Chapter 9 finally up, yay! I'm not gonna say anything about it, because that'll ruin everything. Now somethings might seem completely unexpected, but don't worry that all ties up with the meeting of Sesshoumaru and Kagome, oops, probably said too much, but enjoy!
Disclaimer- I don't own Inuyasha, just my own fictional characters.
Italic- auther
Bold- change of scene of character
I know I haven't replied, but I'm trying as hard as I can! For those that reviewed, I love you guyz! For those who didn't, come on don't be shy! Ok enough of me scaring you, on with the show!
Replies-
demonchik39-Yea never would've guessed right, but many people couldn't, oh well. Yea I enjoyed your one-shot, it was perfect the way it was, just short and sweet. WEll not really all that sweet what with the cutting and blood and yea but you get me. Thanx for the support, I really love your reviews! Oh just having a really bad week, but I'm about to go to cali and see family, so I'm feeling much better, thanx for caring!
Kagome13Chan- Wow, your first Sessh/Kag pairing? Well I'm glad you think I'm doing a good job at it, I feel honored that your first Sessh/Kag story is mine, yay! Now you're officially my favorite, lol. Thanx for the review, keep at it! Plz!
lex- I like the name. Thanx for reviewing my first chapter, and I hope you like it so far. Yea I agree, it is slow moving, but don't worry it'll speed up soon enough. Just have a little bit of patience, I promise I won't let you down. Thanx again!
laughingstockstables- I'm glad you like it!1 I love how enthusiastic you are, your review made my day. To let you in on a little secret, Rin won't be coming back to life, but shhh don't tell no one! I know, sad, but it had to be done. And don't worry, Sesshoumaru won't be alone for long! I read on a Japanese website that Mirouku was spelled like that, but I don't know. I'll check it up, thanx for the tip and plz keep reviewing!
P.S. Thanx for adding me to your fav's list!
The Squabbit- Lol, I'm glad your enthusiastic about my pairings! And yea Sesshoumaru and Kagome all the way! Oh Nyoko will find her prince charming too, I hope...wait I'm the writer I should know, hmm...Thanx for the review!
Chapter 9
Lord Sesshoumaru marched up the long hallways, now brilliantly lit with the shining sun outside the large windows. Every now and then he passed timid servants who bowed in respect before scurrying in fright, but none fazed him as he kept walking down longer and darker hallways. These hallways were narrower and the windows were few and far apart, giving very little light, but still enough to show the many grand paintings of past rulers and important figures. Taking a sharp corner he stopped at the only door in this part of his estate. It was remarkably tall and held gold trimmings with gold doorknobs. On the middle of the door was a branded emblem of a crescent moon along with the face of an Inu-youkai in its center.
Opening the doors with little effort, it gave the impression of little weight, but if any other tried, they would be proven dead wrong. He gave little attention to the dark couch and the looming mountain behind it, and walked past long shelves occupied with books and maps of all sorts. He stopped before his desk and even though he would've denied it, a light gasp escaped his lips. He was sure that was where he had left it. No doubt about where he was last and therefore the only place he would have been secure enough to leave it. But now walking around to the other side of his desk, it was plain to see that nothing was set upon his desk other than documents he had ignored and maps plotting out the exact location of his lands.
Even rifting through his drawers he found nothing, and soon his face was in shadows, eyes narrowed and breathing rigid. It didn't take an idiot to see what had happened. Some one had been here. Sniffing the air delicately, his eyes narrowed further at his discovery. His study held the scent of a winter storm, and only two demons could procure that scent. Mind blank from rage, he walked to his door, and opening it sniffed once more. The scent still lingered but it seemed someone tried making a hasty retreat after being in his territory.
Taking in a deep breath he glanced over everything, before stepping out and admitting to himself that someone had stolen Tenseiga. That was when a thought hit him, and hard. Rin.
