Sorry you guys… I still don't own Inu Yasha… ((sigh))
Kagome burst through her bedroom door, tossing her book bag aside and belly flopping onto her bed. Her groan, muffled by her pink bed sheets, was loud and long. For a moment she lay unmoving and spread eagle across her bed. If she hadn't been breathing, she could have easily been mistaken for a corpse. After a few minutes, she emitted another groan and rolled over onto her back, flinging her slim arm over her eyes. Her silken black hair slid off her shoulder and pooled around her face.
"I'm so tired." She whined to no one in particular, "Sae-sensei is a monster…" I never thought she would work me that hard. Now, I feel like I have lead running through my veins.
Kagome made a failed attempt to get up and flopped back down on her back. I ache all over. What day is it? Everything has blurred together since I started attending Sae-sensei's classes. How many days has it been? I think it's been six or something like that… Six days… If it has been that long, today should be Saturday. That thought actually made Kagome sit up. It's Saturday!!! It's almost been a week now. How did the time slip away from me so easily? It's almost like I started that class yesterday…
***Six days ago***
After classes ended for the day, Kagome stood outside Sae-sensei's door nervously trying to decide whether or not she wanted to go face her teacher. After deliberating a bit, Kagome huffed and decide to face the music. She rushed through the door, expecting to see her to see Sae waiting impatiently.
"Gomen nasai, Sae-sensei. I didn't mean to be so late. I had to…" Kagome cut short her hurried explanation as she noticed the classroom was totally empty. Oh crap! Did I take to long? Did she leave me? That's not possible because I have been standing outside the door since class ended. She couldn't have slipped past me. Kagome leaned against an empty desk, "I might as well wait until she comes back."
As the minutes slipped by, Kagome's anxiety grew until she was drumming her fingers, tapping her feet, humming nervously. She's become an orchestra of nervous energy. What if she forgot I was even here? Maybe I should just go. I guess it's a sign that I shouldn't try and do something stupid.
"I never was a fighter, anyway…" Kagome sighed and turned to walk out of the room only to find her missing teacher leaning against the doorframe.
"I guess you are all fired up and ready to go then, eh?" Sae Hakibi asked; her voice liberally laced with amusement.
Kagome blushed profusely, "Well… I … uhh…"
Sae smiled, dismissing her pupil's confusion, "Sorry to keep you waiting. I had some business to attend to in the office. I came back as soon as I could and I found you working yourself into a big mess, Kagome-san. I love to see my students go through the first day jitters. It's so cute. But worry not… I won't work you into the dust today. I wish you to introduce you to the students and teachers at the dojo first. Afterwards, we will do some basic stretching and techniques."
Kagome nodded, her deep brown eyes wide as she took in all the information. "I will be introduced to everyone? Mishiro included?"
Sae Hakibi's cheeks reddened, "Yes, even Mishiro. I have a feeling he will introduce himself before I get the chance. He's always that way with the new students who happen to be female… He's such a…"
"Lecher?" Kagome answered. That sounds like Miroku to me.
Sae-sensei's face reddened considerably and then her eyes narrowed in suspicion, "Have you met him before?"
Kagome waved her hands before her frantically, "No, not at all. I just heard you talk about him before. That's all…" How can I tell her that I am acquainted with his former self? She'd think I'm a nut for sure…
Sae shrugged, "Be careful around him…"
Kagome nodded, "I will."
"Well let's be off. Do you have all your stuff with you? Wouldn't want you leaving it at school or anything."
"I have everything I need but should I bring some gym clothes or something?" Kagome asked. I know I can't work out in my uniform.
Sae-sensei smiled, "I will provide you with everything you need at the dojo." The teacher packed away her papers and grabbed her purse. "I'm ready now."
The two young women walked out of the school and into the busy streets of Tokyo walking and talking like old friends. Kagome observed Sae closely as they traveled. While she already had conversations with her math teacher that had nothing to with school, she never got the chance to see Sae outside of school. The older woman was a far cry from the stern and often serious schoolteacher she opted to be during school hours. Sae even went so far as letting her hair down from her tight bun, letting the dark brown mass brush her slim shoulders. She was much more animated, quick to smiles and laughter. Kagome could not help but to think of Sango.
