Disclaimer: Do I *really* have to keep doing this? I suppose I do. I
own nothing, never have, never will.
Title: Underneath Her Mask
A/N: I have good news and bad news. The bad news was that this chapter didn't get out until now. I had wanted to get it done last Monday. The good news is that this was *much* longer than I had originally thought it would be! Hooray for me! Hope you enjoy! (Just a little warning: the beginning isn't so great, but stick it out, because it gets better)
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Chapter 4: A New Beginning
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~August 28th~ 9:30 pm~
Kagome stared in awe, for what she thought must have been the billionth time that day, at her new apartment.
The kitchen was astounding with its sheer magnitude. The bathroom was huge. Her bed was queen sized and the only word to describe its comfort was. heavenly. To her own surprise the apartment even had its own study; a desk and computer were only seconds away from being at her disposal. And every wall was painted a magnificent baby blue.
But her favorite room would have to be the living room, where she currently sat. A large TV promised the watching of many chick flick films. The couch was so soft, Kagome concluded, as her body sank down into its cushions. A coffee table sat low to the ground, and finally there was the marble fireplace. Wood was stashed away in a brass container, located in the corner of the room, out of direct view. She was content just to watch the flames flicker. Red, orange and yellow all came together to create her own personal light show.
Kagome had never felt as happy as she did now. At this point she felt her skin was the only think keeping her from going everywhere at once. Her body hummed with anticipation, and excitement. This was big step in her life. 'The start of a new beginning' she thought.
In her lap sat her mother's antique box in all its wonderment and glory. Today was the day she would open it and find out her mother's forgotten secrets. She traced the designs of flower along the edges, like she had done so many times before. Gingerly, she lifted the top, causing the golden hinges to creak.
A picture was the first thing she saw. Kagome noticed nothing else as she carefully picked it up, making sure not to create finger prints on its reflective surface. The photo was black and white, and was of a girl about 16 years old. Her long hair flowed all around her, and her whole face was smiling brightly at the camera while she sat in a park, her knees were pulled up against her chest and being cradled by her arms. 'My mother' Her heart began to ache as she experienced a hollow feeling like never before.
She didn't know how long she had been sitting there, studying every feature of her mother's. It could have been an eternity, but to Kagome it would only seem like a few seconds. She delicately placed a feather light touch on the photo, outlining every inch of her mother's beauty.
Kagome had never caught a glimpse of her mother before now, but she had always been told *him*, that Kagome's mom was like no other. She had been perfect in every way and no one could compare with her angel like magnificence. The only thing Kagome didn't realize, was how much she looked like her mother.
Finally she put the picture down on the table next to her after she knew it like the back of her hand. But what had been underneath made her stare in utter shock. Money. A whole lot of it. 'What could this mean?' she asked herself. The green bills varied from 1's to 100's, and mixed in the sea of green was a white sheet of paper. Kagome plucked it out and found that it was a note, well more of a diary entry really. The edges were starting to curl, and the page was starting to take on a yellowish hue.
~Korrin's Diary Entry~
I am pregnant, and I can't help feeling lost and afraid, mostly for my unborn child. I know my husband cares for me.on some level at least. But as my stomach grows, I can only help but wonder 'what will she grow up like, in an environment such as this?' The other day I watched as my so called husband struck a servant. She was only a child, and her name was Kyiata. She cowered in fear, not wanting to be hit again, and I imagined that it was my *own* little girl a few years from now. After *he* left, we sat on the floor and I cradled her in my arms as she cried. 'Is this what my daughter will have to suffer through?' I thought. I couldn't let it happen. Not to my baby.
So I plan on running away. Taking my child and getting as far away from here as possible. I'm too terrified to tell anyone because I fear that he will somehow find a way to get me back. The only one that knows about my husband's behavior is Kaede anyway, but I couldn't put her in harms way. So for now, all I can do is save up, little by little, until my little girl is born so that she and I can run off into the night, and hopefully never come back.