Kagome walked over to the refrigerator, hoping to find some sweets, but once again her luck ran out on her. So instead grabbing herself a can of soda she settled back into her couch, relaxing into its softness. After grueling exams and nerve-wracking hours of studying for the next one, Kagome was more than happy to be able to have the weekend free of anything related to tests or reading at that matter. If she read one more word or even saw another pencil this entire weekend, she would jump of her roof happy to never have to take another test. Or does the afterlife have tests?
Letting her imagination run wild with her making up teachers with wings and textbooks holding the answers to afterlife exams, she was scared out of her skin when her brother came around and plopped himself next to her.
"Calm down Kagome, I'm not gonna eat you or anything." Souta was positioned rather awkwardly in the corner of the couch, his legs all curled under him and his arms up in the air as if protecting him from an air-born attack. His face was of pure shock and Kagome finally had enough breath in her to laugh, but soon stopped to glare at him again.
"You really shouldn't sneak up on someone like that twerp! I swear I could've had a heart attack or something!" Kagome's heart was going ten times its normal speed and she was glowering at Souta who had calmed down and was now sitting lazily next to her. She was about to tell him off for ignoring her when he suddenly yelped out in a disgruntled yell.
"I can't believe it! This is unbelievable! I can't BELIEVE THIS!" Kagome once again had the sudden urge to jump as far away as possible, but was held back by the back of the sofa in which she had crashed into. Her face was all flustered and her heart was beating out of her chest. Souta just jumped out of the couch and ran off to his room. Moments later he heard the same screams that sounded oddly like shouts of amazement. Facing the television, she was greeted by the sight of aliens with their heads cut off chasing after humans with ray guns down a bloody street full of human body parts.
"…and get it while it's still on the shelves folks, 'cause this game is selling out fast! On later news…" Kagome was positively seething with anger, and was about to race up the stairs and put a little of that visual to use, when her mother came down the stairs carrying her small handbag.
"Oh Kagome dear, I was looking for you. I have to make a trip to the grocery store, it seems someone is eating all the sweets and I know that your weekend here is very important to you, so I just thought I'd help you make it even more relaxing." Somehow, how mother's sudden act of charity didn't exactly convince Kagome of her mother's intentions. Noticing this, Ms. Higurashi sighed in defeat and let a small smile play with her lips.
"You know mother, not to be rude or anything, but you're no good at lying. That's probably where I got it." Before her mind could wander off to the many moments her lying abilities had let her down, her mother let a small giggle out.
"Well I suppose I've been caught. Alright, I was going down to the store to buy some sleeping medicine." Kagome's playful smile suddenly turned into a concerned frown. "Oh no dear don't worry. It's not for me, I'm perfectly fine. You see your grandfather has been particularly keen on trying to slip me some new potion he's conducted and honestly I'm quite terrified on what the outcome would be if I actually came to drink it. So in a last desperate attempt to save myself( Kagome let a small laugh escape at her mother's words) I have decided to…help my father with his daily naps, and hopefully be given enough time to get rid of that ghastly potion." Kagome's laughs couldn't be held back and her mother only let a guilty smile cross her face.
"And why don't you just wait until he does go to sleep, you know on his own?" Kagome couldn't help but sound a bit sarcastic. Her mother paused for a moment before answering.
"Well he's caught me twice already trying to steal it away from him, and now he refuses to go to sleep unless he's locked in his room holding the thing in his hands. I'm getting desperate here!" Kagome giggled at her mother and just gave her a kiss goodbye, plopping back on the couch.
All of a sudden, Kagome's breath caught in her throat as she felt a strong force wash over her, almost drowning her in it. Dropping the remote, her head unconsciously turned to the direction of the well house. The power wave had left as fast as it had came, and Kagome couldn't help but feel refreshed and almost eternal, but her heart told her that it had come from a place she'd rather not remember. She realized she was looking out of the window directly at the well house and she felt her body pulse. Something was calling to her. Though her mind and heart told her to stay, her body moved almost by itself leading her out the door. She was fighting a losing battle as she made her way closer to the well house.
