "No, we're just very good friends."
"But you like her" I commented.
"Y-yes, but only as a friend!" He insisted as a red hue began tainting his cheeks. "We've been very good friends ever since we both began attending this academy. We look out for each other."
"Are you sure you're not terribly in love with her or anything?" I inquired again. Man, this guy sucked at lying.
"No"
"Alright" I sighed. "But just to let you know, I won't tell her if you admit it."
"There is nothing going on!" He defended as the red hue on his face darkened. I rolled my eyes in response. A typical male reaction. Denial. I was about to add a sly comment to see just how red he could go as we entered the building through the large gates. But all that I was about to say flew right out my mind.
It was a sight to behold.
The inside looked even more marvelous than the outside. Columns upon columns lined down the great magnificent hall supporting the extensive roof overhead. White marble floor and white walls set the cold and sophisticated atmosphere within the building. Oak double doors lined the hallways, no doubt leading to magnificent classroom and offices as well. Everything about the place reeked money, and for once, I could not feel more out of place. I felt the breath leaving my lungs for the second time that day.
"Beautiful but intimidating, isn't it?" Hojo commented as he began leading me down the wide hall.
"Indeed" I heard myself mutter as I followed him while awestruck at the surrounding. I looked up to see an old picture painted on the high ceiling overhead, giving me another taste of how valuable each piece of the castle truly was.
This led me to notice for the first time the regal postures of all the students. Adorning their neatly trimmed uniforms and superior smirks, I suddenly felt the cold shoulder projected towards Hojo and I. Maybe I was right on target with Kikyo's social problem, which led me into believing that Hojo didn't have it any better.
I hated everything these kids stood for. Their every action and word so contradicted my own. I suppose in a way, I felt like a poser here. Completely out of my element.
"So you have Mr. Peterson the first class?" I heard Hojo ask from beside me.
"Yeah....I think" I replied with uncertainty as I tried recall Kikyo's schedule taped onto her desk. "Physics in room....12 right?"
"Yeah." Hojo nodded in response as he took a glance at his watch. "Well, we have at least twenty minutes before first period. Do you want me to show you around the school so that you don't get lost?" I looked at him with appreciation. The guy certainly knew how to help.
"And on our way, you can tell me the deal with this school." I suggested. "You know, who's who and what I should and shouldn't do if I was trying to pass myself off as Kikyo."
"A very good idea" he agreed. "I suppose we should start with your locker...."
"Sure" I muttered as I drowned out the rest of his chatter amongst the elaborate famous paintings adorning the walls. I had no doubt they were original pieces of art. Man, I swear this place could make a bigger fortune than museums with all their-
Suddenly I felt myself bump into someone. The sudden contact brought me out of my detachment and I stumbled backwards, almost losing my balance.
"Watch it peasant!" snarled a cold voice.
I glanced up at the person with a disgusted frown set upon his otherwise rather cute features. Brilliant silver hair adorned his head while an air of superiority and carelessness radiated from his presence. His uniform looked oddly good on him while giving the impression of being thrown on at the last minute. I arched a brow in response.
That has got to be the most offensive thing I've ever heard in my life. No matter how cute he was, this was unforgivable.
"The hell was that?" I yelled back with irritation. After a few more steps, the guy slowly turned around with both surprise and anger written on his face.
Suddenly all activity around us stopped and I came to realize the sudden silence settling the hall. A very unnatural silence.
I looked to see Hojo stop in shock and the surrounding population with similar expressions displayed on their features.
"What?" I demanded, desperate to brake the creepy silence. I could see Hojo moving towards me in an uncomfortably stiff manner.
"Did you just yell at me?" the boy with unruly silver hair commented with an amused grin settling over his lips. I got my first clear view of his golden orbs. I was shaken. I had never seen eyes that color before. But this did not mean I was going to stand here and take this crap from him.
"Indeed I have" I answered as I crossed my arms. "Got a problem with that?"
"Need I remind you wench that you are on my turf?" he challenged. "Or perhaps the holidays have dulled your senses?"
"Last time I checked, this was a school." I stated. "So unless you own the entire facility, which I highly doubt, this is neutral ground." I could feel Hojo tugging hard at my sleeve beside me as the astonished faces of the population created a circle around us.
"S-Sir, she is terribly sorry." Hojo began apologizing for me. "She just had-"
"I'm not apologizing for something I didn't start!" I cut him off firmly. "If memory serves right, he's the one who should be apologizing." I felt like a child in a playground fighting over some stupid disagreement. However, my honor was on the line here and I wasn't backing down.
"Well, peasant" he spat the words out as if it was the most disgusting thing he's ever had to say. "You just committed social suicide." With those last words, he continued on his way to the front doors.
After a moment of silence, I could hear the crowd around me buzz up in sudden chatters as if to celebrate my demise. Some were even sending me death glares. I had a feeling that this would become a major topic amongst the gossiping crowds. What the hell just happened?
"Hojo" I spoke softly as turned around to face him. "What the hell is social suicide?" I hope it didn't mean what it sounded like.
I expected an exasperated sigh of defeat or a frantic frustrated yell, but I certainly didn't expect him to suddenly grab me by the arm and drag me through a door and up a set of never ending stairs.
At last we slowed down as our destination came into view. I glanced up to be greeted by the open sky. We were on one of the large marble balconies I was admiring only earlier.
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING KAGOME!" Hojo yelled at the top of his lungs. I snapped out of all my personal pondering as I looked at him in surprise. "Talking to Inuyasha Winston like that! Do you want to get booted out after Kikyo worked so hard to keep the scholarship?"
"Hey, what's with the personal attack here?" I defended with both hands raised. "What the hell just happened?" Hojo sighed.
"This is my fault" he stated in hopeless resignation. "I should have told you about things around here sooner."
"Look, I don't see what the big deal is. So I offended some rich brat. Big fucking deal! Life moves on."
"That was Inuyasha Winston" Hojo stated as if the name was self- explanatory.
And perhaps it was.
"Winston?" I inquired as the apparent problem dawned on me. I let out a groan. "Wait. Don't tell me, he's related to the founder of this school."
"And his family owns this school as well" he added.
"Oh shit." Looks like he wasn't quite off in proclaiming this as his turf after all. "So social suicide means...?"
"Exactly what it sounded like." Hojo replied as he shook his head in sympathy. "We're both going to be pretty much branded as outcasts, like lepers."
"Why are you going to be branded as a leper with me?"
"Guilt by association."
"Oh I see." The full extend of the situation settled within my brain. And I suppose that it did make sense. Guilt by association was also something quite common during gang wars. But the guy didn't seem that angry for someone whose life I just completely ruined. "Sorry Hojo, didn't mean to get you involved. But hey, look at the bright side. No more uncomfortably phony conversations with those stuck up bastards."
"Hey, watch your language here!" Warned Hojo quickly. "Improper use is punishable by suspension, and since Kikyo did get in through a international scholarship with only three entry spots available, she'd be expelled faster than she could say bye. There are a lot of kids from important families on the waiting list for this school. Keep in mind, people around the world are rooting for this spot."
"Just exactly how prestigious is this school?" By the looks, it was built on money.
"Look around, only the most elite families in the country can get in. It's tied in first place with Montgomery Academy right now."
"So I suppose that every kid that goes here have got their nose stuck so far up their ass that-"
"Kagome," he interrupted. "You HAVE to start watching your language. I don't know how it was in your school, but in this institution the scholarship students are watched very closely. I think that today's incident will cause quite a riot. You have to start watching yourself even more carefully now. Inuyasha Winston has the power to pretty much remove you from the scholarship AND the premises."
"So this rich brat has the power to do all this just because his daddy owns the building?" I asked with amazement. "So is he like some kind of god around here?"
"Pretty much" sighed Hojo. "He's on the student council."
"Student Council? People on that are complete dorks!" I laughed. An image of my own grade nine student council came to mind. A hilarious picture of the members desperately trying to raise school spirit while being booed in the gym. Good times...
"Not here." Hojo stated gravely. "Here everybody avoids messing with the student council."
"Why?"
"Because only the children of the most powerful families are on it. They run the school and they always get what they want. They are a unified elite group. Only a marked dead man messes with them."
