Chapter 2
It was noon on campus and most students were eating in the cafeteria or hanging out on the green lawns. Rin was done with all her classes today having scheduled them in the morning. Since she had a little time to spare before sunset she accepted Kagome's invitation to meet her in one of the training rooms on campus. She said they could eat lunch there. Several training rooms existed on the university's sprawling grounds being that many students studied combat skills to try to master their unique quirks.
Rin followed Kagome's instructions finding the training room Kagome and her friends were in. The room was all white and about as large as half a football field. Looking up, Rin could see the sky as the room was encased by a clear retractable dome.
"Rin! You made it." Kagome said excitedly as she stood up from the floor where she was previously eating her lunch.
Rin smiled and waved as she made her way over to Kagome. She noticed the other members of their group of friends were all off in separate areas appearing to be working out. Kagome and Miroku were the only ones sitting down eating.
"This place is like nothing I've ever seen before." Rin said in awe of the space.
"This is just one of the smaller training rooms, you should see them all. I'll show you one day." Kagome said.
"I'd love that!" Rin said excitedly.
"So Kagome, looks like you've made a new friend. No fair, I want her to be my friend too." Miroku said approaching the girls with a smirk.
Rin watched Miroku approach them and there it was, his aura. Another one of Rin's abilities included being able to see and read the color of people's auras. It was something she began to notice as she got older. She can't always see them but when she focused enough, she could. Miroku's aura was a royal purple. She sensed passion, sureness and something else from him. It kind of felt like...lust? Rin was taken aback by his aura, what was he yearning so badly? She didn't feel the lust directed at her but it was definitely swimming throughout his aura.
"As long as you keep your hand to yourself!" Kagome said.
"It's cursed! It has a mind of its own, I can't always control it." Miroku said smiling.
Rin noticed one of his hands was in a black glove with beading wrapped tightly around it. She wondered why that was. As if reading her mind, Miroku explained.
"My hand actually is cursed. It's a demon hand. I keep it wrapped in prayer beads to control it." Miroku said looking at Rin.
Curious, she had to ask. "How did you get a demon hand?"
"Well I...uh accidentally asked a demon to bear my children when I was about 14 and she cursed me with this hand." Miroku said looking embarrassed.
"It was not an accident. Miroku asked plenty of women to bear his children as soon as he turned 13. He ran into the wrong one that day and now has to bear the consequences of being a pervert." Kagome said.
"Kagomeeeeee" Miroku whined.
"And still, even after the curse he was still a pervert. He touched so many women's backsides and blamed it on that cursed hand!" Kagome continued.
"But it was the hand, it wasn't me!" Miroku pleaded.
"And why is your hand on Rin's shoulder!?" Kagome yelled catching the attention of a certain brunette.
Rin looked over and just noticed Miroku's hand was rubbing her shoulder. When did he even get that close? How did she not notice that?
SLAP!
Before Rin could even move, Sango slapped Miroku across the room.
"He didn't touch your butt did he? Because, I'll kill him!" Sango asked angrily.
"No!" Rin shrieked, a little intimidated by Sango's temper.
"Babe, you know the only butt I want to touch is yours." Miroku said lying on the ground holding his cheek where she smacked him.
Sango went from furiously angry to furiously blushing in 2.5 seconds at his words.
Rin watched the whole exchange in fascination. Was this what being in a relationship was like? Rin wasn't sure, Sango seemed a bit violent and Miroku was maybe a little too forward. But, whatever worked for them! She thought.
Kagome and Rin giggled as they watched Sango drag Miroku away toward where she was training. He winked at them as he went.
"So, Miroku just touches random girls' backsides? Isn't that sexual harassment?" Rin asked still giggling.
"He used to, not anymore...not after getting with Sango." Kagome said. "But, yikes! Miroku and that hand caused a lot of chaos when he was single. The funny thing is Miroku is actually a monk with holy powers. But he was raised by a perverted monk who taught Miroku his lecherous ways. His lewdness caught up with him when he got cursed but the demon hand didn't make it any better. That's when he acquired an ability called Charm. He could literally charm the panties off any woman before they even knew it. But Miroku was rarely turned down, when a girl found themselves in bed with him, they didn't even mind!" Kagome said incredulously. "He also has the curse of good looks." She shrugged.