Sae-san reminds me so much of Sango it's uncanny. She can just as scary and serious as Sango and at the same time smile and laugh. Being here with Sae-san makes me miss Sango and Miroku so much. Not to mention Shippou.
I wonder how everyone is getting along without me. I bet that they are probably relieved that I am out of their way for the moment. I know I was a burden whether they said it or not. Inu Yasha made sure to rub it in my face enough. I'm afraid now to even face him or the others. I know this effort to learn to fight is laughable. I will probably just embarrass myself or something. But… somehow I know deep down inside I need it. I don't want to be weak anymore. I am not sure this is the right way to go about it but I'm willing to try just so I won't anymore… or feel so damn hopeless.
Kagome was so deep in her own inner turmoil she had not noticed that Sae Hakibi was now watching her with a very worried expression. Upon noticing the younger girl's lack of participation in any of the conversation Sae was obviously having with herself, the young teacher looked over at Kagome poised to scold her for being so silent. When she noticed Kagome's troubled, lost expression she paused. Whatever Kagome is thinking about, it must be affecting her greatly. She didn't even notice I stopped talking. It's almost like her body is moving on autopilot. I wonder what has gotten into her. I hope she isn't still ill.
"Kagome?" Sae-san questioned softly, "Are you okay?"
Kagome blinked as her brown eyes riveting to her companion, "Huh? Did you say something? Gomen ne… I was kind of lost in my own world."
Sae-san sighed and looked ahead, "I see. You haven't responded for the last five minutes. I figured I'd lost you. Are you still ill? Do you wish to return home? I would not want you to stay if you are still sick."
The young schoolgirl shook her head, "No… I am fine, I promise. I just have a lot on my mind. I'm sorry if I was inattentive. I will not do that in class."
"If you wish to talk about it, I will listen."
Kagome tried to plaster on a bright smile but failed, resulting in a half hearted and lopsided attempt at a smile. "It's nothing really… I am just being silly, that's all."
The young teacher tried her best to console her lost student, though she did not really understand what was bothering Kagome... "I said before, all my students are nervous the first day. They seem to think I am going to kill them or something," Sae-sensei looked over at Kagome and smiled. "I can tell you are unsure of yourself. Don't worry so much. When the mind is clouded by doubt, goals are much harder to accomplish."
Kagome sighed, "I know. It's just…" The young girl looked up at the buildings hovering tall and ominous above her and the blue sky dotted with clouds, "I hope I'm not making a fool of myself… I am not even sure of what I am doing." Kagome's words held so much meaning; meaning that her teacher could not begin to fathom. Will this make me stronger? Will I be any better than I was before?
Sae frowned slightly at her pupil, "Take it one step at a time Kagome-san."
Kagome shrugged and fell silent. I can do this. I am strong. I will prove myself… Without thinking Kagome placed her hand over the spot where the shards of the Shikon no Tama lay against her breast. The jewels pulsed in reaction to her touch. The Shikon no Tama… I'm not sure what to do with this… Keeping the shards here will hinder the gang from ever completing the mission to defeat Naraku. I should go back and return these things… That way I will finally be able to be a normal girl… A normal girl… At that moment, a sharp surge of energy pulsed through the shards causing Kagome to gasp silently. The shards… it's almost as if they are protesting…
Her teacher's voice broke through her thoughts, "We are here. I present to you the Hinode Dojo."
For the second time a row, her heart leaped into her chest. Kagome found herself looking up at plain brown two-story building. The buildings front had two large windows, one on each floor, allowing outsiders to see into its interior. Inside there were many people donning training gear, some practiced with wooden swords, while others stretched. Well, it isn't much to look at. I was picturing a dojo that would be more flamboyant and intimidating.