"No, stop! No." Kagome wanted so badly to listen to her self, but it was as if this power had taken over, calling to her so strongly that her body couldn't deny it. It felt almost as if her body was lusting it, desiring that power, answering it willingly to just feel its presence once again. She felt herself give in, and every time she screamed in objection her body's lust washed over her seductively.
Opening the door, she stared down at the well. The light gleamed dimly as the sun began to set. The rainstorm was now a distant memory as the rainbow began to vanish with the changing sky. Vivid orange and red melted with bright pinks and whites as the sun called out the moon to watch over in its place. The well house was now dancing with the bright colors but shadows were drawing closer as if about to attack the life in the rays of the sun. Kagome's legs went to step down the stairs but a loud squeak brought her out of her trance-like state.
"Buyo? What are you doing here you bad cat?' A sudden streak of orange fur landed before her as her fat cat pounced at her feet. Smiling she went to go and pick it up, but drawing it's claws it slashed her arm causing red lines to appear upon her skin. "Ouch! What was that for?" The cat just meowed and jumped of the stairs down to the well house floor. Watching his movements, Kagome stepped over the top stair, making her way slowly towards him, bent on revenge.
She hadn't realized she was on the bottom step until she stumbled down to the floor, forgetting the higher distance the bottom step had with the ground. Her breathing became short as she walked closer to the well, leaning against its borders. She hadn't felt the trail of fresh tears falling down her face, now fully using the well as support. Letting the memories flood back, her knees gave way and soon she was sobbing at the foot of the well. This was the source of what her life had become. But she had learned to deal with her scars, and she had learned to forget about the pain that stung in her heart constantly. And after all, aren't scars like tattoos? Except with better stories. Kagome couldn't help but smile and soon her shoulders straightened and she sat there with her legs beneath her and head held high.
Getting up, Kagome was about to turn her back on this place once and for all, and head into her future where she would attend Kyoto University and lead a normal life for once, but a sudden motion caught her attention. Buyo seemed to be stalking a mouse because he was jumping from one point to another, paws extended before him. This was the most movement Kagome had seen out of the lazy cat, and she was watching him with amusement.
"Come on Buyo, time to go. You wanna help me pack up my stuff for Kyoto?" Buyo ignored her and kept pouncing closer to the well, dangerously jumping high over the well's borders. "Buyo, come on, or I'm going to lock you up in here." Kagome tried to be stern, but that just didn't fit with her so she sighed and tried to grab him in mid jump. Buyo slipped through her fingers, and to her horror, he fell straight down the dark well.
"Oh no! Buyo? Buyo! Oh please be ok! Buyo, here kitty kitty!" She tried not to panic but her heart was beating at a faster pace with ever passing minute, and tears threatened to fall. She couldn't hear any noise, and fearing the worst, she ran out to the garage and then ran back with a flashlight in hand.
"It's ok Kagome, just breathe, he's ok, nothing's wrong…then why isn't he answering? Because he's just scared…yea that's why! Oh Kami, Buyo! Come here kitty, Buyo!" Kagome tried hard to calm down, but it seemed she only made things worse for her with her over active imagination. Turning the flashlight on, Kagome flashed it down the well. And there at the very bottom was Buyo's form lying motionless on the hard ground. Kagome's shriek of fright caused her to jump at her own echo.
"No, no, no, no, this isn't happening! Buyo! Come on you fat cat, wake up! Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean that, Buyo, come onnn!" Without realizing, her hand went to her neck, where her fingers traced around a small necklace. Following the line down to a small crystal that hung beautifully from the simple necklace, the shikkon no tama. She hadn't been able to part from the jewel, it was her only memory from that era, and she treasured it with her life. But now she was before the well and she couldn't leave Buyo down there.
