CHAPTER EIGHT: Why does this always happen to me?!
Kagome sighed in frustration and leaned back in her chair. She had been on the computer, hacking, for over six hours and still she was getting minimal success. With a curse, Kagome threw herself out of the chair and stormed up the steps, her fear the reason for her intense anger. It had been too long since she had laid eyes on her precious brother and she had no idea which old gang members had him or where he could be found.
Kagome stormed past a number of teens in the kitchen who looked relatively disturbed to see she was practically sparking in anger, as she searched for Inuyasha.
As she left the kitchen a young wolf looked up and asked, "Is it just me or does someone else find it slightly disturbing that she looks like she could light all the lights in Tokyo for a week?"
Kouga just patted the wolf cub on the head and said, "Don't worry. You get use to it after a bit. Besides, this is her being pretty decent."
The pup just looked up at Kouga and said the words that rang truest of the true for them all in their less then normal household, "You're all fuckin' crazy man." This thought was ended with a very decisive nod and Kouga's very nervous and self-conscious laugh as he agreed, "Yeah well when Kagome is involved you really can't help but be crazy sometimes."
Out of nowhere a few shoes, books, small metal statues and other painful objects were thrown at Kouga from several different directions. Kagome's voice followed the objects closely, "Watch what you say buddy."
Kouga looked around nervously, "Spooky. That chick is talented. That last one hurt though...." he paused in contemplation, "How'd she do that anyway?!" His eyes darted around in confusion and fear. "We're all gonna die aren't we?"
A very evil laugh filled the air, "Yeah, probably." was Kagome's response.
With that Kagome stormed out of the house, having not found Inuyasha yet and decided on the next best way to get his attention. Calmly exhaling all of the air in her lungs she sucked in an amazing amount of oxygen and screamed his name at the top of her lungs.
"INUUUUYAAAAASHAAAAAAAA!!!!!"
Within a couple seconds he was there panting, "What?! What happened? Are you okay? Is something wrong?!"
Kagome grabbed his collar and slammed him up against a wall, "YES THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG! I haven't seen any sign of my brother and I want him home NOW!"
Inuyasha stared at her through wide, terrified eyes, "Um, o..okay. We'll...We have like two more things to do that include packing and then we're heading to Kyoto!"
Kagome glared, "We better be or else I swear on all things holy you will lose all things sacred to you."
Inuyasha turned whiter then his silver hair and nodded, "Yes'm."
Kagome smiled a dazzling smile that relaxed him and made his heart melt all in the space of five seconds. With that she gave him a quick hug and said, "Lets get to it then!"
And so with a flurry of movement and action that reminded Shesshomaru of a mating furball, (where he got THAT analogy no one knows....) The gang started to get themselves ready. By midnight the privet jet of Kagome's was packed with weapons, and Kagome had contacted the Storm Dragons who had agreed not only to house her and her new gang but to also help in anyway needed by their young charge, as they still saw her.
Everyone went to sleep in utter exhaustion but by 6 am that next morning they were all up and ready to go, "So," said Kagome, "we're ready then? I know we've all been working out and stuff since Souta went missing, but I want to make sure we're all ready."
Nods, cheers and just an overall assurance rose from the amassed gang of teenagers. Kagome sighed and said, "Alright. Lets board!"
Before long everyone was seated, belted and ready to go. Within moments the plane was taking off and kids were falling asleep. Kagome, however, had her laptop open and was hacking away at the system that the young minded Opel had set up in the Sakura Blade's database.
Because of her renewed vigor and hope Kagome shortly managed to work her way into the deepest recess of the database and, with a group of amazed teenagers behind her, she found needed information. However, none of it was good for them.
"They've hook up with Naraku. They're expecting us." but then someone stood out to Kagome as a stroke of good luck, "Oh thank god. Souta is in the care of Moonstone...Er...Luna. A loyal friend. She won't hurt him...YAY!" The other teenagers jumped back with anime sweatdrops showing up as they wondered if Kagome was mentally alright.
(Meanwhile with Souta: A very sudden burst of happy teenagerness hit him and Souta couldn't help but gag, "Ugh. Feels like someone created a caffeine and sugar bomb and made it explode in my brain....-.-; ewww.")
Kagome jumped in her seat. "He's okay, he's okay, he's okay, he's okay!"
She kept up with her little chant until her face was starting to change color and she still didn't stop.
The rest of the group sweatdropped with anime fearishness. -.-;
Shesshomaru leaned over to Soujirou and asked quietly, "Should we restrain her do you think? Maybe rope? Chains? Boxes? Cages? Something?"
Soujirou just shrugged and smiled in confusion, "I have no idea."
Rin just giggled and said, "Kagome, breath....please?"
However Kagome just kept chanting her breathless "he's okay!"
Shesshomaru was starting to really worry so he took her into his arms and fastened his mouth over hers in what appeared to be a kiss. (But what was really him forcing air into her deprived lungs.)
