Hojo's hand felt cool against her own as they sat in the waiting room of the police station with her family, his thumb rubbing circles on the back of her hand. The methodical movement felt rather comforting to Kagome; it drew her attention from the soft muffled tears of her mother and the constant ringing of telephones in the office. Her head rested on Hojo's shoulder, taking in his warmth. Her eyes followed his hands movements before being drawn to the ring resting on her left hands fourth finger. It was a delicate golden band with a single small diamond. Kagome couldn't help but smile at how perfect it was; a simple and pure promise.
The ring was originally her mother's engagement ring from her father which only made the ring that much more valuable to Kagome. Hojo had immediately run to her house after hearing the announcement, bursting through the front door. He had pulled her him, caging her in his arms.
"Marry me." He whispered into her hair. Kagome stood frozen before the tears began anew.
"I can't chain you to me when there is no guarantee that I will return. I'm sor-" Before she could finish her lips were sealed by Hojo's.
"Marry me."
"Hojo, I ca-" Once again her protests were cut short.
"Kagome, I am not asking." Hojo's voice was desperate but it held a firmness that told Kagome he had his mind set.
"Well when you put it that way… I guess I don't have a choice." Hojo felt a great rush of happiness at her acceptance and butterflies were a flutter in his stomach when she directed her smile at him; the same smile that had first drawn him to her and eventually led to him falling in love.
There was no fancy dinner, he didn't get down onto one knee, and he didn't even have a ring but to Kagome, it was perfect. It was what she needed. It was his promise that he would wait for her and her promise that she would return to him.
Later, Kagome's mother brought Hojo the ring Kagome's father had used when proposing to her. She wanted to share it with her daughter so that Kagome would always have a part of her and her father with her when she faced the challenges ahead of her.
The sounds of sirens broke Kagome from her revere. An armored SUV pulled up in front of the police station accompanied by three escort cars. Soldiers wearing tactical gear secured the perimeter of the station before the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Foreign Affairs stepped out of the armored vehicle and made their way inside. The Minister of Defense was a portly elder man whose brow held a permanent scowl. When he entered the building, he looked upon Kagome's family, who had risen to greet the two men, with superiority and distain. The Minister of Foreign Affairs on the other hand looked to be exceedingly professional; wearing a neat suit and a small polite smile upon his face.
"You must be Kagome," The Minister of Foreign Affairs said as he nodded politely at her, "It is a pleasure to meet you, I only wish it had been under more favorable circumstances."
"Thank you," Kagome bowed in return, "believe me when I say the feeling is mutual."
"Please accept my condolences."
"Don't know what the fuss is," The Minister of Defense mumbled brusquely, "What I wouldn't give to test my mettle against some of those alien creatures. If I was ten years younger…"
The Minister of Foreign Affairs grit his teeth in vexation and tersely said, "Truly, it is indeed a loss." He then proceeded to greet the remainder of Kagome's family and Hojo, who wisely did not comment on the exchange. "I am here to escort Kagome to the airport, it is important that she reaches the United Nations headquarters in New York as soon as possible."
"Why is that?" Kagome's mother questioned, "She still had nine and a half days, why can she not spend them with her family?"
"Although some schools do train their students, there is confidential information which cannot be released to the public but will be integral to her survival. That material cannot leave the headquarters. Additionally, she will need to receive coaching from some of the listed who have returned."
"I see…"
Kagome turned and embraced her mother who had begun to tear up, "Hey now," Kagome's voice was soothing and held an air of reassurance that she did not feel herself, "I won't be gone that long. I still have to graduate and grandpa is getting a little old to be cleaning the shrine all by himself. Besides, I'm getting married; can't leave Hojo at the alter waiting too long." Kagome's mother nodded and put on a brave smile.
"I'll just draw up the bath so it's ready when you get home then."
"Thanks mom."
Sota glomped Kagome from behind, "Say safe, ok sis?"
"Of course," she smiled.
"I'm sure this is the work of demons! Kagome, take these sutras with you. They are very effective; I made them myself." Her grandfather said as he stuffed a handful into her jean's pocket.
"Grandpa, those don't even work." Sota sighed.
"Now see here young man, spiritual power has always had great power in the Higurashi line! Just one sutra is enough to purify the strongest demon."
"Father…" Kagome's mother began.
