Chapter 2 – We Sink

Kagome was being chased by something. She ran and ran but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't escape those eyes. Just when it was about to catch and get a hold of her, she woke up letting out a small scream and discovered sweat running down her forehead. A knock on the door made her jump a little and to her relief, her mother entered the room with a surprised look.

- -Honey, are you feeling sick? You came home yesterday completely drenched by the rain. – Her mother said showing concern.

- -Now that you mention it, I do feel a little sick. What hour is it? –

- -It's already 10 AM –

- -Oh damn, I was supposed to meet Sango at the coffee shop at 9. –

- -It's fine, she called and I explained. She says you should rest today and take it easy, I do too darling –

- -Ok, I'll just go to the library for a bit –

Kagome took a bath and got ready quickly, putting on some jeans and a white t-shirt. After greeting her brother and grandpa, she took the road that lead to the library and arrived quickly. She grabbed a book that seemed interesting and chose the couch nearest to her to just read and relax. Just when she was getting into the first chapter of the weird novel about witches and pentagrams she was reading, her cellphone rang.

- -Hello? – Kagome said still paying attention to her book.

- -Kitten. – A deep voice said firmly.

Kagome's eyes opened wide and without thinking it, she hanged up. Suddenly, she received a text that simply said Cat got your tongue? And Kagome could just picture him making that smirk that she hated so much. She quickly returned the book and looking at everywhere as though she was being followed, she walked, if not ran, home. When she got there, planning to tell her mother everything and that she was kind of scared of "this Inuyasha guy", she found her in the kitchen crying with a picture of her dad in her hands.

- -Mom? What's wrong? – Kagome said while slowly approaching her mom.

- -Kagome … I didn't expect you so soon. – Her mom said trying to fake a smile.

- -Mom, I know something is going up, what's happening? –

- -My dearest, I hoped that I never had to tell you about this or get you involved. There's no helping it. – She said while holding Kagome's hands.

- -Tell me about what? –

- -Before … before you were even born, your dad and I were part, and founders, of a secret society that was against corruption and worked really hard to make justice. We had failures and successes but everything changed and became dark after a really corrupt commander in the government killed the daughter of one of the members. We didn't know how he could have possibly discovered the identity of the members and we came to the conclusion that someone had betrayed us. We had no option but to dissolve the group and go on with our lives. The members kept being friends for a few years, you even met some of them and their sons and daughters when you were a kid, but we decided to completely cut ties when another member of the society appeared dead randomly. We never saw each other again, till yesterday when you were out, two of them came to visit me. It was such a surprise to me. I knew they had become the richest and most famous family in Japan; after all they were always really good at business. While at first I thought it was a friendly visit, they told me that my husband's death wasn't just a murder, but he was murdered by the orders of the commander I mentioned before. I never thought of that possibility since so much time had passed without anything bad happening. The Taishos, my two good friends, offered to help me and to work to finally end with the commander's corruption and to prove all of the crimes he has done. – Kagome's mother said finally taking a long breath while also crying desperately.

- -How … how come you never told me? No, mom, you shouldn't get involved in that stuff. Please, don't go along with those Taishos who I don't even know. Please. –

- - Dear, it's different now. It's not dangerous. Back then, that man was always a step ahead of us, but now we are ahead of him. The Taishos used their power and money to get close to the commander. They gave money to someone close to him so they could know which families the commander knew were involved in our secret society. The Taishos were not one of them, but unfortunately he had just discovered that your father and I were involved. That's when your dad was murdered. According to Taishos secret informant, the commander just wanted to give me a "warning" but he wasn't going to harm my family anymore. –

- -How could that man do something so cruel? I feel … I feel so angry. I can't believe that … - her own angry tears falling down her cheek interrupted her.

- -My sweet little girl, don't cry. We're going to get that man I promise you. Don't let your heart darken because of this, you're not like that, I'm sure –

- -I wish I were as sweet as you think I am. Right now I just want to kill that evil man. – Kagome said while punching the table firmly.

- -The secret informant, and the one that the commander trusts the most, lied to him and told him that you and your brother were killed in a fire that partially burnt our shrine. He supposedly believed him and is now targeting other members. This summer, I'll be working for him, since he hasn't ever seen my face. The Taishos will recommend me as a supposed "great assistant" who he could trust deeply. This way I'll get close to him, to his secrets and to his documents that prove all that his done. As you know, this summer your grandpa and brother will be going to America to visit grandpa's brother. I want you to go with them, so you'll be safe, far away from here. –

- -Absolutely no, mom. Please try to think this over. If I can't convince you, I won't stop you, but I refuse to be that far away from you and not know what is happening. If you're going to actually do this madness, I want to stay close to you. Pleas, I beg of you. –

- - The Taishos had this idea … a plan B in case you didn't want to go to America … but, please Kagome, reconsider it … please go to America. Please –

- -What idea? – Kagome said impatiently –

- -They want you to stay with them, at their summerhouse next to the beach. They'll present you as their nice that is from America and has come to visit for the summer. They have fancy parties at their mansion all summer long and they have important guests such as the commander himself. This way, they can introduce you to him as someone who you're not so he never realizes who you really are and harm you –

- -I want to stay with you. Wherever you'll be staying.

- -That's impossible. I'm going to act, as a single woman and he probably would want to do some background check on me before hiring me. You can't live with me this summer. I'm sorry honey. –

- -Then … then … I'll stay at those strangers house. Whatever I can do to stay close to you – Kagome said while tears ran more fiercely through her cheeks.