Inuyasha had to be physically restrained, as did Kenshin, Kouga, Soujirou, and Rin.
When Shesshomaru pulled away Kagome was breathing again, "Thanks Fluffy. I needed help with the breathing thing...!"
Inuyasha was growling deep in his chest. Watching his brother practically KISS Kagome was not something he was fond of. At all.
Kagome just grinned and looked at them all, "Hey guess what?!"
A few curious looks were her response. So in reply she grinned hugely and announced loudly, "HE'S OKAY!"
Inuyasha chose that moment to hit the ground and glare up at her, "What the hell is wrong with you woman?! You've been saying that for the past five minutes! We know he's okay!"
Kagome grinned, "I know. But this makes me a very happy panda! You should be a happy panda too...Its good for you!"
Kenshin started laughing with the image of Inuyasha with a black and white panda look about him. Sano looked over at his short red-headed friend and sweatdropped before clocking him over the head with a book.
Kenshin was immediately laid low with his trade mark 'oro?" left hanging in the air.
Kagome giggled nervously, "Wow, what have I gotten myself into?"
Kaoru looked at her, "Who knows? We've been involved with them for a long time and none of know what the hell is going on. You get use to it after awhile....I think."
Misao just grinned at Kagome and patted her on the shoulder.
Kagome laughed with the rest of them before a memory overtook her of the days when she was Onyx and her friends filled her days and nights and chased away the nightmares. And now...Now she had new friends, but even they couldn't keep the nightmares at bay anymore. She longed for steady and loyal Emerald and silly but stable Garnet. For gentle Luna and silently supportive Miyu. For fun loving Kirei and dangerous Yukina. For the sassy Eden and the adorable Lain. She longed for her past and he eyes clouded. She missed the deeply moving Kat, whom she knew without a doubt, was dead. Opel had killed most of her loyal friends, leaving only the small core who was still there. She looked now at the list of people, her silence drawing the other's attention.
"Rose Quartz Bluebell, I can't count on Rosy. She's Opel's best friend. Damn...
Aquamarine Daffodil...Shit. Mari I dunno on. She was always kinda watery and wishy-washy.
Bloodstone Honeysuckle. Oh thank everything holy! Yukina's still alive.
Diamond Sweet-Pea. Diana? Hm. I don't know. She might help me. It depends on who else Opel got.... Oh thank GOD! Emerald Lily. I know I'm safe now.
Garnet Primrose...Oh little Garnet. You're still alive, are you Dagger?
And Amethyst Violet? Oh Lain! Oh...Tsk. Cutie.
Lapis Larkspur..Kirei. Oh...Kirei, how did you manage not to die on me, hm? Lets see who else..
Chrysoprase Marigold, shit man. Lost battle there.
Alexandrite Gladiolas...Lets see, Opel killed off her cousin didn't she? Thats an ally probably.
Moonstone Snowdrop...Ah Luna!
Pearl Morning Glory...Fuck. Thats a hard one to guess on, I dunno what to think there.
Ruby Rose...Eden. Not a doubt there. She's on my side.
Carnelion Carnation....C.C. I think she's safe.
Peridot Holly...Not even risking that one. Dot'd go after her own mother.
Sardonyx Hawthorn...HA! A fellow Onyx. She's good peoples I think, if I remember correctly.
Sapphire Aster...Sapphie? Miyu will help not a doubt out there.
Tourmaline Water-Lily huh? 'Maline is a hard nut to crack. If we can convince her though, then she's someone you'll want in a fight. She's dangerous.
Topaz Poinsettia...If we can get 'Maline we have Paz, another one you want. She's silent but more deadly then poison.
Citrine Narcissuses...She is her last name....Hey Miro? You think you could woo a girl who loves beauty above all else and convince her Opel is out to destroy hers? Wait, don't answer that. I know you can. Anyway, let me see who else is alive still...Zircon Jonquil?! Damn, I thought she'd be dead for sure....But if she's alive she's been converted. So count her out. Turquoise Cosmos....Ack. So I lost her? Oh my dear friend. Why did you turn?"
The names missing from the list burned themselves into Kagome's mind.
Kat....Stella....Tia....Sage....so many people that lost their lives due to Opel. And now she was trying to take Souta...the most precious thing out there to Kagome. It was so wrong, so very, very wrong that it made Kagome close her eyes to shut out the pain it caused. She knew that there were many names missing from that list. Many names who had belonged to many loyal friends who had fought viciously against Opel. But that bitch used anything to her advantage. Poison..nothing was beyond her if it would allow her a victory.
MEANWHILE ELSEWHERE
Kikyo smiled lazily as she allowed Naraku to feed her some drugged vodka, lulling her into a sleepy state. Naraku had a fetish for that kind of rape feeling. And she didn't mind catering to his needs and wants so long as she got what she wanted. Power, money, drugs...Revenge.
