*___________*___________*___________*___________*__*
"Miss Higurashi?" A voice searched out. "Miss. Higurashi? Can you hear me miss?"
Kagome snapped out of her sad trance and looked towards the voice. In front of her stood a tall young man, about her age, with dark brown hair, laughing eyes, and a naïve demeanor to him. He seemed happy to have her acknowledgement.
"I'm Kagome Higurashi, sir. I am who you are looking for?" Kagome finally mumbled quietly adverting her eyes from his kind face.
"No need for formalities, Kagome! My name's Hojo and I am here to pick you up and take you home." The young man said happily.
Home. Kagome knew no home. Her father was dead, her life was gone, and now the sudden news of an unexpected guardian. Her mother! After all these years her mother actually still wanted to see her. Maybe it was for the best, maybe it wasn't. Either way Kagome was stuck with her mother for the rest of her life.
'She'll probably look me over once and lift her chin haughtily then say something like 'What an utterly disgraceful child. She surly isn't mine' and then I won't have to deal wit her much longer. Hopefully foster care is an option.' Kagome thought to herself as she pasted her face with her most sincere smile. Hojo frowned knowingly and placed a heavy hand on her fragile shoulder.
"Miss, may I suggest you not play happy with me? You have been through quite a bit and I know your being told to be strong and maintain appearances, but, sweetheart, I'd much prefer it if you dropped your fake smile and just cried. You deserve at least that much." Hojo exclaimed in a voice just above a whisper.
"Thank you, Hojo, was it?" Kagome paused until he affirmed her question then continued, "I suppose we should continue to my mother's house."
"Yes, I do suppose." Hojo replied in a mocking tone, the laughter returning to his eyes and causing Kagome to blush slightly and smile genuinely. __________*___________*_____________*____________*_____*
Kagome stirred slightly when she looked outside the car door window at a large metal gate blocking the car's way. Though there were trees in front of it Kagome could still see a large stone wall surrounding the property which was about 15 feet high but from their position outside the gate didn't allow one to assume how large around such a property was that it enclosed. It started on one side of the gate and ended on the other. As the gates suddenly clanged open Kagome was overwhelmed with a sense of eerie disdain. A long black pavement road led up two miles to a curve in the road only to continue in a round bend toward the left surrounded by trees for three more miles. Only when the car was about two miles away did Kagome finally catch sight of the house. And what a house it was. The house was twice the size of any normal mansion and gray and dark like some sort of thing from a horror movie. It almost reminded her of the house from the Haunting only bigger. It was best described as a darker version of the palace at Versailles.
"Is that her house?" Kagome asked more to herself than to Hojo.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. It ain't Sunny Manor is it? Your mom's got weird taste, but the house is more like an heirloom in her family. Your Dad probably would never let you live here." Hojo explained.
Kagome gasped at all the lawn space in front of the house that took up acres and was all open space of crisp, green, cut grass. The road to the house was lined with large oak trees and maples, each spread out evenly and giving the road an eerie disserted look. Another gate blocked the edge of the road and led into the rounded driveway, the gate connected to a stone wall that seemed to surround the whole houses perimeter snuggly, however Kagome couldn't tell because it led of into some woods within the inside of the outer stone walls were she assumed more close fitted property was.
It was obviously a large manor of sorts with its own riches and dark secrets. 'Great, this is just my kind of house!" Kagome thought sarcastically and snorted haughtily.
"Something' botherin' you, sweetheart?" Hojo inquired mischievously.
"What, no! And quite calling' me that, HOJO!" Kagome replied falling out of her sudden stupor of fright. 'Why do I get the feeling this isn't any ordinary family to be born into. Guess I'll just have to meet the freaky lady of the house they call my 'Mom' eventually'.
The gates opened and allowed entry to the some what tattered car. They slowly rounded the curve of the driveway allowing Kagome a better look at the massive house. There were at least fifty steps leading up to the two large, heavy front doors and thousands of windows, ranging in size, adorning the house. In one window Kagome was surprised to see a young boy of about 11 looking down at the car in a grave and unnatural way. His eyes never once left hers in that short period of time and seemed to be mirroring her exactly. He had brown eyes, just as her and that same dark black hair, but he seemed insipid and grave in his stance, almost ghostly.
"Who is that up there on the second floor window?" Kagome asked as she turned back to Hojo, just realizing the car had stopped.
