Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters; that right belong to Rumiko Tkahashi. Nor do I own Tokyo Ghoul or its characters; that right belong to Sui Ishida.
General P.O.V.
They were at it again, sparring against each other. The other Ghouls of the fourth ward had wisely just vacated the area except for the lone female who sat on the doorsteps to a rather run-down looking building. Her eyes were watching them from beneath short, pale orange-red hair as she smiled at them. It was a daily occurrence to see them go at it. All knew this.
So, as they continued to test their strength against each other, no one present had seen, let alone smelled the little girl that had walked into the middle of the fight, until Itori yelled aloud. Causing the world to both explode around them all and come to a complete standstill as they waited for the dust to settle. Leaving all three of them wondering just how the hell they hadn't seen or sensed her, and where she had just appeared from.
The soft coughing told them that the girl had survived as the rest of the dust settled to the ground. Revealing to their eyes ahead of what used to be black hair, now coated with the gray dust and dirt of the cement. As she sat there, legs spread wide with a Kagune between them. It was an impossible situation. There should have been no way that the girl should have escaped serious harm to their eyes.
No one present was able to move as they just stared at the girl, let the arm that she had been holding up drop, and looked around with wide, expressive blue eyes. The moment that she had seen the Kagune between her legs, each person readied themselves for screams to fill the air. Instead, a soft coo was heard as her hand reached out and hesitantly touched the Kagune. Which promptly zapped her, making her cry in shock, though it was not in pain before she smiled and giggled and pressed her hand flat against the Kagune.
No fear, pain, or shock was on the girl's face as she rubbed her little hand up and down the wing-like appendage. She was causing the owner of it to shudder as she laughed in delight before he withdrew it and hide it away. Making the girl pout a bit as she looked around her for the first time, those blue eyes getting impossibly wider in her little face as she saw the three of them.
Silently they watched as she stood and dusted herself off. Then the scream came. All were watching as she held up the dress, revealing pale legs and shorts instead of panties as she stuck a hand through the hole that was in the dress. Then panic and fear appeared on her face as she lamented the trouble she would be getting into when she got home that night from her Gramps for ruining another dress.
At this point, the woman on the steps stood up and walked over to the girl and knelt. She was drawing the girls' attention to herself, as well as a slightly watery smile. The two looked at each other for a few seconds before the woman held out her hand.
"Hey there, little girl, are you okay?" she asked her voice showing her curiosity and amusement as they all watched the girl put her hand in the one being offered with no thought.
Each was having the same thought, that the girl had no self-preservation at all. So blindly trusting.
"Yes, Miss. I am fine. Just going to get lectured by Gramps... again..." she mumbled as the woman led her away from the two males who were being silent spectators.
The look the woman gave them told them to stay quiet and not to move. Her eyes back to the girl once they were at the steps to the building; she sat down and began to dust the girl off. She was amazed that the girl truly was not hurt at all. And that she could smell the girl, unable to tell if she was human or Ghoul. Making her feel a bit on edge.
"So, what were you doing walking around here? Where is your Gramps at?" the woman asked, keeping her voice as gentle as possible.
The way the girl looked up at her before lifting one of her hands and showing that she had a piece of paper in it with a picture drawn on it. The woman couldn't help but look confused at this gesture before the girl shook the paper and her. Getting what the girl wanted, she took the paper and looked at the drawing on it and had to smother a bark of laughter.
"I am looking for those two men. There is something very, very important I have to tell them," the girl whispered to her, her blue eyes darting around as if it was a big secret. "Also, Gramps is back home. I snuck out again to search for these guys. It is crucial Miss that I find them and tell them what I have to. Then I can grow up and not have any regrets."
The sharp intake of air from one of the men at hearing the girl's words, had the woman looking harshly at them. When she looked back at the girl, she noted that she was staring intently at her, those blue eyes showing a wealth of intelligence that shouldn't be seen in a child so young.
