Chapter Nine
"Dormant"
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The nights on the island began to grow cold. Fall approaching turned hot days to lukewarm, just another reminder to everyone that Winter Game Exams were upon them. These exams were created specifically in the manner of a triathlon, containing the events of archery, combat and swordsmanship.
Usually, all students who planned to participate in the Soul Games at the end of the year were the only students required to be involved with all physical exams. Since non-Soul Games participants wanted to start taking part in the ones before, Naraku allowed the change, but also required a complete list of the students who decided they wanted to compete for the jewel. This made it easier for him to weed out the ones that especially need his attention when it came to obtaining the Shikon Jewel for himself.
"The final list you needed." Kagura entered the darkened office and placed a single sheet of paper on the lark, dark oak desk Naraku sat behind.
Naraku turned around in his chair and scanned over the names and majors of the participants. Some of them he recognized and some he didn't and of all the names, there were only two priestesses. He was secretly wishing there would be more.
"Kikyo and Kagome." He tested their names out loud. "I've heard of Kikyo before. Who is the other girl?"
"She's new. I don't know much about her. Where have you heard of Kikyo?" Kagura was curious as she herself didn't know much about Kikyo.
"Midoriko mentioned her a few times before I took her place. I know enough to know that the girl may have the power to get rid of the jewel's barrier. Once she does, I'll take it for my own needs." He gave her a simple plan outline.
Kagura stood in thought with no exact feelings about what he said. "What about Midoriko?"
Naraku glared up at her. "What about her?"
"If Kikyo is able to rid the jewel of its barrier will that somehow awaken Midoriko? She'll kill you for deceiving her and maybe destroy the jewel once and for all."
Naraku smirked and turned his chair so he would be facing the only window in his office that ran from the floor to the ceiling. "Midoriko isn't someone you need to worry yourself about. She's quietly lying dormant in a cave on the north side of Mt. Azusa. I made sure she'll never have a breath of fresh air for the rest of eternity."
Kagome was surrounded by the forest, far away from the bustling city. The grey clouds above were threatening with rain while the wind caressed her legs, blowing her hair every which way. The chill was the least of her worries as she seemed drawn to a strange power. She stopped at a cave entrance as she saw the faint glow of a blue shield. Cautiously, she went closer to touch it and the tips of her fingers slid past the barrier and into the mouth of the cave with her body following.
She took her time to check her surroundings and slowly stepped forward towards the suction of power that seemed to get stronger. A twig snapped under her foot and she gasped as a swarm of bats came swooping down at her.
Kagome awoke with a quick heartbeat and a light sweat. She placed a hand on her chest in an attempt to calm herself and took a deep breath. "I wonder what that was all about."
Reaching towards her desk, Kagome grabbed her phone to check the time. "It's only 8:30. No classes today means I can sleep in." She sighed with a smile and curled herself up in her warm blanket. Then, her eyes shot open. "It's Friday! Oh, crap! Training with Kaede for Tamashi No Gemu starts at nine! I'm gonna be late!" She screamed, jumping up and scrambling around for something simple to throw on.
"We'll start with a simple meditation exercise. Inhale for three and exhale for three. And, begin; inhale…Exhale." Kaede led her group of students in a peaceful activity before she moved on with the training.
A small creek of the sliding shoji door didn't go unnoticed by Kaede, but she acknowledged Kagome after the breathing exercise was done. Kagome apologetically bowed as she took a seat among the students sitting before Kaede.
"One more set. Inhale for five and exhale for three."
Kagome felt a poke in her left side and looked to see Kaoru sitting cross-legged wearing black tights and a white t-shirt.
"Kaoru? What are you doing here?" She whispered. "You changed your mind about the Soul Games?"
Kaoru shook her head 'no' and exhaled. "Winter Games. Lady Kaede sent emails last night. She's combining the training classes this year."
Kagome looked around during her inhale. She didn't recognize too many faces around, with the exception of Tomoe and Hitomiko. She was glad Kaoru was there with her.
After an hour and a half passed, Kaede decided to end her training session with the reminder that she would send new emails next Thursday morning with new information pertaining the next session for the games.
Kagome took this opportunity to apologize to her. "I almost forgot about today. I've been so tired. I promise I won't be late again." She bowed.
