"N-no one. No, I came straight here," the man replied as he nervously tried to straighten up his scrubs and cast a frightened glance at the large beast in the corner of the room, "That's what they told me to do."
Against the stark white walls, the large muscular purple beast of a man stood tall and intimidating, wearing nothing but a pair of torn leather trousers. His bulging muscles rippled menacingly with each subtle movement, and two horns protruded from his forehead. What was more menacing are the two blades mounted on his elbows, gleaming in the light and looking sharp enough to cut through anything. His presence hadn't been explained but the threat was clear.
"We couldn't substantiate your report," the crimson eyed woman at the sleek metal desk crooned in a bored tone before rolling her neck and picking up the report sitting atop her desk, "Our birdwatchers followed him for a good hour. Nothing registered."
Casting another glance at the demonic figure, the man let out a controlled breath and stood a little taller.
"You've got the printout from my medical scanner. You can read what it says. I'm not lying. What would be the point?" the man protested anxiously. Leaning back in her chair, the woman gave him a withering little look.
"There's wolves in sheep's clothing all over this country. Maybe you thought a discovery like this would get you a meeting with someone more important," the woman speculated in a bored tone, "Maybe you hoped to get information. Get the layout of the building. Plant a bug. Find-"
"Or maybe I didn't want to get arrested for not reporting an unregistered ability or be accused of treason," the man clipped defensively, "I'm following the law. I would lose my license if I didn't."
The woman shrugged before her eyes flicked towards a blank wall and she frowned.
"The others with him. What did you tell them?" she asked as she lifted the top page of the report and absently glanced it over, "There were three others, correct? The ones who called for you. Tell me about them."
"Well uh, initially I told-"
The woman sighed heavily and rolled her eyes, "Let me be clearer. Did you get their names? What were they wearing? Where were they going?"
The poor little medic paled slightly and fidgeted. In a way, the woman felt bad for him. Technically, he did exactly what he was supposed to have done. Worked hard and navigated through all the bureaucracy to get his cushy job. Had a wife and two small children who were dependent entirely on him. Really, this whole situation and his imminent demise was entirely the result of bad luck. That pity, though, wasn't going to change the ultimate outcome.
"Not...not names. I didn't get their names. T-there was a boy. A-about average height. Longer hair. Black hair. In a short ponytail. Wearing dark purple shirt. Jeans. Navy, um, oh what's it called? Peacoat I think," the poor man chuckled nervously as he began playing with his hands, "Two girls. One short. S-she was h-hurt t-too. Black hair. B-blue eyes. P-pink puff jacket. Green and white shirt. Jeans. And, um, the other was a s-s-slightly taller girl. Black shirt and black jeans. Pink and green puff jacket. L-Long brown hair?"
"And the accused?" the woman asked in a bored tone as she jotted some notes.
"W-white hair. L-like an old man. Dog or cat ears. R-red puff coat. W-white shirt. Jeans?" he breathed while turning a sickly color of green, "I told them he needed to go to the hospital. I mean, first glance, the kid had gone into cardiac arrest. B-but then I saw that ability. It didn't even have a name. So…so I mean, I left and went to the birdwatchers, and they said they'd handle it."
"So, you left a dying child in need of medical attention to, well, die. And let's not forget the injured girl who you didn't analyze at all," the woman asked as she raised an elegant brow, "In order to not lose your license?"
The poor man lost any color that remained and did a very good imitation of a fish out of water.
"I-it's mandatory t-to report-"
"Yes, yes it is and it was arguably negligent to refuse treatment over a civil matter," the woman interrupted, "Why did you not stabilize the boy prior to reporting what you found?"
"His life was never in danger. He's a top tier regenerative," the man argued defensively as he once again glanced at the large purple creature in the corner, "I did nothing wrong."
"Your own report delineates several life-threatening symptoms. Cardiac arrest, hypoxemia, among others. That negligence compounded with this false report and I'm afraid I have to refer this as a criminal matter," the woman sighed in a bored tone before leaning back in her chair, "Goshinki here will be handling you from this point forward."