"So I guess it's a bad thing that this Winston guy is on it?" Way to state the obvious Kagome.
"Of course. Out of all the members you could have potentially offended, you offend a Winston. Sesshoumaru is going to boot us both out."
"Wait, back up." I halted. "I thought we were talking about this Inuyasha guy? Why the hell did we suddenly change names?"
"Sesshoumaru is his older half brother that is the president of the student council. He's ruthless when it comes to someone going against his power, and by offending a Winston, you just did that."
"Boy, this gets better and better." I groaned. "So tell me straight, what I am expecting once I get back in there?"
"Pretty much hell," Hojo sighed. "Pardon my language."
"Well," I shrugged casually. "Can't be as bad as what I dealt with on the streets. And to think, all this initiated from some stupid bump. Man, these kids are spoiled!"
"I don't think you've ever endured something like this on the streets before." Hojo replied as he looked me in the eye. "We have to come up with a plan before we get back in there."
"Hojo, Hojo, Hojo," I grinned my all knowing grin. "What these little rich kids come up with can't be half as bad as what I've dealt with on the streets. After all, their pathetic imaginations are very limited."
*~*
Well, I was wrong.
As it turns out, what I've dealt with on the streets didn't quite compare with this. Upon entering my first period classroom five minutes late, I was yelled at by the teacher in front of the satisfied class and sent to the office. To recap what happened in the office, it was hell.
The deputy headmistress was a strict skinny old hag that had way too much time on her hands. I swear that if you give her the time, she'd be able to go on all day on the school policies for tardiness. So after some repetitive phrases like, "you'll be suspended if it ever happens again", "you're lucky I'm lenient this time"and "I'm watching you," I was sent to my second period, where a test in history awaited me. To say that I flunked that with flying colors would be completely accurate.
During third period of art, the only course Kikyo took that was any fun, I was greeted with an unsupervised classroom. Now, although during the usual case it would have been paradise for me, apparently not today. The little rich kids did Winton's bidding as they decided it would be hilarious if the painting Kikyo has been previously working on was covered with red paint. Well, although I wasn't that upset with the ruined painting, I had a strong feeling that Kikyo just might be.
"Oh Kikyo, what will you do now?" A blonde gasped in fake sympathy as several of her followers chuckled behind her. Her perfect hair and make up covered face strongly reminded me of a cheerleader I wanted to ring the neck of. With her jacket wide open and the white shirt underneath unbuttoned as low as it could possibly be allowed, she could be branded with the scank name as well. "This project is worth like 80% of our overall average in this class, but yours is ruined!"
"I'll manage" I replied with the roll of my eyes. Verbal cat fights with scanks is not something I enjoyed.
"Well you better hurry," she warned. "Mrs. Moss won't be too happy to see this."
"Don't you have somewhere to be?" I asked sweetly. "Like your own project to work on?"
"Oh I'm done." She stated proudly. "But look at you, it's such a shame that your painting got ruined. You've been working so hard on it."
"Indeed."
"And it was the only thing that was worthwhile in your life." She went on. "Oh you poor thing." The girls behind her once again snickered. Why is it that every stuck up bitch had her own little groupies? I noticed this pattern in all teen movies with some fantastic ending where the poor little nerd girl falls in love with the rich popular jock. What a load of crap.
"Look, if you have something to say to me, then say it."
"I heard what you did to Inuyasha." She spat out, all the pretense of concern gone from her tone.
"Let me guess," I turned around to face her and her little group full force. "You're coming to the defense of your beloved boyfriend's honor."
"You're going to pay." She grinned maliciously. "You'll regret ever coming back here. This academy doesn't take well to beggars insulting its members. Especially its more respectable ones."
"And I presume that you're here to enforce this rule?" I inquired with a cocked eyebrow.
"I'm afraid after Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha are done with you, there won't be anything left for me."
"Well, in that case," I replied with a phony smile before I let it drop completely. "Get lost." Her brows cast down in fury and her face twisted in anger at me daring to say something like this to her. Why me, a lower class peasant? Oh the horror.
"If you think that starting a fight with Inuyasha will make people notice you around here then you are terribly out of it!" she yelled.
"Oh? And I suppose that-"
"Is there a problem ladies?" A stern voice interrupted.
"Why no Mrs. Moss" the scank quickly replied, her phony smile returning. "Just consoling Kikyo on her painting."
Mrs. Moss, the art instructor, curiously came over to take a look at my supposed project. A sudden gasp escaped her lips as anger began taking over her features.
"KIKYO, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO YOUR WORK?" She demanded.
Dam, was the whole school against me?
*~*
"That must've been Ashley Syncline." Hojo predicted through my description of the scank as we sat in front of a small square glass table. The cafeteria within the academy was more like an expensive five star restaurant complete with its own menu and gorme specials. Man, no wonder these kids were spoiled.
"What's her deal?" I snorted. "Is she like completely in love with Inuyasha?"
"Either Inuyasha or Sesshoumaru." Hojo stated with down cast eyes. "As most of the female population in this school."
"What's the matter with you?" I noticed his gloomy mood. "You look down."
"Oh, don't worry about me" Hojo quickly replied. "You're the one that they're mostly going after."
"Hojo, have they been picking on you?" I demanded. He didn't look like the type that was going to fight back.
"Just don't worry about me" he insisted.
"Answer the question."
"Look, I'm telling you, it's just a little incident that..." I drowned him out midsentence as I noticed the guy causing all of our problems entering through the double glass doors of the cafeteria. People carefully avoided his path and greeted him respectfully as he marched towards the exit on the other side of the room. With his long wild silver hair and devil may care attitude, he really was getting on my nerves.
And it was then that I realized what I needed to do to fix this. Dad had always told me to confront a problem head on and the advice served me well on the streets. It's high time to apply it to a different world.
I purposefully walked towards him with a prepared clash written on my face. Hojo looked on in horror as my intention became clear to him.
"Kag-Kikyo, hold on" I heard him plead from behind me, but I ignored him. I was on a mission.
I stopped right in front of the silver haired guy known as Inuyasha Winston with a dangerous glare. He became aware of my presence blocking his path and looked up with annoyance.
"What?" he barked. The bustling noises of the elite in the elegant cafeteria stopped immediately and silence rained supreme.
"What's your problem?" I bluntly asked. "If you have a problem with me, then deal with it personally without sending your little groupies after my friend." He responded with a furious glare.
"Get out of my way wench." He spoke as calmly as he possibly could.
"No. We're going to settle this once and for all. You and me outside right now." I usually didn't start fights, but I was willing to make an exception this time. Forget civility, the bastard was going down!
"I don't hit girls" he sneered. "Especially not peasant girls."
"Am I right to presume that you're backing out of the fight then?" I baited with an arched eyebrow. His face demonstrated an exploding rage barely contained.
"Get out of my way wench" he warned while grinding his teeth. Silent murmurs germinated around the room as all regarded me with disbelief and some even felt fear for me. I could tell that no one dared to speak to him this way. But I stood my ground and crossed my arms.
"Make me." Another silence settled over the entire room. I could hear the shattering sound of a spoon hitting the ground, but not one dared to make a move to pick the utensil up.
And there we stood starring at each other with sparks flying out of our eyes. And there I thought we would remain for quiet a while before I felt someone grab my sleeve. Good old Hojo.
"I-I'm sure she doesn't mean it" he explained quietly to the seething Inuyasha as he pulled harder on my sleeve, thus breaking the silence. "Let's go Kikyo."
"Actually, Hojo" I spoke sternly while keeping eye contact with the boy in front. "I do mean it and unless he's prepared to apologize I'm not moving."
"Feh, I don't have time for this. You'll be gone in a few days." With those last words, he brushed past me without so much as a glance back.
Now, it is one thing to confront someone head on, but you don't yell after them. That's just a complete loss of style. So, I did the one thing I would usually do during this situation. I walked out of the cafeteria dragging Hojo along. Looks like dad's advice didn't quiet work this time.
I think I just made things worse.
*~*
It's official. I died and ended up in hell.
The morning classes were bliss compared to the afternoon ones. Apparently, word traveled fast in the building as by the end of the day I found most of the students shunning and staring at me as if I truly was a leper. Rapid whispers followed my steps and I even found some of the teachers stare at me with shaking heads. Looks like I was quite the popular topic around the premises.