Kaede gently waved her off. "It is okay, child. Ye weren't too late and ye showed up at all. There is nothing to apologize for. Go have a meal and rest." She smiled at the younger.
Kagome exhaled and gave a soft smile, still feeling bad for her tardiness.
Kaoru stepped up to Kagome just as Kaede stepped away. "What are you doing today? Any plans?"
"Yeah, go back to my room and sleep some more." Kagome laughed. "I'm so beat."
"That sounds like a good idea, actually. Though, I am pretty hungry.
Kagome rubbed her belly. "I didn't have breakfast either. I was in such a rush to get here so I didn't have time to eat."
"Ladies."
Both girls looked to Hitomiko's approach.
"Oh, hi, Hitomiko." Kagome greeted and Kaoru gave a friendly smile. "What are you training for?"
"Winter games. I thought it would be fun since this was my last year." She shrugged.
"Why not the Soul Games? You seem pretty powerful to me." Kagome complimented, actually having the time to study her.
Hitomiko smiled. "Thanks. But, I have no use for the Shikon Jewel. If I did, I'd give you and Kikyo a run for it. I rank second in being the most powerful priestess around."
Kaoru and Kagome sweat-dropped. "That's interesting." Kaoru gave a crooked smile.
"Before I go, Kagome. Last weekend at the festival, I saw you talking to Enishi."
Kaoru frowned a little. "Enishi?"
"Isn't he the guy with white hair and those glasses?" Kagome put a finger to her cheek in thought. "Yeah. I've seen him around a few times."
"I see. I just wanted to know- do you think he's cute?"
This question caught Kagome off guard. "Uh, I don't know. He's okay, I guess." She scratched the back of her head.
"Hitomiko." The three girls looked to see Tomoe approaching. Kaoru stiffened and looked away from her. "I'm ready."
"About time. We'll catch up later, Kagome. See you two around." She waved her fingers in a farewell motion.
"What was that about?" Tomoe asked when they were well away from the younger girls.
"Just chatting."
"I heard you mention my brother."
"I was asking Kagome if she thought he was cute."
"I don't think I'd let him date her."
"Who said anything about dating? Maybe I was just trying to get info for my sake. To see if I had some competition coming my way."
Tomoe almost laughed. "You will not date my brother either.
"Yeah, yeah." There was silence as they made their way through the light crowd of the dining hall for breakfast. "It was a little awkward with Kaoru back there." She mentioned. "You two should maybe talk or something."
"I don't have anything to say to her."
"Well, go talk to Kenshin."
Tomoe gave Hitomiko a confused look and turned behind her to where Kenshin was lounging with his face in a book. "And say what?"
"It doesn't matter. You two haven't really talked since the break-up. Say anything. Try to patch it up."
Tomoe stared at Kenshin's soft features and bold red hair, feeling a sting at the back of her throat. She wanted to tell him that she missed him and she was willing to give them another try- willing to make it better. But, she couldn't. Not now. Not here. The thought of not being able to made her want to cry from built up frustration. But, that wasn't her. She rarely shed tears and she wasn't going to start today.
Her eyes drifted to the door of the café and in walked Kaoru, without Kagome. Kaoru scanned the area until her eyes found Kenshin.
"I gotta go." Tomoe walked away from Hitomiko and towards the exit.
"Tomoe!" Hitomiko sighed. "Why is she leaving?" She looked to Kenshin's direction and saw him stand to give Kaoru a hug. "Oh." She realized with sympathy. "Maybe next time, then."
"Something smells good." Kagome cooed and let her nose guide her to the line of people waiting to buy fresh pastries from a group of Home Economic students. "This all looks so good!" She beamed at the cookies and mini cupcakes, stepping next to the person she was standing behind and up to a free spot where someone was waiting to help her.
"Good morning, Kagome."
Kagome looked ahead into the green eyes of her Chemistry teacher. "Oh, Professor Washu! Good morning!" She smiled.
"What can I get for ya? Five dollars for every three cupcakes and every five cookies."
Kagome clapped her hands together. "Awesome! What's the occasion?"