"My master values simplicity. He has owned this building for years and doesn't see the need move or add anything to it." Sae responded, reading Kagome's expression. "The most important element to this dojo is the teaching that goes on within. That's what Shiyuki-sama always says. Unfortunately, you will not get to meet him until much later. He is off in the United States participating in an annual martial arts seminar they hold there."
Kagome nodded at that tidbit of information, her hand still clutching her necklace through her school blouse. I must be going mad. She shook her a bit and followed behind Sae-san. Here goes nothing.
As soon as they walked through the doors, the dojo's students took notice. Some chattered amongst themselves, while others bowed reverently to Sae-san.
"Good evening students. I'm glad to see most of you are quite early." Sae spoke, her voice commanding immediate attention.
"Konbanwa Hakibi-sensei" The students replied loudly.
Sae-san smiled beckoning Kagome to come forth, "This is Higurashi Kagome. She is a new student here."
Kagome received a warm, albeit very reserved welcome from her fellow students. She could not help but to blush a bit in appreciation of the attention she was receiving.
Sae-san raised her hand, signaling to her students to quiet down, "As we all know, Shiyuki-sama is away on business in America. Because I will be helping Higurashi-san through her first days at Hinode, I won't be able to instruct classes today. Mishiro-sensei will be your instructor. I am sure he has a lot planned for you students today. Now get back to stretching. I will still be observing you all."
The students all hopped back to their former activity immediately.
Sae turned back to Kagome, "Follow me. I will introduce you to Mishiro."
Kagome tried her best to weave through the gaggle of students, as Sae did with such grace and expertise but she soon got distracted and found herself stumbling over the leg of one student who was stretching on the workout mats. She flailed a bit before crashing head-on into something warm and hard. When Kagome looked up, an apology on the tip of her tongue, she was staring into the most violet eyes she had ever seen in her life.
The person she knocked into was a tall and quite handsome man. His dark eyes glinted in amusement, eyes set in a tanned face. His brown black hair was stylishly cut and swept away from his face. His lips were curled into a charming smile.
Kagome's lips formed into a round o of surprise as her mind finally registered just who she was looking at, "Mi_"
"Mishiro Shiyuki! Unhand the poor girl. She's only been her a few minutes and you're pouncing on her." Sae came towards them wearing a very irritated expression.
Mishiro did his best to look wounded although the smile would not completely leave his face, "Why ever would I do such a thing as pounce on this young lady? I was merely saving a damsel in distress, Sae. She was falling to her doom."
Kagome moved away from the young man, still shocked that he bore an unnatural resemblance to houshi she left behind in Sengoku Jidai. "I... It's true. I stumbled like the klutz I am and crashed right into him." This has got to be Miroku. He doesn't have beads wrapped over his hand though.
Sae snorted, still disbelieving, "If I know you like I do, you would have tried something sooner or later. Anyways, this is Higurashi Kagome. I will be training her here."
Mishiro placed his right hand over his heart and bowed deeply. In doing so, a beaded rosary slipped from the sleeve of his training gi, dangling from his wrist. "It is a pleasure to meet you Higurashi-san."
Kagome's brown eyes widened as she noticed the rosary. It has to be him. "Likewise... Please call me Kagome, Mishiro-sensei."
The young man looked down at her. His violet eyes held an intense gleam as he stared down at Kagome, "Do I know you from somewhere? Perhaps, we have met before."
Kagome's heart pounded in her chest. Do you remember? Could it be possible? "I don't think so…"
Mishiro's eyes flashed once again, "I know where I have seen you? You're a model right… perhaps TV?"
Kagome face-faulted. He's just flirting with me…
Sae rolled her eyes, "Oh Mishiro, you never grow up. You have a class to teach, quit harassing my pupil."
He shrugged, "You always assume I'm hitting on every female that steps through Hinode's doors…"
"You usually are…" Sae responded dryly.
Mishiro grabbed both of Sae-san's hands as he spoke, "All of that would stop if you agreed to be my wife."
Kagome watched as her teacher turned multiple shades of red. Sae snatched her hands away abruptly, "You really have no shame!"