"I don't see anyone up there, sweetheart, but you often see many-a- strange thing in this house. That's usually the first thing you learn." Hojo replied. Kagome turned back towards the house surprised to find the boy gone and gasped quickly then covered her mouth rapidly not wanting to fuel Hojo's impetuous personality and thought.
Seeing her startled eyes and concerned frown Hojo added, "Of course it was probably just Souta. He has a nasty little habit of doing freaky stuff like that. I guess being raised in a house like this only encourages such behavior."
"Sure." Kagome replied not taking her eyes off the once occupied window.
"Hojo, your late, you careless boy!" someone yelled from outside the car catching Kagome's eye. A frail graying woman approached the car after descending the steps as Hojo got out of the car and rounded it quickly.
Kagome opened the door to stand next to Hojo and was confronted by a pair of cold scrutinizing eyes. It was then Kagome got a truly clear look at the woman who'd yelled at Hojo. She was a tall woman and truly frail with wrinkles accenting her eyes, mouth and forehead. Her lips were thin and chapped with a light tint of pink, but they were turned down in a most unappealing frown. Her eyes were a dark blue with a tinge of brown lining the rims and her eyelashes were grouped together with a much darker shade of mascara. She wore a plain dress of deep blue with a high waist and a high neckline, but even that made her look almost elegant. Her salt and pepper hair was dressed upon her head in a high bun with not one piece unconfined within its grip. She looked to be about 50 or 60 years old, but when frowning she added 20 more years. It was her stance that displayed her pure confidence and sour demeanor.
The woman obviously disapproved of Kagome's presence.
"You must be Kagome Higurashi, correct?" the woman inquired stating more than asking it.
Kagome lifted her chin defiantly and raised her eye brows in speculation then answered with a solemn "yes."
"Well, I'm Mistress Amorinaki," the woman said noting Kagome's obvious defiance and added, "and I'm this manors house keeper. Your mother has looked to me to assure you have a pleasant entry into the house and introduction to all. I am to get you settled comfortably and explain the house rules and expectations."
"And between doing all this when do I see my mother, pray tell, Ma'am?" Kagome asked ever so quiet and polite like.
"I'm afraid not until tonight, my dear. You see, your mother is a very busy woman who hasn't the time for a child of such a stressful age. You have to understand she's always got something to accomplish and we mustn't disturb her for such a measly thing as this." Amorinaki replied tartly.
"Have you gone daft woman?! This is no simple occasion! This is Sakura's daughter. My grand daughter no less. I pay you to be humble and serving not over bearing and obnoxious." A voice yelled from behind the car. All eyes turned to bear on a hunched over old man dressed in ceremonial shrine clothing glaring daggers at the mistress.
Kagome's eyes widened at the realization of who this man was and spread further as he came up to her with wide arm and a toothy smile. "My little Kagome! It's me, grandpa."
"If I may sir, I don't believe she has any recollection of your existence. Perhaps this would be a most impromptu time to introduce ones self to an already hurting girl." Hojo provided as the man frowned at Kagome's reaction to his offer of a hug.
"As always you're butting in where it's not needed, boy. Why don't you do something inventive like getting Kagome's bags from the car and taking them into the foyer. Ring for Taki once your in there and he'll take her bags to her new room." Amorinaki commanded and was satisfied to see a quick reaction to her instructions by Hojo. Kagome was left with her would- be grandfather and the strenuous silence that came with such awkward moments.
'No sense being shy with this old man. He obviously holds the keys around here and isn't afraid to show it.'
"I don't really know if you think I'm gonna warm up to the idea of living here with you all, but I can see that you're not quite as threatened by the idea as most would seem. I do have to ask, however, why it is you all took me in after my father's accident?" Kagome finally asked.
"Always on the prowl, just like your old man, eh?" he answered with a wink then added less enthusiastically, "I'd much rather be inside to tell this than out her in this weather. It's such a cloudy day. Yet not a drop of rain."
'So easy going, and yet there's a weariness in his eyes' Kagome observed as she followed him up the wide stone stairs, tick oak doors, and into the grand foyer. There she was momentarily stunned by the white marble floors, high ceiling, and beautiful paintings. Though it was only the foyer it was lushly furnished with Victorian style furniture and grand colors of subtle yet bold avowal. This truly was a grand house. Not only was this room finely decorated and out together it was also the size of a small ballroom as well.
Upon entering the house Kagome was greeted with the bold stares of on looking servants wondering what the commotion was about and when they were going to meet their new mistress. So this was to be her new life. Was it al this eerie ghost like finery or more of a stuck up society type? One way or another Kagome wasn't looking forward to it.