Kanna looked away in disgust and opened up her bottle of coke, revolted by people's disgusting habits.
Kagura smiled at her sister and reached across the table to caress her hair in a sisterly display of apology at the disgusting displays she had to see.
Kanna smiled and nodded to a figure behind Kagura stood patiently. Kagura turned to see none other then Enishi standing there waiting for the chance to talk to her. Kanna stood up and politely excused herself to another area of the room.
Kagura watched Enishi as he took a seat, "What can I do for you Enishi?"
With a hesitation that lasted no more then a few moments he sighed, "I need you to go to the Sakura Blades and check for yourself that the boy is alive and well. He'll do us no good if he's dead. But beware, this girl, Opel, she's a viper and a sneaky bitch. And I need you to come back...." Kagura looked up curiously to Enishi turn red and stutter, "with the information. I need you to come back with the information. Because, well. The boy is no good dead really."
Kagura nodded, "Not a problem. He's just a little brat, right? What, ten years old? Tsk, mighty young to be caught up in this kinda mess. He must be terrified he won't see his sister again. Tsk...Poor kid would have been left out of this if his sister hadn't hooked up with Inuyasha and his pack. That is pretty sad."
Enishi looked at her curiously, "Kanna was about 10 when you both joined."
Kagura looked at Enishi ruefully, "You think this is the life I wanted for her? You actually think I wanted to have her watch people being like this as she grew up? To learn trickery, thievery, lying, and fighting? Thats no world for a girl or any child. Thats a horrible life for anyone at all. Not just children, but everyone. Kanna should have been raised with love and stability and safety. Why do you think she's as cold as she is? Look at her life. It's the cause and effect sort of thing."
Enishi looked thoughtful, "I suppose you're right."
Kagura shrugged, and nodded, "Of course I am. You should be use to it by now. I'm always right, remember?"
Enishi laughed and rose from the table, "When will you leave? And when will you be back?"
Kagura shrugged, "I'll leave as soon as I tell Kanna what's up and then I'd say, if I'm not back after two days, get worried."
With that she stood up from the table and made her way over to her waiting sister who looked unhappy and nervous. Enishi watched as Kagura told her sister and Kanna's eyes fell, followed by an unhappy nod. Kagura ruffled her hair and gave her a quick hug before she made her way to the door.
Naraku called Kanna over to demand what that was about. When Kanna finished telling him, Naraku found the message to his disliking and back handed the young thirteen year old girl.
"Slut. You'll learn better. Now get the fuck outta my sight before I lose control of my anger."
Kanna bowed and quickly left, brushing past Enishi and Chou, who had come up to his friend, both of them noticing the tears that stood out on her pale face.
Chou's face darkened with anger and Enishi saw the desire to beat the living daylights out of Naraku for being, in short, such a prick.
Enishi laid a hand on his shoulder, "Chou...Let us depart and go find Kanna. Her face is probably going to swell up and it would probably be good to get her to eat some real food, don't you think?"
Chou nodded with a growl and so they left. Each of them had a sort of cold look to them. They found Kanna several minutes later looking around the outside of the warehouse. When they did find her it was pure accident, though a lucky one, when Chou accidently tripped over the small girl who had made herself smaller by huddling her knees to her chest.
Enishi crouched down next to her and smoothed out her hair, "He doesn't deserve any tears. He's a horrible person. Chou and I, as well as your sister and Kamatari, we're looking for a way to get you out of all of this. We'll make you safe."
Kanna leapt to her feet, pale eyes blazing, "I don't want to be safe! Safe doesn't mean anything if you're always afraid that you're gonna get a call saying someone you care about is DEAD because of some STUPID gang! I want it all to end! All of it!"
Chou let out a soft chuckle, "I know you want it to end. But really...What other meaning do our lives have if not this?"
Kanna shook her head angrily, "I don't know! But this can't be a good meaning you know? Always on the run, hands stained with innocent blood. This is a horrible way to live life."
Enishi looked at her with a neutral face before he sighed, "Yeah you're right. But when you know no other life you can't miss it, do you understand? We can't be wanting anything because we know nothing else."
Kanna glared, "I understand that but it doesn't change the fact that this sucks."
Chou laughed out loud, "Yeah, baby, it sucks. It sucks major donkey balls," at that Kanna made a face of disgust that Chou blissfully ignored and continued, "but see, we can't fix that. Naraku's got shit on all of us. I mean, yeah going to the cops would be stupid of him, but he's got other contacts that could go to them. Not to mention he can just fuck with our lives without a second thought. And he could do some serious damage to any of us. He knows 100 ways to fuck each of us, and damn it all, he's got the means to do it!"
Kanna rolled her eyes, "Thanks for cheering me up you great babbling buffoon. Jesus Christ on a fucking cracker!"