"To fund the food for extra cooking classes. There seems to have been a boost in Home Ec. this year. More fellas than anything." Washu glanced to her right at a flock of students gawking at her.
Kagome laughed. "I think you may have something to do with that. I'll have three vanilla and three strawberry cupcakes and five snickerdoodle, five sugar, three raisin and two chocolate chip cookies, please."
Washu gathered the cupcakes into a small box and carefully plucked the cookies with gloved hands and put them in clear plastic bags, tying them up with light green ribbons according to their flavors. "That'll be twenty-five even." She grabbed a pink gift bag and placed the pastries inside.
Kagome fished through her knapsack for her wallet. When she pulled it out, a hand covered hers, coming from her left.
"Allow me,"
"Um." Kagome was frozen as she watched Enishi pay for her goodies. Or at least try to. "Thanks, but, no thanks. I can pay for myself." She assured him in the nicest way possible.
"It would be my pleasure."
"I got it, Enishi." She hurried to find the correct bills and handed them to Washu. "See you around, Professor. Thanks!" Kagome walked off with Enishi on her tail.
"You should have saved your money." He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
"It's fine. I feel better when I pay for things myself. I don't need a prince charming."
Enishi smiled, drawn to her sense of independency. "Well, how about you let me take you out to dinner sometime?"
Kagome stopped walking. "Dinner? Like a date?"
"Yeah…or lunch…?" He suggested when he noticed her face form into doubt.
"Listen, thanks for the offer, but I'm not really interested in dating right now. School is already a handful and I have a lot to prepare for with the games."
"The games, huh?" He noted the plural of the subject. "Whenever you change your mind, I'll be available." He gloated, not worrying about her declining his offer.
"Whenever she changes her mind, she won't be going out with you, it'll be me."
When the wild gust of wind calmed, Kagome looked at a tan arm that was suddenly comfortable around her shoulders and up at the wolf demon that appeared from nowhere.
"What?" She screeched.
"You again, wolf?" Enishi shoved his hands in his pockets and rolled his eyes.
"If anybody will be taking Kagome out, it'll be me. So, step aside, snowball."
"You honestly think she'd choose you over me?" Enishi kept his cool boy demeanor while Koga obviously opted to be arrogant as always.
"I don't see why not. I'm better looking than you, I'm stronger than you and no girl can resist my charm." Koga went on as Kagome tried to sneak away in mid-sentence. It took no effort for him to notice and he pulled her back to him by her waist.
Kagome gave an 'eep' and wiggled from his grasp. "Would you two cut it out? I'm not interested, okay? Go find someone else to fight over!"
"What's going on here?"
Sanosuke and Inuyasha approached the small group, the former scratching his head at the scene.
"All I wanted was to go back to my room and sleep." Kagome whined to the gods.
Sanosuke nudged Inuyasha. When the pup didn't understand why, Sanosuke gave him a little shove towards Kagome. "Why don't you guys leave Kagome alone? Don't you see she's tired?" He defended, standing on the opposite side of her than Inuyasha.
Koga and Enishi looked away in guilt and embarrassment.
"Let's get you home, Kagome."
Kagome looked between the hanyo and the fighter, sharing her confused thoughts with Inuyasha. She was still grateful as she let them lead her away. "Thanks for the rescue." She simpered.
"That flea-bitten wolf is so annoying." Inuyasha said more to himself than anyone.
"Hey, Megumi?" Sanosuke suddenly said into his cell phone that nobody heard ring. "I miss you, too, babe. I'll be over in ten."
"Over where in ten?" Megumi's voice five feet away stopped everyone in their tracks.
"Isn't Megumi on the phone, Sano?" Inuyasha dead-panned. He then realized that Sanosuke was trying to leave him alone with Kagome and the thought left him confused with a light blush.
"Uh, get Kagome back safe. See you guys later. Bye." Sanosuke rushed and went to grab Megumi and shuffle her away.
"You've got some explaining to do!"
"Okay, I'll explain! Just stop hitting me first!" Sanosuke begged.
"I've had enough craziness for the day." Kagome sighed.
Inuyasha nodded. "You and me both."
Silence fell upon the duo as they continued walked in a slow stride across campus towards Kagome's dorm. Inuyasha tried to think of conversation but he was actually quite nervous. The first time he was alone with her, she was drunk, so she did most of the talking.