"Miss Higurashi?" A voice searched out. "Miss. Higurashi? Can you hear me miss?"
Kagome snapped out of her sad trance and looked towards the voice. In front of her stood a tall young man, about her age, with dark brown hair, laughing eyes, and a naïve demeanor to him. He seemed happy to have her acknowledgement.
"I'm Kagome Higurashi, sir. I am who you are looking for?" Kagome finally mumbled quietly adverting her eyes from his kind face.
"No need for formalities, Kagome! My name's Hojo and I am here to pick you up and take you home." The young man said happily.
Home. Kagome knew no home. Her father was dead, her life was gone, and now the sudden news of an unexpected guardian. Her mother! After all these years her mother actually still wanted to see her. Maybe it was for the best, maybe it wasn't. Either way Kagome was stuck with her mother for the rest of her life.
'She'll probably look me over once and lift her chin haughtily then say something like 'What an utterly disgraceful child. She surly isn't mine' and then I won't have to deal wit her much longer. Hopefully foster care is an option.' Kagome thought to herself as she pasted her face with her most sincere smile. Hojo frowned knowingly and placed a heavy hand on her fragile shoulder.
"Miss, may I suggest you not play happy with me? You have been through quite a bit and I know your being told to be strong and maintain appearances, but, sweetheart, I'd much prefer it if you dropped your fake smile and just cried. You deserve at least that much." Hojo exclaimed in a voice just above a whisper.
"Thank you, Hojo, was it?" Kagome paused until he affirmed her question then continued, "I suppose we should continue to my mother's house."
"Yes, I do suppose." Hojo replied in a mocking tone, the laughter returning to his eyes and causing Kagome to blush slightly and smile genuinely. __________*___________*_____________*____________*_____*
Kagome stirred slightly when she looked outside the car door window at a large metal gate blocking the car's way. Though there were trees in front of it Kagome could still see a large stone wall surrounding the property which was about 15 feet high but from their position outside the gate didn't allow one to assume how large around such a property was that it enclosed. It started on one side of the gate and ended on the other. As the gates suddenly clanged open Kagome was overwhelmed with a sense of eerie disdain. A long black pavement road led up two miles to a curve in the road only to continue in a round bend toward the left surrounded by trees for three more miles. Only when the car was about two miles away did Kagome finally catch sight of the house. And what a house it was. The house was twice the size of any normal mansion and gray and dark like some sort of thing from a horror movie. It almost reminded her of the house from the Haunting only bigger. It was best described as a darker version of the palace at Versailles.
"Is that her house?" Kagome asked more to herself than to Hojo.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. It ain't Sunny Manor is it? Your mom's got weird taste, but the house is more like an heirloom in her family. Your Dad probably would never let you live here." Hojo explained.
Kagome gasped at all the lawn space in front of the house that took up acres and was all open space of crisp, green, cut grass. The road to the house was lined with large oak trees and maples, each spread out evenly and giving the road an eerie disserted look. Another gate blocked the edge of the road and led into the rounded driveway, the gate connected to a stone wall that seemed to surround the whole houses perimeter snuggly, however Kagome couldn't tell because it led of into some woods within the inside of the outer stone walls were she assumed more close fitted property was.
It was obviously a large manor of sorts with its own riches and dark secrets. 'Great, this is just my kind of house!" Kagome thought sarcastically and snorted haughtily.
"Something' botherin' you, sweetheart?" Hojo inquired mischievously.
"What, no! And quite calling' me that, HOJO!" Kagome replied falling out of her sudden stupor of fright. 'Why do I get the feeling this isn't any ordinary family to be born into. Guess I'll just have to meet the freaky lady of the house they call my 'Mom' eventually'.
The gates opened and allowed entry to the some what tattered car. They slowly rounded the curve of the driveway allowing Kagome a better look at the massive house. There were at least fifty steps leading up to the two large, heavy front doors and thousands of windows, ranging in size, adorning the house. In one window Kagome was surprised to see a young boy of about 11 looking down at the car in a grave and unnatural way. His eyes never once left hers in that short period of time and seemed to be mirroring her exactly. He had brown eyes, just as her and that same dark black hair, but he seemed insipid and grave in his stance, almost ghostly.
"Who is that up there on the second floor window?" Kagome asked as she turned back to Hojo, just realizing the car had stopped.
"I don't see anyone up there, sweetheart, but you often see many-a- strange thing in this house. That's usually the first thing you learn." Hojo replied. Kagome turned back towards the house surprised to find the boy gone and gasped quickly then covered her mouth rapidly not wanting to fuel Hojo's impetuous personality and thought.