Enishi and Chou felt their lower jaws drop with a crack, as the both exploded, "KANNA!"
She looked up, "What?"
Enishi stared at her, "Where did you learn things like that?!"
Kanna gave him a blank look before she sighed, "Look at where I live you idiot. I'm going to bed. Kagura can't take too much longer can she?"
WITH KAGURA.
Kagura made her way past the girls of the Sakura Blades to the slimy leader, Opel.
Opel smiled, "Ah, a guest. What can we do for you?"
Kagura offered a curt bow of her head, "My name is Kagura. I'm here on behalf of Naraku."
Opel raised an eyebrow, "And what, may I ask, do you want?"
Kagura mentally hoped that Opel was someone she could manipulate with flattery, "Well my lady, Naraku wished me to question the brat on a few things. He is sure you could deal with anything at all, but he doesn't wish to fill your pretty head with silly things like he intends to ask. If it is permissible I would like to see the boy."
Opel preened under the flattery, "I suppose it won't hurt things. Alright. GARNET! Gather Moonstone and the boy and bring them to me now. Hurry!"
Kagura watched as a young girl with hair as pale as her own sister's, with the exception of a blood red streak. However, it was the girls garnet colored eyes that drew Kagura's own blood red eyes, for it was rare for anyone to have the traits that Kagura, Kanna, and this Garnet shared.
Kagura pondered what this could mean as she waited for the girl to return. When she did she brought with her a ten year old boy with had messy black hair and stormy blue eyes full of hate and anger. Behind them both trailed a silent young woman with black hair and yellow star dust eyes, who radiated confidence and a strength that had even Kagura slightly uneasy.
So, to calm herself, she switched her eyes back to the young boy. His resemblance to Kagome was unmistakable. She blocked out Opel's annoying voice as she explained what he was doing there. He watched the traitorous girl with eyes that were cold and hard, unforgiving and hateful. Kagura shuddered. If he was like this, she almost hoped she would never meet his sister face to face.
Suddenly he turned his eyes onto Kagura, and the only thing she saw change in his face with immediate distrust and suspicion.
Kagura shook off her unease and walked to the boy, "What is your name kid?"
No response. She tried again, "I asked for your name."
Nothing.
Finally, she grabbed him and slammed him against the nearest wall. No reaction, not even the flicker of his eyes. This time she added an edge to her voice, "Do not mess with me boy, I will not allow it. Now I asked your name. Give it to me."
Souta reacted violently and pushed back against her, "You do whatever you want with me you crazy bitch. My sister will take revenge and payment in every drop of blood she tears from your body."
Kagura stumbled back in shock, he had no fear of her or anything she could do to him. This had to be the Higurashi boy. He stood his ground and glared at her. Kagura stalked up to him and flicked her knife drawing blood from his cheek. No reaction. Looking him in the eyes she wondered if he felt anything, but was amazed to see nothing but open resentment and anger.
"Have you no fear boy?!"
He laughed, "Not of you. You're weak. You doubt yourself and you doubt your gang. I don't have anything to fear of a coward."
Kagura's eyes widened in fear, this boy knew too much of her inner-self for her own liking.
Opel growled, "Thats enough. I can't have you hurting him before his sister gets here. Moonstone, Garnet. Take Souta back to his room and keep him there. And tend to that scratch. You, Kagura, return to Naraku and tell him whatever it is you need to. Leave us now. I am weary."
Kagura nodded and watched as the two girls led away the young boy and was surprised to see the one called Garnet glance back one in confusion before shaking her head and walking on.
Kagura bowed to Opel and muttered some sort of thanks before she left.
She made her way back to the gang's current residence and made her report to Enishi, who question after her health which she waved off.
With clouded eyes she made her way to the room she shared with Kanna. After letting herself in she looked at her slumbering sister. Placing a kiss on her brow Kagura lay herself down on her bed and pondered what power the young Higurashi had.
WITH LUNA AND GARNET
Luna looked at Garnet and raised an eyebrow, "You know, you had the same eyes as that lady."
Garnet nodded unhappily, "I know. It was weird. I didn't like it. I mean, what if I'm RELATED to her?! Yuck. Dude, she's fighting against Kag-chan. I can't be like her. But what if I am?! Ah shit, man. This sucks. Like really a whole lot. Like this sucks major donkey balls."
Luna grimaced, "That is a not very nice picture. Ew. Yuck, GARNET! Ewwwwwwie. Remind me never to let you...Uh...I dunno."
Garnet raised an eyebrow, "And you say I'm the crazy one, huh?"
Luna did some darty eyes and then shushed Garnet, "Shush Dagger! We can't let anyone know. Anyway. Kagome will come soon, don't you think?"
Garnet nodded, "Yeah. It will soon be the Judgement Day for many of us. Let us pray the gods have mercy on our souls. We're going to need it."
Luna nodded and both lapsed into silence as memories, and thoughts of the future, flooded their minds.