As I drove down the city roads of downtown London to pick mother up from work, I realized that perhaps I was completely at fault for my own demise. I mean, sure the guy was a complete ass and overreacted to the tiniest incident, but perhaps I should've just kept my mouth shut. After all, judging from Hojo's reaction, it was what Kikyo would've done.
I sighed as I looked at the dashboard watch. 3:20. I had forty minutes to kill. Plenty of time for reflection. So what exactly went wrong today?
After a brief moment of reminiscence, I realized it was everything. Man, I screwed up. If Kikyo was here, I would totally suggest she find herself another school. Perhaps a less prestigious one where people don't look down on you like trash.
At last, I saw the little coffee shop mother worked in. Parking the red Toyota in the nearest available spot, I calmly walked inside with a new enthusiastic face on. No need to inform the family of my misfortune.
"Hey Kikyo" I heard some lady greet me as I entered the front door with a chinning bell announcing my arrival. "Your mom's in the back."
"Thanks" I called back to the stranger. Apparently we were suppose to know each other. Before I could get behind the counter to the back door, my mother came out with big smile as she saw me. But the smile looked forced and I saw the fatigue in her features.
"Oh Kikyo, you're here early" she greeted. "Why don't you sit down sweetie and have a cup of coffee?"
"Mom, are you ok?" I asked with concern. Perhaps she was sick after all.
"I'm fine," she assured, "Don't worry about me Kikyo."
"Maybe I should help you here." I decided. "How about I'll take over your shift here and you can go and have a cup of coffee?"
"No thanks sweetie, I'm fine."
"But I want to do it mom" I replied as I began to tie up my hair in a messy ponytail. "Come on, just for today."
"Oh just let her Anna." I heard the lady from before call. "She has all that pent up energy. Might as well put it to some good use." Mother considered her advice for a moment as she stared at my hopeful features.
"Oh, why not" she sighed. "But just for today. You need to concentrate on your studies."
"Of course" I assured as I grabbed an apron from behind the counter and took off my royal blue jacket. The short black skirt was really starting to irritate me too. I could just picture the faces on Kouga and his pack if they ever saw me wearing something like this. I look ridiculous!
"Well, since you're going to be covering for me, I suppose I should use my time productively" mother responded. "I think I'll quickly drive over to the market and pick up some groceries. I was thinking of doing this after I get off, but the sooner I get it done the sooner we can go home. Souta will no doubt be waiting."
"Sure," I shrugged my shoulders. "Whatever you fancy mom."
"Well," She smiled as she took off her apron. "I'll be right back sweetie." And with those words, she kissed me on the cheek in appreciation before she ran out the front door.
I looked around the quaint little shop. It was empty.
"Business's rather slow right now" I stated.
"Don't worry dear," the lady answered with a friendly smile. "It'll pick up a little after five again."
And as if right on cue, I heard the chime of the bell announcing a customer. A chubby young man entered the store. With a leather jacket and rough black pants and shirt, he looked like one of those characters from my old neighborhood. His hair was tied back in a ponytail that strangely reminded me of Kouga's although he wasn't even close compared to Kouga in looks with scars running down both his cheeks.
"Good afternoon" I greeted, as expected. The lady motioned for me to take care of this as she went through the back door to get something. "May I help you sir?"
"Medium black coffee." He grouchily ordered as he kept on glancing back as if to check on something. I noticed a sweet motorcycle parked in front of the large shop window.
"Nice bike" I whistled, feeling my own personality slip into place rapidly. There was just something about moving wheels that excited me. "Is that a Honda CBR1000RR?"
"Y...yes" he replied with surprise. "You know about motorcycles?"
"Of course." I smiled as I went to the coffee machine to prepare his order. The procedure was quiet familiar to me. "I was thinking of getting either yours or the Honda 599. But I ain't got enough many for neither right now."
"Oh, you race?"
"Yeah, of course" I answered. It was my main source of income.
"You any good?"
"Depends on your definition of good."
"My standards are pretty high. Why don't you take my bike for a cruise and I'll judge."
"Can't" I stated. "On shift right now."
"When do you get off?"
"At four."
"Well, why don't I wait till you're done and see you cruise then?" he suggested with a smile that looked strange on him. Obviously the guy wasn't used to smiling.
"No" I replied, watching his smile drop immediately at my rejection and beginning to retreat to his defensive demeanor. But I had things to consider. Things like my mother's reaction. "But how about I'll meet you later and if you deem me worthy, hook me up with a bike?"
"Deal" his smile returned. "Meet me down at the south tracks at ten tonight then."
"Well, being new here, I have no idea where the hell the tracks are." I informed him. He chuckled in response.
"Down on the ninth street by an abandoned warehouse. It's actually pretty close from here. Just keep going straight till you hit St. Paul's church and turn to the left. Keep going to the end and you'll see the warehouse."
"Alright." I had a pretty good idea where he meant. I capped his order and handed the coffee to him with a smile. "I'll see you down there at ten."
"Looking forward to it" he extended his hand as he introduced himself. "Manten."
"Kagome" I shook his offered hand. Perhaps these next five weeks would be somewhat endurable. I needed a place to be myself or I'd go insane. Besides, mixing Kikyo's good name into the streets may not be the best idea as she was already in enough trouble in school. "See you later." He nodded with a smile as he handed me a few coins and exited the shop. He glanced back one last time and waved. I waved back.
Certainly looking forward to tonight.
*~*
I felt the adrenaline rush to my head at the forbidden act. Not only had I sneaked out of the house and stole the car, I was going into completely unknown territory in the dark. This was no New York where everybody knew better than to attack me. Perhaps the excitement of such a high level of potential danger was what I needed to bring up my mood.
The night was pitch black with only the headlights of the car to direct my way. At last I came upon the abandoned warehouse.
But the streets were abandoned as well.
I'm seriously beginning to think that the guy was pulling my leg. There was absolutely no one here. I suddenly felt the urge to go on a killing spree. Today was NOT a good day to piss me off.
But then, I saw a figure outlined in the dark leaning against what appeared to be a motorcycle. I felt a grin settle on my lips. Perhaps he wasn't lying after all. I slowly eased the car beside him and shut off the engine to climb out into the pitch dark.
"So you showed" he greeted.
"Having doubts?" I replied with a cocked eyebrow. "I'm not that late."
"No, just didn't think you'd show."
"And yet you're still waiting here." I stated. "Perhaps hoping I would?"
"Just curious to see if I'd be right" he answered casually. "So you up for a spin?"
"Of course" I stated as I began to climb the bike. I felt the key already in the engine and twisted on the power. With a thunderous engine sound, I stepped on the pedal and zoomed forth.
I felt the wind hitting my face and lacing through my hair in a familiar way. I felt the surroundings zoom past me in a blur of colors as I heard the old whistling in my ears. Once again, I felt free and wild. I felt alive.
In what seemed like only seconds, I ran three large circles around the warehouse and saw the character known as Manten wave me in. I reluctantly slowed down and halted in front of him.
"Just what I needed." I sighed in pleasure as I got off. "Forgot how good it felt."
"Wow" he yelled with awe. "You are good."
"I try" I shrugged casually in response.
"Holy shit, you're awesome!" he boasted with a dry chuckle. "You could win!"
"Win what?" I inquired with raised brows. "I don't' see a race happening."
"There's one this Thursday." He informed. "You should definitely come. You'd kick ass. I'm telling you that if I didn't see it with my own eyes, I'd never believe that a woman could ride this well. Wait till the guys hear about this!"
"A race you say?" This peaked my interest. "Where on Thursday?"
"Up north" he replied. "Don't worry I'll fill you in on this, but you just have to be there."
"Of course." I answered. I had a feeling that I was going to like this guy. "I live for it."
*~*
However, Thursday was two whole days away and in the meantime, I found myself back in this hellhole known as Winston Academy.
But this period may not prove to be such a torture. Gym was always my forte.
"Kagome," Hojo tapped my shoulder in his riding attire. "Ready?"
"Y..yeah.." I heard myself mutter as I put on the black helmet. Riding a horse may not be so different than riding a motorcycle. I suppose that after a half-hour of instructions, I was ready to try the moves myself.