"Now hold on a minute!" the man hissed desperately as he began backing towards the door with his hands up, "I did nothing wrong! Nothing! The birdwatchers told me-"
The large half-naked man chuckled as he approached, and his victim made a panicked beeline towards the door. Upon finding it locked, he glanced back at the woman before realization visibly clicked.
"You don't have to do this. I won't tell anyone. I'll wipe the scan. I'll even leave the Capital," the poor man pleaded, his voice growing more desperate with each word. "Please, just let me go."
His fists began pounding against the door, rattling the handle again in vain. The woman just stood and began casually making her way over. Her wicked smirk unyielding.
"I'm sorry, but I think you know we can't do that," she said as she stepped closer, her voice gentle but firm, "We do thank you for your service."
"Y-you said it was a false report. Why d-do this?" the man tried to argue,, his breathing still rapid and his eyes darting around the room. He looked desperately for a way out, but there was none. He finally nodded in resignation and slumped against the door, giving up his futile attempts to escape in favor of looking up into the horrifying twisted face of the beast leering down at him.
"I think you know," was the only explanation given with an eerie looking smile, "Have a wonderful day."
Kagura's smile took on a feral quality at the scream the pathetic excuse for a medic made accompanied by the sound of snapping bone. Overall, it was a cleaner job than usual but the man hadn't put up much a fight aside from his mad scramble to escape. What bothered her in this situation was that Kanna decided to appear and had been appearing randomly more often. Spying on her no doubt. Father had never trusted her once she'd made it clear the loveless marriage he'd arranged for her had backfired.
Her loyalty had changed. Her heart lay elsewhere. With her husband of all things. The audacity of putting your spouse above family, right? What he didn't realize was all she wanted to be was free. Love her life the way she wanted. Maybe have children one day who would never need to worry about whether their hands would be forced or whether their grandfather might kill them because they were born with a gift he wanted for himself. Their daughter had been the first victim of that selfish plot. And for no reason either. The only excuse they'd been given was that this was entirely the reason he'd married her off to the son of that rat bastard after all.
Father hoped by some fluke of genetics he'd get what he wanted.
"You can't hide from me Kanna. I know you're there," the crimson eyed woman muttered to the strange ripple in the otherwise smooth wall as she made her way over to the dead body where she knelt down, "I have it handled."
Placing a single finger on the man's temple, Kagura chuckled darkly when he spasmed and his panicked eyes began darted around.
"You're still dead, don't worry," Kagura chuckled when the man's broken limbs began to jerk, "I just need you to stay fresh. The world can always use more healers."
A small translucent girl emerged from the wall with a small silver platter atop which sat a small vial.
"What? No greeting? Shocking," Kagura muttered as she got to her feet and Kanna took her place. The small girl didn't react or respond which was typical. Their prey was loud enough. The muffled scream as his very essence began to pour into the small bowl until all that was left was an unseeing look and reflexive twitches.
"Father wishes for you to join him for dinner," the small girl finally replied in her usual breathy tone as she gracefully got to her feet and stepped aside so Goshinki could finish his meal.
A loud crack and the sounds of tearing flesh cut through the thick tension.
"Why?" Kagura finally ground out but Kanna didn't reply.
"Instead of worrying about that, you should be more concerned about what your husband is going to say," the large purple man chuckled through a mouthful of meat and bone, "When he finds out."
Kagura glared at the most disgusting of her siblings before sighing and heading back to her desk.
"We haven't verified anything. There's nothing to tell," Kagura replied curtly and Goshinki snorted but otherwise didn't comment between bites.
After a moment, Kagura sighed before flicking her wrist sending the file folder in her into a nearby trash can with a gust of wind, "Unless we get a second report or visual confirmation, as far as anyone is concerned, the power died with him. And that will be that."
Goshinki snorted.
"There is no possible scenario where Father doesn't already-"
"If Father already knew, he would've done something by now. No one else knows. That boy probably doesn't even know what he is. What he can do," Kagura snapped irritably, "And we do not want him to find out."