That's how he got that close to me and I had no idea, Rin thought.
"Good looks can be dangerous but Charm comes in handy sometimes when we have missions." Kagome continued.
Missions? Rin thought as she continued to listen to the story.
"The only girl that ability never worked on is Sango. Miroku had to actually work really hard to be with her. One day, I'll ask Sango to tell you their love story. It's really cute." Kagome said dreamily.
"I'd love to hear it." Rin agreed. "So, Miroku is a monk with a demon hand. That is an interesting quirk." Rin said out loud.
"Yep, and guess what Sango's quirk is." Kagome said, finger resting on her chin.
Rin waited, she definitely wanted to know.
"Sango is a demon slayer."
"Wow." Rin had read about demon slayers in one of her many books. Not just anyone could be a demon slayer. They were rare humans who had strength and agility that rivaled demons and an acute awareness of them. They were highly skilled assassins and known for their intense training regimens. Also, that would explain her aura. It was earthy brown; it felt grounded, determined and solid.
"Did it bother her? Miroku's hand?" Rin asked then immediately regretted the question because she felt she was being too intrusive.
Kagome didn't seem to mind. "It did at first and she vowed to find a way to cure him but she has accepted it. Sango might seem a little rough around the edges at first but she's actually really sweet and devoted to her friends. She really loves Miroku and would do anything for him."
"How does she feel about Inuyasha since he's a demon?" Rin asked. Maybe she was being a bit too inquisitive but this group was so interesting she just couldn't help asking questions. Rin also read that demon slayers were very hostile toward all demons.
"Sango tried to attack Inuyasha when she first met him but then she realized all demons were not bad after he saved her. That's also another story for another time." Kagome winked.
"Sorry, if I'm asking too many questions. I just haven't been in the company of interesting people, well any people in a while. I spend a lot of time alone." Rin apologized.
Rin suddenly felt delicate arms wrap around her petite frame. She was surprised by Kagome's sudden embrace.
"I know we just met but I want us to be friends. No one should have to be alone." Kagome said. "You can ask as many questions as you want."
Kagome let her go and Rin wasn't sure what to do. Rin had not been embraced by anyone since the last time she saw her parents, years ago. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes but fought them back. Rin had not cried since that day and she was not about to start now. She resolved to be strong so she quickly put a smile on her face and thanked Kagome for not minding her questions.
Kagome could tell there was some melancholy behind Rin's smile but she wouldn't pry, not until Rin was ready. Some of the biggest smiles hide the biggest hurt. She just decided to keep talking.
"So, do you want to know what Inuyasha's quirk is?" Kagome smiled.
Rin enthusiastically nodded her head yes as her eyes landed on the white haired young man wildly swinging around a skinny, rusted, sheathed sword.
"He's a half demon. Half dog demon, half human."
Rin figured he was a demon but did not realize he was a half demon. Rin had heard that sometimes demons and humans formed relationships bearing half demon children. It was rare and was frowned upon by both races many years ago. Half demon children typically were not accepted by either race, they were children only their parents loved. Rin found herself wondering what Inuyasha's childhood was like. She noticed his aura was a fiery red color. He radiated self-determination, leadership, and bravery.
"He comes off a little rough but he's really amazing. Inuyasha has saved my life on many occasions." Kagome paused staring at him with admiration.
Rin briefly wondered why Kagome would be in such danger that he would need to save her life on many occasions. When Rin thought back about her words, Kagome talked as if they were all fighting against something. It was strange.
"He can't unsheathe that sword because he would destroy the entire training room. His sword is called Tessaiga and you have to see it in action one day. As you can see, Inuyasha doesn't have the most graceful sword fighting technique though." Kagome teased.
Rin giggled at Kagome's teasing. She wondered how that skinny, rusted looking sword could actually be capable of anything. I guess looks can be deceiving.
"I heard that!" Inuyasha yelled at Kagome. In one swift motion he jumped and landed right in front of them.