Reluctantly, she allowed her fingers to unclasp the necklace from her neck, laying it down on the border of the well. She fought back the many emotions that tried to overtake her, keeping her memories away as she climbed down the familiar rope ladder to the bottom of the well. Breathing in deeply, she placed a foot cautiously on the ground, before putting down the second. Thanking the heavens that nothing had happened, she turned to Buyo. At first, she poked him with a finger frightened about what could happen. When she was positive he wasn't about to jump at her, she got down on her knees and put her hand on Buyo's belly. He was breathing, and deeply.
"You stupid cat, you're only sleeping! I can't believe this! Grr!" Kagome cursed and damned everything she could before being able to calm down. "Making me come down here for you, you fat cat and all you're doing is sleeping! Unbelievable!" Picking him up, Kagome put him over her shoulders, not really making sure if she was gentle or not, and began climbing back up the ladder, careful not to drop him, though the thought wasn't such a bad idea.
Grabbing on to the border of the well, she made to grab Buyo and put him on the ground before she climbed out, but suddenly the cat awoke. Meowing hysterically, Buyo tried to jump off Kagome's shoulder, causing her to lose balance and reach for the wall. Her shoulder burned as she felt his claws dig into her shoulders before taking one last attempt and landing with a thud on the hard ground. Kagome felt her foot slip off the ladder and soon felt herself falling down the well. But before she let herself fall down to her certain death, she made an attempt to grab the well wall, but her fingers only took hold of a small object.
The sudden sensation of falling down hit her dead on as she remembered her dream. Had her dreams tried to warn her? Sure that she was about to hit the ground, she shut her eyes in fright and waited for the impact. But it never came. Opening her eyes she saw nothing but darkness before she saw what she held in her hand, the Jewel of Four Souls, and then a bright purple light engulfed her.
Nyoko felt a drop hit her forehead as she sat under an old sakura tree breathing in the fresh scent of rain. Turning her head the skies she saw the approaching rain clouds and moaned. She really wanted to stay out here, it would be much more preferable to stay out in the rain rather than be inside with Lord Sesshoumaru. Deciding to stay outside, she nestled into the trunk of the tree and began to let her mind wander to the poor little girl who had passed right through her arms.
She remembered the day Lord Sesshoumaru brought her to the castle in nothing but bloody rags. Some scars etched into her face, but still she could see how adorable the little girl was. Amazed to say the least, Nyoko couldn't believe that a demon as hard and cold as Sesshoumaru had even paid attention to a little human girl. Always going on about how useless and pathetic humans were and how he thought demons were above trash like them, but here he was bringing one into his home, and caring for her almost like a father would his child.
Obviously he didn't mind them as much, for he lavished her with exquisite gifts and never minded whenever she interrupted him in his study. She was the only one who was ever allowed to go in there besides Jaken. She had followed him in there and at first Nyoko was sure the master would punish her and she prepared herself to protect the little girl, but nothing happened. He simply turned and closed the door behind her. She saw how the little girl's antics always calmed Lord Sesshoumaru, bringing about him a serene aura that she doubted he knew he held. Rin always smiled in his presence and never had Nyoko seen her master so at ease and peaceful that she grew to love the little girl as her own.
She had been with Lord Sesshoumaru for decades, reaching almost a hundred years of servitude to him. He had grown close to her, seeking her out whenever he needed to escape confiding in her many thoughts that crossed his mind. She felt almost as if his family, the only family he had and for that he never abandoned him, even when her family had called for her, asking her to return. She had asked him what he thought, and she saw his cold demeanor falter, and for once she saw the real Sesshoumaru, even if just a second. She had replied with a no, saying she would stay by her master's side. That day their bond became unbreakable. He had presented her with many gifts, and she had accepted them all with honor and deep appreciation but the greatest gift he had ever given her was now gone.
It had been three years that they had spent together, but life would not let Rin live past the age of 11. Nyoko had felt the warmth of her slip away, saw her smile slowly fade, her eyes lose their sparkle, and her laughter silenced. Her heart broke with ever vanishing breath and soon her charge had died in her arms. The little girl she saw as a daughter had been taken from her very hands, leaving her with nothing.