"Only when it comes to you," he sighed and then he turned to Kagome, his violet eyes assessing her in one glance. "And as for you, Kagome-san, welcome to Hinode Dojo. I hope that we will get to converse much longer than this at a later date." With that he strode away.
Kagome just stood there speechless. If I didn't know any better I would have believed myself to be naked with the way he was staring at me. He has really doesn't have any shame, just like Miroku. At least he didn't go groping me or anything.
"That Mishiro…" Sae sighed, "He thinks the biggest playboy in Tokyo."
Kagome noticed that her teacher was still fighting down a blush, "I think he likes you."
Sae's brown eyes widened and her blush returned, "No, he does not. I'm just his friend and the only woman to refuse his advances. That's why he pays me any mind at all. You just be careful around him. "
Kagome smiled a bit, "I have dealt with his kind before. Don't worry."
Sae-san looked around trying to find a space where she could work with Kagome uninterrupted. When she could find nothing, she said, "Let us go up the upper room. There are far too many people on this floor. I wouldn't want you to be distracted." Sae-san led her to the back of the crowded room to a set of stairs. "Go on up first. I need to grab a uniform for you."
Kagome walked up the well-lit staircase. As she walked, she noticed that the staircase served a double purpose; it was also a trophy display. Beautiful trophies, metals, newspaper articles, magazines, and pictures all lay untouched within glass cases that lined the wall of the stairwell. Kagome peered in seeing Sae's name on quite a few trophies. I wish I could fight as well as she does. What am I saying? She's been doing this for years… I will never learn that much. I see a lot of medals for Mishiro too. There pictures of the Hinode's past classes and pictures of students sparring. She looked on in awe as she walked. "So many achievements…"
When Kagome finally reached the top of the stairs, she walked down a long corridor lined with many doors. While she was curious to find out what lie behind those doors, she did not indulge it. The last thing I need is to be caught snooping around. I might as well just take myself to the training room while I am still in one piece. She arrived to find the training room quiet, unlike the rooms below. She could still here the yells of the students as they began their exercises together. Kagome sighed and walked over to the huge window, and looked down at the street below. The neighborhood below her was a quiet tree lined block. Few cars passed by while she watched.
"That's another reason why Shiyuki-sama likes this place so much." Sae-san replied, jolting Kagome from her silent reverie.
Kagome whirled to face her teacher, "Nani?"
"I bet you noticed how quiet this neighborhood is, eh? Master Shiyuki said he would rather have his students focusing on what goes on within Hinode and not what's going on outside. Tokyo can be quite noisy, don't you agree?" Sae was dressed in her training gear.
"Yes, it is. Jii-chan often complains about Tokyo being so loud. He threatens to move out into the country every other week. It's all just talk though. Jii-chan loves the shrine far too much to leave it behind." Kagome conceded.
"Here, take this." Sae tossed a bundle at Kagome, who caught it immediately, "I see you have nice reflexes. Hurry up and change. We have much to do tonight. There is a changing room down the hall, first door on your right. Don't keep me waiting too long."
Kagome hustled down the hallway and into the changing room. She hurriedly removed her own clothes and fumbled to put on her training gi and pants. When she finally managed to get everything on correctly, she pulled her hair up into a high ponytail. "No need to have hair in my face while I'm tripping all over myself. That'll will make things much worse."
Kagome looked herself over in a small mirror by the door of the changing room. The girl looking back at her was a little pale but her uniform fit her quite well. I look really nervous but why wouldn't I? I think Sae-san is going to run me into the dust. There isn't much point in worrying. I am here now. I might as well suck it up and take what's coming to me. After all, I did volunteer to be beaten within every inch of my life. Kagome audibly sighed, "Okay Kagome Higurashi. Here goes nothing."
That walk down the hallway of the dojo had to be the longest of Kagome's life. Her heart was beating a mile a minute and her palms were slightly sweaty. She finally shuffled back into the training room, avoiding the eyes of Sae.