"You know, instead of standing around running your mouth with your new friend, you could be working on your archery skills." Inuyasha quipped to Kagome, arms folded across his chest.
Kagome huffed. "My archery skills are just fine!"
"Yea and that's why your ass almost got..."
"Inuyasha!" Kagome cut him off glancing at Rin.
Inuyasha looked at Rin too like he just remembered she was there.
"Never mind, but Kagome take your training a little more seriously. Please." Inuyasha said to her reaching out to gently caress her cheek. His hard eyes softened as he gazed at her.
"I will." Kagome said placing her hand over his. "I'll be more careful next time." Kagome's light mood seemed to dampen a bit as she gazed back at Inuyasha with understanding in her eyes.
Rin watched the exchange between them and felt awkward for just standing there. It was obvious they cared deeply for one another. The way they looked at each other, it was as if they forgot she was there. They looked as if they were about to kiss. She wasn't sure what to do.
"Um, I'm just going to..." Rin started trying to get away.
"Oh Rin!" Kagome jumped, cheery smile back on her face.
Rin noticed Inuyasha looked a bit annoyed.
"Wait a minute, you've been explaining all of our quirks to the new girl and we don't even know hers!" Inuyasha stated turning to Rin. "What's your quirk, pipsqueak?"
Rin instantly became nervous under his scrutinizing stare. She started fidgeting.
"Inuyasha! Don't be rude! She's not a pipsqueak!" Kagome scolded.
"Well, she is a bit short but I'm curious as well." Miroku stated walking over with Sango who was also staring at her peculiarly.
"The least rude word is petite, boys!" Sango reprimanded but she also wanted to know about this girl Kagome seemed to take a liking to.
Rin felt her heart rate quicken. She was not used to being the center of attention, it was nerve racking. She was not allowed to discuss her quirk with anyone but her parents but they weren't here now and this was a place where everyone had one. She could do it! Rin took a deep breath to steady herself as she looked up at the tight knit group's curious gazes.
"I – I can talk to animals." Rin said quietly with her head down. She did it!
"That's it?!" Inuyasha said earning a smack on the back of his head from Kagome.
"Interesting.." Miroku said rubbing his chin.
Both Sango and Kagome pushed the guys out of the way.
"That's so cool Rin!" Kagome exclaimed.
"Can you talk to my cat for me? I would love to know what she's saying!" Sango said excitedly.
"Yea, mine too!" Kagome added.
Rin looked up. Her eyes brightened at the positive reactions from the girls. The guys did not seem to think her quirk was so cool, guess it wasn't compared to theirs. She thought. Nevertheless, the fact that the reactions weren't negative made her feel more at ease. It felt liberating to be able to tell someone.
"Okay, okay back to training everyone. You all know what we have to do tonight." Inuyasha said walking away from the group.
"See you Rin." Miroku smiled as he followed Inuyasha.
"Later, I'm serious about the cat." Sango called as she followed the guys.
"Well, I guess I need to start training too." Kagome said. "But first, I never told you my quirk."
Rin looked at her and waited.
Kagome smiled. "I am a miko."
Rin was stunned. If demons were afraid of demon slayers, they were completely petrified of miko. Miko were a demon's worst night mare. They were also very rare. One or two miko were born once every generation. Rin should have known Kagome was something special; she had a bright pink aura that Rin had never seen before radiating kindness, warmth and purity.
"So you can purify demons and heal people?" Rin asked having read about miko in her many books.
"Yes and I've gotten much better with my power. There was a time when I could not control my power at all." Kagome said.
They were all so extraordinary. Rin felt their quirks made hers seem like nothing special at all. What usefulness was talking to animals anyway? Rin started to feel a bit insecure. They could actually make a difference with their powers. What could she do with hers?
"Rin, I think you're pretty amazing. You have to coolest quirk in the room." Kagome said as if she had read Rin's mind.
Rin's eyes widened. She had only known Kagome for a couple of hours and already she felt like they could become close friends. Kagome's gentle nature was soothing.
"Thank you!" Rin beamed.
Kagome smiled back.
"The two prettiest girls on campus bonding, I must be in heaven."