Nyoko sighed and closed her eyes, taking in the scents of her surroundings. Rain was heavy in the air and it was drowning the scents of the trees and flowers around her. But she didn't mind, she rather liked the scent of drowning flowers, it covered the rather strong scents of most of them making it almost soothing like. A clash of thunder brought her out of her trance and she saw the sky light up with vibrant streaks.
Sitting up she put her hands in her lap and took in a deep breath. Nyoko took her hand and lightly played around with her fingers, allowing a sudden burst of water flood into her palm. Calmly she began to bend it, forming it into shapes and swirling it around with a twirl of her fingers. Bringing her other hand up slowly, she began to squeeze the water into both palms, until it simply vanished into nothing. Smiling, she stood and set off towards the castle, sad that she couldn't stop these rains like she could back home. Her master simply wouldn't allow it.
The sudden sensation of falling caused her body to react as it did those many other times she had gone through this same sensation. Her arms stretched themselves out besides her, and a feeling of peace washed over her as she closed her eyes. But her heart cried out in desperation. She didn't want to feel this way, not when she was heading towards the past.
Kagome kept her mouth shut, scared to scream out in frustration. Hoping that she would just keep floating between times, she was scared to death upon realizing she was standing above firm ground. Keeping her eyes on the floor beneath her she took in deep breaths, trying hard not to break down. Finally not being able to keep staring at the brown dirt beneath her feet, she turned her heads upwards. Her eyes slowly opened, and her throat closed up, causing her to gasp for breath.
Instead of the dark wooden roofs closing off the outside, she saw wide skies filled with dark rain clouds. Kagome felt the cold winds reach her even at the bottom of the well, and could smell the rain, even without a keen sense of smell.
"Oh great, had to come back when a storm's going on." Kagome was happy that she had her usual sarcastic remarks handy, and not the usual cries of pain whenever she so much as thought about where she was now. Hoping that she could just wait here until the jewel decided to take her back. But after waiting there for half an hour, dread began taking over her.
"Why am I still here?" Kagome rubbed the small orb in her hand. It was glowing a vibrant purple, but the usual light that took her from this time to the other never appeared. Cursing the jewel, she turned in every direction, only to be met with stone walls everywhere she turned to. Feeling dizzy, Kagome stopped and found herself facing the wall with the rope ladder that she used to climb out of the well whenever Inuyasha wasn't there to help her. Touching the rough texture of it, her hands climbed higher up the ladder, as her feet placed themselves in each rung almost by habit. Never having to look where she was stepping, Kagome could only keep her eyes on the dark skies above her.
Her hands suddenly came upon the cold feel of the wooden border that she found herself sitting upon many times whenever she needed time to think. That was where Inuyasha could always find her. Would he find her here now? Would he be waiting there, waiting for her to return? Is he right in front of me without me knowing? Slowly, Kagome lowered her head and she didn't know whether her heart skipped a beat out of relief or disappointment.
Her eyes couldn't help but tear up as she took in her surroundings. The forest filled with songs of birds and an open field that led down to the valley she had called home for three years. There, waiting for her, was the village in which her whole journey began. Her family would be there, not knowing that she was but a few miles from their reach.
Her arms began to shake from the pressure and she swung her foot over the well gracefully, along with the other. Her lungs demanded more and more air, and Kagome took longer deeper breaths just to keep from passing out. The sudden rumble of thunder woke her from her thoughts as she realized she was outside right before a storm came crashing down on her. She didn't know whether she should risk seeing him again, or tough it out and wait until the storm passed.
Her eyes set themselves upon a small clearing, and her face turned pale. Toughing it out it was. Kagome turned from the clearing and the valley, and began to walk.