His ears twitched. He took a deep breath to rid himself of the thought of Kagome scratching behind his ears.
"Uh," He was in desperate need to say something to fill the awkwardness that didn't even exist to Kagome. "What you got there?" He asked of the contents of her pink gift bag. "If you don't mind me askin'."
"Not at all. Pastries from Professor Washu's Home Ec. stand. Cupcakes and cookies." She dug into the bag. "Chocolate chip?"
Inuyasha looked at the packet of cookies and at Kagome's offering smile. "Um, what other kinds do you have?" He paused. "I smell raisins."
"Yeah, I have those." Kagome untied the green ribbon and let Inuyasha pick out the one he wanted.
"Thanks."
They continued to walk on. "I hope I'm not being rude or offensive, but I know dogs can't eat chocolate because it's toxic to them. Is that why you didn't take it?"
Inuyasha stopped to get a good look at her. Nobody ever really made the connection between something like that with him before. With chocolate, she was the first. "Y-yeah. That's right."
"Hm. I'm sorry. I should have thought about that before I asked you."
"It's okay."
"It's kind of interesting how that works."
Inuyasha shrugged. "I guess so."
"Hey, what do you know about Enishi?"
She was starting to talk a lot and he was grateful since he still hadn't found anything to fill the silence yet. "Not too much. He's Tomoe's younger brother and is very protective over her. I know him and Kenshin don't really get along. I, for one, ain't too fond of the guy."
"Well, what did he do to you?" Kagome poked.
"Nothin'! I just don't like him! Especially after him and Kenshin had that fight because of the break-up with Tomoe." He finished off his cookie.
"Wow. That sounds intense."
"What's intense is you and Koga." He poked back at her. "What's with you two?"
"Nothing at all! He can be a nice guy, I guess, but I'm not interested." She turned her nose up in the air.
"Feh. Snobby one, you are."
Kagome lowered her chin and cut her eyes at him. "Not even."
"So, you're interested in Enishi?"
"No. Even if I was, I don't think Tomoe would approve." She chuckled. "I don't think she likes me very much. Kikyo either. Though, she seems to put up a front. I don't blame her, too much, I guess. But, it's not like I'm trying to steal you from her or anything. It's just a weird 'girl' thing, so…"
Kagome was babbling, more to herself than to Inuyasha, but he hadn't really heard anything after the first mention of Kikyo. "Kikyo's just…" He started, getting her attention. "That's just how Kikyo is. I know her friends are a lot like her, but she's been that way since as long as I've known her. You don't have to worry about her, though. She'll die with the personality she has."
"I can understand why she's so protective over you. You're rich, you're extremely popular."
"So?"
"So, I get it." Kagome shrugged. "It's no big deal. I don't let it get to me. It just kind of sucks that we couldn't be friends. I was hoping to talk to her about her powers sometimes and see what all we have in common with them."
Those two? Friends? Hell would freeze over if that were to ever happen. Inuyasha scoffed.
Kagome reached into her knapsack and grabbed her vibrating cell phone. "It's my mom." She looked around the area. "Well, I don't have too much further to walk. Thanks for keeping me company, Inuyasha." She smiled. "See you around."
"Yeah, no problem. See ya."
"Hi, mom. What's going on?"
Inuyasha lingered and watched Kagome walk away. Each time he had the chance to talk with her, he saw just how interesting she was and how big of a heart she had.
He checked his surroundings and saw a few girls standing about, looking at him. He headed back towards the main building of the school and didn't look back in order to avoid any rumors. He didn't recognize anyone, but he would hate for word to get around or to Kikyo about him being seemingly close with another girl and she take it the wrong way.
Everyone knew that if it wasn't one of his friends' girlfriends or who they were the closest to, Inuyasha was never alone with another woman if it wasn't Kikyo or her best friends, who he was never with without Kikyo being around anyway.
But, it's not that he was being unfaithful to Kikyo, so he practically didn't have anything to worry about. The issue was, he knew how she was and how she could get. It wasn't on his to-do list to deal with a moody female any time soon…or ever.
Inuyasha knew just as well as anyone else that that was unavoidable.