Innocent Resentment
"The feelings of those with stolen light"

Chapter 3 - Lust: Blacker Shade of Pure

"I don't like the sound of that guy." Yuka commented for the fourth time that evening as we walked back from Kagome's house.

We'd spent hours studying with Kagome, trying to catch her up on all the work she'd missed during her illnesses. Or at least I'd been trying to help her study. Yuka and Eri spent time continuing their questioning about Kagome's mystery man. Part of me wanted to know about him, wanted to know about this stranger who could possibly steel Kagome away and keep her from Hojo.

"Well at least she told us she'd get in a week of school no matter what." Eri replied. "Hopefully we can get her back on track in that time."

"That's right." Yuka agreed. "On track towards Hojo. The man of her dreams."

Eri sighed dreamily. "And all we have to do is get her away from this bad boy guy."

I spoke without thinking. "Is it really any of our business though?"

Both Eri and Yuka turned accusing eyes on me and we stopped walking. Yuka set hands on her hips while Eri's expression was almost confused as she regarded me.

"What are you saying Ayumi?" Yuka questioned. "Of course it's our business. Do you want Kagome to have her life destroyed by some violent psycho?"

"Of course not!" And I didn't I really didn't. But I….but I…

But what?

"Honestly Ayumi." Yuka went on when she realize I had no more to say. "What are you thinking?"

I shook my head, felt the tears that pricked the back of my eyelids. Kagome again. All they were fascinated about. I don't want her to get hurt. I want her to be happy. She's my friend. And he… I want them both to be happy don't I? And if that means them being together that's what I want isn't it?

"Maybe you should go home Ayumi." Eri suggested gently and I looked up at her. Her face was guarded and wary but held sympathy. "You've been out of it all day."

"Yea." Yuka added. "Maybe tomorrow you'll be back to normal and ready to help us keep Kagome from destroying her future." She threw me a look before turning and walked down the block with Eri, leaving my standing on the corner.

Abandoned. Somehow…. somehow Kagome had gotten my cut off and she wasn't even here.

No! It wasn't her fault. It was my own. For letting my worst feelings take control of what I said. Eri and Yuka were right. A sigh escaped me without my meaning to release it.

"I guess it did sound pretty cold."

"Why should you be the one faulted for voicing what you really feel?" A voice nearby purred, tone soft and curious.

I gasped in surprised and turned to meet the cool blue eyes of a girl near by. She was leaned against the street lamp with her arms folded. My breath caught. She was so pretty she couldn't be real. And angel? Jealousy pricked me as a soft wind picked up and stirred the girl's short flaxen blonde locks, tresses caressing skin that illuminated and shone under the light of the street lamp. A smile lit her flawless features. And she stepped forward.

"Your name's Ayumi isn't it?"

"Yes. How do you know?" Before I noticed for the first time that she was wearing the same uniform as I was. "Oh. You go to my school." But…I'd never seen her anywhere and she'd be impossible to miss. A warning went off in the back of my mind but every time I tried to focus my thoughts on what was wrong it eluded me. The girl smiled again.

"My name's Yoku." She laughed softly "Niku Yoku."

"Oh. Well…" The strong desire to escape stuck me as the girl took another step forward, bringing her closer. "I have to get home now. It was nice meeting you."

Yoku eyed me silent for a long moment and I felt my blood chill. Then as suddenly as it appeared the strange look in the pretty girl's blue eyes was gone and she smiled again, nodding her head lightly, making the short blonde locks slip over her forehead again.

"I'll see you later then."

I nodded but said nothing, turning the corner quickly, her pace not quiet a run but faster then a walk. She glanced back once to find the girl still there watching her and her blood chilled once more. Why was she watching me? Just who was she. Niku Yoku, what a strange name. I shivered and let my brisk walks slip into a full run. I had to get home. I wanted to get home.

I felt so broken.

"Well?" Strife moved from his hiding spot within the shadows and looked towards his sister. His serene face wasn't even broken b curiosity though it was obvious in his voice. Silver light glittered of the pale strands of his hair as the lunar orb rose overhead. Strife's long eyelashes lowered over his emerald eyes as he watched her.

Discord sighed dreamily, almost romantically. "It was wonderful. All that turmoil, even sweeter with the purity of it all. Oh, Strife." She stepped into her brother's waiting arms and hide her face and tears ran down her cheeks, salty drops clinging to her smiling lips. "It isn't fair. I don't want her to have all that purity. I want it. Let's take it from her. Please big brother?"

"Of course." He conceded lightly, inclining his head and laid a comforting hand on Discord's head. "You'd better not loose her."

"She hasn't gone far." Discord murmured with quiet delight. "She'd be wonderful with a scythe. Naraku said we could use what ever we wanted. A scythe for her."

"Alright." He looked down at her with that same stone expression. "Are you sure you can get her. I don't want you to be disappointed Discord."

"I can. There's so much there, poor little heart. I just have to make her go deeper into it all." Discord tipped her head to the side thoughtfully then smiled and pulled back away from her brother. "Let's go. Naraku's so impatient."

"Do you know where the girl lives?"

"Not too far. It can't be too far. Her window will be unlocked." And they faded into the darkness.