"Ok I gotta find a cave or something, anything to keep me from getting soaked." Marching off into the familiar forest, Kagome began to feel comfortable for once since she had gotten home. Not even when she was home with her family did she feel the sensation of being comfortable, at peace, calm. She remembered feeling that way only when she was traveling under the ever-changing skies and passing forests and villages, as she was now. Kagome smiled a soft smile as she let the emotion take over her giving her a sense of protection and she kept walking into no certain direction.
Just needing to get away from the village and everyone who was there, she knew that she shouldn't be running away again, not when she was determined to face everything up front. But this was too sudden, too soon, and she wasn't prepared to deal with everything right now. Kagome sighed, realizing she would have to face them sooner or later, and have to see him eventually. But was she ready? Would she be able to go through with it? Kagome repeated the many questions that had suddenly flooded her mind, until she was exhausted mentally and physically.
Kagome looked around and saw that she was deep in the forest, not realizing how far she had walked. Somehow the comfortable feeling was gone, and now a sinking feeling had replaced it.
"Where am I?" She was lost, and had no idea where she was. 'I can't believe this, after three years of traveling here and I get lost in a couple of hours, that's pathetic!' Looking around, Kagome found no sign of a cave or shelter and now the rain was pouring down hard.
Soaked and exhausted, she kept walking until she came upon a clearing. It was small, and held small trees, but at the very end of it before the forest began again, the mountain stretched out creating a sort of roof. Smiling with relief, Kagome walked towards it hastily, thanking anything she could think of for getting out of this rain.
"Great now I just have to wait here until the stupid jewel feels like letting me go back home." Cursing at the thing, she felt a bit better, but not for long. Winds began to blow with full force, and the little roof was doing nothing to keep them from passing through it. Kagome was freezing to the point of numbness, but she couldn't move without risking getting pounded on by hail and rain.
Looking down at herself, she sighed. Perfect day to be wearing tight jeans and a light blue blouse that was already sheer enough. Rubbing her arms, she wished she had worn her sweats and sweater. Damn her persistent friends and their journeys to the mall!
"Wonder what they're gonna say when they find out I ditched them again?' Smiling a bit at the thought of her friends faces when they found out was enough to make her forget where she was for a few minutes before a hard rock hit her on the side of the head. "Ouch!" Rubbing her head, she looked around and saw a small rock lying beside her. "Damn rock!" Picking it up she threw it as far as she could.
"Ouch!"
"What! Uhh, is anyone there? Hello?" Kagome was sure she had heard a small voice cry out in pain. Terrified, she drew her legs into her chest and wrapped herself in a little ball, hoping no one would answer. But the sudden movement of the bushes in front of her knocked that possibility out.
"Maybe it's just the winds, I mean they are strong." Trying to comfort herself, with little avail, she watched as the bushes besides her began to rustle as well. "Oh no, oh no, oh no this isn't happening." Preparing for the attack, Kagome shut her eyes and brought her arms to her face. But the impact never came. Opening her eyes she was shocked to see about 5 or 6 little kids standing before her soaked and dirty. They looked terrible and all of them had dark circles under their eyes with scratches and marks all over their bodies. Terror was now replaced with worry as she positioned herself to sit on her knees, reaching out to the nearest little girl.
To her surprise the small girl walked slowly up to her and Kagome could see dry blood caked all over her face and her clothes were in shatters. Kagome couldn't help but let a small cry escape her, for she had never seen children in such condition, not so personally. Wrapping her arms around the little girl, she felt her cold skin and began to rub her small back until the little girl fell upon Kagome's body accepting the warmth of another.
Kagome looked around at the other children and saw their hungry expressions and smiled at them to come. Obediently they walked up to her and crowded around thankful for shelter. Kagome took turns holding each one in her arms, memorizing each of their faces, and seeing what they had endured. None of them spoke, but all of them fell deeply into her arms. After seeing each one, Kagome counted six children in all, and by the looks of it, they were no older than 6 or 8 themselves. Looking into all of their faces she decided that a boy that was sitting farthest from her but still pretty close was the oldest. His face was slimmer and he was taller than everyone else. Reaching out to him, the boy came and she smiled at him hoping she was right.