I carefully climbed the horse with the aid of the saddle. The beast responded with a snort, ready to go. I think I handled it rather well for my first time climbing a horse. Hojo was up on his in a matter of seconds.
"Have you ridden a horse before?" Hojo asked as he observed my movements.
"Nope."
"Well, you're doing pretty good for a first timer than." He informed.
"Well, I like to think of it as a motorcycle."
"And you treat your motorcycle this gently?" he asked in apparent disbelief.
"Well, yeah" I answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "An engine is very much like an animal. It needs tender care." Hojo chuckled at my analogy.
"Let's see how you fare during free riding then." I looked around the massive ranch at the riders of different levels. Some were beginners, but most were in the intermediate level with few exceptional experts dominating the field. Alright, this didn't look that challenging.
"We'll see" I called back in a sing song voice, ready to amaze him. I tapped the sides of the horse with my foot, as instructed. Before another word could be uttered, the beast sprung forward. Now, if I could only recall its name....
Suddenly, I felt the horse gallop faster and faster until it was at an all out run. Shit. I pressed down my foot, but the pedal brake wasn't there. Shit. How the hell did you stop a horse again? An unsuspecting female sat on her horse merely miles away, deeply immersed in conversation with another rider.
"Look out!" I yelled.
Too late. With a sudden halt by my current beast, I came shooting out of my seat straight at her.
And we both came tumbling down off her horse onto the not so soft grass. But she was there to break my fall. A moment of silence settled over within two-mile radius as all regarded at us in shock and horror. Why does this look so familiar?
I quickly got up from my position on top of her and dusted myself, ignoring the deep reigning silence.
"You ok?" I asked as I extended my hand to help her up. She looked up at me with narrowed green eyes as she got up by herself and took off her helmet, silky brown hair cascading down her back. She remained silent as her angry gaze lingered on me and a superior frown graced her lips.
And now the silence was even worse. I could hear someone coughing in the distant. God, this was certainly beginning to look awfully familiar. I swear that these kids loved staring in silence at the demise of someone else.
"Well?" she broke the quiet in a sassy commanding tone. I raised an eyebrow in response.
"Well what?" I asked. "I'm sorry that I fell on you, but don't be such a brat about it." The crowd around us gasped. A small malicious grin appeared on her face.
"You must be that scholarship girl that Inuyasha was yelling about." She observed. "Quiet brave....and stupid of you. But unlike him, I do not delay punishment. I challenge you to a race."
"On a horse?" Once again, congratulations Kagome, you have managed to make a complete idiot out of yourself.
"What other riding beast do you see near us?" she replied as giggles echoed around us.
"Fine" I snapped. "Lead the way to the starting line."
"How about we start from here to the ranch?" she suggested coldly. "You may choose any horse you like."
"I'll stick to my horse thanks." With a gentle pull, I led my beast in adjacent line to hers. Somehow, I had the sneaking suspicion she was no novice to horse back riding.
"Miss Caldwell!" I heard Hojo yell from behind the crowd as he quickly jumped off his horse and ran towards us. He was slightly panting when he reached his destination beside me.
"Well?" the brunet demanded. She was really starting to piss me off.
"Sh-she's a beginner." Hojo explained quickly. "I greatly apologize for her disrupting your time, Miss Caldwell. She just lost control of her horse, that's all, I'm sure it won't happen ag-"
"I don't much care whether or not she's a beginner." She sneered as she began climbing her horse. "She needs to be taught a lesson about respect."
"Actually, you need to be taught a lesson about how there are other people in this world besides you." I stated conversationally. Her brows furrowed in anger, scrunching up her perfect pretty little face. Wouldn't that leave wrinkles? I could feel Hojo trying to step on my foot to shut me up without being conspicuous.
"You will do well not to open your mouth girl." She stated sternly, before she allowed her face to return to her usual calm composure, as if this whole situation was below her anger. Well, what else did I seriously expect?
"So what is it that you intend to teach me if you win this race?" I inquired as I climbed my horse easily with grace. A public performance was on call here.
"Not to mess with members of the student council."
Well, I can't say I wasn't expecting something like that. I suppose it made sense now why everyone made such a big deal out of it once again. So out of all the people on the ranch, I HAD to pick apparently the most important one to offend. What a stroke of fucking luck.
I could hear the yelling of a countdown as all quickly scattered out of the way of our horses. I took a deep breath, ready for the challenge. I glanced beside me at her confident posture, as if she had victory in the bag already. I knew she was an expert judging by her position the saddle. But none the less, even the mightiest fall.
"Three....Two....On-"
"Amelia," a strong feminine voice called from the crowd. "Do you really intend to challenge a novice?"
Suddenly, the crowd parted as a girl riding a magnificent white beast strolled towards us. Wearing a crimson red shirt and black riding pants, she was a conspicuous figure in a sea of blue. The typical confident smile of a rich kid adorned her lips as her chocolate brown eyes gazed at my opponent with amusement. The girl known as Amelia pursed her lips in a thin line.
"Why, how are you Sango?" she smiled politely, but it was painfully obvious of being forced. Malice was clearly evident in her green orbs. Looks like things have just become a bit more interesting.
"Very well, thank you Amelia." The girl Sango answered with a natural pleasant smile. "Do you, an expert rider, really intend to challenge a novice? Don't you think you have sort of an unfair advantage?"
"Measures must be taken to instill respect for the student council." Amelia answered as she glared at me with a sneer. "I'm sure that Montgomery Academy has its own methods dealing with....unknowing students."
"Indeed" agreed Sango. "But I'm afraid they are not as drastic as yours."
"Well, Winston Academy believes strongly in discipline. But perhaps I could reschedule the race till she learns at least some skills. Scholarship students don't quiet have a strong background in.....cultural sports."
I responded with a cocked eyebrow. Translation, they are low class and ignorant. Well said.
"Well then, I do thank you for the reschedule, Miss Caldwell." I spoke, directing Sango's attention to myself for the first time. "But perhaps we could settle the score with another....cultural sport that I would be more familiar with?" The malice in her eyes multiplied ten fold as she turned around to glare at me.
"And what sport would that be?" she asked in a honeyed tone.
"Why any sport you wish." I replied with confidence.
"How about archery then" she suggested, or more or less, demanded. "We will settle this at school."
"Sounds good." I agreed. Fortunately, it was not too different from throwing darts or shooting, both at which I excelled in. I could see the Sango girl flash me an approving smile.
"Well, I see that the dilemma was settled orderly." Sango stated as she began turning around her horse. "Therefore I am no longer needed here. Goodbye Miss Caldwell, I trust that you will be attending the banquet my mother is hosting this Friday?"
"Why of course, Miss Montgomery." Amelia replied with her fists tightening around the reigns of her horse. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."
Law is theory, only power rules.
CHAPTER TWO: Setting the Stage
Irony. A word indicating an essential loss of control. A word sparking both surprise and interest. A word I have used comically to describe the lives of others countless times.
So why is it that I have found myself using this very word to describe my own life at the moment?
As I parked the red Toyota on the concrete lot amongst the mass collections of Ferraris, Porches, and Mercedes, I realized that the answer lay within my own weakness. For one brief moment I had made a stupid, lenient judgment without foreseeing all of the consequences first. And here is the result.
I was standing by myself in the last place I wanted to be. A fucking rich kids' paradise.
I took in the sight of the generous sized tennis and basketball courts beside the concrete parking lot. I took in the sight of the gorgeous garden on the right filled with multitudes of different flowers, walls of rose bushes, and vegetation I didn't even know existed in such splendor. I took in the sight of the large circular driveway with its own giant fountain in the middle spraying diamond clear water into the air as limousines swarmed the path. But most of all, I took in the massive Victorian castle looming overhead with what seemed like five floors. Colossal windows and marble balconies were only a part of the brilliant design, giving me adrenaline with its impressive workmanship.
Perhaps I may be in a little over my head this time.
"Good morning" I heard someone greet from behind me. At first I thought it was intended for someone else, but as the figure refused to move with an expectant silence for a response, I was faced with the sneaking suspicion that the person meant me.
I turned around to be greeted by a lean male with unruly chestnut hair and thick round glasses on his nose. Wearing the required black pants and royal blue jacket with the school crest embedded in the left breast, he looked rather out of place. From the looks, this must be....Hojo. Once again, Kikyo's list to the rescue.