The large ogre slowed in his chewing and gave his sister an uncomfortable once over.
"You want to get to the boy first," Goshinki chuckled again before tapping a claw against his temple, "Before Father."
Kagura scowled but didn't deny the observation. No point in deny it anyway with a mind reader in the room.
"It won't work. Your plan. It's just an idiotic way to die," the large beast chuckled before picking up another pound of flesh, "But I imagine it will be entertaining to watch your plan fail."
"So you aren't going to say anything to him?" Kagura asked the beast and he shook his head.
"I have no dog in this fight unlike you. Kanna here is-"
"I'm not worried about her," Kagura scoffed as she glanced at the youthful girl who was simply standing quietly with her little tray and full vial.
"Ah see now that's a lie big sister," Goshinki snorted before ripping off the head and using a claw to liquify the innards, "You worry about her constantly. You worry about us all."
How Kagome managed to keep supporting a progressively heavier Inuyasha she would never know. Honestly she was expecting someone to jump out and grab them but the handful of random people in the halls hadn't even wasted a single glance. Something had definitely been off since they'd arrived and the thought of possibly being targeted had her hair standing on end. There had always been rumors that people who didn't fit in - whether that be political dissidents or genuine threats - sometimes disappeared without a trace. The definition of what constituted a threat was pretty fluid too. For the most part though, it has never been something she'd been worried about and she'd always stupidly believed the justice system was fair. People got trials. Many were given second chances in her limited experience...
As Kagome lead Inuyasha down the hallway, the hairs on the back of her neck still standing on end, she felt her heart thump in her chest. The two men. Again. Standing casually outside a small room up ahead. Simply drinking their coffee and casually chatting away. But they didn't seem to be watching for anyone.
Blowing out her cheeks, Kagome decided the best course of action was to move quickly and not draw attention, so she picked up the pace, hoping to reach the door before anything happened.
When they finally made it to the door, Kagome could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she quickly opened it and stepped out onto the street. She glanced back and forth, surveying the area for any potential danger before awkwardly leading Inuyasha across the street.
There were so many things she didn't understand about this turn of events. So many things she didn't know and couldn't explain if she wanted to. Like how she managed to keep supporting his dead weight the few blocks to the main terminal exit. All she did know was that Inuyasha had found a poor unsuspecting alley a few seconds after she finally pried his hand off of her and was now vomiting stomach acid all over the damp cement. Meanwhile, Kagome herself had taken to trying to meditate away the unholy chaotic energy flying through her system and slow her heartrate so it didn't feel like her body was about to vibrate down the street.
Water. They both needed water.
"I-Inuyasha, you okay over there?" Kagome called out shakily to the poor thing on all fours making absolutely disgusting retching sounds. A single thumbs up appeared in her peripheral vision as the gags continued.
"Y-you hungry?" she managed to pant miserably as she pressed her back up against the cool smooth surface of the government building, "Or t-thirsty?"
"W-was," came the shaky hoarse reply, "Not anymore."
"M-Miroku and Sango should b-be about done. We should g-go find them," Kagome muttered breathlessly, "T-think Sango saw us leave."
"Imma just put out a blanket 'I do not consent to be touched' for future reference," Inuyasha mumbled wearily as he finally sat back on his ankles and swayed, "No touching."
"No touching," Kagome affirmed before lolling her head in his direction, "I am sorry. For…for doing that. You just seemed…so worried a-and then…y-you g-grabbed m-my h-h-hand…."
"Yeah well… ignore my stupid ass and…let…let me be worried," Inuyasha panted as he tried to catch his breath, "You're stupid as shit. Whatever…you just did…was overkill."
"Me? What about you? W-what is t-this? I f-feel like I just took…a lifetime supply…of energy shots," Kagome clipped back defensively, "Do you n-need all that…that anxiety to s-stay upright?"
"Dunno," Inuyasha chuckled tiredly as he run his dark grey sleeve beneath his mouth, "Where are the other two?"