"She has been called forth for a great quest. It is her duty to uphold the family name and provide aid to those who ask."
"Thanks grandpa, I'll remember that." Kagome smiled indulgently. She turned to Hojo who had been politely waiting for her to finish with her family. He smiled halfheartedly at her and hugged her tightly.
"Please don't forget our promise."
"I'll be home before you notice." Kagome replied lightly, "I always did want a June wedding." Hojo's hold on her tightened.
"June it is." Giving her a chaste kiss, he allowed her to step away towards the two ministers. Seeing that she was finished with her farewells, the Minister of Defense gruffly turned and headed out the door to the waiting cars. The Minister of Foreign Affairs politely bowed to her family before turning to guide Kagome to the car beside him. As they were opening the doors to leave, Kagome turned one last time and smiled widely at her family.
"I'll see you guys soon."
The car ride to the airport was silent for the most part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs was quietly informing someone in English that she had been successfully retrieved and that they would be making their way to America within the hour. After speaking for another few minutes, he ended the call and turned to Kagome.
"You look as though you have a few questions for us." He spoke calmly and expectantly.
"I do."
"Please, speak freely. We understand that you must be very scared and unsure right now. So much has happened in the last few hours, you must be in shock."
"Oh, it's not that," Kagome replied quickly, "I study international foreign relations and I know for certain that it is not protocol for a Minister, let alone two, to escort those who are listed. What is the reason for this change, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Ah, that." He replied with his eyebrows raised in surprised, "You certainly live up to expectations." Seeing her brow furrowed in confusion, he continued, "You are a top student at a top university. For the last fifteen years you have been a participant in the training programs that Japan has provided for its youth and have done very well in them."
"Don't beat around the bush with your fancy talk," The Minister of Defense tersely said as he looked at her through narrowed eyes, "The government is using you. Every month, the government talks about how successful the training programs are and that they will improve people's chance of survival. Yet, because the people selected aren't always participants in the programs or are from other countries, Japan has yet to have an opportunity to display the programs use in practical application. You are the chance we've been waiting for. We want you to return as soon as possible to show the program's success."
"As a student who has been in the program since its conception, you should have a greater chance of survival. That's not to mention how well you apparently do in the courses," The Minister of Foreign Affairs paused and mumbled to himself, "though you don't look like you can do half of the things that have been reported."
"That's why I have to be here, escorting you to the airport, instead of enjoying my grandson's birthday party."
"I apologize for any inconvenience I've caused you." Kagome snipped. The car was quite the rest of the way to the airport and only the Minister of Foreign Affairs guided her to the plane that was waiting to take her to America.
"Sorry, he's always like this when it involves his grandson or when he thinks he's been denied something." He said as they reached the steps leading into the plane, "In this case it's both. I believe he is frustrated that he can't do anything to stop the listings. It is his responsibility to keep the public safe and with the Arch, there is really nothing he can do but train civilians and reassure the public." Kagome smiled reassuringly.
"He is in a difficult position." She agreed before the smile dropped from her face altogether, "However, I would request that he not display such feelings of resentment and frustration at not being able to take action himself when in the presence of someone who is being forced to against their will."
The Minister felt his blood run cold. She is truly a girl of many surprises. When he had first read the bio on the girl her school had provided, he was astonished at her scores in not only academics but military arts as well. He was once again surprised when the girl he met was not a muscle covered giant of a girl, who the reports promised was secretly an amazon warrior of legend, but a gentle and petite beauty. Her hair was a glossy black that offset her eyes which were a surprising shade of electric blue; almost as if they glowed internally. Her stance, while polite and respectful, commanded attention and obedience; he had to fight his own body's instinct to submit to the girl. However, her presence also instilled a feeling of serenity. It was a confusing contradiction and he didn't know if he should be afraid or at peace.
"Kazuki, what's wrong? You're shaking." The Minister of Defense said as he watched his companion sitting beside him jump slightly in surprise. They were making their way back to their office after seeing the girl, Kagome Higurashi, off. The Minister of Foreign Affairs looked down at his hands and found that they were, indeed, trembling. He gripped them together as he forced himself to calm down.
"That girl is not what she seems at all. She's quite strong."
"Tch, I could have told you that when we first saw her." The Minister of Defense scoffed, "She's like a dog; kind and respectful to everyone she meets, but should you threaten that peace, she will destroy you without restraint."