Too big of a mouth for too little of a conscience
Chapter: Hanging premonitions

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Kagome came out of the well and into a very busy temple. Like it was typical of the festivities there were all kinds of volunteers. The place was filled with beautiful lamps of all colors; all kind of game booths and the smell of food from the stands were starting to take on the misty air of the evening.

And in the middle of the entire eventful place the God tree was standing tall and strong. Like a magnet it was calling Kagome to touch him.

"It's been a year ever since I met Inuyasha. Soon, after all of this is done, it'll be my birthday."

Kagome felt herself pulled into the memories the tree, this time and place, bring her.

Souta: Hey sis. Glad to see that you could make it.

There they were: Souta and her mother staring at her first in surprise but latter on in happiness.

Kagome: Sure, I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Mom: You didn't bring Inuyasha?

Kagome: No way. I won't even be able to stay the whole week. I just came for just tonight and maybe tomorrow.

Souta: What a pity. I wanted to play with brother Inuyasha.

Kagome: Knowing him he would be whimpering around and complaining about going back.

Kagome said half a laugh, half a fact, as she imagined Inuyasha in the festival with her and her family. Sure, it was a pleasant thought... if he were pleasant in this situation, but it was more than obvious that social skills was one of the few things Inuyasha was VERY lacking of. But hey a girl can dream, and dream was all that Kagome could do about him.

Mom: That's ok, but I would have liked for you to enjoy the full festival.

Kagome: Just because I'll be going doesn't mean I won't be able to help or have a good time with my family.

Her mother nodded slightly as she hugged her. Kind and calm like always, Kagome felt she had the greatest mother there is, after all how many mother would let her venture in the past with a half demon boy?
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Hikari: Finally home!

Hikari said running inside. The three grown ups smiled at the childish sight. The sweet happiness of the moment made K-chan to withdraw to her own world of wonderment.

"It's amazing how people change and grow when love is involved. I wouldn't even dream my life would be like this in the past, heck I didn't even dream. My life was so empty and meaning less until now. I'm so grateful to them for this."

Master: HEY! Stop daydreaming. If you keep that face up people will start to believe you're dead or just brain dead.

K: Better look brain dead than being brain dead, don't you think so you jerk?

Mom: Now, now, stop fighting!

Hikari: Uncle!

The three adults came into the house when they heard Hikari's voice. Inside of the house a man, younger than the other three adults was with Hikari hugging her. Also in company there were 2 girls and a woman in the living room.

The woman was an American with blonde hair and blue eyes, very different than his uncle who had black short hair, brown eyes and wore glasses. One of the girls had long black hair made into a braid and the other long blond hair, but both shared their mother's blue eyes.

"These are my uncle, aunt and cousins Natsuko, who has 13, and Fuyuko, who has 12. I'm very fond of Fuyuko even though she's a Goth-looking girl, and you can tell by her dark violet and bats kimono, and also she picks up weird stuff and has a good heart. Natsuko on the other hand I can't stand. She adores making my life miserable. I know she used to humiliate me when we were little brats, I say I know because I can't remember my past for some reason. –Sigh- Even now she puts up a nice girl act just so others think she's innocent when she does something to me. And she has to wear such a princess-like white kimono"

Mother: You came in time to take me.

Uncle: Hey sis. I would have come alone but the girls insisted on coming here and going with K-chan and Brother to the festival.

Mother: Yeah, that's right.

My mom started to put away the groceries sadly. Today was the day I would do my sword dance and she had to miss it. A month ago she was contracted to do a seminar about her job: which is veterinarian. My news came 2 weeks ago and so I said yes and when we came to realize that the dates were the same a week ago it was to late for either of us to change the date. It sucked big time.

Now my Uncle will take her while the rest of us enjoy the festival. I won't see my mom in three days, which means I'm stuck as referee of my dad and Godmother. Then again maybe her absence will make them sulk, as I know it will make me. I guess I am a mama's girl.

My Godmother takes a box of cookies and a bottle of milk and goes outside. Knowing her she wants some time to think. My dad helps my mom without a word to say. My dad knows what bugs her and there are no words to make her feel better. They've been trying to forget that but I guess reality a bitch that never goes away.

My uncle is talking on his cell phone to somebody, which I bet is from his work. He's nice and sweet, and so is his wife, but he's such a workaholic. It's funny I guess how genetics can fool since even though they're sweet people their offspring just came out half. But if I have to choose I like Fuyuko's half better, the nice heart kindness than Natsuko's plastic niceness.

As I thought this I notice Fuyuko stand up from the couch and come to me. I looked at her with curiosity as she gave me one of her serious stares. She had such a poker face that it was amazing, especially for a little kid. Doesn't she ever smile? Doesn't she get tired of being so serious? Is it ok if I tickle her?

Fuyuko: I must talk to you cousin. Can we go to your room for some privacy?

I nodded slightly to her. I guess whatever she got to tell me can't be more depressing to where I was. I find myself walking behind her remembering her words. I wonder what she has to tell me that she needs privacy. It's not like she's in love or something.

Wait—What if it is that! It can't be that! I mean she's so serious and so cold to others that aren't her family or me. And she's so young... still there are a lot of girl of her age or younger that start relationships. Oh My God! That's it! She wants to confess me that and I will have to react to it. Normally I wouldn't care but this is Fuyuko! I think I'll die as soon as she tells me that.

Fuyuko: You're incorrect dog.

