"Kagome, have you prayed at the shrine yet?" Kagome's mother asked in a nervous tone.
"Mother, we live at a shrine. I think that will be enough for the Kami." She replied in a bored tone.
"Kagome please-"
"Fine, guess it couldn't hurt." Kagome glanced at the clock 1:45 PM. Groaning she hurried to the shrine.
She clapped her hands together in prayer while bowing deeply. Please protect my family. It was the same every month before the names would be listed. Kagome was not terribly worried about anyone she knew being called; after all there are 7.125 billion people on earth. She was about to walk away when she stopped, unease building in the pit of her stomach. Turning, she once again repeated the prayer, just to be safe, before heading back inside her home.
Her family was already stationed around the television in the living room as they watched the talks leading up to the eventual activation of the Blood Arch. At 23, Kagome could clearly remember the fateful New Year's Day and each listing that followed. New Year's in no longer celebrated, rather it is a day of silence in remembrance of all who have been victims of the arch.
Kagome was only half paying attention to what the announcer was saying about the training programs that had been established in many high population countries, including Japan, so that the people listed would have some knowledge on how to defend themselves. These defense classes replaced normal gym classes and students were required to have extensive training in sword arts as well as archery. Many schools, like Kagome's, receive additional government funding for giving additional training in horseback riding and battle strategy.
It was in this militant environment and state of fear that Kagome trained her body and mind to be prepared for any situation. She had decided the moment Fallon Michaels reappeared that should her name be listed, she would return.
A deep, relieved sigh from her mother brought Kagome's attention back to the screen. She felt nausea churn in her stomach and couldn't help but pity the girl whose face appeared on the screen. Her golden hair was cropped short and she was wearing a military looking uniform. She must attend a military academy, Kagome vaguely thought. The girl's eyes were filled with hatred and defiance. Tyran Jhost.
"So young." Kagome's grandfather muttered as he shook his head with sad eyes. "The poor thing can't be more than fourteen."
"Tyran Jhost, age thirteen, is listed as being a student at the Northern Correctional Outpost in Poland." The reporter introduced. "As per regulation, we ask that she report to her closest police station within the next 12 hours."
The reporter continued his rudimentary description of the girl, mostly containing her physical characteristics and any official documentation that may provide insight into her character. Reaching over, Kagome turned off the power to the TV.
"I am going to get some fresh air for a bit, Mom." Kagome said as she put on a jacket and pair of mittens.
"That's fine dear, just please be safe." Her mother, seeing the exasperated expression her daughter gave her, sighed and threw her hand up. "Even if you are the top of your class in self-defense and military arts, you don't know what could happen! I am your mother; I am allowed to worry for you."
"Of course." Kagome couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, a look of indulgence lighting her features. Her mother couldn't help but feel as though she were being humored by her daughter.
"Weren't you leaving?" She pouted.
"I'll be back for dinner." Kagome said with a laugh as she headed out into the cold.
"KAGOME! It's 2:30! How much fresh air do you need?"
"I'm going to Hojo's."
"OHH! Kagome's going to her boyfriends!" Sota called from where he was lounging in the living room. Kagome watched as her mother snapped the door shut then proceeded to hear her brother scrambling away from her mother as she no doubt chased him through the house.
The streets were barren as they always were on the first of the month. Businesses, schools, and other activities halted an hour before and after the time of the announcement so that people could be with their families. Yet, Kagome enjoyed the solitude. So much of her life was spent around people and it was rare that she would get a moment to herself. Thus, the monthly walks through the abandoned Tokyo. During this time she would think of everything and nothing as she kicked a stone along or gazed up at the towering buildings.
After wandering the city for an hour, watching as life once again returned to the streets as if the city itself was letting out a relieved breath, she found herself walking up to Hojo's front door. Like Kagome, he had decided to attend Tokyo University and would commute to the school from home. Although they had known each other from when they were young, it was not until they were partnered in one of the combat simulation exams when they were undergraduates at university that they became close and eventually began to date.
Before her hand even reached the doorbell, she found herself face to face with her boyfriend who appeared to be headed out.
"Oh, Kagome!" he smiled as he pulled her into a warm hug, "I was just about to head over to your place."
"You could have called to let me know." She murmured into his shoulder.
"Says the girl who just showed up at my door without any notice." He chuckled before giving her a loving smile and chaste kiss. With their foreheads pressed together, he whispered a small, "Thanks for not being named."
"No problem." She whispered back. Hojo then pulled her inside and, after removing their coats and mittens, led her to his room where they sat together on his bed. Hojo was telling her about some outrageous stunt his sister had pulled the other day when they were viewing the lights on Christmas, and Kagome couldn't help but allow her mind to wander to when they were paired up for the exam.
Hojo was a kind and generous boy, always willing to go out of his way to help others. Smart, handsome, and great personality; there was nothing to hate about the boy. Yet, Kagome could bring herself to be comfortable around him. When they were partnered she recalled feeling annoyed, as if Hojo would hold her back. Every day, Kagome spend hours drilling sword forms, hand to hand combat, and any other weapon on hand. She poured herself into her studies, working hard to improve her ability to read a battlefield. In her free time, she would lock herself up in the university's library to learn about different cultures around the world, history being a passion of hers.
Hojo, on the other hand, seemed to not have any cares and simply seemed to understand the material being presented. When it came to their military art courses, she had yet to see him be serious about fighting. So when they were paired for a survival simulation exam, she decided to whip the boy into shape. The weeks that passed before the exam were made up of her pushing him to his best and him flirting with her; much to her displeasure. Eventually, she snapped asked him how he could always smile and act like he didn't have a care.
"Because I'm terrified."
If the shaking of his voice or the pale pallor of his face didn't move her heart, it was the haunted look in his eyes. The same eyes she sees on people the days leading up to the announcement. The same eyes she sees in her reflection when she considers what could happen in the future.
"-mae. Kagome!" Hojo's hand on her cheek brought her attention back to the present.
"Ah, sorry. I was just thinking about the past." He smiled and pulled her to lay down with him on the bed.
"Hmm. Well, next time you decide to take a little field trip, let me know so I don't talk myself horse."
"I'll try to remember;" sarcasm heavy in her voice. Pressing a gentle kiss to her temple, Hojo seemed content to hold her in his arms as if to reassure himself that she was still there.
"I had a bad feeling today before the announcement." Kagome whispered. Hojo just held her tightly. "I thought-"
"You weren't listed. Everything is fine." Snuggling into him she nodded her head and closed her eyes, listening to the regular beat of Hojo's heart. "Everything is fine."
Ten days later, Tyran Jhost passed through the arch.