"Oh!? Won't you get in trouble for sneaking out? And what do you have to tell them that is so important that you'd put yourself in danger?" she asked the girl.
The way those blue eyes narrowed before widening as the girl smiled. The woman had to keep from gagging herself. So, when the girl leaned in, placed a cupped hand around her ear, and whispered was a shock.
"I cannot tell you. But a year ago, I lost my family, so it is personal what I need to tell them."
Jerking back unintentionally from the tone the girl used, which was way too serious, the woman looked at the images drawn on the paper. Again she wanted to laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
"Okay, it is personal. So how far do you live from here? Would you like to be walked home?" she asked, as she felt her nerves start to jump the more time she spent in the girl's presence.
Those blue eyes were seemingly looking through her as if she was not there. It was very disconcerting to have that look directed at her and from a child no less.
"Nope, I don't need an escort home Miss. I live in the 20th ward, and I am sure that Gramps noticed I was gone by now. Been oh..." the girl said, stopping and turning away and looking up at the sky.
They all watched as she lifted a hand and moved it in an arc until it was even with the sun. The girl's lips moving as she seemed to be counting as she did so. Telling them, she was figuring out the passage of time.
"Three, almost four hours. I am aware that I will have an escort waiting for me once I leave you guys alone," she said as she turned to look at the woman again, pausing briefly as if realizing something. "I am sorry for being rude! I am Kagome Higurashi!"
With that, the trio felt shocked course through them as the girl stepped back and bowed to them each in the introduction of herself. She was making the odd situation a bit more awkward. When she righted herself, the girl kept her blue eyes on the woman, smiling benignly at her.
"Miss, I will trust you to get the message to the two I am looking for. The place I live with Gramps is on the back of the paper. The sooner, the better," Kagome said as she smiled knowingly at the woman.
"Uh...why me?" she asked, peeking at the other two who had varying looks of confusion and interest written on their faces. Only to have the girl lean in and whisper once more into her ear.
"Because of Miss, you are a knowledgeable person. I can tell you that you will do this because of your curiosity alone. And the knowledge it will bring you," Kagome said before pulling back and looking at the woman.
Who was clearly in shock. Then again, the girl bowed and turned, walking away. Stopping to politely say goodbye to the two guys and make her way back from where she came from. Leaving all three stunned and watching as she walked down the road, pausing only long enough for a tall, round man to step out from the alleyway and look at the girl before picking her up. They could easily tell that this man was a ghoul as he looked back at them, lashing out a bit with his aura before the girl smacked him for it.
Once they were gone from sight, the woman couldn't help it. She burst out into a fit of nervous giggles — her eyes back on the paper before her. The drawing was that of a child's, but it was very accurate of whom the girl was looking for. So, when she looked up as two shadows fell over her, she laughed even harder.
"Itori?" asked the white-haired man, his eyes narrowing.
The other one just pushed his headband further back on his head to keep his gray hair from his face as his black-stained eyes stared her down. Lifting the paper to them, knowing they heard most of what that strange girl said.
"Well, you heard her, she is looking for two men. And I am sure that you can recognize who she is looking for, right?" Itori said as she broke down into another fit of giggles as she continued to speak. "I think it would be worth finding them and making them check out what she has to tell them. Said she lost her parents."
The look the two exchanged as they saw the hand-drawn picture of crayon and colored pencil was undeniable who she was looking forward, leaving them both confused — letting the silence grow between the three of them before a deep chuckle broke it.
"Yomo, you just had your Kagune felt up by a child," he chuckled.
The way the silver-haired man blushed as he punched the darker haired man hard on the shoulder, eliciting a grunt of pain. The woman reached up and took the paper away from the said man, turning over and looked at the back. Only to go still at the address on the back of it. Recalling that the girl said she lived in the 20th ward.
"Uh... She lives at that new Cafe in the 20th ward. The one that caters to a select group of people, you two," she whispered as her eyes stared at the stylized script that spelled out Anteiku and it's address and hours.