"Miroku got pulled so he might take a while," Kagome replied before glancing around the street, "Sango was still in…"
"D-did you guys get me pre-screened?" Inuyasha interrupted hoarsely – unsteadily getting to his feet and slowly making his way over, "I didn't know that was a thing."
"Miroku said a medic came after, well, we had our little misadventure," Kagome explained before she tugged at her pink scarf and began unbuttoning her navy coat. The phrase seemed to amuse Inuyasha and his hostile expression subtly grew warmer.
"So, you think the medic waived me through?" he asked curiously as he leaned up against the wall next to her, "Why would he do that?"
"Don't know. Don't care," Kagome chuckled darkly , "I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth."
"Dunno about gift," Inuyasha chuckled darkly as ran his claws through his long silver hair, "You wouldn't happen to have an extra ponytail holder, would ya?"
As Kagome weakly nodded and began patting down her pocket, Inuyasha wrinkled his nose at the flecks of vomit littering his general person. This whole 'little misadventure' had been a disaster from the beginning. If he wasn't so desperate to not be alone, he would've just gone back inside but for god knows what reason these people wanted him to stick around. Well, two of them did. That one girl certainly seemed against the idea.
"Here," Kagome offered up a thin ponytail that would very likely snap, "I think I might also have a bright pink scrunchie in my backpack, but I doubt you'd want that."
"This is fine."
The thin pony tail holder was, in fact, not fine. The most he could do with the damn thing was a very loose lower ponytail which defeated the purpose. He wanted his hair off his neck but apparently, he'd just have to deal.
"Sango usually carries the big guns," Kagome laughed softly at her new friend's annoyed expression, "I'd ask her when she gets out."
Inuyasha nodded once in understanding.
"We could probably get a muffin or something while we wait for them," Kagome suddenly offered as she pulled at the collar of her heavy winter clothing, "I imagine it might take a while."
"We need to head over to the main entrance," Inuyasha sighed evasively, "Otherwise we might miss them."
"That's what I meant. There's a couple shops inside…"
"I'm not going back in that building and I'm not hungry. You can go but I'll just stay out here," Inuyasha clipped – a statement littered with half-truths. Truth was he'd kill someone right now for a saltine cracker but he wasn't willing to do the murders or beg. After all, a pack cost next to nothing and it was still more than he could afford until he got his next survivor's check. But he wasn't about to tell this random ass girl that he was existing on fumes. Even if that fact was pretty obvious all things considered. He still had his pride. He wasn't about to confirm what these bastards undoubtedly knew already.
A very bad thought crossed his mind that had him wishing instantly for death. Like the possibility those three really were that stupid and naive. If her family expected him to pay for things like food while he was here...
Well, he might as well risk it and hop back on the train. At least in his dorm room he had Doritos and by being alone, he'd get to avoid being subjected to pity.
"I probably need to go inside to wait for them," Kagome sighed as she gave him an understanding smile – a little too understanding for his liking to be quite honest, "Just stay within sight of the doors, okay?"
Nodding once, Inuyasha resigned himself to following her down the street. So far the impulsive decision to go home with complete strangers had resulted in one long string of mistakes. His weird secret had been exposed because of his stupid instinctual need to be helpful. And because he helped without thinking, he'd very nearly died and since his brush with death, he'd thrown up far too many times. Oh, and people had been following him. Couldn't forget that or ignore the very real possibility that he was going to be arrested for having an unregistered ability. Sure, Mother probably had a reason to keep his defective power a secret but all he knew was that it had something to do with the whole murder thing. The only thing that might save him was that, under the law, he was still a minor child. Maybe he could even feign ignorance. What were they going to do? Arrest a corpse for defrauding the government and tampering with records? Nah.
Worst of all, the very worst of it, was that these well intentioned yet clearly insane people who invited him home were probably going to go down with him. Hell, that Miroku guy took a huge risk actually engaging given that he was already on probation for killing all those people. Problem being, of course, that a small child accidentally losing control of a notoriously unstable ability and an adult intentionally lying to authorities were two completely different crimes.