Korrin
~End of Diary Entry~
Kagome reread it, only to reread it again. 'She tried to save me' she thought clutching the letter to her chest, careful not to crinkle the paper. Her eyes were closed in an effort to keep away the tears that threatened to manifest themselves. If she was not cautious, the dam that she had worked so hard to create would fall, letting everything she held inside, out, making her vulnerable once again.
Her arm began to throb in its cast. 'Ah yes. How could I forget the parting gift from her *dear* *sweet* father?' she thought bitterly. Her eyes began to scan her new home for the pills that were suppose to ease the pain brought on by her broken limb. Her eyes came to rest on the kitchen cupboard where it sat. Reluctantly she got off of the couch, bringing the box with her, to retrieve the bottle. While trying to focus on something other than the now incessant uncomfortable feeling, and the thoughts brought on by the diary entry.
On her way, Kagome started to absently think about the Dr. that treated every one her 'health problems' or so they were called. Dr. Samuel L. Bennett was his name. One observing Kagome's situation may ask, 'Would the doctor not notice something was wrong when they see how many times she had to be taken to the emergency room? Or had to be treated for 34 broken bones over the past *11 years*?'
The answer to that question was the fact that Dr. Bennett was *paid* to look the other way. Kagome, surprising, didn't harbor any ill will toward the man but, in truth, pitied him. He was so easily manipulated, almost effortlessly controlled by those with more power. The combination of his greed for money and fear of those with power was too great of a force to defeat.
She didn't blame him for being afraid, anyone in their right mind would be. Her father had the power to destroy your life, and even take it is he so chose, all done with a simple snap of his fingers. Kagome found it absolutely disgusting how much influence he possessed over others.
Before she knew it, she was already in her bedroom, with the painkillers and her mother's box, in hand, as well as she could with only one capable arm. She set down the box on her nightstand and moved to open the bottle. Being a prescription drug, it had a childproof seal. 'How in the *hell* am I suppose to get this open with *one* arm?!' she asked herself irritably. She sat on the bed, and held the bottle in between her knees as she lined up the arrows, and popped off the top, almost spilling the entire thing upon her bed. After downing two pills with the glass of water, she placed the glass of water on her nightstand along side the bottle of painkillers, and her mother's box.
Just as her head hit the pillow, the thoughts she had tried so hard to keep from coming, advanced in full force. Her head began to hurt with the rapid thoughts that came rushing forth. Turning out the lamp, she closed her eyes as the medication began to take effect. She was for once, thankful for the pain killer's side effect, drowsiness, because she highly doubted that she could get to sleep any other way.
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~August 29th~
Kagome strolled down the Tokyo streets, intent on educating herself about the city where she would be spending the majority of the next four years of her life. At the moment she was heading to see Inu Tashio's company.
She studied everything in silent admiration as she sauntered down the sidewalk. People bustled along, going every which way, apparently rushing to wherever it was that they needed to be. Mothers were chasing their children, couples held hands, an endless supply of vendors, sat wishing for someone to stop and buy one of their delectables.
A gentle rumbling caught her attention and she quickly placed a hand on her stomach. She hadn't been aware that she was so hungry. Muttering an 'excuse me' to those people nearby who gave her funny looks, she quickened her pace to find food as fast as possible, with a rosy blush adorning her cheeks.
It wasn't long before Kaogme came upon a small restaurant called 'Ramen". She stood hesitantly in front of the door, debating whether or not she should go in, or wait for something better to come along. It didn't look like anything special, quaint in a way. But when a plethora of smells managed to waft their way to her nose, Kagome's mind was made up. She entered the restaurant, noting how a tiny bell atop of the door announced her arrival.
If she thought the smells outside of the restaurant were good, they were nothing compared to the aroma she was experiencing now. Kagome closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, drawing in the delicious smell of hot broth and seasonings. So entranced with the scent around her, Kagome hadn't noticed the little boy, wearing an overly large apron, grinning up at her.
Slowly she opened her eyes, and there he was smirking, while his green eyes sparkled. His hair was a blazing red, and an unfortunate hair tie had the displeasure of trying to tame his unruly mane. He radiated of childlike innocence along mischievousness, like many other young boys.
