Chapter Four: Returning to the Sector
"So you're telling me you didn't get ANY of our calls?" Rokuro asked incredulously. Kagome shook her head.
"No! After Sakamoto got me a new number, nothing," she replied. Sango scoffed, arms crossed over her chest.
"I don't like him," she said.
"It's hard to imagine anyone would," Rokuro mused.
"Well then I hate him," Sango said, not to be one-upped by 'anyone'. Rokuro was about to reply when he caught sight of Kagome grinning, leaning heavily on her arm rest and watching the two. He raised an eyebrow.
"What?" he asked. Kagome made innocent, widening her eyes and sitting up straight.
"Nothing," she said. Sango frowned.
"What is it?" she asked. Kagome smiled at her.
"I'm just glad you guys got to know each other during training," she said. Sango looked at Rokuro, confused.
"What does she mean?" she demanded.
"Um…" Rokuro started. Kagome took pity on him and changed the subject.
"But Sango, what was in that letter you gave Sakamoto?"
"Permission from Myoga to enter the Sector and a family tree of demon slayers," Sango explained.
"AND signed by a Councillor," Rokuro added. Kagome raised her eyebrows.
"Families are old friends," Sango said simply.
"Well, I'm glad you guys are here with me. I don't know if I could do this without you," Kagome replied.
"Nonsense, lady priestess!" Rokuro said dramatically, "Your humble comrades have already seen you accomplish the impossible. This will be no different." Kagome laughed at his antics, but his confidence warmed her heart.
When they pulled into the Youkai sector, the last thing Kagome expected to hear was cheers. But there were cheers, and they were resounding ones. She peeked out the window to see a crowded platform, filled with Youkai of all shapes and sizes.
"Holy shit," Rokuro whispered. The train came to a jerky stop, and Kagome stared out at the crowd. Suddenly she was a little afraid. She knew the human world cheered her, but the demon one? Myoga had made it sound like people didn't like her very much.
"Should we go out?" Rokuro asked her. Sango looked to her as well, tense with the throng of demons beyond the glass. Kagome nodded, breathless.
"Yeah," she said, "We should."
They grabbed their bags and went to the door of the train. Sango opened it and left first, and the crowd stepped back to make room for her. Rokuro followed her and Kagome brought up the rear. As she appeared in the doorway the crowd went silent. She froze, and looked up to see many sets of eyes on her. Scanning the crowd, she was utterly relieved to see a familiar face coming towards her. Myoga, followed by Sesshomaru and-her heart leapt into her throat-Inuyasha. She met Inuyasha's golden eyes and for a moment couldn't breathe. Then he looked away and she felt a frown start to form on her face. He didn't look happy to see her.
Myoga came forward, greeting Sango and Rokuro, and then holding a hand out to help Kagome from the train. If it were anyone else she would suspect they were patronizing her, but Myoga was special. Smiling, she took his hand and let him help her down. He waved forward a broad-shouldered demon to take their bags, and said demon lifted them all easily in one go.
"Welcome back, Lady Kagome," Myoga said to her. He may have said 'welcome back', but his voice held the tone of 'welcome home'. That is what it felt like, this moment. A homecoming. Kagome looked to Inuyasha again, who still refused to meet her eyes. She brushed it off, but resolved to interrogate him thoroughly later. If he thought he could treat her like this after everything they'd been through, he was a true idiot.
"This is quite the welcoming committee," Rokuro observed, gesturing to all the demons that had now started to chatter amongst themselves again. Sango stood next to him, hands on hips. She was already playing protector, scanning the many demons for any sign of a threat. Kagome smiled a little at that.
"We couldn't stop them from seeing the Shikon priestess," Myoga answered. He then gestured towards the platform exit.
"Shall we?" he asked. Kagome nodded.
"Yes, please," she said. She fell into step behind Myoga and his large bag-boy. To her surprise, Sesshomaru planted himself beside her. He didn't bother looking at her, but spoke just loud enough for her to hear him.
"I am surprised to see you again," he remarked.