"That uniform fits you well, Kagome." Sae Hakibi grinned proudly. Clapping her hands together, she went on, "Now is as good as any time to start. Higurashi-san, please be seated."
Kagome knelt before her teacher, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. Looking up at her teacher and new friend, Kagome noticed the immediate change in her demeanor. She looks so very serious. It's almost scary.
"From now on, you will address me as sensei when we train. Is that understood?" Sae's tone was commanding and stern.
"Hai, sensei." Kagome conceded, her voice wavered in her nervousness.
"Now, now, Higurashi-san. There is no need to cower before me. I, after all, am still human and I won't kill you. Not yet at least…" the young teacher's brown eyes glinted with a mischievous light.
Kagome almost swallowed her tongue. Her nails began to bite into her palms.
Sae knelt down before her student, "I wish to see how much you know about karate. What is the most important element of learning karate, Higurashi-san?"
Kagome's brow furrowed a bit as she thought about it, "Is it strength?"
Sae shook her head, "Most people would say that. In truth, the most important element is here." She tapped Kagome's forehead lightly, "Focus and confidence… Once you have that, all other things will fall into place. Inner strength and resolve will win out against even the strongest of opponents."
The young girl nodded, absorbing her teacher's words.
"Self doubt is your greatest enemy. Remember that above all things…" Sae-san nodded, confident that she placated the nervous girl before her. "Everyday you will meditate before class. It helps to clear mind and body of negative emotions. That way you will be more focused during each lesson. After meditation, you will stretch and then we will go straight into the lessons. Right now, I want to work on your form and endurance. I know you are a novice to the martial arts, so we must start from the very beginning."
Kagome watched as Sae adjusted into the Lotus position, folding her hands into her lap. Kagome mimicked the actions of Sae, resting her hands on her knees. "Kagome… I want you to close your eyes and take deep breaths. Focus and relax. Clear your mind of doubt and focus on what you wish to accomplish…"
Kagome's eyes eventually drifted shut, lulled by the sound of Sae's gentle and calm voice. She was reluctant to close her eyes fearing that her monstrous nightmares would return to haunt her. Upon lowering her eyelids, there was nothing but blissful darkness. No sound, no light, just emptiness. She wants me to think positively and yet I can think of nothing. Then again, I guess thinking of nothing is better than what I usually have on my mind. What positive thing has happened to me of late? I can't recall one thing worth remembering. I guess I should be glad I have my health. I was pretty sick a week ago and I had Mom scared out her mind. Mom… I wish I were as strong as her. Dad passed away many years ago and yet she still finds a reason to smile. I, on the other hand, lost my will to live for a minute, all because of him. A crystal clear image of the amber-eyed hanyou came unbidden to her mind's eye; an image that burned itself into her fevered mind the night he broke her heart. I should not be thinking of Inu Yasha… I really shouldn't and yet here I am as always… remembering the hurt he caused me. Am I destined to forever cry for him?
Seated across from the meditating girl, Sae Hakibi watched the myriad of emotions wash over Kagome's once still face. The young teacher was jolted from her mediation by an intense vision from her childhood. She saw herself as a young girl sobbing as her family home burned to the ground. Then in a flash, another vision replaced the morbid sight. Kagome stood before her laughing in her school uniform with a huge yellow bag slung over her shoulder. She was talking but Sae could here no sound and the place in which she stood was strange and foreign to Sae. Yet, something deep inside her whispered that she should know. She opened her eyes just then dazed and confused. Sae rubbed her temple tiredly. I have thought about things like that in years. I thought I outgrew such memories. Memories of the fire… of my family... The police concluded that a malfunctioning electrical socket caused the fire. I knew then as I know now, that it wasn't true. Being a top officer in Tokyo's police force gained my father as many enemies as it did allies. I heard whispers and rumors as I grew about the true cause of my family's demise but nothing substantial. That part of my life will always be shrouded in mystery. I know Mama and Papa would not want me to dwell on their deaths.