Giving him a sheepish smile she introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Kagome."
Suddenly the little boy became very shy. "I'm Shippo. Follow me please," he said quickly, remembering she was here to eat. He led her over to a table near a window. The table itself was not much more than a foot off the ground, but being in Tokyo, or any other Asian country, that wasn't uncommon. She knelt to her knees and watched the little boy as he fumbled with a notepad and pen. "What would you like today?" he asked the practiced line. She scanned the menu, only to find out that the only thing they served *was* Ramen, besides refreshments of course.
I'll have beef Ramen." She said handing him the menu after he jotted down her order. When he scampered off she was left alone with her thoughts. Naturally they drifted back to the box. and its contents. There had been over 15 hundred dollars in her mother's box. All of it had been saved in hopes that they would be able to successfully escape her father. *Now* she had a new cause for the money her mother had scrimped and saved.
Kagome had found one flaw in her mother's plan. He would have always been able to find them, wherever they might go. She would know. because she had tried. Granted she was 9 at the time, but she still saw what lengths her father went to, just to drag her back to her own version of hell. Although her mother was more organized, Kagome didn't doubt for a second that her father's efforts would have been doubled to bring back the one he loved.
Going off to a distant college was more freedom than she could have previously hoped for, but now she wanted more. Kagome wanted to completely escape her father's clutches once and for all. To *live*. That was what it basically boiled down to. She wanted to live the life, she hadn't been given a chance to. Kagome planned to live each day away from Onigumo as if it's her last, because she didn't know when her father would try and force her back into the cage he had kept her in for so many years.
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the 4 foot boy heading her way with a, filled to the brim, bowl of soup. Walking slowly but steadily, Shippo was careful not to spill a drop.
He set the Ramen in front of her and blushed as she thanked him. He stood, nervously fidgeting for a moment, as Kagome brought the bowl to her mouth, sipping the almost scorching broth cautiously. Hesitantly he knelt beside her.
Putting down the bowl, she glanced at him curiously, "Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked, slightly tilting her head to one side.
Shippo's eyes drifted to the cast she wore on her left hand. "Did you break you arm?" he asked, his curiosity outweighing the nervousness he felt about being rude.
"Yeah, I did. It hurt a whole lot," Kagome answered with a sad sort of smile.
"Did you cry?" Shippo asked, already nodding understandably. "I cry sometimes when I get hurt." A split second after the words slipped out of his mouth, his jaw dropped open and the only way to describe the look he gave her was horror stricken. He couldn't believed that he had told this near *stranger* that he still did something that was, in his opinion, so babyish. He closed his eyes, and waited silently for the onslaught of insults.
When a comforting had been placed on his shoulder, Shippo couldn't resist peeking at the girl who should have been making fun of him by now.
"It's okay if you cry, you know," Kagome confided in him, though not paying attention to the fact that she failed to listen to her own advice.
"Who said I cry? I was just trying to make *you* feel better." He said puffing out his chest indignantly. Kagome had to stifle the giggle that almost crept out, and decided she would humor him.
"Well thank you. That was a very nice thing you did," she said, "for me."
"Yeah, for you." Kagome couldn't tell whether he was trying to convince her or himself. "Your welcome." She noticed his eyes falling upon her arm once again. "How did you break it?" He looked at her with such innocence. His bright eyes wide with simple curiosity, not a single undertone emotion. She couldn't lie to him.
"My daddy isn't a very nice man," Kagome spoke softly. "He got angry and he broke it." No details. Details would only serve as one more step towards reality for the little boy. Reality had come too soon for her; she didn't want Shippo to have to endure the same fate.
"Why is he so mean?" he looked positively crushed. The girl in front of him seemed so nice. He couldn't understand why anyone would want to hurt her.
"He was very sad when my mom died and I remind him of her." His face was crestfallen. 'Maybe I shouldn't have told him,' Kagome thought, though she highly doubted she would have been able to refuse to answer him, or worse lie. She desperately tried to think of a way to return that bright smile to his face, when an idea popped into her head.