Inuyasha let out a shaky sigh and leaned his back against the cool brick of the nearest building.
"I never should've gotten on that train."
"My turn," Sango sighed bemusedly as Miroku stepped into the main terminal while a few guards gestured for the girl he'd been crushing on since he'd known her. Not that she would ever be interested in someone like him and honestly, he had already decided it'd be better for her if he never let her know. After all, he was supposed to die sooner rather than later. Unless things changed in which case…
Speaking of things that would turn the tide in his favor, where did Inuyasha go?
Glancing around the golden gilded terminal, Miroku tried to remain calm as he looked for a hideous yellow back pack or, more hopefully, a head of silver hair. Even in a time where abilities were everywhere, hair colors had more or less stayed the same. Occasionally, you'd get a naturally silver haired youth but for the most part…
"Hey! Hey! Miroku! Over here!" Kagome's voice rang out and Miroku sighed in relief at the sight of her small person quickly scampering down the marble steps. A sigh of relief that turned into a groan when no silver haired man appeared after her. Their candidate's absence could only mean one thing.
Inuyasha must have left.
An understandable decision for which Miroku harbored no ill will. After all, why would you stay with a group of individuals who nearly killed you just for the pie? Especially considering there were potentially people following you now.
"Where's Sango?" Kagome asked before cringing when Miroku nodded to the queue exit a fair distance away, "Oh. So, we're waiting then?"
It wasn't uncommon for Sango to be subjected to, at least, a few questions whenever their little trio went through a checkpoint. Not a full security screening, naturally, but they did usually want to talk to her. Such things tended to occur when your parents were victims of a hit for, you know, being active members of the mob. A mob that still provided the orphaned daughter and her brother with questionable financial support that they could not refuse. It was provided under the guise of their parent's retirement fund but there were always questions. That and you couldn't have the last name associated with the mafia and get through any form of security checkpoint without someone thinking it sounded suspicious. Sango, of course, wasn't planning on becoming an active member of the mob upon graduation but she was still part of the Family and therefore, she couldn't viably escape their clutches entirely. They always knew where she was and what she was doing. Who she was connected with. It also caused her to be extremely suspicious and cynical.
Thus, her issue with Inuyasha having 'murderer' on his register. There were far too many people she knew who had done such a thing at a freakishly young age and didn't get caught. A lot of them had been and their connections allowed them to walk away consequence free. There was no telling what was going through her…
"They got Sango at the end," Miroku confirmed wearily as he began walking across the busy common area before adding with no lack of hope, "Are we, um, waiting for Inuyasha as well?"
"Oh, he's outside. We got waived through somehow," Kagome reassured the boy who suddenly looked like he'd gotten his holiday gift early.
"That's fantastic news," Miroku chimed as he visibly lit up, "So he's staying then?"
"Shockingly yes," Kagome groaned as they made it to one of the café tables and sat down. A moment went by wherein Miroku sat down and began glancing around the various food vendors with nothing but borderline manic happiness. A happiness that was short lived.
"So…" Kagome began with a nervous giggle – her fingers anxiously tapping on the laminated table surface, "I might've made him throw up again."
Miroku's excited grin faded and his expression morphed into confusion. What had occurred had been explained to her in some detail. Inuyasha hadn't really contributed other than a few 'sounds about right' but it had been explained. Surely, surely the ever-understanding woman sitting in front of him would not have acted so...so...
"I do apologize. I must have misheard. You did what now?"
"Well, um, he was nervous and so, well, I touched him and then later he touched me and then we ran and, um, he threw up," Kagome explained very poorly before clearing her throat, "Point being. I wanted to buy him some Gatorade and some crackers as part of the apology. You know, to settle his stomach?"
Slowly, deliberately removing his scarf and navy peacoat, Miroku set both down on the table.
"You touched him," Miroku repeated as he ran his hand under his jaw, "Knowing what you know. Did he ask you to…"
"Well…okay not the first time but…"
"Kagome, this isn't some game," Miroku interrupted miserably before gripping the hair on his scalp and visibly wilting in defeat, "Why would you do that? Did anyone see?"
