Innocent Resentment
"The feelings of those with stolen light"

Chapter 13 - TheBlooms of Sin

"So..." Hojo spoke slowly and Kagome fidgeted under the scrutiny of her three friends and Ayumi's boyfriend. "The same bear that attacked Ayumi and me had babies and...they attacked you an Eri?"

Kagome laughed nervously. "Um...yea." Maybe she'd over worked the bear story a little bit but she couldn't come up with anything else.

"Wow, what rotten luck." Ayumi said worriedly. "They really should keep better containment on wild animals. At least you and Eri weren't hurt to badly."

Kagome glanced towards Eri who stood clustered around her. Like Ayumi her friend bore no memory of what had happened, or even of the last few days. Kagome was relieved but disappointed at the same time, she would have liked to figure out what Discord had done to manipulate Eri is such a manner.

"I think we should get home then. Since it's still on the loose and everything." Hojo said, with a worried note in his voice, drawing Ayumi closer to her. She blushed and gave him a shy smile.

Kagome contained a grin of her own at the sight of them, happy expression faltering a bit as her friends started to disperse. She wanted to talk to Yuka, to try and reassure her before Discord got to her but she knew she should talk Eri as well. For a moment she hovered, alone now, then finally turned and dashed after her friend.

"Eri, wait up!"

She halted, turning back slightly and frowned a bit. "What's wrong, Kagome?"

"I just...wanted to talk you know. What with everyone else getting boyfriends and all..." she prodded, hoping desperately.

"But what about that tough-guy."

"We'll he isn't really all that tough. He's actually sort of an idiot. Besides he's got this other girl he's in love with and she prettier then me and stronger then me."

"You really shouldn't be with a guy like that Kagome. If he's two timing you."

"It's kinda complicated." Kagome shook her head, now was not the time to start her own mulling over Inuyasha and Kikyo. "But just because she's those things doesn't mean I'm not special and important too. And you're special too, Eri. I don't know what I would do without you as my friend."

Eri flashed a smile. "Thanks, Kagome. I'll see you in school tomorrow."

Kagome nodded, watching Eri disappear down the street then sighed her relief. She felt the prick of eyes on her and she swung around just in time to see Yuka turn away and vanish around the corner. Kagome called after her, managing to reach the end of the block but Yuka was gone already. Kagome lifted fingers to her lips worriedly. Had she missed her chance to talk to Yuka?

No, she'd see her tomorrow. And then she'd be able to sort out anything that might be wrong. Or at least, that's what she hoped.

What she needed to do was to get Inuyasha. If Strife and Discord were demons, especially if they were incarnations of Naraku then she needed his help. Kagome hesitated a moment more then turned in the direction of her own house.

"Another failure." Strife acknowledge in a monotone voice. Next to him, Discord shifted uncomfortably on the ledge of the school roof, as if his words unnerved her.

"It was the girl's fault. Jealousy is easily alleviated when is misplaced." She lifted a hand, waving it dismissively. "All she wanted was to be just as special as everyone else is. To feel she could shine just as brightly as everyone else could."

"I suppose she's unusable now as well."

"Yes."

Her words were spoken as Yuka appeared about the corner, hesitating on the side of the street a hand clasped to her chest. She wore an expression of annoyance and injury and for a moment she stared behind her as a voice echoed her name. Then suddenly she whirled and continued her brisk pace down the sidewalk.

Discord stretched like a lazy cat, lips curling into a Cheshire grin as her cold eyes followed the girl's progression.

"But there's still another resentment to harvest."