"Hi, my name's Kagome. What's yours?" The little boy looked up at her with big eyes full of tears. His face was absolutely dirty, perhaps the filthiest here, but his eyes were the most glazed as if he was half gone from this world. After a long silence, Kagome was beginning to think the boy would not answer but soon his lips began to move.
"Akeno." The young boy looked down at the ground and Kagome could make out a light blush starting to appear on his dirty cheeks. Smiling, a small laugh slipped through her lips and the young boy looked back up at her.
"Akeno is it, that's a wonderful name. I'm sure the meaning is somewhere around morning and bright fields right?' Akeno stayed quiet for a bit before nodding. Kagome turned to the other children, hoping that they would feel more comfortable to speak. She gazed at a little girl who was sitting next to Akeno with her hands in her lap and large bright eyes staring up at her. Kagome put her hands out in front of her and waited until the little girl put her hand in Kagome's. The little girl smiled and without having to be asked started talking.
"Hi, I'm Aiko. Akeno is my big brother you know." Kagome couldn't help but giggle and was surprised to hear Aiko laughing along with her. She was a pretty little girl, with two ponytails holding her short brown hair at the bottom of her head. Large brown eyes sparkled along with her smile and Kagome couldn't help but think of another little girl she once met.
"I'm Toru; I'm 6 years old, hi." Kagome turned to face a small little boy who held the softest color of blue in his eyes and a smile to match. Holding in a small laugh, Kagome gently held his hands. He didn't seem to mind, instead he scooted in closer.
"Hi Toru. Very nice to meet you. Wow six, that's pretty big." Toru gleamed with pride as she spoke to him. Kagome squeezed his hands and turned to see the girl next to him. She had noticed that there were only two girls and four boys in the little group. Before Kagome could ask her name Toru spoke up.
"That's Hana, she's my big sister." Kagome let go of Toru's hands and turned to face the young girl. She had straight long black hair, now knotted by all the winds, and was wearing the brightest outfit from them all. A bright yellow kimono adorned with orange fishes and a little fan at her side, though now it was in tatters and dirty. She had shy brown eyes and would not look up at her.
"Hi Hana. That's a very pretty kimono you're wearing. I remember my mom made me one when I was around 6 and I loved that kimono so much I ended up wearing it all the time." Kagome thought that she would open up to her, but it looked as if all the kids tensed up and their faces dropped to the floor. Startled, Kagome began to worry. Then it hit her. They were alone, no doubt, and they had no parents to watch over them. She had spoken about her mother, and now they were remembering theirs. Slapping herself mentally, Kagome reached out and embraced Hana in a deep hug. She could feel Hana freeze, but soon she melted away into the embrace and Kagome smiled feeling her small hands cling to her desperately.
"My mommy made me my kimono to. My birthday is in 1 week." Kagome let go of the child and wiped the tears from the little girls' face. About to speak out, Kagome felt a small hand tap her shoulder. Turning she saw the cutest sight she had ever seen. There in front of her were two small boys who looked exactly alike.
"You're twins? How kawaii!" Kagome couldn't help but squeal in delight. They both had brown hair that resembled a red tone with stunning green eyes that sparkled as soon as she as she saw them. They smiled at her remark and she could see that one of the twins had a missing tooth in the front. The boy with all his teeth scooted closer to her with questions in his eyes.
"Are you, a demon?" Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Akeno close in with his hand on the knife he held at his side. Kagome frowned at his reaction, but knew that he was protective no doubt. Poor boy though, he was shaking just as badly as the rest. Shaking her head, Kagome cupped the boy's face in her hands and leaned in.
"Do I look like a demon?" Being playful Kagome winked and the young boy laughed out loud. His voice was incredibly cute, high pitched and always curious. Nodding his head no, the other twin with the missing tooth crawled up next to Kagome so that she had to turn her head to see him.