Kagome sighed in frustration and leaned back in her chair. She had been on the computer, hacking, for over six hours and still she was getting minimal success. With a curse, Kagome threw herself out of the chair and stormed up the steps, her fear the reason for her intense anger. It had been too long since she had laid eyes on her precious brother and she had no idea which old gang members had him or where he could be found.
Kagome stormed past a number of teens in the kitchen who looked relatively disturbed to see she was practically sparking in anger, as she searched for Inuyasha.
As she left the kitchen a young wolf looked up and asked, "Is it just me or does someone else find it slightly disturbing that she looks like she could light all the lights in Tokyo for a week?"
Kouga just patted the wolf cub on the head and said, "Don't worry. You get use to it after a bit. Besides, this is her being pretty decent."
The pup just looked up at Kouga and said the words that rang truest of the true for them all in their less then normal household, "You're all fuckin' crazy man." This thought was ended with a very decisive nod and Kouga's very nervous and self-conscious laugh as he agreed, "Yeah well when Kagome is involved you really can't help but be crazy sometimes."
Out of nowhere a few shoes, books, small metal statues and other painful objects were thrown at Kouga from several different directions. Kagome's voice followed the objects closely, "Watch what you say buddy."
Kouga looked around nervously, "Spooky. That chick is talented. That last one hurt though...." he paused in contemplation, "How'd she do that anyway?!" His eyes darted around in confusion and fear. "We're all gonna die aren't we?"
A very evil laugh filled the air, "Yeah, probably." was Kagome's response.
With that Kagome stormed out of the house, having not found Inuyasha yet and decided on the next best way to get his attention. Calmly exhaling all of the air in her lungs she sucked in an amazing amount of oxygen and screamed his name at the top of her lungs.
"INUUUUYAAAAASHAAAAAAAA!!!!!"
Within a couple seconds he was there panting, "What?! What happened? Are you okay? Is something wrong?!"
Kagome grabbed his collar and slammed him up against a wall, "YES THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG! I haven't seen any sign of my brother and I want him home NOW!"
Inuyasha stared at her through wide, terrified eyes, "Um, o..okay. We'll...We have like two more things to do that include packing and then we're heading to Kyoto!"
Kagome glared, "We better be or else I swear on all things holy you will lose all things sacred to you."
Inuyasha turned whiter then his silver hair and nodded, "Yes'm."
Kagome smiled a dazzling smile that relaxed him and made his heart melt all in the space of five seconds. With that she gave him a quick hug and said, "Lets get to it then!"
And so with a flurry of movement and action that reminded Shesshomaru of a mating furball, (where he got THAT analogy no one knows....) The gang started to get themselves ready. By midnight the privet jet of Kagome's was packed with weapons, and Kagome had contacted the Storm Dragons who had agreed not only to house her and her new gang but to also help in anyway needed by their young charge, as they still saw her.
Everyone went to sleep in utter exhaustion but by 6 am that next morning they were all up and ready to go, "So," said Kagome, "we're ready then? I know we've all been working out and stuff since Souta went missing, but I want to make sure we're all ready."
Nods, cheers and just an overall assurance rose from the amassed gang of teenagers. Kagome sighed and said, "Alright. Lets board!"
Before long everyone was seated, belted and ready to go. Within moments the plane was taking off and kids were falling asleep. Kagome, however, had her laptop open and was hacking away at the system that the young minded Opel had set up in the Sakura Blade's database.
Because of her renewed vigor and hope Kagome shortly managed to work her way into the deepest recess of the database and, with a group of amazed teenagers behind her, she found needed information. However, none of it was good for them.
"They've hook up with Naraku. They're expecting us." but then someone stood out to Kagome as a stroke of good luck, "Oh thank god. Souta is in the care of Moonstone...Er...Luna. A loyal friend. She won't hurt him...YAY!" The other teenagers jumped back with anime sweatdrops showing up as they wondered if Kagome was mentally alright.
(Meanwhile with Souta: A very sudden burst of happy teenagerness hit him and Souta couldn't help but gag, "Ugh. Feels like someone created a caffeine and sugar bomb and made it explode in my brain....-.-; ewww.")
Kagome jumped in her seat. "He's okay, he's okay, he's okay, he's okay!"
She kept up with her little chant until her face was starting to change color and she still didn't stop.
The rest of the group sweatdropped with anime fearishness. -.-;
Shesshomaru leaned over to Soujirou and asked quietly, "Should we restrain her do you think? Maybe rope? Chains? Boxes? Cages? Something?"
Soujirou just shrugged and smiled in confusion, "I have no idea."
Rin just giggled and said, "Kagome, breath....please?"
However Kagome just kept chanting her breathless "he's okay!"
Shesshomaru was starting to really worry so he took her into his arms and fastened his mouth over hers in what appeared to be a kiss. (But what was really him forcing air into her deprived lungs.)