"Would you like to sign my cast?" she asked breaking the silence that had fallen. His eyes began to gleam once again as he grinned, completely forgetting about the earlier, more depressing mood. He nodded enthusiastically
"I'll be right back," Shippo said excitedly, almost tripping on his overly long apron as he ran off.
Before Kagome even had a chance to gather hit wits, Shippo was already back with a black permanent marker in hand. In only a few moments more, the name 'Shippo' was spelled, somewhat sloppily, out onto her arm's casing.
"See?" She smirked, pointing to the spot on her arm where he signed, "Now wherever I go I will be reminded of you." All Shippo could do was blush once again.
When Kagome finally left, she had to promise profusely that she would visit often, before he would let her leave.
Now that hunger was no longer a distraction, Kagome walked around until she found herself in front of the massive building she had been looking for. The building itself was grand, as it shone 'Shikon Company' in gold lettering. 'Amazing' was the only coherent thought Kagome possessed as she gazed up at the place she would be working at, for the next four years. if she was lucky. It radiated success among other things and once again Kagome found herself wondering how her father had managed to survive against the colossal force that was Inu Tashio's company.
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~Sesshoumaru's Office~
Sesshoumaru sat in his swivel chair, looking out at downtown Tokyo through his window, when a familiar face caught his eye. 'What is she doing here?!' he asked annoyed. He studied her, waiting for any indication of what she was planning next. She stood perfectly still, just gazing up at the building, appearing indifferent. He couldn't help but notice that even when she thought no one was watching, her face still held its mask.
His curiosity grew when he saw the cast around her arm. 'What happened?' he wondered, slightly perturbed. 'Wait, why should I care?!' He glared at her through the window, even though he was very aware that she couldn't see him. Just as he was about to turn back to his work she started to walk away.
He was so confused. Sesshoumaru *hated* to be confused. Fortunately there were very seldom times that he actually was, but lately every time Kagome Higurashi comes around, everything seems to turn upside down. 'This can't be good.'
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A/N: Hey everybody! Sorry, I think the beginning and ending kind of sucked. What about you? First I want to thank everyone who reviewed and I also have a couple of Honorable mentions to give. Also, I was thinking that if this was like a book and *I* was reading it I would have to read it a second time to get all the little subtle stuff, you know? Like certain foreshadowing stuff. Well, I don't think that everyone will want to read it a second time, just to pick up some more stuff about the story, so I was thinking I could set up a little guideline type thing, where I would tell you what you should notice about the chapter. What do you think? ----- Now that that's finished I would like to thank each and every one of you that reviewed, and I am very happy to say that there are a lot of people I remember hearing from before! Plus I now currently have *over* 50 REVEIWS! Thank you all so much! Now time for the Honorable Mentions!
The first Honorable mention goes to. .:`Crimson~`:.! For correctly guessing one of the item in box! And Also for guessing one of the highpoints of this chapter!
And the next Honorable Mention goes to. InvisibleRain! For unintentionally guessing what one of the highlights of this chapter was going to be about!
The final one goes too. SilverSpun! Who had a very creative guess of unleashing hell like Pandora's Box!
P.S. For those of you that read my other story, The Way She Smiles, it should be updated by Wednesday!
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.:`~Crimson~`:. You R so sweet! Thank you so much. It really means a lot to me that you like my story! ::blushes::
chocolategummybearofdoom: Good to hear from you again!
Title: Underneath Her Mask
A/N: I have good news and bad news. The bad news was that this chapter didn't get out until now. I had wanted to get it done last Monday. The good news is that this was *much* longer than I had originally thought it would be! Hooray for me! Hope you enjoy! (Just a little warning: the beginning isn't so great, but stick it out, because it gets better)
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Chapter 4: A New Beginning
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~August 28th~ 9:30 pm~
Kagome stared in awe, for what she thought must have been the billionth time that day, at her new apartment.
The kitchen was astounding with its sheer magnitude. The bathroom was huge. Her bed was queen sized and the only word to describe its comfort was. heavenly. To her own surprise the apartment even had its own study; a desk and computer were only seconds away from being at her disposal. And every wall was painted a magnificent baby blue.