Both girls turned around to find a tall, green eyed fox demon walking toward them. His six tails were spread out behind him swishing side to side in a grand display.
Rin remembered him. He was the guy from the café this morning.
"Shippo!" Kagome said happily. Rin watched as they hugged each other.
"Kagome! I missed you. I thought about you all summer." He said nuzzling her head affectionately.
Now Rin was confused. Wasn't she with Inuyasha?
And speaking of...
"Well if it isn't the runt!" Inuyasha said walking toward them with Sango and Miroku. They were all sweaty. Rin was surprised that Inuyasha did not seem to mind Shippo touching Kagome from the way he reacted when the wolfish guy touched Kagome.
"I am not a runt anymore!" Shippo whined.
Inuyasha walked right up to him grabbing him and putting him in a headlock; he punched the top of his head. What a greeting, Rin thought.
"You definitely had a growth spurt." Sango said giving Shippo a hug after Inuyasha released him.
"How was summer magic training?" Miroku asked giving Shippo a pound.
"It was awesome, can't wait to tell you guys all about it! But first, I want to know what you guys are doing here with the cutie I met this morning." Shippo said turning to Rin.
She blushed.
"Oh, you met Rin already? She has Sesshomaru's class with all of us in the morning. I think she's going to become a good friend." Kagome smiled.
"Wait, Sesshomaru's teaching a class this year?" Shippo asked incredulously.
"Yea and the asshole ain't making it easy for us either." Inuyasha said.
"This morning's class was rough." Miroku groaned.
"He's definitely unhappy about teaching a course this year." Sango sighed.
"How did that even happen?" Shippo asked.
"The dean is requiring graduate students to teach an undergraduate course as a master's degree requirement, just went into effect this year." Miroku said.
"Yikes!" Shippo said knowing how antisocial Sesshomaru was.
Rin listened as they all talked so casually about the professor from her first class of the day. She guessed since he is Inuyasha's older brother, they must know him well. Rin had to agree, he was pretty rough this morning. He answered no questions just glared. He told everyone to read the first chapter of the textbook and then gave a quiz with a five minute timeframe to finish. Everyone failed. How were they going to pass his class? Rin grimaced.
Kagome noticed. "Don't worry Rin, he'll ease up soon...hopefully." Kagome said the last part under her breath.
"I hope you're right." Rin said as she looked at her watch. It was already 4:00pm. She did not realize she spent so much time with them. She had to get going; she wanted to make it to her cabin well before sundown.
"Well, I'll see you all tomorrow. I have to head home. Thanks for allowing me to hang out with you all." Rin said politely.
"No need to thank us! I enjoyed hanging out with you." Kagome replied. Sango and Miroku nodded their heads in agreement. Kagome elbowed Inuyasha in his side.
"You can hang out with us again if you want." Inuyasha grumbled.
"Let me walk you out." Shippo offered wanting to spend a little time with her.
"No!" Rin blurted, then immediately regretting the way it came out now that they all were staring at her strangely. But, she was not ready for anyone to know she lived in a cabin in the Bone Eater Forest. She didn't need anyone worrying about her.
Fix this Rin!
"Um, I don't live on campus and I have to use one of the transport tubes to get home. They seem to be really strict about using them." Rin lied. "See ya!" She practically ran out of the training room.
Shippo looked rejected.
"Well, security is kind of strict about those tubes." Miroku said.
"It's her first day here, she's just nervous and probably wants to follow the rules." Sango added.
Shippo immediately brightened up at their explanation.
"Strange girl in my opinion." Inuyasha said.
"No one asked you." Kagome quipped. "But, I think there is something more to her than I think even she knows. I saw her aura, it was green and it was pulsating. I've never seen that before." She said thoughtfully. Kagome could also see auras, she could not read them like Rin but she could see them.
"Well, I definitely want to get to know her better." Shippo said to himself.
"You sure know how to pick up some weird ones Kagome." Inuyasha said.
"Shut up Inuyasha."
Author's Note:
Thanks for reading, following and reviewing chapter 1. I appreciate it! Do you think there is more to Rin's quirk? Think you can guess what it is? Let me know!