Inuyasha had to be physically restrained, as did Kenshin, Kouga, Soujirou, and Rin.
When Shesshomaru pulled away Kagome was breathing again, "Thanks Fluffy. I needed help with the breathing thing...!"
Inuyasha was growling deep in his chest. Watching his brother practically KISS Kagome was not something he was fond of. At all.
Kagome just grinned and looked at them all, "Hey guess what?!"
A few curious looks were her response. So in reply she grinned hugely and announced loudly, "HE'S OKAY!"
Inuyasha chose that moment to hit the ground and glare up at her, "What the hell is wrong with you woman?! You've been saying that for the past five minutes! We know he's okay!"
Kagome grinned, "I know. But this makes me a very happy panda! You should be a happy panda too...Its good for you!"
Kenshin started laughing with the image of Inuyasha with a black and white panda look about him. Sano looked over at his short red-headed friend and sweatdropped before clocking him over the head with a book.
Kenshin was immediately laid low with his trade mark 'oro?" left hanging in the air.
Kagome giggled nervously, "Wow, what have I gotten myself into?"
Kaoru looked at her, "Who knows? We've been involved with them for a long time and none of know what the hell is going on. You get use to it after awhile....I think."
Misao just grinned at Kagome and patted her on the shoulder.
Kagome laughed with the rest of them before a memory overtook her of the days when she was Onyx and her friends filled her days and nights and chased away the nightmares. And now...Now she had new friends, but even they couldn't keep the nightmares at bay anymore. She longed for steady and loyal Emerald and silly but stable Garnet. For gentle Luna and silently supportive Miyu. For fun loving Kirei and dangerous Yukina. For the sassy Eden and the adorable Lain. She longed for her past and he eyes clouded. She missed the deeply moving Kat, whom she knew without a doubt, was dead. Opel had killed most of her loyal friends, leaving only the small core who was still there. She looked now at the list of people, her silence drawing the other's attention.
"Rose Quartz Bluebell, I can't count on Rosy. She's Opel's best friend. Damn...
Aquamarine Daffodil...Shit. Mari I dunno on. She was always kinda watery and wishy-washy.
Bloodstone Honeysuckle. Oh thank everything holy! Yukina's still alive.
Diamond Sweet-Pea. Diana? Hm. I don't know. She might help me. It depends on who else Opel got.... Oh thank GOD! Emerald Lily. I know I'm safe now.
Garnet Primrose...Oh little Garnet. You're still alive, are you Dagger?
And Amethyst Violet? Oh Lain! Oh...Tsk. Cutie.
Lapis Larkspur..Kirei. Oh...Kirei, how did you manage not to die on me, hm? Lets see who else..
Chrysoprase Marigold, shit man. Lost battle there.
Alexandrite Gladiolas...Lets see, Opel killed off her cousin didn't she? Thats an ally probably.
Moonstone Snowdrop...Ah Luna!
Pearl Morning Glory...Fuck. Thats a hard one to guess on, I dunno what to think there.
Ruby Rose...Eden. Not a doubt there. She's on my side.
Carnelion Carnation....C.C. I think she's safe.
Peridot Holly...Not even risking that one. Dot'd go after her own mother.
Sardonyx Hawthorn...HA! A fellow Onyx. She's good peoples I think, if I remember correctly.
Sapphire Aster...Sapphie? Miyu will help not a doubt out there.
Tourmaline Water-Lily huh? 'Maline is a hard nut to crack. If we can convince her though, then she's someone you'll want in a fight. She's dangerous.
Topaz Poinsettia...If we can get 'Maline we have Paz, another one you want. She's silent but more deadly then poison.
Citrine Narcissuses...She is her last name....Hey Miro? You think you could woo a girl who loves beauty above all else and convince her Opel is out to destroy hers? Wait, don't answer that. I know you can. Anyway, let me see who else is alive still...Zircon Jonquil?! Damn, I thought she'd be dead for sure....But if she's alive she's been converted. So count her out. Turquoise Cosmos....Ack. So I lost her? Oh my dear friend. Why did you turn?"
The names missing from the list burned themselves into Kagome's mind.
Kat....Stella....Tia....Sage....so many people that lost their lives due to Opel. And now she was trying to take Souta...the most precious thing out there to Kagome. It was so wrong, so very, very wrong that it made Kagome close her eyes to shut out the pain it caused. She knew that there were many names missing from that list. Many names who had belonged to many loyal friends who had fought viciously against Opel. But that bitch used anything to her advantage. Poison..nothing was beyond her if it would allow her a victory.
MEANWHILE ELSEWHERE
Kikyo smiled lazily as she allowed Naraku to feed her some drugged vodka, lulling her into a sleepy state. Naraku had a fetish for that kind of rape feeling. And she didn't mind catering to his needs and wants so long as she got what she wanted. Power, money, drugs...Revenge.