"Hey Hojo" I greeted enthusiastically. Fake enthusiasm is what I do best, although usually there is a sarcastic tone underlined. "How was your holiday?"
"Great." He replied with a smile. "And yours Kagome?" The sound of my name sent a shock wave throughout my system.
"You know who I am?" I asked with skepticism. Looks like the secret's out.
"Yes, Kikyo told me she would try to convince you to come back for her." He explained. "Although I am still completely against the idea, perhaps it was time for her to take a break from this stress."
"Did she happen to tell you that I don't respond to higher level education very well?" That has got to be the understatement of the year.
"Yes, we both feared there might be a gap in your education from this level, but I will try my best to help you." Hojo assured. "Kikyo's academic expectations are very high since she's in Winston Academy on a scholarship."
Scholarship....interesting. Now I finally understood as to how the hell she managed to get into a private school without worrying about the tuition. Suddenly, her role as the genius in this academy clicked into place. Perhaps a part of her problem lay in her social circumstance?
"Good, I'm glad you know about his whole thing. Now you can explain to me why the hell she ran?"
"She didn't run" he defended. "She just needed some time to think things through for herself." I looked at him in a new light. Either he was gay or there was something more than friendship going on between him and my sister. And he didn't look gay.
"Let me take a blind stab in the dark" I smirked as we began walking towards the giant arched gates of the front entrance. "You two are dating?"
"Kikyo and I?" He chuckled in response. A sort of nervous chuckle. "No, we're just very good friends."
"But you like her" I commented.
"Y-yes, but only as a friend!" He insisted as a red hue began tainting his cheeks. "We've been very good friends ever since we both began attending this academy. We look out for each other."
"Are you sure you're not terribly in love with her or anything?" I inquired again. Man, this guy sucked at lying.
"No"
"Alright" I sighed. "But just to let you know, I won't tell her if you admit it."
"There is nothing going on!" He defended as the red hue on his face darkened. I rolled my eyes in response. A typical male reaction. Denial. I was about to add a sly comment to see just how red he could go as we entered the building through the large gates. But all that I was about to say flew right out my mind.
It was a sight to behold.
The inside looked even more marvelous than the outside. Columns upon columns lined down the great magnificent hall supporting the extensive roof overhead. White marble floor and white walls set the cold and sophisticated atmosphere within the building. Oak double doors lined the hallways, no doubt leading to magnificent classroom and offices as well. Everything about the place reeked money, and for once, I could not feel more out of place. I felt the breath leaving my lungs for the second time that day.
"Beautiful but intimidating, isn't it?" Hojo commented as he began leading me down the wide hall.
"Indeed" I heard myself mutter as I followed him while awestruck at the surrounding. I looked up to see an old picture painted on the high ceiling overhead, giving me another taste of how valuable each piece of the castle truly was.
This led me to notice for the first time the regal postures of all the students. Adorning their neatly trimmed uniforms and superior smirks, I suddenly felt the cold shoulder projected towards Hojo and I. Maybe I was right on target with Kikyo's social problem, which led me into believing that Hojo didn't have it any better.
I hated everything these kids stood for. Their every action and word so contradicted my own. I suppose in a way, I felt like a poser here. Completely out of my element.
"So you have Mr. Peterson the first class?" I heard Hojo ask from beside me.
"Yeah....I think" I replied with uncertainty as I tried recall Kikyo's schedule taped onto her desk. "Physics in room....12 right?"
"Yeah." Hojo nodded in response as he took a glance at his watch. "Well, we have at least twenty minutes before first period. Do you want me to show you around the school so that you don't get lost?" I looked at him with appreciation. The guy certainly knew how to help.
"And on our way, you can tell me the deal with this school." I suggested. "You know, who's who and what I should and shouldn't do if I was trying to pass myself off as Kikyo."
"A very good idea" he agreed. "I suppose we should start with your locker...."
"Sure" I muttered as I drowned out the rest of his chatter amongst the elaborate famous paintings adorning the walls. I had no doubt they were original pieces of art. Man, I swear this place could make a bigger fortune than museums with all their-
Suddenly I felt myself bump into someone. The sudden contact brought me out of my detachment and I stumbled backwards, almost losing my balance.
"Watch it peasant!" snarled a cold voice.
I glanced up at the person with a disgusted frown set upon his otherwise rather cute features. Brilliant silver hair adorned his head while an air of superiority and carelessness radiated from his presence. His uniform looked oddly good on him while giving the impression of being thrown on at the last minute. I arched a brow in response.
That has got to be the most offensive thing I've ever heard in my life. No matter how cute he was, this was unforgivable.
"The hell was that?" I yelled back with irritation. After a few more steps, the guy slowly turned around with both surprise and anger written on his face.
Suddenly all activity around us stopped and I came to realize the sudden silence settling the hall. A very unnatural silence.
I looked to see Hojo stop in shock and the surrounding population with similar expressions displayed on their features.
"What?" I demanded, desperate to brake the creepy silence. I could see Hojo moving towards me in an uncomfortably stiff manner.
"Did you just yell at me?" the boy with unruly silver hair commented with an amused grin settling over his lips. I got my first clear view of his golden orbs. I was shaken. I had never seen eyes that color before. But this did not mean I was going to stand here and take this crap from him.
"Indeed I have" I answered as I crossed my arms. "Got a problem with that?"
"Need I remind you wench that you are on my turf?" he challenged. "Or perhaps the holidays have dulled your senses?"
"Last time I checked, this was a school." I stated. "So unless you own the entire facility, which I highly doubt, this is neutral ground." I could feel Hojo tugging hard at my sleeve beside me as the astonished faces of the population created a circle around us.
"S-Sir, she is terribly sorry." Hojo began apologizing for me. "She just had-"
"I'm not apologizing for something I didn't start!" I cut him off firmly. "If memory serves right, he's the one who should be apologizing." I felt like a child in a playground fighting over some stupid disagreement. However, my honor was on the line here and I wasn't backing down.
"Well, peasant" he spat the words out as if it was the most disgusting thing he's ever had to say. "You just committed social suicide." With those last words, he continued on his way to the front doors.
After a moment of silence, I could hear the crowd around me buzz up in sudden chatters as if to celebrate my demise. Some were even sending me death glares. I had a feeling that this would become a major topic amongst the gossiping crowds. What the hell just happened?
"Hojo" I spoke softly as turned around to face him. "What the hell is social suicide?" I hope it didn't mean what it sounded like.
I expected an exasperated sigh of defeat or a frantic frustrated yell, but I certainly didn't expect him to suddenly grab me by the arm and drag me through a door and up a set of never ending stairs.
At last we slowed down as our destination came into view. I glanced up to be greeted by the open sky. We were on one of the large marble balconies I was admiring only earlier.
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING KAGOME!" Hojo yelled at the top of his lungs. I snapped out of all my personal pondering as I looked at him in surprise. "Talking to Inuyasha Winston like that! Do you want to get booted out after Kikyo worked so hard to keep the scholarship?"
"Hey, what's with the personal attack here?" I defended with both hands raised. "What the hell just happened?" Hojo sighed.
"This is my fault" he stated in hopeless resignation. "I should have told you about things around here sooner."
"Look, I don't see what the big deal is. So I offended some rich brat. Big fucking deal! Life moves on."
"That was Inuyasha Winston" Hojo stated as if the name was self- explanatory.
And perhaps it was.
"Winston?" I inquired as the apparent problem dawned on me. I let out a groan. "Wait. Don't tell me, he's related to the founder of this school."
"And his family owns this school as well" he added.
"Oh shit." Looks like he wasn't quite off in proclaiming this as his turf after all. "So social suicide means...?"
"Exactly what it sounded like." Hojo replied as he shook his head in sympathy. "We're both going to be pretty much branded as outcasts, like lepers."
"Why are you going to be branded as a leper with me?"
"Guilt by association."
"Oh I see." The full extend of the situation settled within my brain. And I suppose that it did make sense. Guilt by association was also something quite common during gang wars. But the guy didn't seem that angry for someone whose life I just completely ruined. "Sorry Hojo, didn't mean to get you involved. But hey, look at the bright side. No more uncomfortably phony conversations with those stuck up bastards."