The fact that both of them were now still again as it sunk in that the strange girl lived at a coffee shop that catered to their species was an odd revelation.
Three weeks later
Kagome was sitting at her desk upstairs, going over the books that Yoshimura had brought for her read and study. Since her aunt had clearly said that she had to attend school. Making her sigh as the knowledge, she poured over was stuff she already knew. Gramps had headed out earlier that night to do his rounds and see if he could find any Ghouls who needed help.
She was sure that something was happening around the city that he was going to get involved with. The man was similar to her in the aspect that trouble just found him whether he wanted it to or not. So, kicking her feet back and forth, she smiled. It had been some time since her last escape escapade. And the resulting trouble she had gotten into when Koma got her back the Cafe. But she had been successful in her mission.
Lifting her hand to inspect it, Kagome gave a low giggle. She had finally gotten to touch a Kagune. Though it had zapped her, it was nothing terrible, just a warning based on instincts. It had been warm to her touch, and it was both hard and soft before it vanished from her line of sight. The tall, silver-haired man that it had belonged too had been blushing to boot. It was so cute on him, she thought.
Groaning, Kagome leaned back in her chair as her tummy grumbled. It was time to get some food. The Cafe has closed already for the night, so she could go down freely and scavenge food that was kept for the rare human customers.
Just as she reached the doorway, her hand on the knob to open it, Kagome felt Gramps aura flare, as the sound of the shop's door was opened. Not hesitating, she pushed the door open and looked at him. He was dirty, covered in blood, which she was pretty sure was not his and carrying another ghoul — one whose aura was vaguely familiar to her.
Eyes widening, Kagome rushed around the back of the counter to the stockroom. Where she pulled open the freeze, grabbing a bit of the stored frozen flesh there. Then opening the fridge, she pulled out a small packet of blood. Then grabbing the First Aid box from its spot on the counter, Kagome rushed back to the main seating area to see that Gramps had the man sitting up at one of the tables.
The moment her eyes made contact with the Ghoul's, his eyes widened as she smiled brightly at him. Walking over with all her supplies, she noted that he pulled away from her, his cheeks dusting pink again. Looking up at Gramps, who indicated she needed to get water and call for either Irimi or Koma. A small nod of her head as she flounced off to do as requested. Her ears were catching Gramps speaking the man.
Kuzen P.O.V.
"You do not have to worry about the girl; she is harmless," he said to the silver-haired youth before him.
The look he got in return had him pausing as he looked to where Kagome had disappeared. An odd niggling feeling that he forgot something, something important was tugging at the back of his mind and shaking it off as he tore open the blood packet and thrust it at the young man, who took it and downed it in a few gulps — returning a bit of his parlor to normal as he looked over his wounds.
It was amazing that this boy was still alive after going up against CCG's top Ghoul hunter, Kishou Arima. Especially when he had no control over himself or his emotions. Speaking that something had happened that made the boy lose control — sighing when the soft padding of Kagome's feet was heard coming back.
Gladly he took the bowl of warm water and the dark washcloth she had thoughtfully brought with her. Dipping it in water and wringing it out, he held it to man. Who took it and washed his face and whatever else he could clean. Glad that boy's regeneration ability was already kicking in.
"What were you doing fighting so recklessly? And against that particular hunter?" he asked the youth, which he noted was still staring at Kagome as if she was a ghost.
After a few seconds, the young man gave him his reply. It was what he had expected, causing him to sigh. Earning a soft pat from Kagome on his hands as she smiled up at him.
"Where is your friend, Mister?" Kagome asked before Kuzen could speak up. Making him pause and just wait.
When the young man said he had run away, he watched as Kagome's face shut down in anger, before going on a rant that his friend was scum and that he should find better friends. When the man laughed at her little rant, Kouzen finally realized what that niggling feeling was. Though he had seen that drawing numerous times, he hadn't realized it was reasonably accurate. This was one of the two ghouls who had been fighting and caused the death of her parents.