Kanna looked away in disgust and opened up her bottle of coke, revolted by people's disgusting habits.
Kagura smiled at her sister and reached across the table to caress her hair in a sisterly display of apology at the disgusting displays she had to see.
Kanna smiled and nodded to a figure behind Kagura stood patiently. Kagura turned to see none other then Enishi standing there waiting for the chance to talk to her. Kanna stood up and politely excused herself to another area of the room.
Kagura watched Enishi as he took a seat, "What can I do for you Enishi?"
With a hesitation that lasted no more then a few moments he sighed, "I need you to go to the Sakura Blades and check for yourself that the boy is alive and well. He'll do us no good if he's dead. But beware, this girl, Opel, she's a viper and a sneaky bitch. And I need you to come back...." Kagura looked up curiously to Enishi turn red and stutter, "with the information. I need you to come back with the information. Because, well. The boy is no good dead really."
Kagura nodded, "Not a problem. He's just a little brat, right? What, ten years old? Tsk, mighty young to be caught up in this kinda mess. He must be terrified he won't see his sister again. Tsk...Poor kid would have been left out of this if his sister hadn't hooked up with Inuyasha and his pack. That is pretty sad."
Enishi looked at her curiously, "Kanna was about 10 when you both joined."
Kagura looked at Enishi ruefully, "You think this is the life I wanted for her? You actually think I wanted to have her watch people being like this as she grew up? To learn trickery, thievery, lying, and fighting? Thats no world for a girl or any child. Thats a horrible life for anyone at all. Not just children, but everyone. Kanna should have been raised with love and stability and safety. Why do you think she's as cold as she is? Look at her life. It's the cause and effect sort of thing."
Enishi looked thoughtful, "I suppose you're right."
Kagura shrugged, and nodded, "Of course I am. You should be use to it by now. I'm always right, remember?"
Enishi laughed and rose from the table, "When will you leave? And when will you be back?"
Kagura shrugged, "I'll leave as soon as I tell Kanna what's up and then I'd say, if I'm not back after two days, get worried."
With that she stood up from the table and made her way over to her waiting sister who looked unhappy and nervous. Enishi watched as Kagura told her sister and Kanna's eyes fell, followed by an unhappy nod. Kagura ruffled her hair and gave her a quick hug before she made her way to the door.
Naraku called Kanna over to demand what that was about. When Kanna finished telling him, Naraku found the message to his disliking and back handed the young thirteen year old girl.
"Slut. You'll learn better. Now get the fuck outta my sight before I lose control of my anger."
Kanna bowed and quickly left, brushing past Enishi and Chou, who had come up to his friend, both of them noticing the tears that stood out on her pale face.
Chou's face darkened with anger and Enishi saw the desire to beat the living daylights out of Naraku for being, in short, such a prick.
Enishi laid a hand on his shoulder, "Chou...Let us depart and go find Kanna. Her face is probably going to swell up and it would probably be good to get her to eat some real food, don't you think?"
Chou nodded with a growl and so they left. Each of them had a sort of cold look to them. They found Kanna several minutes later looking around the outside of the warehouse. When they did find her it was pure accident, though a lucky one, when Chou accidently tripped over the small girl who had made herself smaller by huddling her knees to her chest.
Enishi crouched down next to her and smoothed out her hair, "He doesn't deserve any tears. He's a horrible person. Chou and I, as well as your sister and Kamatari, we're looking for a way to get you out of all of this. We'll make you safe."
Kanna leapt to her feet, pale eyes blazing, "I don't want to be safe! Safe doesn't mean anything if you're always afraid that you're gonna get a call saying someone you care about is DEAD because of some STUPID gang! I want it all to end! All of it!"
Chou let out a soft chuckle, "I know you want it to end. But really...What other meaning do our lives have if not this?"
Kanna shook her head angrily, "I don't know! But this can't be a good meaning you know? Always on the run, hands stained with innocent blood. This is a horrible way to live life."
Enishi looked at her with a neutral face before he sighed, "Yeah you're right. But when you know no other life you can't miss it, do you understand? We can't be wanting anything because we know nothing else."
Kanna glared, "I understand that but it doesn't change the fact that this sucks."
Chou laughed out loud, "Yeah, baby, it sucks. It sucks major donkey balls," at that Kanna made a face of disgust that Chou blissfully ignored and continued, "but see, we can't fix that. Naraku's got shit on all of us. I mean, yeah going to the cops would be stupid of him, but he's got other contacts that could go to them. Not to mention he can just fuck with our lives without a second thought. And he could do some serious damage to any of us. He knows 100 ways to fuck each of us, and damn it all, he's got the means to do it!"
Kanna rolled her eyes, "Thanks for cheering me up you great babbling buffoon. Jesus Christ on a fucking cracker!"
Enishi and Chou felt their lower jaws drop with a crack, as the both exploded, "KANNA!"