But her favorite room would have to be the living room, where she currently sat. A large TV promised the watching of many chick flick films. The couch was so soft, Kagome concluded, as her body sank down into its cushions. A coffee table sat low to the ground, and finally there was the marble fireplace. Wood was stashed away in a brass container, located in the corner of the room, out of direct view. She was content just to watch the flames flicker. Red, orange and yellow all came together to create her own personal light show.
Kagome had never felt as happy as she did now. At this point she felt her skin was the only think keeping her from going everywhere at once. Her body hummed with anticipation, and excitement. This was big step in her life. 'The start of a new beginning' she thought.
In her lap sat her mother's antique box in all its wonderment and glory. Today was the day she would open it and find out her mother's forgotten secrets. She traced the designs of flower along the edges, like she had done so many times before. Gingerly, she lifted the top, causing the golden hinges to creak.
A picture was the first thing she saw. Kagome noticed nothing else as she carefully picked it up, making sure not to create finger prints on its reflective surface. The photo was black and white, and was of a girl about 16 years old. Her long hair flowed all around her, and her whole face was smiling brightly at the camera while she sat in a park, her knees were pulled up against her chest and being cradled by her arms. 'My mother' Her heart began to ache as she experienced a hollow feeling like never before.
She didn't know how long she had been sitting there, studying every feature of her mother's. It could have been an eternity, but to Kagome it would only seem like a few seconds. She delicately placed a feather light touch on the photo, outlining every inch of her mother's beauty.
Kagome had never caught a glimpse of her mother before now, but she had always been told *him*, that Kagome's mom was like no other. She had been perfect in every way and no one could compare with her angel like magnificence. The only thing Kagome didn't realize, was how much she looked like her mother.
Finally she put the picture down on the table next to her after she knew it like the back of her hand. But what had been underneath made her stare in utter shock. Money. A whole lot of it. 'What could this mean?' she asked herself. The green bills varied from 1's to 100's, and mixed in the sea of green was a white sheet of paper. Kagome plucked it out and found that it was a note, well more of a diary entry really. The edges were starting to curl, and the page was starting to take on a yellowish hue.
~Korrin's Diary Entry~
I am pregnant, and I can't help feeling lost and afraid, mostly for my unborn child. I know my husband cares for me.on some level at least. But as my stomach grows, I can only help but wonder 'what will she grow up like, in an environment such as this?' The other day I watched as my so called husband struck a servant. She was only a child, and her name was Kyiata. She cowered in fear, not wanting to be hit again, and I imagined that it was my *own* little girl a few years from now. After *he* left, we sat on the floor and I cradled her in my arms as she cried. 'Is this what my daughter will have to suffer through?' I thought. I couldn't let it happen. Not to my baby.
So I plan on running away. Taking my child and getting as far away from here as possible. I'm too terrified to tell anyone because I fear that he will somehow find a way to get me back. The only one that knows about my husband's behavior is Kaede anyway, but I couldn't put her in harms way. So for now, all I can do is save up, little by little, until my little girl is born so that she and I can run off into the night, and hopefully never come back.
Korrin
~End of Diary Entry~
Kagome reread it, only to reread it again. 'She tried to save me' she thought clutching the letter to her chest, careful not to crinkle the paper. Her eyes were closed in an effort to keep away the tears that threatened to manifest themselves. If she was not cautious, the dam that she had worked so hard to create would fall, letting everything she held inside, out, making her vulnerable once again.
Her arm began to throb in its cast. 'Ah yes. How could I forget the parting gift from her *dear* *sweet* father?' she thought bitterly. Her eyes began to scan her new home for the pills that were suppose to ease the pain brought on by her broken limb. Her eyes came to rest on the kitchen cupboard where it sat. Reluctantly she got off of the couch, bringing the box with her, to retrieve the bottle. While trying to focus on something other than the now incessant uncomfortable feeling, and the thoughts brought on by the diary entry.