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Kagome asked. She watched his face, but his blank expression did not change.
"It is not a bad thing," he said after a moment. Kagome smiled. If she didn't know better, she'd say he was starting to like her.
Kagome wasn't sure why, but she had expected to stay with Sesshomaru again. So when they came to Myoga's tall street-side house, she was surprised. Disappointed floated into her head but she banished it. She would be perfectly happy staying with Myoga. He had done so much for her, after all.
That's where they parted ways with Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. He hadn't said two words to her the entire time, and she was starting to get mad at him. Who did he think he was? She didn't want to bring it up in front of the others though, and she'd find a time to see him alone soon enough.
She didn't have too much time to be mad, because she discovered that Sango and Rokuro would be staying with her at Myoga's. Each of them had their own room and bathroom on the same floor, below the floor with Myoga's office and bedroom. He gave them a quick house tour, and then left them to their own devices, luggage already in their rooms.
Their 'devices' were to run about with glee, to examine every corner and cabinet, and even to take a few childish jumps on Kagome's bed. When they calmed down, they sought out Myoga's kitchen, which was fully stocked with food perfect for humans. He was a flea demon and didn't need to eat the same way they did. It made Kagome feel warm to know he obviously prepared for their arrival with care. Best of all, he had gotten his hands on some chocolate ice cream-definitely a rarity here. They opened the container and dug into it with three spoons, not bothering with bowls of their own.
Kagome leaned heavily on the counter, beaming at her friends.
"I feel so good right now," she said, "I think this is what being drunk feels like." Her friends chuckled in response.
"You know, we could test that. I bet Myoga's got some sake around here somewhere…" Miroku joked. Or at least she thought he was joking. Sango elbowed him.
"Don't you dare," she said, "Last time was bad enough." Kagome reeled, putting her spoon down on the counter and bracing her hands on the edge.
"Wait, you guys drank sake together? When? How?"
"Not a lot," Rokuro protested.
"My dad offered us some during training," Sango explained, "He says if you're old enough to risk your life you're old enough to have a drink. Of course, Rokuro took 'a drink' to mean three, so now that's never happening again." She gave him a pointed look.
"Yeah, your dad officially hates me," he said. Sango grinned. Kagome watched the two of them, beaming. She knew Rokuro liked Sango, it was obvious. She was pretty sure Sango liked Rokuro, especially after their training that summer. Quite frankly, they were adorable and she couldn't wait for Rokuro to buck up and ask her out.
An unhappy thought invaded her mind then, along with an uncomfortable feeling of jealousy. She wished Inuyasha were here. Mentally scolding herself, she insisted on beating back the emotion. She wished Karin were here too, but there wasn't an 'allowance' for curious schoolgirls. It was the same thing, right? She just wanted the gang back together.
...Of course, it wasn't the same thing, but she wasn't quite ready to consider the implications of that. Instead she distracted herself by fangirling over her friends' budding romance.
"What else did you guys do during training?" she asked with mock innocence. Rokuro gave her a fearful look, knowing she could ruin him any moment. She smiled with sick satisfaction at the raw power she held over him. This was going to be a great source of fun while she was here. Sango, oblivious, launched into a whole explanation of her father's training program, modified of course for the weaker Rokuro. Rokuro objected, but not too harshly because he was weaker than Sango and he knew it. But his spiritual powers were a welcome addition to their team, helping them corral the demons away from the most popular camping sites on the mountain and away from vulnerable humans.
"It's good to feel useful for something that isn't going to kill me eventually," Rokuro said soberly. He held his hand up, looking at the blank palm with a conflicted smile. Kagome watched him closely, noting the slight sadness in his face.
"Do you miss it?" she asked, rather suddenly. Rokuro blinked, startled at her blunt question.
"No," he said, then reconsidered, "Well, I miss how powerful it made me feel. Next to Sango I'm such a beginner with weapons and combat."
"I think it held you back," Sango said matter-of-factly. Both Kagome and Rokuro gave her confused looks as she gulped down another spoonful of ice cream. When neither responded, she continued.
