"We don't have much time, big sister," the little boy said to Kuri. "I'm Dylan and this is Rebecca."
The little girl pulled at Kuri's kimono. For some reason she was in a fancy one at the time.
"You can't let us die, big sister," she said.
"I-I…won't," Kuri said softly. "I'll…protect you both."
The two suddenly ran out the back door.
"Where are you going?" Kuri shouted, running after them.
I found myself in the forest behind our house. A blaze engulfed several of the trees and as Kuri watched, flaming tree branches collapsed on Rebecca and Dylan, killing them.
"I-I couldn't…" Kuri whispered.
Xxx
Kuri looked over at Hojo expectantly from the living room couch. She had just told him the entire story. Hojo was a childhood friend of the family, and the only one she could really tell about our time in the feudal era.
"It really is an unbelievable story," Hojo said. "But the thing is, we've seen our share of strange things here at the Hikawa Shrine. Your father's death, for example."
Kuri stood up sharply. "I'm…going to prepare for the party."
"It's your summer party, Kuri," Hojo said. "Why didn't Rei come home with you?"
Kuri set up a table. "The caterers will arrive soon. And I don't expect Sis to come home."
Hojo ran a hand through his brown hair as he helped her set up chairs. "Kuri, why didn't you take me down the well with you? Or at least tell me?"
"This is my first time back," Kuri replied. "And why on earth would you want to go there?"
"Someone has to look out for you, Kuri," Hojo said, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"I guess so," Kuri said. "But Inuyasha is dependable enough, when he isn't being a pain in the ass."
The doorbell rang, and they set out the catered food. Soon enough her family members started arriving.
"You look just like Toshio," Mom said to Kuri, hugging her. "I can't believe you are so grown up."
"Mom, I don't really look like Dad, do I?" Kuri laughed.
"Yes you do," she responded. "Although you are definitely a lovely young woman."
Kuri laughed and continued eating.
Soon the party ended, and Hojo was left in the house with me.
"You look exhausted," he said. "Go to bed and I'll clean up."
"Thanks Hojo," Kuri said. "Can you make sure the box Grams sent me goes to storage? It's another cursed item or whatever. So be careful."
"Got it," Hojo said.
And with that, Kuri went to bed.
Xx
Kuri fell out of bed several hours later in response to a loud noise from the attic. The Hikawa Shrine was subject to a lot of strange noises, especially at night. Mom used to say it was restless spirits and they should be left alone.
However, Kuri knew that Hojo was in the guest room, so she decided to check on him. She walked into his room, only to find it in shambles and him holding of a Noh mask.
"Damn it Grandma!" Kuri muttered.
The mask heard me and turned to me. "Ahh…the Shikonno Tama. If I absorb your body I shall be unstoppable."
It rushed toward Kuri.
"No! K-Kuri!" Hojo yelled.
Kuri held it off. "Hojo. The well! Go down the well and getInuyasha! Call to him and he will answer! I have no concern for myself, but this mask will kill countless others if it achieves its goal!"
Xxx
Hojo stumbled past Kuri and outside to the well. He dropped down. Had Kuri been lying? Was she making fun of him? Or perhaps…the well did not work for him.
"Inuyasha!" He shouted, digging, as if to find a secret entrance. "Inuyasha, Kuri-chan is in danger! P-Please! I can't watch her die!"
Inuyasha rose from the ground and eyed Hojo warily. "Who the hell are you?"
"My name is Hojo," Hojo responded. "I am Kuri and Rei's childhood friend. I've been looking out for them since their mother's death."
"And you went and let Kuri get attacked?" Inuyasha questioned.
Hojo glared at him. "She told me to get you! What was I supposed to do?"
"Whatever," Inuyasha said. "I'm going to save her."
Xxx
Kuri stared at the Noh mask. It had her on the edge of a bridge. She was holding it back with swords. "D-Damn you…"
"You sure have a knack for getting into trouble," came Inuyasha's voice.
Hojo climbed up as well. Once again the Noh mask went for him, and this time he punched it, but his hand was sucked in.
"HOJO!" Kuri yelled. She grabbed the Noh mask and ripped his hand from it, but that only freed it up to grab her hand.
"Oh no ya don't!" Inuyasha yelled, and pushed her back, destroying the mask.
Kuri went to Hojo's side. "Are you injured?"
He shook his head, blushing a little. "I was supposed to be saving you."
"Are you done? Cuz I want to be getting home now," Inuyasha snapped at them.
"What's your issue?" Kuri asked, following him separately as he went off down the road.
"What'd you get so concerned about him for?" he yelled.
"Oh," Kuri said, finally getting it. "I see. Hojo and I are not together. Father wanted that, Mother as well. Most of the Hikawas want me to marry into the Sakemoto family. But I don't harbor anything more than the bond of friendship toward Hojo. He's like a brother or a close cousin. I was concerned because he's like family."
"Well he sure doesn't look at you that way," Inuyasha countered.
"I can't do anything about that, Inuyasha," Kuri replied.
Inuyasha started to respond, but decided against it.