Fuyuko said as she opened the door kicking all the thoughts I had gathered in my head. I started to laugh nervously as I couldn't help to feel a little scared. Did she read her mind? Can she really do that? The look that she gave her seems to be telling her that.

Fuyuko took a frame where there was a picture of me with Makoto. Hikari gave her a questioning look as she lightly touches the place while holding on the other hand the picture frame.

Hikari: What do you want to tell me?

Fuyuko: Do you believe in visions?

Hikari: I'm looking at you, aren't I?

Fuyuko: Cute.

Hikari: Yeah, I know I am.

Fuyuko: I'm not sure about that but you sure think Makoto is.

Hikari: -crimson- Shut up brat. What do you want to tell me anyway?

Fuyuko placed the frame back in its place and took her backpack.

Fuyuko: I had a premonition. It told me you should pack for a trip.

Hikari: Ok. You're going too deep into the occult you know that, right?

Fuyuko stared at her seriously. She liked Hikari but she was taking the matter as if it were some cheap joke.

Fuyuko: I hate to make myself clearer than I am. Here you have the backpack. Take a pair of clothing, the one you like the most, some food and essentials. Also some fishing equipment and a first aid kit, among other stuff.

She said as she started to fill my backpack. I couldn't help to chuckle as I remembered the last time I used this backpack. I was a member of the chipmunk scouts (no comments please) and what a disaster that was.

Fuyuko: This is the last time I warn you. We better prepare you for the future of the phoenix.

Hikari: Sure, what the heck! It won't hurt me to carry something like that. As long as you stop staring at me like that. It creeps me out.

I replied with a warm smile making Fuyuko turn away. She wasn't used to that kind of kindness even though she hanged with Makoto and me all the time. People are cruel to people different so she was always alone, alone but full of wisdom.

As I packed I saw my Godmother looking out to the limitless sky. Most likely wondering like she does about her life. And it's in that moment that I wish I could read her mind.

"K-chan, sis, Godmother. I wonder when I stop minding people calling me whatever they wanted. It seemed like yesterday when I shut my feelings and didn't let anybody close to me, now I'm shouting whatever comes to my mind and I'm happy for it. This is the true meaning of freedom, this is what I've been missing all my life. New place, new life. All the pain I've suffered in the past is worth it now that I see my future, because it's after all that that I've come to know the true meaning of life. Ha, how ironic indeed."

I laughed slightly as she watched the scenery of the backyard. It was a beautiful time, just perfect for the festival. It was a pity one of them would miss Hikari's dance but I would be sure to record it for her.

Mom: What's so funny K?

I turned to see my two best friends sitting down beside her.

K: Personal joke. Not worth mention.

Master: Just like everything you say, right?

K: Oh yeah well you can—

Mom: Don't say it K! There's a house full of people behind us.

I groaned at the sigh of his smug smile. He loved to take advantage of the ignorance of others.

Mom: It's funny how things change. Time passes and changes the hearts of people. Who could have said we would end here together eating sweets?

Master: I could have done with K though.

He said joking as he always does but unlike always his wife threw him a piece of cake to his face. Obviously he got pissed but that soon change when he saw the angry look on her face and her hand pointing to a slightly crying K.

Master: I was only joking K. You know I care about you, you were the first person to develop kind feelings for me, and truthfully I like you more now than before because you're looser now.

Mom: Don't pay attention to the jerk. I love you too K, as weird as it may sound considering our history. Actually remembering our complete history I never expected to be able to talk to you for over five minutes. But even though we started in the wrong foot you've become one of the best friends I could ask for.

K: I'm not sad, you silly idiots. I'm just happy with the way that you treat me. "K-chan" "Godmother" "Hey, sis" All of you treat me with a familiarity that even now it sinks to me. It almost seems that I've always been here, that we've always been here.

I said laughing upsetting my best male friend. It was obvious that he felt embarrassed that after what he just said it all seemed like a joke. Still his poker face didn't last long when me and wife started to poke his face looking for a smile.

"Good evening."

The three of us stared at a well-dressed Makoto. He seemed slightly embarrassed at how well groomed he was.

K: Hello handsome. Are you up for a date with Hikari?

Makoto: -crimson- Wha-wha-WHAT!

Master: -Madly twitching- My thoughts exactly.

Mom: Now, now, K's only kidding. Makoto and Hikari are almost like siblings.

K: So incest is best to place the family to a test?

Master: Don't kid like that!

He almost jumped me after saying such a thing. Must admit it's always fun to make him upset. I can't believe I never tried it before.

Mom: Hikari's inside Makoto. And so are Fuyuko and Natsuko, so maybe all of you can go together.

Makoto: Thanks Ma'am.

The boy said as he went in. We looked at him go and decided to say a while more on the balcony together. But after a while I couldn't help to notice him being distracted.

"This is my fault. If I had done as K said. If I had protected better my own daughter. Now she has to carry a burden that should be mine, and only mine. Everyone hides the secret and it has become into a lie to hide this from her."

K: Are you ok? You seem so serious.

Mom: Did you hear something?

Master: It's my fault things are the way it is.

He didn't have to say anything more; both of us understood all that he said in that line. Most likely the theme about Hikari's childhood had been said and now he was blaming himself like always.

Master: K, please take Hikari to the festival. I'll catch with you later; I need some time to think by myself first.

K: Sure.

Mom: Are you sure you'll be ok honey?

Master: Sure. And good luck in the seminar as soon as those two stop fighting.

Mom: Yes. Thank you darling.

And like that he went away from us into his own problems.