On her way, Kagome started to absently think about the Dr. that treated every one her 'health problems' or so they were called. Dr. Samuel L. Bennett was his name. One observing Kagome's situation may ask, 'Would the doctor not notice something was wrong when they see how many times she had to be taken to the emergency room? Or had to be treated for 34 broken bones over the past *11 years*?'
The answer to that question was the fact that Dr. Bennett was *paid* to look the other way. Kagome, surprising, didn't harbor any ill will toward the man but, in truth, pitied him. He was so easily manipulated, almost effortlessly controlled by those with more power. The combination of his greed for money and fear of those with power was too great of a force to defeat.
She didn't blame him for being afraid, anyone in their right mind would be. Her father had the power to destroy your life, and even take it is he so chose, all done with a simple snap of his fingers. Kagome found it absolutely disgusting how much influence he possessed over others.
Before she knew it, she was already in her bedroom, with the painkillers and her mother's box, in hand, as well as she could with only one capable arm. She set down the box on her nightstand and moved to open the bottle. Being a prescription drug, it had a childproof seal. 'How in the *hell* am I suppose to get this open with *one* arm?!' she asked herself irritably. She sat on the bed, and held the bottle in between her knees as she lined up the arrows, and popped off the top, almost spilling the entire thing upon her bed. After downing two pills with the glass of water, she placed the glass of water on her nightstand along side the bottle of painkillers, and her mother's box.
Just as her head hit the pillow, the thoughts she had tried so hard to keep from coming, advanced in full force. Her head began to hurt with the rapid thoughts that came rushing forth. Turning out the lamp, she closed her eyes as the medication began to take effect. She was for once, thankful for the pain killer's side effect, drowsiness, because she highly doubted that she could get to sleep any other way.
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~August 29th~
Kagome strolled down the Tokyo streets, intent on educating herself about the city where she would be spending the majority of the next four years of her life. At the moment she was heading to see Inu Tashio's company.
She studied everything in silent admiration as she sauntered down the sidewalk. People bustled along, going every which way, apparently rushing to wherever it was that they needed to be. Mothers were chasing their children, couples held hands, an endless supply of vendors, sat wishing for someone to stop and buy one of their delectables.
A gentle rumbling caught her attention and she quickly placed a hand on her stomach. She hadn't been aware that she was so hungry. Muttering an 'excuse me' to those people nearby who gave her funny looks, she quickened her pace to find food as fast as possible, with a rosy blush adorning her cheeks.
It wasn't long before Kaogme came upon a small restaurant called 'Ramen". She stood hesitantly in front of the door, debating whether or not she should go in, or wait for something better to come along. It didn't look like anything special, quaint in a way. But when a plethora of smells managed to waft their way to her nose, Kagome's mind was made up. She entered the restaurant, noting how a tiny bell atop of the door announced her arrival.
If she thought the smells outside of the restaurant were good, they were nothing compared to the aroma she was experiencing now. Kagome closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, drawing in the delicious smell of hot broth and seasonings. So entranced with the scent around her, Kagome hadn't noticed the little boy, wearing an overly large apron, grinning up at her.
Slowly she opened her eyes, and there he was smirking, while his green eyes sparkled. His hair was a blazing red, and an unfortunate hair tie had the displeasure of trying to tame his unruly mane. He radiated of childlike innocence along mischievousness, like many other young boys.
Giving him a sheepish smile she introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Kagome."
Suddenly the little boy became very shy. "I'm Shippo. Follow me please," he said quickly, remembering she was here to eat. He led her over to a table near a window. The table itself was not much more than a foot off the ground, but being in Tokyo, or any other Asian country, that wasn't uncommon. She knelt to her knees and watched the little boy as he fumbled with a notepad and pen. "What would you like today?" he asked the practiced line. She scanned the menu, only to find out that the only thing they served *was* Ramen, besides refreshments of course.
I'll have beef Ramen." She said handing him the menu after he jotted down her order. When he scampered off she was left alone with her thoughts. Naturally they drifted back to the box. and its contents. There had been over 15 hundred dollars in her mother's box. All of it had been saved in hopes that they would be able to successfully escape her father. *Now* she had a new cause for the money her mother had scrimped and saved.