"Your clothes are funny." Kagome laughed and looked down at herself. They would think that, after all fashion like this wouldn't come out for another 500 years. She thought about telling them the truth but thought against it. They would probably not believe her and either get scared or turn from her.
"Well…let's just say I'm not from here, ok? So what's your name?' the young boy nodded before glancing at his other twin.
"My name's Naoko, and that's my brother Makoto. He's older than me by a few minutes, but he's still a wimp." The twin in front of her, Makoto, shouted out at him and soon they were calling out names and sticking out their tongues at each other.
"Stop that you two!" Akeno called out and peace was restored. Kagome was surprised at how obedient they were and turned towards Akeno.
"How old are you Akeno?" Kagome asked him. He was startled at her question and that childish blush appeared once again.
"I'm 8, I'm the oldest here." Akeno spoke softly, though Kagome could still here him over the thunder and winds.
"I barely turned 6 this week!" Aiko, the cute little girl with the pigtails spoke up a smile of pride on her face. Kagome was happy that they felt comfortable enough to answer her and accept her care.
"Yea but I've been six for 3 whole months!" Toru, the boy with the light blue eyes remarked.
"Well we beat both of you, we're 7!" The twins both spoke up and Kagome couldn't help but squeal at their cuteness. They both blushed a furious red and Kagome laughed ruffling their hair.
Kagome turned to Hana, and saw her face brighten up a bit at being given attention. She smiled and finally spoke up in a soft and gentle voice.
"I'm turning 8 next week. This kimono was made for my birthday." Kagome smiled lovingly and saw as Toru tried to put eight fingers up. Kagome began to wonder whether they really had lost their parents or were just lost. Not sure if she should ask, she stayed quiet listening to the thunder clash against the sky and the children's soft voices. She felt Akeno's gaze upon her and turned to face him. He was looking at her with a weird look in his eyes, and Kagome understood.
"What happened to you?" Her soft question startled Akeno, but he remained quiet. Kagome pleaded with her eyes, begging him to explain. Finally he dropped his gaze and spoke.
"Our village was attacked by demons; we were the only ones who escaped. We ran away and never had the chance to go back. We were afraid they were still there." Akeno spoke harshly, as if the very thought drove him mad. Kagome felt heartbroken, knowing no 8 year old should ever go through something as horrible as that.
"Mommy said she'd meet us in the highest mountain where we could touch the clouds. Don't you remember, Akeno?" Aiko spoke out sternly, with her lips pouted out and finger waving about. Her brother just stared at the ground, and Kagome could've sworn she saw a few tears fall from his face.
"Akeno?" Kagome reached out but he just scooted away. Tears welled up in her eyes as she turned towards the others. All of their faces had lost their innocence; none had that childish carefree expression that ever child possessed. They were forced to grow up too soon, and fend for themselves after they had lost their parents.
Kagome looked down into each one of their faces. All of them looked lost and defenseless, desperate to find comfort out of anyone. Making her decision, Kagome took Akeno into her arms. At once he froze at her touch and looked up at her dumbfounded.
"I'll watch over you." Kagome smiled down at him. Surprisingly, Hana was the first to speak.
"You? But how?" Kagome blushed fiercely, knowing full well that she wasn't in much of a position to defend. Smiling sheepishly she shrugged.
"I know that I don't look like a very good protector, but you can't be out there all by yourselves. I'll travel with you, watch over you and feed you, don't worry about anything. I won't abandon you, and you'll never have to be alone again." The children seemed to lighten up and their eyes regained their sparkle. Akeno looked up at her with a small smile and for once since she had met them, he laughed.
No, she couldn't abandon them now; she wouldn't, no matter what. Once again she found herself having way more responsibility than she could handle in the Feudal Era. But she didn't mind. At least now, she wasn't alone either.
I hope you liked it, lots of new surprises I know, but it'll all make sense soone nough don't worry! Now I must leave you guyz, until next time and please review, that's what keeps me going!