"Hey, watch your language here!" Warned Hojo quickly. "Improper use is punishable by suspension, and since Kikyo did get in through a international scholarship with only three entry spots available, she'd be expelled faster than she could say bye. There are a lot of kids from important families on the waiting list for this school. Keep in mind, people around the world are rooting for this spot."
"Just exactly how prestigious is this school?" By the looks, it was built on money.
"Look around, only the most elite families in the country can get in. It's tied in first place with Montgomery Academy right now."
"So I suppose that every kid that goes here have got their nose stuck so far up their ass that-"
"Kagome," he interrupted. "You HAVE to start watching your language. I don't know how it was in your school, but in this institution the scholarship students are watched very closely. I think that today's incident will cause quite a riot. You have to start watching yourself even more carefully now. Inuyasha Winston has the power to pretty much remove you from the scholarship AND the premises."
"So this rich brat has the power to do all this just because his daddy owns the building?" I asked with amazement. "So is he like some kind of god around here?"
"Pretty much" sighed Hojo. "He's on the student council."
"Student Council? People on that are complete dorks!" I laughed. An image of my own grade nine student council came to mind. A hilarious picture of the members desperately trying to raise school spirit while being booed in the gym. Good times...
"Not here." Hojo stated gravely. "Here everybody avoids messing with the student council."
"Why?"
"Because only the children of the most powerful families are on it. They run the school and they always get what they want. They are a unified elite group. Only a marked dead man messes with them."
"So I guess it's a bad thing that this Winston guy is on it?" Way to state the obvious Kagome.
"Of course. Out of all the members you could have potentially offended, you offend a Winston. Sesshoumaru is going to boot us both out."
"Wait, back up." I halted. "I thought we were talking about this Inuyasha guy? Why the hell did we suddenly change names?"
"Sesshoumaru is his older half brother that is the president of the student council. He's ruthless when it comes to someone going against his power, and by offending a Winston, you just did that."
"Boy, this gets better and better." I groaned. "So tell me straight, what I am expecting once I get back in there?"
"Pretty much hell," Hojo sighed. "Pardon my language."
"Well," I shrugged casually. "Can't be as bad as what I dealt with on the streets. And to think, all this initiated from some stupid bump. Man, these kids are spoiled!"
"I don't think you've ever endured something like this on the streets before." Hojo replied as he looked me in the eye. "We have to come up with a plan before we get back in there."
"Hojo, Hojo, Hojo," I grinned my all knowing grin. "What these little rich kids come up with can't be half as bad as what I've dealt with on the streets. After all, their pathetic imaginations are very limited."
*~*
Well, I was wrong.
As it turns out, what I've dealt with on the streets didn't quite compare with this. Upon entering my first period classroom five minutes late, I was yelled at by the teacher in front of the satisfied class and sent to the office. To recap what happened in the office, it was hell.
The deputy headmistress was a strict skinny old hag that had way too much time on her hands. I swear that if you give her the time, she'd be able to go on all day on the school policies for tardiness. So after some repetitive phrases like, "you'll be suspended if it ever happens again", "you're lucky I'm lenient this time"and "I'm watching you," I was sent to my second period, where a test in history awaited me. To say that I flunked that with flying colors would be completely accurate.
During third period of art, the only course Kikyo took that was any fun, I was greeted with an unsupervised classroom. Now, although during the usual case it would have been paradise for me, apparently not today. The little rich kids did Winton's bidding as they decided it would be hilarious if the painting Kikyo has been previously working on was covered with red paint. Well, although I wasn't that upset with the ruined painting, I had a strong feeling that Kikyo just might be.
"Oh Kikyo, what will you do now?" A blonde gasped in fake sympathy as several of her followers chuckled behind her. Her perfect hair and make up covered face strongly reminded me of a cheerleader I wanted to ring the neck of. With her jacket wide open and the white shirt underneath unbuttoned as low as it could possibly be allowed, she could be branded with the scank name as well. "This project is worth like 80% of our overall average in this class, but yours is ruined!"
"I'll manage" I replied with the roll of my eyes. Verbal cat fights with scanks is not something I enjoyed.
"Well you better hurry," she warned. "Mrs. Moss won't be too happy to see this."
"Don't you have somewhere to be?" I asked sweetly. "Like your own project to work on?"
"Oh I'm done." She stated proudly. "But look at you, it's such a shame that your painting got ruined. You've been working so hard on it."
"Indeed."
"And it was the only thing that was worthwhile in your life." She went on. "Oh you poor thing." The girls behind her once again snickered. Why is it that every stuck up bitch had her own little groupies? I noticed this pattern in all teen movies with some fantastic ending where the poor little nerd girl falls in love with the rich popular jock. What a load of crap.
"Look, if you have something to say to me, then say it."
"I heard what you did to Inuyasha." She spat out, all the pretense of concern gone from her tone.
"Let me guess," I turned around to face her and her little group full force. "You're coming to the defense of your beloved boyfriend's honor."
"You're going to pay." She grinned maliciously. "You'll regret ever coming back here. This academy doesn't take well to beggars insulting its members. Especially its more respectable ones."
"And I presume that you're here to enforce this rule?" I inquired with a cocked eyebrow.
"I'm afraid after Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha are done with you, there won't be anything left for me."
"Well, in that case," I replied with a phony smile before I let it drop completely. "Get lost." Her brows cast down in fury and her face twisted in anger at me daring to say something like this to her. Why me, a lower class peasant? Oh the horror.
"If you think that starting a fight with Inuyasha will make people notice you around here then you are terribly out of it!" she yelled.
"Oh? And I suppose that-"
"Is there a problem ladies?" A stern voice interrupted.
"Why no Mrs. Moss" the scank quickly replied, her phony smile returning. "Just consoling Kikyo on her painting."
Mrs. Moss, the art instructor, curiously came over to take a look at my supposed project. A sudden gasp escaped her lips as anger began taking over her features.
"KIKYO, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO YOUR WORK?" She demanded.
Dam, was the whole school against me?
*~*
"That must've been Ashley Syncline." Hojo predicted through my description of the scank as we sat in front of a small square glass table. The cafeteria within the academy was more like an expensive five star restaurant complete with its own menu and gorme specials. Man, no wonder these kids were spoiled.
"What's her deal?" I snorted. "Is she like completely in love with Inuyasha?"
"Either Inuyasha or Sesshoumaru." Hojo stated with down cast eyes. "As most of the female population in this school."
"What's the matter with you?" I noticed his gloomy mood. "You look down."
"Oh, don't worry about me" Hojo quickly replied. "You're the one that they're mostly going after."
"Hojo, have they been picking on you?" I demanded. He didn't look like the type that was going to fight back.
"Just don't worry about me" he insisted.
"Answer the question."
"Look, I'm telling you, it's just a little incident that..." I drowned him out midsentence as I noticed the guy causing all of our problems entering through the double glass doors of the cafeteria. People carefully avoided his path and greeted him respectfully as he marched towards the exit on the other side of the room. With his long wild silver hair and devil may care attitude, he really was getting on my nerves.
And it was then that I realized what I needed to do to fix this. Dad had always told me to confront a problem head on and the advice served me well on the streets. It's high time to apply it to a different world.
I purposefully walked towards him with a prepared clash written on my face. Hojo looked on in horror as my intention became clear to him.
"Kag-Kikyo, hold on" I heard him plead from behind me, but I ignored him. I was on a mission.
I stopped right in front of the silver haired guy known as Inuyasha Winston with a dangerous glare. He became aware of my presence blocking his path and looked up with annoyance.
"What?" he barked. The bustling noises of the elite in the elegant cafeteria stopped immediately and silence rained supreme.
"What's your problem?" I bluntly asked. "If you have a problem with me, then deal with it personally without sending your little groupies after my friend." He responded with a furious glare.
"Get out of my way wench." He spoke as calmly as he possibly could.
"No. We're going to settle this once and for all. You and me outside right now." I usually didn't start fights, but I was willing to make an exception this time. Forget civility, the bastard was going down!
"I don't hit girls" he sneered. "Especially not peasant girls."
"Am I right to presume that you're backing out of the fight then?" I baited with an arched eyebrow. His face demonstrated an exploding rage barely contained.