Kagome had found one flaw in her mother's plan. He would have always been able to find them, wherever they might go. She would know. because she had tried. Granted she was 9 at the time, but she still saw what lengths her father went to, just to drag her back to her own version of hell. Although her mother was more organized, Kagome didn't doubt for a second that her father's efforts would have been doubled to bring back the one he loved.
Going off to a distant college was more freedom than she could have previously hoped for, but now she wanted more. Kagome wanted to completely escape her father's clutches once and for all. To *live*. That was what it basically boiled down to. She wanted to live the life, she hadn't been given a chance to. Kagome planned to live each day away from Onigumo as if it's her last, because she didn't know when her father would try and force her back into the cage he had kept her in for so many years.
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the 4 foot boy heading her way with a, filled to the brim, bowl of soup. Walking slowly but steadily, Shippo was careful not to spill a drop.
He set the Ramen in front of her and blushed as she thanked him. He stood, nervously fidgeting for a moment, as Kagome brought the bowl to her mouth, sipping the almost scorching broth cautiously. Hesitantly he knelt beside her.
Putting down the bowl, she glanced at him curiously, "Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked, slightly tilting her head to one side.
Shippo's eyes drifted to the cast she wore on her left hand. "Did you break you arm?" he asked, his curiosity outweighing the nervousness he felt about being rude.
"Yeah, I did. It hurt a whole lot," Kagome answered with a sad sort of smile.
"Did you cry?" Shippo asked, already nodding understandably. "I cry sometimes when I get hurt." A split second after the words slipped out of his mouth, his jaw dropped open and the only way to describe the look he gave her was horror stricken. He couldn't believed that he had told this near *stranger* that he still did something that was, in his opinion, so babyish. He closed his eyes, and waited silently for the onslaught of insults.
When a comforting had been placed on his shoulder, Shippo couldn't resist peeking at the girl who should have been making fun of him by now.
"It's okay if you cry, you know," Kagome confided in him, though not paying attention to the fact that she failed to listen to her own advice.
"Who said I cry? I was just trying to make *you* feel better." He said puffing out his chest indignantly. Kagome had to stifle the giggle that almost crept out, and decided she would humor him.
"Well thank you. That was a very nice thing you did," she said, "for me."
"Yeah, for you." Kagome couldn't tell whether he was trying to convince her or himself. "Your welcome." She noticed his eyes falling upon her arm once again. "How did you break it?" He looked at her with such innocence. His bright eyes wide with simple curiosity, not a single undertone emotion. She couldn't lie to him.
"My daddy isn't a very nice man," Kagome spoke softly. "He got angry and he broke it." No details. Details would only serve as one more step towards reality for the little boy. Reality had come too soon for her; she didn't want Shippo to have to endure the same fate.
"Why is he so mean?" he looked positively crushed. The girl in front of him seemed so nice. He couldn't understand why anyone would want to hurt her.
"He was very sad when my mom died and I remind him of her." His face was crestfallen. 'Maybe I shouldn't have told him,' Kagome thought, though she highly doubted she would have been able to refuse to answer him, or worse lie. She desperately tried to think of a way to return that bright smile to his face, when an idea popped into her head.
"Would you like to sign my cast?" she asked breaking the silence that had fallen. His eyes began to gleam once again as he grinned, completely forgetting about the earlier, more depressing mood. He nodded enthusiastically
"I'll be right back," Shippo said excitedly, almost tripping on his overly long apron as he ran off.
Before Kagome even had a chance to gather hit wits, Shippo was already back with a black permanent marker in hand. In only a few moments more, the name 'Shippo' was spelled, somewhat sloppily, out onto her arm's casing.
"See?" She smirked, pointing to the spot on her arm where he signed, "Now wherever I go I will be reminded of you." All Shippo could do was blush once again.
When Kagome finally left, she had to promise profusely that she would visit often, before he would let her leave.