It's so odd… And that vision of Kagome… I don't know where that came from… Sae-san continued to watch Kagome. My imagination must be going wild but it doesn't feel that way… Maybe I need a rest… Maybe I… Sae's thoughts were cut short as she saw a dull lilac glow throbbing through Kagome's training gi. "What on earth?" Sae whispered in awe. "Is her necklace doing that?"
Kagome was completely lost her own thoughts, unaware of her teacher' shocked stare. No… No more tears… I will not cry any longer. I will not allow myself to be hurt again. I will not wallow in the depression I have been stuck in these past weeks. I will become stronger. I will not fail again. I will not fall again… I will find the strength within myself and prove that I am not useless, weak, or foolish. I… will… not… cry…
A flash of purple light brightened the room and then, disappeared just as quickly as it came. Kagome opened her dark brown eyes only to find Sae staring at her with her mouth hanging wide open. "Hakibi-sensei? Are you alright?" Kagome asked, worry seeping into her voice.
"Your necklace… it was glowing… it…" Sae-san stuttered in shock.
The young girl inwardly gasped. Oh no… The Shikon no Tama is reacting to me again. This is just great now Sae-san is going to think I'm some kind of freak. What should I tell her?
Before Kagome could weave some elaborate and totally untrue tale about her "radioactive mood stone", Sae-san spoke, rubbing her head tiredly, "Never mind me… I think I am just seeing things. Being over worked and underpaid does a real number on your brain."
Kagome's mouth snapped shut. Geez that was close.
The young miko did not have enough time to recoup when Sae-san stood up, requesting Kagome do the same. From there she began teaching the inexperienced girl the appropriate stretches to do before practice. Afterwards, Sae-san then proceeded to work Kagome into the dust. She made her mimic and repeat stances, kicks, blocks and other techniques in an effort to gauge just how much work Kagome was going to need.
****
With all the work she made me do, I should be dead. My muscles are still protesting. Kagome absently rubbed her sore muscles. It was then that she felt something furry brush across her sore shoulder and she jumped in shock. Sitting up she looked around to find Buyo curled close to her. Kagome sighed in relief and then smiled. "You little traitor. So you finally decided to come back to my bed. What is Souta torturing you again?"
The lazy housecat just purred and moved closer to her body. She laughed scooping Buyo into her arms and hugging her close. After some playful teasing and more than one good scratch behind the ear, she released the housecat and looked out of her bedroom window. "The sun is setting…" she whispered to no one in particular especially not Buyo, who had decided a nap was in order. Groaning once more Kagome slipped off of her bed and headed downstairs. "I should go talk to my mom. I made a bee line for my bedroom and didn't look back."
Once downstairs, she could hear the sounds of Souta playing his video games in his room. She walked into his room and stooped down beside him. Souta remained oblivious to her presence, totally absorbed in winning defeating some monstrous foe on the TV screen.
"Hey, squirt. Where's Mom?" Kagome said, ruffling Souta's short brown locks with her hand.
Souta paused the game and put down his controller. Looking over at her with narrowed eyes, he spoke, "I thought I told you not to call me squirt."
Kagome grinned, "I'll call you whatever I want. What are you goin to do about it, squirt?"
Her younger brother launched himself at her. Despite her aching body, Kagome laughed as she wrestled with Souta. "You think you're so tough now, don't you?"
In truth, Souta was much stronger than he was two years ago and taller. However, Kagome had grown much stronger as well. Biking everyday and fending off enemies for two years in Sengoku Jidai had given her body amazing endurance and strength she did not even realize she had. Something her teacher, Sae Hakibi, commented on each day. The young teacher was quite sure that with the proper training Kagome could give even her a run for her money in a sparring match. After some squeals and more than enough laughter, Kagome had Souta pinned beneath her, tickling his ribs and reducing the cocky boy to a pile of giggling mush.
"It's no fair…" Souta cried out between bouts of laughter as he tried his best to escape his older sister's clutches, "You always manage to pin me down. If Inu Yasha were here, you wouldn't be able to do that."