"It's a trump card. Sucking anything into a void. But you've got a real talent for spiritual powers and even staff fighting. You would never develop those until your wind tunnel went away. I'm glad it's gone."
Kagome saw Rokuro looking at Sango with an expression of gratitude and admiration. A goofy smile played across his lips.
"I need to pee," Kagome said, and made a quick exit. If Rokuro didn't take this opportunity, she'd throttle him.
She didn't actually need to pee, so instead she went to her room and started unpacking her clothes. She didn't bring much else-a few books, pictures of her family, a notebook. There wasn't internet here, or cell phone service, and she hadn't wanted to weigh herself down with a bunch of useless items.
It was a bit of a relief, to be away from all the modern social medias. She didn't have to see that damn video again-the one the dude had filmed at the festival. She looked so dumb in it, unable to come up with an intelligent response to his insults.
As she was unpacking, she heard Rokuro and Sango coming down the hall. They were talking about Rokuro's staff technique. Kagome groaned. Now she'd have to throttle him. Sango poked her head into Kagome's room.
"What happened to you?" she asked. Kagome gestured to her clothes.
"Wanted to unpack a bit," she replied. Sango nodded.
"Good idea."
"Wait, Sango-" Sango paused "Wanna go walk around town after?" Sango considered, then nodded.
"Sounds fun," she said.
Kagome knocked on the door to Myoga's office, waiting for his faint 'come in' before entering. She opened the large wooden door to find him sitting behind a desk, reading papers from a file folder. He looked up, and upon seeing her, smiled warmly.
"Lady Kagome. What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if I could go out for a bit. I'll take Sango and Rokuro with me, to be safe, I promise." Myoga raised his eyebrows.
"Of course, Kagome. You don't have to ask my permission to go out. I trust you with your own safety," he replied. Kagome was surprised at his response.
"Oh," she said simply, then, "Well, I'll see you later then I guess…" As she turned to leave, Myoga called after her.
"Lady Kagome, there's a council meeting of leading clans tomorrow morning. Will you be able to attend?"
"Yes, I'd be happy to go," Kagome replied.
"Perfect. Have fun on your outing," he said pleasantly. Kagome thanked him, then left to collect her friends.
As they walked down the street away from Myoga's house, Kagome felt the eyes of many demons on her. At first she was scared to meet them, but when she looked up to find an old fox demon smiling at her, she found the courage to examine the people who were so fascinated with her. The street was not too crowded. It was mid afternoon, and many demons must be working their various trades. Most of the youkai would look to Kagome and her companions and give them polite smiles and nods. Some would glance at them and then look away, uninterested.
"Where do you want to go, Kagome?" Sango asked. Kagome thought about visiting Sesshomaru's mansion, but then flushed a little. That would seem girlish of her, to go running to Inuyasha.
"I'd just like to wander," she said, "I haven't been able to do that in awhile."
Wander they did, down the twisty streets free of cars and bikes. There were some carts pulled by youkai or animals, but they mostly saw pedestrian traffic. It wasn't until they were at the gates Kagome realized she had wandered back to the IOEP campus. She paused, looking up at the tall wall ahead of her.
"It's weird to see it like this," Rokuro said, voicing Kagome's own thoughts.
"Do you think we can go in?" Kagome asked. She looked to the guard's place at the gate, but no one was there. A large padlock and chain was looped through the handles of the doors.
"Probably not," Sango said. Kagome stared for a moment longer, when a familiar voice spoke up behind her.
"So it's you again," the old woman said. Kagome turned, to see Kunko the shopkeeper standing before them. She blinked, feeling as if she'd seen a teacher in the grocery store or something. Sango, standing between Kunko and Kagome, glanced back as if to ask if the old woman was a threat. Kagome shook her head.
"It's good to see you again," she said, smiling at the woman. Kunko looked her up and down with shrewd eyes.
"Aye," she said, though her tone was wary. Kagome, not sure what to say, launched into an explanation of her being in the Sector.