Opening his mouth to tell Kagome to go upstairs, a loud knocking came from the Cafe's main door. Raising an eyebrow, he looked at the youth, then Kagome. Who was twitching as she glared at the door? Reaching out, he pushed her to open it.
The moment she opened the door, Kuzen heard two gasps of surprise before there was a howl of shock and pain, which means that it had to be the youth's friend who had run away. Which was confirmed when Kagome primly told the other youth he was scum for leaving his friends behind to save his keister. She was again leaving Kuzen to think that life was never boring with that little girl around.
Soon the two at the door were let in, one being a female he knew by reputation and an information broker of sorts. That and that both of them were apart of the clown gang of ghouls.
Stepping back so that the two could see that the one he brought here was alive and getting better by the second, he noticed that the dark-haired boy was limping, indicating that his cry of pain had been from a rather sharp, well placed kicks he had not expected. Then again, he knew that Kagome was more than anyone could ever fathom. And he knew already that Kagome valued friendship greatly, that she looked down on others who would abandon their friends.
"I think there needs to be some introductions done," He spoke up once the two others had gotten a good look at their friend.
The way all four sets of eyes turned to look at him, Kuzen realized that the four of them knew each other, which means that they'd met, probably on Kagome the last foray, after escaping the confines of the Cafe.
Kagome's P.O.V.
She was less than pleased with the man before her. So she hadn't bothered to check her temper when she had kicked him. The way both the guy and the girl had looked at seeing her meant they hadn't believed that she lived her or had some such doubt. But now she had the two guys here; Kagome just looked at Gramps who had said that they needed to introduce themselves.
"I already introduced myself the other day, Gramps," she said, her gaze still cold and unyielding as she kept looking at the headband-wearing Ghoul.
A small laugh came from the woman, drawing Kagome to look at her and seeing the woman winked at her playfully, causing a bit of the tension she was holding in her shoulder to ease.
"Well, I guess I can introduce myself first. I am Itori, nice to meet you again, Kagome. Yoshimura," The woman Itori said, her voice showing her mirth at the whole situation while being polite.
It did not surprise Kagome that the woman knew who Gramps was. In fact, the way her aura flared in amusement and smugness. She was a highly intelligent woman; it was apparent. That and Kagome was well aware of the fact that she'd be asking a lot of questions here shortly. Turning her gaze to the male Ghoul standing next to her, his black-tinted eyes watching her with a wariness of prey, Kagome smiled at him.
"Uta," was all they got from him.
Snorting Kagome turned to look at the Silver-haired guy. Who looked a lot better now that he had drunk the blood and cleaned himself up a little bit. The way he kept trying not to meet her eyes was funny. But then again, Kagome wondered if it had to do with touching his Kagune. Gramps, Koma, and Irimi had all denied her the right to do that. And she didn't want to let the opportunity go to waste that day.
"Renji Yomo." he finally said, or instead mumbled barely audibly.
Sighing, Kagome looked up to see that all four of the adults were looking at her. Rolling her eyes, she curtsied and said her name once more. Earning a small shake from Gramps at her actions.
"So, now that you have the two of them here care to tell us why you just didn't tell us the last time? I mean, it was obvious you knew who they were," Itori said, her voice dropping a few octaves in her excitement and eagerness.
Nodding her head, Kagome turned and walked over to the stools at the counter and climbed up on one, spinning to face them.
"Because I didn't want to air my business to the world, thank you very much," She quipped, earning a surprised look and a chuckle from Gramps.
"Okay... That is a bit odd coming from a child of what five or six?" Uta said.
"Six. And under normal circumstances, you'd be right. But Gramps here can tell you; I am far from normal. And what I have to say is personal, but Miss Itori can be present," Kagome said, shrugging her shoulders in an I-don't-care-kinda-manner.