Seeing her startled eyes and concerned frown Hojo added, "Of course it was probably just Souta. He has a nasty little habit of doing freaky stuff like that. I guess being raised in a house like this only encourages such behavior."
"Sure." Kagome replied not taking her eyes off the once occupied window.
"Hojo, your late, you careless boy!" someone yelled from outside the car catching Kagome's eye. A frail graying woman approached the car after descending the steps as Hojo got out of the car and rounded it quickly.
Kagome opened the door to stand next to Hojo and was confronted by a pair of cold scrutinizing eyes. It was then Kagome got a truly clear look at the woman who'd yelled at Hojo. She was a tall woman and truly frail with wrinkles accenting her eyes, mouth and forehead. Her lips were thin and chapped with a light tint of pink, but they were turned down in a most unappealing frown. Her eyes were a dark blue with a tinge of brown lining the rims and her eyelashes were grouped together with a much darker shade of mascara. She wore a plain dress of deep blue with a high waist and a high neckline, but even that made her look almost elegant. Her salt and pepper hair was dressed upon her head in a high bun with not one piece unconfined within its grip. She looked to be about 50 or 60 years old, but when frowning she added 20 more years. It was her stance that displayed her pure confidence and sour demeanor.
The woman obviously disapproved of Kagome's presence.
"You must be Kagome Higurashi, correct?" the woman inquired stating more than asking it.
Kagome lifted her chin defiantly and raised her eye brows in speculation then answered with a solemn "yes."
"Well, I'm Mistress Amorinaki," the woman said noting Kagome's obvious defiance and added, "and I'm this manors house keeper. Your mother has looked to me to assure you have a pleasant entry into the house and introduction to all. I am to get you settled comfortably and explain the house rules and expectations."
"And between doing all this when do I see my mother, pray tell, Ma'am?" Kagome asked ever so quiet and polite like.
"I'm afraid not until tonight, my dear. You see, your mother is a very busy woman who hasn't the time for a child of such a stressful age. You have to understand she's always got something to accomplish and we mustn't disturb her for such a measly thing as this." Amorinaki replied tartly.
"Have you gone daft woman?! This is no simple occasion! This is Sakura's daughter. My grand daughter no less. I pay you to be humble and serving not over bearing and obnoxious." A voice yelled from behind the car. All eyes turned to bear on a hunched over old man dressed in ceremonial shrine clothing glaring daggers at the mistress.
Kagome's eyes widened at the realization of who this man was and spread further as he came up to her with wide arm and a toothy smile. "My little Kagome! It's me, grandpa."
"If I may sir, I don't believe she has any recollection of your existence. Perhaps this would be a most impromptu time to introduce ones self to an already hurting girl." Hojo provided as the man frowned at Kagome's reaction to his offer of a hug.
"As always you're butting in where it's not needed, boy. Why don't you do something inventive like getting Kagome's bags from the car and taking them into the foyer. Ring for Taki once your in there and he'll take her bags to her new room." Amorinaki commanded and was satisfied to see a quick reaction to her instructions by Hojo. Kagome was left with her would- be grandfather and the strenuous silence that came with such awkward moments.
'No sense being shy with this old man. He obviously holds the keys around here and isn't afraid to show it.'
"I don't really know if you think I'm gonna warm up to the idea of living here with you all, but I can see that you're not quite as threatened by the idea as most would seem. I do have to ask, however, why it is you all took me in after my father's accident?" Kagome finally asked.
"Always on the prowl, just like your old man, eh?" he answered with a wink then added less enthusiastically, "I'd much rather be inside to tell this than out her in this weather. It's such a cloudy day. Yet not a drop of rain."
'So easy going, and yet there's a weariness in his eyes' Kagome observed as she followed him up the wide stone stairs, tick oak doors, and into the grand foyer. There she was momentarily stunned by the white marble floors, high ceiling, and beautiful paintings. Though it was only the foyer it was lushly furnished with Victorian style furniture and grand colors of subtle yet bold avowal. This truly was a grand house. Not only was this room finely decorated and out together it was also the size of a small ballroom as well.
Upon entering the house Kagome was greeted with the bold stares of on looking servants wondering what the commotion was about and when they were going to meet their new mistress. So this was to be her new life. Was it al this eerie ghost like finery or more of a stuck up society type? One way or another Kagome wasn't looking forward to it.