"I know all these things," Kunko interrupted, "But I am curious, what did you do with the sword I sold you?" Kagome blushed.
"I thought it would be a good idea to leave it with Sesshomaru for safekeeping. Instead of bringing it back home, you know?" Kunko did not respond, a perplexed look spreading over her features.
"What's wrong?" Kagome asked her. Kunko hesitated, then spoke.
"Your jewel container, it is strong," she replied. Kagome nodded and gestured to Rokuro.
"My friend helped make it," she said. Kunko nodded, fixing her eyes on Rokuro. He shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, silent-unusual for him. Usually he was quite charming. Sango, noticing the tension, stiffened a little as if preparing to defend them.
"May I read your palm, young man," Kunko asked Rokuro. Hesitantly, he held his palm out for her. Gingerly, Kunko took his hand. Her eyes widened, and rolled back in her head to reveal the whites of her eyes. Kagome stepped back, startled, and Rokuro tried to jerk his hand away but Kunko grabbed his wrist.
Sango pulled out a small knife, holding it up and demanding for the demon to let Rokuro go. Kunko did not react. Indeed, she did not seem to hear Sango at all. Sango prepared to attack, but Kagome reached forward and grasped her arm.
"Wait! She's not dangerous, she's just an old woman," she said. Sango gave her an incredulous look, but before she could respond Kunko started to speak in a raspy-well, raspier than normal-voice.
"What destiny the void once disfigured was set in motion long ago. Two in one will turn. One in two will fall. Herefore joined shall bring about the destruction of the unholy citadel."
Kunko staggered back from Rokuro, turning her face to the sky. The street started to darken, and Kagome followed her gaze to see clouds starting to gather over them.
"What the hell?" Sango muttered. The clouds darkened, grew heavy, and started to leak rain down upon them. Light at first, then heavier, it was cold like ice. Kagome shivered, wrapping her arms around each other.
"The heavens cry for this fate! When the full moon shines red above, beware the demon to end all demons. Strike it down, boy, for only you have the strength! For all to live, the demon must fall!"
With that, the rain suddenly stopped and Kunko fell to her knees. As the sky began to lighten again, Kagome rushed forward to the old demon. Around them, others watched the display with shock and some horror.
"Kunko?" Kagome asked, taking the woman's clawed hand in her own. Abruptly, Kunko opened her eyes. They were now returned to normal. She looked to Kagome, confused.
"What happened? Did I do something odd?" she asked. Kagome nodded.
"There were clouds...and rain...and you were saying very strange things," she said. She helped Kunko to her feet, and the woman patted her hand.
"I think perhaps no more palm readings for today. Please, forgive me, but I must take my leave now."
With that, Kunko turned and started to hobble down the street away from them.
"That was weird," Sango said. She looked to Rokuro, who was watching Kunko walk away, still silent.
"What's wrong with you?" she asked. Rokuro blinked, then seemed to come back to them.
"Nothing, I'm fine," he said, obviously still distressed.
"Do you know what she was talking about?" Kagome asked. Rokuro shook his head.
"Only…" he held up his hand and stared at the palm, "She said the void masked the destiny. She couldn't have read this palm before, it held the wind tunnel."
"We should get back to Myoga's," Sango suggested, eyeing the people around them. They were watching the small group curiously, although the expressions of some verged on suspicious.
"Yeah," Kagome said, "Good idea."
When they returned to Myoga's, Rokuro went straight to his room, muttering the verses of Kunko's reading under his breath so he wouldn't forget them. Kagome suspected he would write them down and pour over them until he was too exhausted to stay awake.
"I'm gonna finish unpacking," Sango said quietly, and left Kagome alone. Great, just what she wanted. To be alone with her thoughts.
Sighing, Kagome settled down on her bed with her notebook. Opening it to the first page, she wrote across the top: How I Found the Shikon Jewel and Defeated Naraku. It wasn't an eloquent title, but it would do for now.