"He was trying to get me to hold his bag. In line," Kagome sighed miserably, "All while acting like the world's most suspicious person! It made sense to calm him down before he ruined what he wanted."
For the longest minute that ever did minute, Miroku gaped at his friend - his good, normally very conscientious and kind friend - and tried to wrap his mind around what was she saying. In the few years he'd known her, Kagome had never tried to influence someone without their consent. Never. And, of all the people in the world, she went and manipulated the one guy on this planet who might actually die from it. That horrifying fact aside, it was almost like she didn't understand why it was so crucial to make sure Inuyasha liked them. Why it was crucial that something like what happened on the train never happened again. What in the literal hell was she thinking?!
"Kagome, I want you to listen to me very, very carefully," Miroku sighed heavily as he rearranged the uncomfortable metal chair so he was facing her head on, "This," he gestured towards his general person, "Will most likely implode like a black hole in less than fifteen years. I would very much like to not implode."
"I already apolo…"
"So, in the future," Miroku continued with poorly veiled anger, "Do not touch him without asking him first. Do not put all of us at risk. Does that sound like a plan?"
"Yes. Yes. Lesson learned," Kagome huffed defensively as she glanced at the gate and prayed that Sango would appear to rescue her from Miroku's attack, "But…but it's not like I can just not touch him ever. We're going to be on the same unit."
"If he agrees to be on the unit," Miroku pointed out before sighing heavily and collecting his things, "Which is very much still up in the air. Where is he now?"
"He said he'd be waiting across the street," Kagome groaned with a faint blush – still fighting against the general feeling of being hyped up on steroids, "You're being stupid."
"You left him alone?!"
Kagome blanched - hurt and utterly bewildered by the panicked look in her friend's eyes. Which, in hindsight, made sense. They'd been followed - or to be more accurate, Inuyasha had been followed. She might as well have offered him up on a silver platter. There had always been rumors of people who straight up disappeared but surely-
"I need that sweet, charming, intelligent girl. Find her. Quickly," Miroku sighed heavily as he began shouldering on his jacket, "You said he might need crackers?"
Kagome blew out her cheeks and nodded once.
"Stay there. Let me do the damage control."
"Have fun," Kagome sing songed in the most condescending voice she had ever used in her life. Miroku glared but didn't comment. As the desperate boy rushed off, Kagome shifted her weight and folded her arms across her chest. Truth be told, ever since the little incident on the train she felt like someone else entirely. Miroku was right. Grabbing someone and influencing them without their consent wasn't like her at all. Neither was this attitude she felt oozing out of every pore. Everything was rubbing her the wrong way and she was making all sorts of weird out of character choices…
She blinked.
"Oh, h - e- double hockey sticks. Rebound. My power rebounded," Kagome groaned as she buried her face into her hands. Groaning louder, Kagome dropped her hands and watched Miroku exit the building.
"Well, silver lining. That's one thing Miroku has on his side. I bet Inuyasha is feeling very sweet and charming. Otherwise, he'd be gone by now."
Chewing her cheek, Kagome had to admit he'd probably leave the second he became himself again. Obviously, anxiety induced irritation and questionable impulses kept this guy alive. Now that she was finally calming down, every single muscle in her body was sore and her head was throbbing.
Translation? The poor thing was probably scared all the time. New people. New place. New territory to maneuver without anyone he could turn to for advice.
And, of course, government agents now watching him. As if he needed that dose of paranoia. The only person among them who could possibly understand was Miroku and even then, he had somebody.
"Where are the boys?" Sango's irritated voice asked as she plopped down and Kagome jumped at her friend's unexpected proximity.
"Outside. Wait, are you okay?" Kagome hissed worriedly as she took in her friend's inflamed cheek and puffy right eye, "Did they hit you?"
"No. No, of course not," Sango scoffed dismissively while getting to her feet and shouldering her backpack, "But we should get going. I want to beat the rush hour traffic."
Nodding slowly, Kagome cast a nervous glance back at the queue before quickly following behind.