"Get out of my way wench" he warned while grinding his teeth. Silent murmurs germinated around the room as all regarded me with disbelief and some even felt fear for me. I could tell that no one dared to speak to him this way. But I stood my ground and crossed my arms.
"Make me." Another silence settled over the entire room. I could hear the shattering sound of a spoon hitting the ground, but not one dared to make a move to pick the utensil up.
And there we stood starring at each other with sparks flying out of our eyes. And there I thought we would remain for quiet a while before I felt someone grab my sleeve. Good old Hojo.
"I-I'm sure she doesn't mean it" he explained quietly to the seething Inuyasha as he pulled harder on my sleeve, thus breaking the silence. "Let's go Kikyo."
"Actually, Hojo" I spoke sternly while keeping eye contact with the boy in front. "I do mean it and unless he's prepared to apologize I'm not moving."
"Feh, I don't have time for this. You'll be gone in a few days." With those last words, he brushed past me without so much as a glance back.
Now, it is one thing to confront someone head on, but you don't yell after them. That's just a complete loss of style. So, I did the one thing I would usually do during this situation. I walked out of the cafeteria dragging Hojo along. Looks like dad's advice didn't quiet work this time.
I think I just made things worse.
*~*
It's official. I died and ended up in hell.
The morning classes were bliss compared to the afternoon ones. Apparently, word traveled fast in the building as by the end of the day I found most of the students shunning and staring at me as if I truly was a leper. Rapid whispers followed my steps and I even found some of the teachers stare at me with shaking heads. Looks like I was quite the popular topic around the premises.
As I drove down the city roads of downtown London to pick mother up from work, I realized that perhaps I was completely at fault for my own demise. I mean, sure the guy was a complete ass and overreacted to the tiniest incident, but perhaps I should've just kept my mouth shut. After all, judging from Hojo's reaction, it was what Kikyo would've done.
I sighed as I looked at the dashboard watch. 3:20. I had forty minutes to kill. Plenty of time for reflection. So what exactly went wrong today?
After a brief moment of reminiscence, I realized it was everything. Man, I screwed up. If Kikyo was here, I would totally suggest she find herself another school. Perhaps a less prestigious one where people don't look down on you like trash.
At last, I saw the little coffee shop mother worked in. Parking the red Toyota in the nearest available spot, I calmly walked inside with a new enthusiastic face on. No need to inform the family of my misfortune.
"Hey Kikyo" I heard some lady greet me as I entered the front door with a chinning bell announcing my arrival. "Your mom's in the back."
"Thanks" I called back to the stranger. Apparently we were suppose to know each other. Before I could get behind the counter to the back door, my mother came out with big smile as she saw me. But the smile looked forced and I saw the fatigue in her features.
"Oh Kikyo, you're here early" she greeted. "Why don't you sit down sweetie and have a cup of coffee?"
"Mom, are you ok?" I asked with concern. Perhaps she was sick after all.
"I'm fine," she assured, "Don't worry about me Kikyo."
"Maybe I should help you here." I decided. "How about I'll take over your shift here and you can go and have a cup of coffee?"
"No thanks sweetie, I'm fine."
"But I want to do it mom" I replied as I began to tie up my hair in a messy ponytail. "Come on, just for today."
"Oh just let her Anna." I heard the lady from before call. "She has all that pent up energy. Might as well put it to some good use." Mother considered her advice for a moment as she stared at my hopeful features.
"Oh, why not" she sighed. "But just for today. You need to concentrate on your studies."
"Of course" I assured as I grabbed an apron from behind the counter and took off my royal blue jacket. The short black skirt was really starting to irritate me too. I could just picture the faces on Kouga and his pack if they ever saw me wearing something like this. I look ridiculous!
"Well, since you're going to be covering for me, I suppose I should use my time productively" mother responded. "I think I'll quickly drive over to the market and pick up some groceries. I was thinking of doing this after I get off, but the sooner I get it done the sooner we can go home. Souta will no doubt be waiting."
"Sure," I shrugged my shoulders. "Whatever you fancy mom."
"Well," She smiled as she took off her apron. "I'll be right back sweetie." And with those words, she kissed me on the cheek in appreciation before she ran out the front door.
I looked around the quaint little shop. It was empty.
"Business's rather slow right now" I stated.
"Don't worry dear," the lady answered with a friendly smile. "It'll pick up a little after five again."
And as if right on cue, I heard the chime of the bell announcing a customer. A chubby young man entered the store. With a leather jacket and rough black pants and shirt, he looked like one of those characters from my old neighborhood. His hair was tied back in a ponytail that strangely reminded me of Kouga's although he wasn't even close compared to Kouga in looks with scars running down both his cheeks.
"Good afternoon" I greeted, as expected. The lady motioned for me to take care of this as she went through the back door to get something. "May I help you sir?"
"Medium black coffee." He grouchily ordered as he kept on glancing back as if to check on something. I noticed a sweet motorcycle parked in front of the large shop window.
"Nice bike" I whistled, feeling my own personality slip into place rapidly. There was just something about moving wheels that excited me. "Is that a Honda CBR1000RR?"
"Y...yes" he replied with surprise. "You know about motorcycles?"
"Of course." I smiled as I went to the coffee machine to prepare his order. The procedure was quiet familiar to me. "I was thinking of getting either yours or the Honda 599. But I ain't got enough many for neither right now."
"Oh, you race?"
"Yeah, of course" I answered. It was my main source of income.
"You any good?"
"Depends on your definition of good."
"My standards are pretty high. Why don't you take my bike for a cruise and I'll judge."
"Can't" I stated. "On shift right now."
"When do you get off?"
"At four."
"Well, why don't I wait till you're done and see you cruise then?" he suggested with a smile that looked strange on him. Obviously the guy wasn't used to smiling.
"No" I replied, watching his smile drop immediately at my rejection and beginning to retreat to his defensive demeanor. But I had things to consider. Things like my mother's reaction. "But how about I'll meet you later and if you deem me worthy, hook me up with a bike?"
"Deal" his smile returned. "Meet me down at the south tracks at ten tonight then."
"Well, being new here, I have no idea where the hell the tracks are." I informed him. He chuckled in response.
"Down on the ninth street by an abandoned warehouse. It's actually pretty close from here. Just keep going straight till you hit St. Paul's church and turn to the left. Keep going to the end and you'll see the warehouse."
"Alright." I had a pretty good idea where he meant. I capped his order and handed the coffee to him with a smile. "I'll see you down there at ten."
"Looking forward to it" he extended his hand as he introduced himself. "Manten."
"Kagome" I shook his offered hand. Perhaps these next five weeks would be somewhat endurable. I needed a place to be myself or I'd go insane. Besides, mixing Kikyo's good name into the streets may not be the best idea as she was already in enough trouble in school. "See you later." He nodded with a smile as he handed me a few coins and exited the shop. He glanced back one last time and waved. I waved back.
Certainly looking forward to tonight.
*~*
I felt the adrenaline rush to my head at the forbidden act. Not only had I sneaked out of the house and stole the car, I was going into completely unknown territory in the dark. This was no New York where everybody knew better than to attack me. Perhaps the excitement of such a high level of potential danger was what I needed to bring up my mood.
The night was pitch black with only the headlights of the car to direct my way. At last I came upon the abandoned warehouse.
But the streets were abandoned as well.
I'm seriously beginning to think that the guy was pulling my leg. There was absolutely no one here. I suddenly felt the urge to go on a killing spree. Today was NOT a good day to piss me off.
But then, I saw a figure outlined in the dark leaning against what appeared to be a motorcycle. I felt a grin settle on my lips. Perhaps he wasn't lying after all. I slowly eased the car beside him and shut off the engine to climb out into the pitch dark.
"So you showed" he greeted.
"Having doubts?" I replied with a cocked eyebrow. "I'm not that late."
"No, just didn't think you'd show."
"And yet you're still waiting here." I stated. "Perhaps hoping I would?"
"Just curious to see if I'd be right" he answered casually. "So you up for a spin?"
"Of course" I stated as I began to climb the bike. I felt the key already in the engine and twisted on the power. With a thunderous engine sound, I stepped on the pedal and zoomed forth.