Kagome put her pen at the first line, ready to write. She froze. No words came to her. Her mind was completely blank. Groaning, she threw the pen down and buried her face in her pillow. It was useless, she'd been trying to write this story for months. Why would it come to her now? Would it even be worth it to spend all the time writing it down? As the negative thoughts swirled around her head, she found herself thinking that a nap would do her some good. And her bed was so comfy and warm. And...before she could think anything else she was asleep.
When she woke, it was disorientingly dark outside. She didn't wake slowly, but with a jolt, to find she'd drooled onto her pillow and thrown her notebook to the floor. A lingering sense of fear registered in her brain, and she tried to remember what she'd been dreaming about. The harder she tried, however, the quicker the memories flushed out of her brain. Giving up, she instead pushed her sore body into a sitting position and stretched out her tight limbs. Sleeping in day clothes felt weird, and she had a funny taste in her mouth. This was why she didn't take naps…
She stood, walking over to the window and peering outside. Yup, the sun had set-recently, she guessed. It was probably after dinner already. At the thought of dinner, her stomach rumbled. That's right, all she had for lunch was ice cream. So nutritious. She listened for movement from Rokuro's and Sango's rooms. Maybe they hadn't eaten yet either and they could make something together. She didn't hear anything though.
Then, looking down to the street, she saw a familiar figure standing in front of Myoga's house. A silver-haired, dog-eared figure that was staring up at her with an odd expression on his face. Kagome frowned, and his eyes widened, realizing she'd seen him. He took a step back as if to run away, but Kagome threw her hand out and pointed at him fiercely. He froze. She threw the window open and called down to him:
"Don't you DARE move. We have to talk, mister." Crossing his arms, Inuyasha planted his feet and waited as Kagome shut the window and ran down to meet him. She opened the front door and ran down the steps, then stopped short right in front of him. Suddenly she didn't know what to say. What had she wanted to talk about with him? He fixed his gold eyes on her and raised an eyebrow.
"Well?" he asked.
"Hi," Kagome answered, unable to think of anything else. Inuyasha scoffed, and glanced around them. Several people were out still, and watching them curiously.
"Come on," he growled, picking her up and easily leaping to Myoga's roof. As the air rushed around her and Kagome's stomach did flip flops, she found with some surprise that she missed this feeling. As much as it made her want to yelp in fear, it also made her feel utterly free of gravity. She gripped Inuyasha's shoulders a little tighter, enjoying the familiar warmth under her hands.
She thought he might carelessly drop her when he landed, but instead he let her down gently. They sat down on the flat rooftop, and Inuyasha immediately crossed his arms and legs.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" he asked.
"What do I want to-Are you kidding me? I haven't seen you in almost a year! I want to talk about…"
"What?" he asked, annoyed.
"Well...everything I guess," Kagome answered. Inuyasha's eyebrow twitched and he spoke stiffly.
"Very specific," he said. Kagome thwacked him on the arm.
"Be nice! I missed you," she said. He softened a bit at that, and nodded.
"I missed you too, I guess," he said. After a pause, he said, "What happened with Rokuro today?" Kagome blinked.
"How do you know about that already? Were you following us?!"
"No! Geez, woman, I'm not a creep. Word gets around, especially to Sesshomaru." Kagome grinned at him.
"Oh? You're using his actual name now? Does that mean you guys are getting along better?" Inuyasha's ears went flat on his head and he set her a glare that made her giggle. She had the distinct feeling she'd found something out he didn't want anyone to know.
"No," Inuyasha growled out, "And answer my question, what happened?"
"Kunko-she sold me that sword-she read Rokuro's palm. Then she went all weird and it started raining and she was speaking in this creepy voice. Something about people falling and a demon to end all demons."
"Naraku?"
"No, I don't think so. I couldn't make sense of it. Rokuro's trying though." Inuyasha grunted, somewhat pleased. Kagome suddenly thought of why she needed to talk to him, and grew nervous. Inuyasha, sensing her tension, watched her curiously.
"Inuyasha," Kagome said slowly, "I have a favor I'd like to ask you."