- -I promise it'll be okay – her mom answered while hugging her.

I've come apart and you made me

Float like

A pretty box of your evil

So tired

So easy I

Bleed out

The two next days passed slowly and Kagome knew the day she had to go away from her mother and into a stranger's house had come. She packed her belongings and then noticed through her window that a fancy car was parked, the one that was going to take her to that summerhouse next to the beach not so far away from Tokyo. Her mother accompanied her down the stairs to go to the car. They said their goodbyes and shared a long hug. Kagome's mother told her that she'll be seeing her in those fancy parties but they had to act as strangers to each other. When Kagome got in the car and the driver had helped her with her luggage, her mother told her that she would be in contact with her by texts and regular calls. The car started moving.

Something like 90 minutes had passed and Kagome fell asleep almost all of that time. She suddenly woke up because of a bump in the road and opened her eyes in surprise. The beach was bright and beautiful next to her. It was as if the ocean was saying hello to her and giving her a warm welcome. The driver announced that they were finally arriving and Kagome was even more surprised than what she was with the ocean. It was an enormous mansion; it almost looked, if she dared to say, like a castle. The entrance looked like an evil queen's castle, just a bit less dark, and elegant cars were parked everywhere. The front garden had a million flowers and there were gardeners working on it. Kagome thought that it was ridiculous that someone had this much money. It wasn't even the main house. It was the summerhouse. She instantly felt uncomfortable by all that wealth. It wasn't her kind of place and she knew that. Her outfit, which was a casual white dress, suddenly felt not to the level of the house. She thought she should've dressed more elegantly but dismissed the idea soon since she didn't have those kinds of clothes, anyway. The car stopped and the driver got out to open Kagome's door. She got out slowly and looked around everywhere. A man, who Kagome supposed was the butler or something like that, walked out the door and welcomed her nicely with a 'Hello Miss Higurashi, haven't seen you since you were four. I'm Akio'. They entered the house and while walking through a long hall, Akio was telling her that the Taishos were waiting to meet her in the living room, including their sons. He also mentioned that every summer the sons were forced to live in the summerhouse, even though they were already grown ups, because it was their mother's orders, while laughing. It was the mother's way of having quality time with her family since the four of the Taishos were work addicts all year long, he said. He continued explaining that the father was a famous businessman who was also the owner of the most important music label in Tokyo, the mother owned a lot of restaurants and was one of the most important chefs in Japan, and their two sons were in the entertainment industry.

The two of them finally arrived to an enormous door and Akio opened it in a graceful move. Kagome walked in first and Akio followed her and said 'Miss Higurashi is here'. She suddenly saw a lady, who was a black haired beauty, run to her and hug her really tight.

- - Kagome! I hadn't seen you since you were four! I got pictures of you from your mom all of these years … but having you here with me is better. You really are a beauty, sweetie. Please call me aunt Izayoi. – The strange lady, which Kagome thought was really cute and elegant, said with excitement. –

- -Hello Kagome – A serious man with a gentle voice said with a small smile – I'm your uncle Ino no Taisho. I'm glad that you'll be with us this summer, safe and sound. I know this is difficult for you, when we went to talk to your mother about … what had happened with your father, she instantly wanted to help and even though we tried to convince her other wise, you know how she has such strong conviction and morals. This is my son Sesshomaru – Mr. Taisho said while a strong and tall guy walked next to him. –

- -Hi. Nice to meet you Kagome. I hope you have a good time this summer. I'll be working at my new novel but I can help in any way I can – Sesshomaru said with a cold and serious face but friendly tone.

- -Sesshomaru? You mean, Sesshomaru the author? Wow, this will sound weird but I'm obsessed with your books. I even made an essay about it in college. – Kagome said kind of embarrassed.

- - Thanks a lot – He answered while bowing a little – I'm surprised that such a young lady would actually read my books – Continued while smiling a little.

- -Ugh that boy. Where's my rebel son, Akio? I told him to be here. – Izayoi said with an annoyed look.

- -He's at the pool … with those models. Want me to get him? – Akio answered, amused.

- -Yes, please do! Sorry Kagome, my son is quite irresponsible. – Said Izayoi with a smile.

- -Oh, please don't mind me. I'm just a guest here. –

- -Don't be foolish, darling. We're technically family. My son and husband have to go to attend some business but you and me can have some tea in the garden while we wait for my son to show his face. After that I'll take you to a tour through the house and finally to you bedroom. –

Izayoi and Kagome said goodbye to Mr. Taisho and Sesshomaru and went to a beautiful garden with daisies and a vibrant green grass. A set of tea, that looked adorable, was prepared and brought to them. They had a really nice chat and talked about the past and about Kagome's mother. It was clear that she was very special to Izayoi because of the way she talked about her. Suddenly, a rough and deep voice was heard behind Kagome that made shivers run down her spine.

- -Mother, Akio said you needed me. What's up? – Said the familiar voice.

- -Inuyasha, dear, I want you to meet Kagome. She's the girl that will be staying with us because of the … situation … I told you about – Izayoi said.

- -Huh? Kagome? – He said while walking in front of where Kagome was sitting down – Oh, it's Kitten – He said with a big smirk on his face.

Blow by blow

Honest in every way I know

You appear

To face a decision I know you fear

Hello there! I hope you enjoy chapter two, which is mainly to develop the story and to give it direction. This chapter I got inspired by listening to Chvrches and the lyrics I included in the story are from We Sink and Recover. You can go ahead and listen to them if you like :) Hope to see you guys around in the next chapter. – Margo.