She looked up, "What?"
Enishi stared at her, "Where did you learn things like that?!"
Kanna gave him a blank look before she sighed, "Look at where I live you idiot. I'm going to bed. Kagura can't take too much longer can she?"
WITH KAGURA.
Kagura made her way past the girls of the Sakura Blades to the slimy leader, Opel.
Opel smiled, "Ah, a guest. What can we do for you?"
Kagura offered a curt bow of her head, "My name is Kagura. I'm here on behalf of Naraku."
Opel raised an eyebrow, "And what, may I ask, do you want?"
Kagura mentally hoped that Opel was someone she could manipulate with flattery, "Well my lady, Naraku wished me to question the brat on a few things. He is sure you could deal with anything at all, but he doesn't wish to fill your pretty head with silly things like he intends to ask. If it is permissible I would like to see the boy."
Opel preened under the flattery, "I suppose it won't hurt things. Alright. GARNET! Gather Moonstone and the boy and bring them to me now. Hurry!"
Kagura watched as a young girl with hair as pale as her own sister's, with the exception of a blood red streak. However, it was the girls garnet colored eyes that drew Kagura's own blood red eyes, for it was rare for anyone to have the traits that Kagura, Kanna, and this Garnet shared.
Kagura pondered what this could mean as she waited for the girl to return. When she did she brought with her a ten year old boy with had messy black hair and stormy blue eyes full of hate and anger. Behind them both trailed a silent young woman with black hair and yellow star dust eyes, who radiated confidence and a strength that had even Kagura slightly uneasy.
So, to calm herself, she switched her eyes back to the young boy. His resemblance to Kagome was unmistakable. She blocked out Opel's annoying voice as she explained what he was doing there. He watched the traitorous girl with eyes that were cold and hard, unforgiving and hateful. Kagura shuddered. If he was like this, she almost hoped she would never meet his sister face to face.
Suddenly he turned his eyes onto Kagura, and the only thing she saw change in his face with immediate distrust and suspicion.
Kagura shook off her unease and walked to the boy, "What is your name kid?"
No response. She tried again, "I asked for your name."
Nothing.
Finally, she grabbed him and slammed him against the nearest wall. No reaction, not even the flicker of his eyes. This time she added an edge to her voice, "Do not mess with me boy, I will not allow it. Now I asked your name. Give it to me."
Souta reacted violently and pushed back against her, "You do whatever you want with me you crazy bitch. My sister will take revenge and payment in every drop of blood she tears from your body."
Kagura stumbled back in shock, he had no fear of her or anything she could do to him. This had to be the Higurashi boy. He stood his ground and glared at her. Kagura stalked up to him and flicked her knife drawing blood from his cheek. No reaction. Looking him in the eyes she wondered if he felt anything, but was amazed to see nothing but open resentment and anger.
"Have you no fear boy?!"
He laughed, "Not of you. You're weak. You doubt yourself and you doubt your gang. I don't have anything to fear of a coward."
Kagura's eyes widened in fear, this boy knew too much of her inner-self for her own liking.
Opel growled, "Thats enough. I can't have you hurting him before his sister gets here. Moonstone, Garnet. Take Souta back to his room and keep him there. And tend to that scratch. You, Kagura, return to Naraku and tell him whatever it is you need to. Leave us now. I am weary."
Kagura nodded and watched as the two girls led away the young boy and was surprised to see the one called Garnet glance back one in confusion before shaking her head and walking on.
Kagura bowed to Opel and muttered some sort of thanks before she left.
She made her way back to the gang's current residence and made her report to Enishi, who question after her health which she waved off.
With clouded eyes she made her way to the room she shared with Kanna. After letting herself in she looked at her slumbering sister. Placing a kiss on her brow Kagura lay herself down on her bed and pondered what power the young Higurashi had.
WITH LUNA AND GARNET
Luna looked at Garnet and raised an eyebrow, "You know, you had the same eyes as that lady."
Garnet nodded unhappily, "I know. It was weird. I didn't like it. I mean, what if I'm RELATED to her?! Yuck. Dude, she's fighting against Kag-chan. I can't be like her. But what if I am?! Ah shit, man. This sucks. Like really a whole lot. Like this sucks major donkey balls."
Luna grimaced, "That is a not very nice picture. Ew. Yuck, GARNET! Ewwwwwwie. Remind me never to let you...Uh...I dunno."
Garnet raised an eyebrow, "And you say I'm the crazy one, huh?"
Luna did some darty eyes and then shushed Garnet, "Shush Dagger! We can't let anyone know. Anyway. Kagome will come soon, don't you think?"
Garnet nodded, "Yeah. It will soon be the Judgement Day for many of us. Let us pray the gods have mercy on our souls. We're going to need it."
Luna nodded and both lapsed into silence as memories, and thoughts of the future, flooded their minds.