Now that hunger was no longer a distraction, Kagome walked around until she found herself in front of the massive building she had been looking for. The building itself was grand, as it shone 'Shikon Company' in gold lettering. 'Amazing' was the only coherent thought Kagome possessed as she gazed up at the place she would be working at, for the next four years. if she was lucky. It radiated success among other things and once again Kagome found herself wondering how her father had managed to survive against the colossal force that was Inu Tashio's company.
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~Sesshoumaru's Office~
Sesshoumaru sat in his swivel chair, looking out at downtown Tokyo through his window, when a familiar face caught his eye. 'What is she doing here?!' he asked annoyed. He studied her, waiting for any indication of what she was planning next. She stood perfectly still, just gazing up at the building, appearing indifferent. He couldn't help but notice that even when she thought no one was watching, her face still held its mask.
His curiosity grew when he saw the cast around her arm. 'What happened?' he wondered, slightly perturbed. 'Wait, why should I care?!' He glared at her through the window, even though he was very aware that she couldn't see him. Just as he was about to turn back to his work she started to walk away.
He was so confused. Sesshoumaru *hated* to be confused. Fortunately there were very seldom times that he actually was, but lately every time Kagome Higurashi comes around, everything seems to turn upside down. 'This can't be good.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Hey everybody! Sorry, I think the beginning and ending kind of sucked. What about you? First I want to thank everyone who reviewed and I also have a couple of Honorable mentions to give. Also, I was thinking that if this was like a book and *I* was reading it I would have to read it a second time to get all the little subtle stuff, you know? Like certain foreshadowing stuff. Well, I don't think that everyone will want to read it a second time, just to pick up some more stuff about the story, so I was thinking I could set up a little guideline type thing, where I would tell you what you should notice about the chapter. What do you think? ----- Now that that's finished I would like to thank each and every one of you that reviewed, and I am very happy to say that there are a lot of people I remember hearing from before! Plus I now currently have *over* 50 REVEIWS! Thank you all so much! Now time for the Honorable Mentions!
The first Honorable mention goes to. .:`Crimson~`:.! For correctly guessing one of the item in box! And Also for guessing one of the highpoints of this chapter!
And the next Honorable Mention goes to. InvisibleRain! For unintentionally guessing what one of the highlights of this chapter was going to be about!
The final one goes too. SilverSpun! Who had a very creative guess of unleashing hell like Pandora's Box!
P.S. For those of you that read my other story, The Way She Smiles, it should be updated by Wednesday!
Review Responses:
Glass Thorn: I'm glad you like it! And thank you for the compliment!
hyper person: Wow! Thanks!
Thundergirl: That's okay, I'm just glad you reviewed again! Lol! Wow! Chocolate? Are you sure?! Thank you so much!
rosie: Well there is your answer! If you keep reading you'll see why she lives alone later on! Thank you for reviewing!
blackbeltkatie: You are sooooo sweet! I get irritated too when fics I like just. stop. I solemnly swear not too!
myinuyasha04: It's good to hear from you again! Wow, thank you so much! You should stop giving me so many compliments! My ego might inflate to the size of. I don't know but it has potential to be huge! Lol!
Inu_girl: Thank you!
ellie: Oooo you are so right! Thank you for the review!
Stardreamer090: lol! Your reviews are so fun to read! And I don't think I could possibly NOT mention you! You are one of my favorite reviewers! And thank you for reviewing. and the sessie plushie!
I: Thank you!
drea-chan: I think I made it up. I'm not sure ::sheepish shrug:: lol!
Shanaka: ::crosses fingers:: heres hoping you can log in properly!
InvisibleRain: lol! Good Guess!
flare2: Thank you! You really like my writing style? What about it do you like?
Kar'Nia: Interesting name. I like it. Thank you so much! I don't think you know how much that means to me!
Dragon Rae: Lol! Thanks for the review!
ennovymoon: Isn't that what we all want in the end? Lol!
Moon-n-Universe-Goddess: Thanks! HFaith: I'm glad! Thanks!
.:`~Crimson~`:. You R so sweet! Thank you so much. It really means a lot to me that you like my story! ::blushes::
chocolategummybearofdoom: Good to hear from you again!