The way the three just kept looking at her as if she was some strange specimen. Kagome couldn't help it as she began to giggle. Arms were coming to wrap around her waist as she did so. She was taking a few moments to get herself under control, while the rest of them were looking not so amused at her.
"Kagome," Gramps said, making her sit up straight and wipe the tears from her eyes.
"Sorry about that. Anyways, I wanted to find you two and do what I was always taught to do by my father," she said as she jumped down from the stool and walked back over to the trio.
Only stopping when her bare feet brushed against Yomo's booted one. Looking up from one to the other and back again, she placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at them, before lunging forward and throwing her hands around one of Uta's legs and one of Yomo's arms. Feeling the way they stiffened at her touch, clearly unsure of what to do or how to react.
"I forgive you," she stated easily as she withdrew her person from them.
It took a few minutes before Yomo spoke up, "Forgive us for what?"
He was confused. It showed not just in his aura, but on his face, which was usually a blank mask. Giving a small huff of indignation, Kagome stepped back, planted her hands on her hips, which she cocked to the side as she stared at them.
"A year ago, on my fifth birthday in the first ward, you two were fighting. My family got caught in the crossfire of that and died. My father was barely able to get me back to our home to keep me safe. He was seriously wounded," she explained slowly, feeling the pain rise in her chest, though she had never met her parents in this world. "But before he died, he reminded me that I had to forgive you guys. That thing's like this happened in the world because of many things. Gramps agreed when I told him. So, I have been looking for you guys for a few months now."
As she finished, she could see and feel their disbelief and awe. She was pretty sure that the disbelief was from stating that her family lived in the first ward, which was like wards three through four, under ghoul control. The CCG couldn't get a purchase there. More so since it was clown territory.
"You are telling me that we were fighting a year ago, in the first ward and killed your family... By accident?" Uta said, incredulity dripping from his voice.
"Yes," Kagome stated simply.
"That is impossible, I don't leave the fourth ward," he growled at her.
Unphased by his actions and tone, Kagome just stared back at him, unblinking and moving. The woman, Itori coughed to get both their attention.
"Actually, Uta, sometimes when you two really go at it, you tend to migrate. So what she says is not wrong. And you did end up destroying a good portion of the first ward near its border with the sixth ward," she pointed out, defending Kagome.
She was flashing a smile in thanks to the woman, who was just watching her with a calculating gleam in her dark eyes.
"Kagome does speak the truth. I have been to her home in the first ward. I go with her every Sunday to take care of the family lands. It is a Shinto shrine," Gramps spoke up, making the other three look at him in shock. "And since it is so late at night and I know the Doves will be out looking for two of you three, stay here. Eat and drink and rest. This is a haven for Ghouls."
Laughing delightedly at what Gramps said, Kagome clapped her hands and let her gaze land back on Yomo, who didn't seem too pleased with the looks she was giving him.
"Hey, hey, do you think I can touch your Kagune again!?" she blurted out.
The way Uta and Itori burst out laughing as Yomo flushed darkly and pushed his chair further from her, as a low groan came from Gramps. Kagome realized that that was a no.
"Kagome, that is rude. You have been told you cannot touch Kagune's. Why did you do that? It is very rude and impersonal young lady; It is the equivalent if someone random person came up to you and touched you inappropriately," Gramps lectured, making Kagome drop her head.
"Sorry... It is just that he has a pretty one... It was like wings that could produce lightning. Warm to the touch, soft and hard at the same time," she muttered as she hung her head in shame at the rebuke. She realized that she had done something bad.
Bowing at the waist, she gave Yomo an apology, only to feel a hand on her head, rubbing it lightly. Lifting her head, he looked at her, and his eyes told her that she had been forgiven. Smiling as a rather large yawn escaped her, Kagome glanced up at the clock, seeing how late it was. It was well past her bedtime, though she felt lighter at having given the two forgiveness and happy that she was forgiven for a transgression of her own.
TBC!