"What is it?" he asked suspiciously. Kagome reached into her shirt and pulled out the Jewel pouch. She pulled it open, ignoring Inuyasha's gasp, and turned the Shikon Jewel out into her hand. She held it up.
"I know I owe you the Jewel," she said, "You helped me figure out who killed my dad and held up your end of the deal. But I need to hold onto it for just a little longer. Is that okay?" She looked up to him and found him staring, shocked, at the Jewel. Quickly he recovered though, shaking his head and scoffing.
"Heh, I guess I can deal with that," he said. Kagome narrowed her eyes. Something was off.
"What?" he asked her.
"Inuyasha, did you forget I was going to give you the Jewel?" she asked. Inuyasha stiffened.
"N-No! I was just being patient, and you should be grateful because I don't do that very often." Kagome tucked the jewel away again.
"You DID forget! Well now I guess I'll just have to keep it, since it's so unimportant to you."
"What? Hey, no fair! No take-backsies!" Inuyasha said. Kagome rolled her eyes, putting her hands on her hips.
"Take-backsies? What are you, five?" she teased. Inuyasha opened his mouth to respond, then shut it and looked away.
"Just forget it," he said, "I don't want the fucking Jewel anyway." That genuinely surprised Kagome, and she put her hands back in her lap, leaning towards him.
"Why not?" she asked, "I thought you wanted to become a full demon." Inuyasha looked down at his claws, refusing to meet her eyes.
"I do!" he said. Kagome coaxed him to speak further.
"But…?"
"I can figure out how to become a full demon myself! So just let it go, okay?" Kagome obliged, smiling a little to try and put him at ease.
"I was worried when I saw you at the station today," she admitted. Inuyasha seemed confused, wrinkling his nose up and knitting his brows together.
"What?" he asked.
"I was worried that you were mad at me, because you wouldn't talk to me," she said. Inuyasha shook his head vehemently, and answered as if she were crazy.
"Why the hell would you think that? I didn't talk to you because you said you-" he cut himself off suddenly, glaring down at the roof.
"I...said what?" Kagome asked. He grunted. Then she remembered.
"Oh...at the battle I said...that I hated you," she said. Inuyasha nodded. Leaning in, she grabbed his hand, making him stiffen.
"Inuyasha I don't hate you." When he didn't respond she squeezed his hand. She needed him to understand. He looked at her, unsure of her words.
"I don't hate you," she repeated slowly, her eyes wide. He found himself transfixed by them. He couldn't look away if he wanted to.
"Kagome…"
"I'm sorry I didn't write to you," she said, the words suddenly flooding out of her, "I was too scared you wouldn't want to hear from me. I wanted to tell you that I was wrong, I didn't hate you. And that I was sorry I ever said it-I wasn't myself. And most of all I wanted to tell you what happened at the battle. Kikyo stayed behind to seal Naraku in the Jewel. She was purified by it. She doesn't hate you anymore either. I know that you...you felt-" Inuyasha came to his senses and jerked his hand away. The roughness of his movement made Kagome feel like crying. Inuyasha smelled her threatening tears and jumped into speaking.
"No, Kagome don't cry! Ah, dammit. I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry-" he grabbed her hand again, but this time she pulled it away.
"It's okay, Inuyasha," she said, beating back the tears, "I know that you felt for Kikyo. I just wanted you to know that she felt the same way." She smiled at him, trying very much to make it genuine.
"...thanks…" Inuyasha said softly. It was probably the best she would get from him, but she wasn't angry. He was clearly shaken.
"Inuyasha, I'd like to spend more time together-I mean, you, me, Sango, and Rokuro. I don't know a lot of people here, and I consider you a friend," Kagome said. Inuyasha furrowed his brow, and Kagome's heart sank a little. Well, that was out.
"Okay," Inuyasha said. Immediately Kagome brightened.
"Really?"
"Yeah, sure, whatever," he replied. She grinned.
"Then you should come over tomorrow," she said, "I have to go to a meeting thing in the morning, but after that. Okay?"
Inuyasha nodded.