Inu Yasha… At the mention of his name, a name she refused to speak aloud or think about that whole week, she felt pang of hurt and a little something else she did not want to mention. Kagome slowly stopped tickling her brother and helped him up, smoothing his ruffled hair.
Souta watched her wearily. For weeks he wondered why Kagome was still in the present and not with Inu Yasha. She looks so sad despite even though she's trying to hide it. I really wish she would tell me what's wrong. I wonder what happened to Inu Yasha. He usually is here causing a fuss when Kagome is away too long. Nowadays, especially during the time when Onee-chan was sick, I can't even mention his name without her clamming up. Souta gingerly placed his hand over Kagome's.
Kagome looked over at her
brother with sad brown eyes. She tried
to shake off her emotions, covering her sadness with a bright smile, "You never
did answer my question. Where did Mom
run off to?"
Souta watched her wearily, knowing her smile was as false as his grandpa's teeth. "She went to run some errands with jii-chan. Who knows when they are coming back." Souta paused and then decided in his head he would finally talk to Kagome about her troubles, "I know it's not any of my business really but… why aren't you in Sengoku Jidai with Inu Yasha? The mission can't be finished, can it?"
Kagome shook her head slowly. She was trying her best to stem the flood of emotions she suppressed for that whole week.
Souta rushed on, concern in his voice, "Well, why are you still here? I know Inu Yasha usually is storming into the house by now. And, when you came back you were really sick and passed out in our courtyard. I don't know how you managed to get past him being that ill. He notices stuff like that right away. I don't think he would let you go home alone. It just doesn't seem right to me."
She smiled sadly at her brother's concern. Souta… "It doesn't seem right does it…? I… I wish I could tell you all the things you want to know but, I don't understand myself." Her soft voice was filled with pain and sorrow.
Souta could only nod, not wanting to press her any further.
Kagome sighed and stood up, ruffling her brother's hair again as she did so. "Tell Mom I went to bed early." She walked away from her brother but then stopped. Looking over her shoulder, she called out to her brother, "And, Souta?"
Souta answered immediately, "Yea?" His face still had a worried expression.
This time Kagome showed her brother a genuine smile, "I appreciate you worrying about me. You're the best."
Souta smiled softly, "That's what brothers are supposed to do. Now stop with all the mushy stuff, okay?"
"Squirt…" Kagome laughed in reply and went up to her room.
The pang her chest did not subside although she managed to escape her brother's conversation. This past week, I have been so involved in everything that it was easy to forget my troubles… I want to forget again. I don't want to remember… not right now…
Kagome took a shower and dressed for bed. She collapsed into her bed but could not find refuge in dreamless slumber as she did so many nights before. Her mind was still racing and her thoughts were of Inu Yasha. Shifting for the millionth time, she tried to force her eyes to close and shut down her over active mind. She failed miserably. Instead, she lie awake staring out of the window into the cloudy night sky. The ache in her chest increased as her thoughts whirled on. I hate this… I hate being without him… I hate knowing that the moment I go back he will send me away. He doesn't need me anymore. I hate it all... I wish... that I could hate him too… and yet despite it all… I still love him… I wanted to forget everything… I wanted to pretend that he never existed… that I never fell through the well. This jewel… Kagome sat up gripping her necklace fiercely. The Shikon no Tama is the only thing he wants from me. Well, that bastard can have it… Then, I'll be normal… I won't have to ever see him again… I…
The shards of the Shikon no Tama began to pulse furiously with light, illuminating Kagome's hand and then her face when her hand opened. "What's going on?" She stared at the jewels feeling the power flowing through them. The glow pulsed faster and faster. "I don't understand… Why do they keep doing that? Could Naraku be near?" Kagome's heart lurched in alarm.
Opening her senses she searched desperately for the source of the jewel's irritation but found nothing. The jewels never ceased their mysterious glowing pulse, growing stronger and stronger. Kagome gasped in shock as the shards of the Shikon no Tama levitated to eye level and flashed brightly.
"