I felt the wind hitting my face and lacing through my hair in a familiar way. I felt the surroundings zoom past me in a blur of colors as I heard the old whistling in my ears. Once again, I felt free and wild. I felt alive.
In what seemed like only seconds, I ran three large circles around the warehouse and saw the character known as Manten wave me in. I reluctantly slowed down and halted in front of him.
"Just what I needed." I sighed in pleasure as I got off. "Forgot how good it felt."
"Wow" he yelled with awe. "You are good."
"I try" I shrugged casually in response.
"Holy shit, you're awesome!" he boasted with a dry chuckle. "You could win!"
"Win what?" I inquired with raised brows. "I don't' see a race happening."
"There's one this Thursday." He informed. "You should definitely come. You'd kick ass. I'm telling you that if I didn't see it with my own eyes, I'd never believe that a woman could ride this well. Wait till the guys hear about this!"
"A race you say?" This peaked my interest. "Where on Thursday?"
"Up north" he replied. "Don't worry I'll fill you in on this, but you just have to be there."
"Of course." I answered. I had a feeling that I was going to like this guy. "I live for it."
*~*
However, Thursday was two whole days away and in the meantime, I found myself back in this hellhole known as Winston Academy.
But this period may not prove to be such a torture. Gym was always my forte.
"Kagome," Hojo tapped my shoulder in his riding attire. "Ready?"
"Y..yeah.." I heard myself mutter as I put on the black helmet. Riding a horse may not be so different than riding a motorcycle. I suppose that after a half-hour of instructions, I was ready to try the moves myself.
I carefully climbed the horse with the aid of the saddle. The beast responded with a snort, ready to go. I think I handled it rather well for my first time climbing a horse. Hojo was up on his in a matter of seconds.
"Have you ridden a horse before?" Hojo asked as he observed my movements.
"Nope."
"Well, you're doing pretty good for a first timer than." He informed.
"Well, I like to think of it as a motorcycle."
"And you treat your motorcycle this gently?" he asked in apparent disbelief.
"Well, yeah" I answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "An engine is very much like an animal. It needs tender care." Hojo chuckled at my analogy.
"Let's see how you fare during free riding then." I looked around the massive ranch at the riders of different levels. Some were beginners, but most were in the intermediate level with few exceptional experts dominating the field. Alright, this didn't look that challenging.
"We'll see" I called back in a sing song voice, ready to amaze him. I tapped the sides of the horse with my foot, as instructed. Before another word could be uttered, the beast sprung forward. Now, if I could only recall its name....
Suddenly, I felt the horse gallop faster and faster until it was at an all out run. Shit. I pressed down my foot, but the pedal brake wasn't there. Shit. How the hell did you stop a horse again? An unsuspecting female sat on her horse merely miles away, deeply immersed in conversation with another rider.
"Look out!" I yelled.
Too late. With a sudden halt by my current beast, I came shooting out of my seat straight at her.
And we both came tumbling down off her horse onto the not so soft grass. But she was there to break my fall. A moment of silence settled over within two-mile radius as all regarded at us in shock and horror. Why does this look so familiar?
I quickly got up from my position on top of her and dusted myself, ignoring the deep reigning silence.
"You ok?" I asked as I extended my hand to help her up. She looked up at me with narrowed green eyes as she got up by herself and took off her helmet, silky brown hair cascading down her back. She remained silent as her angry gaze lingered on me and a superior frown graced her lips.
And now the silence was even worse. I could hear someone coughing in the distant. God, this was certainly beginning to look awfully familiar. I swear that these kids loved staring in silence at the demise of someone else.
"Well?" she broke the quiet in a sassy commanding tone. I raised an eyebrow in response.
"Well what?" I asked. "I'm sorry that I fell on you, but don't be such a brat about it." The crowd around us gasped. A small malicious grin appeared on her face.
"You must be that scholarship girl that Inuyasha was yelling about." She observed. "Quiet brave....and stupid of you. But unlike him, I do not delay punishment. I challenge you to a race."
"On a horse?" Once again, congratulations Kagome, you have managed to make a complete idiot out of yourself.
"What other riding beast do you see near us?" she replied as giggles echoed around us.
"Fine" I snapped. "Lead the way to the starting line."
"How about we start from here to the ranch?" she suggested coldly. "You may choose any horse you like."
"I'll stick to my horse thanks." With a gentle pull, I led my beast in adjacent line to hers. Somehow, I had the sneaking suspicion she was no novice to horse back riding.
"Miss Caldwell!" I heard Hojo yell from behind the crowd as he quickly jumped off his horse and ran towards us. He was slightly panting when he reached his destination beside me.
"Well?" the brunet demanded. She was really starting to piss me off.
"Sh-she's a beginner." Hojo explained quickly. "I greatly apologize for her disrupting your time, Miss Caldwell. She just lost control of her horse, that's all, I'm sure it won't happen ag-"
"I don't much care whether or not she's a beginner." She sneered as she began climbing her horse. "She needs to be taught a lesson about respect."
"Actually, you need to be taught a lesson about how there are other people in this world besides you." I stated conversationally. Her brows furrowed in anger, scrunching up her perfect pretty little face. Wouldn't that leave wrinkles? I could feel Hojo trying to step on my foot to shut me up without being conspicuous.
"You will do well not to open your mouth girl." She stated sternly, before she allowed her face to return to her usual calm composure, as if this whole situation was below her anger. Well, what else did I seriously expect?
"So what is it that you intend to teach me if you win this race?" I inquired as I climbed my horse easily with grace. A public performance was on call here.
"Not to mess with members of the student council."
Well, I can't say I wasn't expecting something like that. I suppose it made sense now why everyone made such a big deal out of it once again. So out of all the people on the ranch, I HAD to pick apparently the most important one to offend. What a stroke of fucking luck.
I could hear the yelling of a countdown as all quickly scattered out of the way of our horses. I took a deep breath, ready for the challenge. I glanced beside me at her confident posture, as if she had victory in the bag already. I knew she was an expert judging by her position the saddle. But none the less, even the mightiest fall.
"Three....Two....On-"
"Amelia," a strong feminine voice called from the crowd. "Do you really intend to challenge a novice?"
Suddenly, the crowd parted as a girl riding a magnificent white beast strolled towards us. Wearing a crimson red shirt and black riding pants, she was a conspicuous figure in a sea of blue. The typical confident smile of a rich kid adorned her lips as her chocolate brown eyes gazed at my opponent with amusement. The girl known as Amelia pursed her lips in a thin line.
"Why, how are you Sango?" she smiled politely, but it was painfully obvious of being forced. Malice was clearly evident in her green orbs. Looks like things have just become a bit more interesting.
"Very well, thank you Amelia." The girl Sango answered with a natural pleasant smile. "Do you, an expert rider, really intend to challenge a novice? Don't you think you have sort of an unfair advantage?"
"Measures must be taken to instill respect for the student council." Amelia answered as she glared at me with a sneer. "I'm sure that Montgomery Academy has its own methods dealing with....unknowing students."
"Indeed" agreed Sango. "But I'm afraid they are not as drastic as yours."
"Well, Winston Academy believes strongly in discipline. But perhaps I could reschedule the race till she learns at least some skills. Scholarship students don't quiet have a strong background in.....cultural sports."
I responded with a cocked eyebrow. Translation, they are low class and ignorant. Well said.
"Well then, I do thank you for the reschedule, Miss Caldwell." I spoke, directing Sango's attention to myself for the first time. "But perhaps we could settle the score with another....cultural sport that I would be more familiar with?" The malice in her eyes multiplied ten fold as she turned around to glare at me.
"And what sport would that be?" she asked in a honeyed tone.
"Why any sport you wish." I replied with confidence.
"How about archery then" she suggested, or more or less, demanded. "We will settle this at school."
"Sounds good." I agreed. Fortunately, it was not too different from throwing darts or shooting, both at which I excelled in. I could see the Sango girl flash me an approving smile.
"Well, I see that the dilemma was settled orderly." Sango stated as she began turning around her horse. "Therefore I am no longer needed here. Goodbye Miss Caldwell, I trust that you will be attending the banquet my mother is hosting this Friday?"
"Why of course, Miss Montgomery." Amelia replied with her fists tightening around the reigns of her horse. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."