Inuyasha and Kagome: Pirates
AnimeExpert1981: Kagome's story! Part two! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or anything! No.. wait… I DON'T OWN ANYTHING, NEVER MIND!
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Pirates
Chapter Nineteen: Kagome's Story (Part 2)
Something cold and wet was on her forehead. She felt it as she dreamed.
She dreamed of a man at first. She couldn't see his face, but she could feel the immense love she had for him… She could feel his arms around her and carrying her into the air to pick an apple from a nearby tree. She heard him whisper three words…
I love you…
Kagome giggled and replied, "I love you too, Father."
Oh… So it was her father she was dreaming about… Yes, Kagome could see his face much more clear in her dream… If it even was a dream…
Kagome saw her father's strong, chiseled face and large brown eyes bleeding the love he had for her. Kagome felt her heart light and soaring whenever she was with him.
Then the scene changed. She was at the harbor and saw her father walking away from her with a smile and a wave.
"I'll be back soon! I promise!" was his last words before he vanished.
"Don't," the words stuck in Kagome's throat. She was screaming for him to come back, but nothing came out. "Don't go." The words were weak and unheard, even by her. Kagome reached her hand out, but it was too late. Her father was gone. "No… No. No!"
"She's waking up."
"Look! Her eyes are opening!"
"Poor child!"
Kagome felt her eyes opening as the daylight stung her eyes making them sting and get teary. Kagome made a small noise as her eyes adjusted to the light.
"Kagome?" Kagome turned towards the voice. It was Mr. Bellaire. His eyes showed great worry and a slight fear yet seemed controlled and emotionless. But Kagome focused on the worry showing on everyone's face and smiled.
"I'm sorry for worrying all of you," Kagome said quietly.
"Oh no! As long as you're alright, it doesn't matter what happens to us!" someone said. Kagome smiled as many nodded and agreed. Kagome now opened her eyes and could see clearly around her. She saw almost half of the staff surrounding her, their eyes large and confused yet brightened when she looked at every individual. Kagome tried to sit up but had slight trouble. Seeing this, those closest to her helped her sit up and patted the pillow she has been lying on.
"Thank you," Kagome said.
"How are you feeling, Miss Kagome?"
"Better. Thank you very much," Kagome have her award-winning smile. It wasn't enough, though. It wasn't the same from her real smile. She seemed to shine with her beautiful smile, the room was illuminated, but this time it didn't. Her innocence made it simple to read her true thoughts. Poor thing, she lost her father at such a young age…
Everyone around Kagome stared worriedly. Their hearts ached at the thought of not being able to help her. Silence filled the room, but Kagome smiled anyway.
"How is everyone? Did anything happen while I was asleep?" Kagome asked. 'You fainted, dear,' they all thought nervously. Kagome stared at all of them, her eyes still showing the same love.
"Your mother is still in labor, I'm afraid. But it tends to take this long with male offspring, though," Mr. Bellaire said with a smile. 'I hope she survives,' a maid thought grimly to herself. Kagome's eyes lighted up.
"So this means I may have a baby brother?" Kagome began to imagine her baby brother and how they'd be inseparable. Mr. Bellaire simply nodded while Kagome beamed. For a moment, she even forgot about her sudden loss, but it quickly returned. Kagome pushed down her grief. She now had a new motivation. "This now means I will have to take care of my family." Everyone around her simply stared.
A sharp knock was heard at the door. Kagome resisted the urge to do anything. She was tired of all the knocks lately. They bring nothing but trouble. The knock grew louder and one of the maids went to open the door. Kagome began to slowly climb out of her bed and mentally prepared herself. Whispers were exchanged as the maid, Kagome remembered to be name Elisa, called Mr. Bellaire over. He walked over and more whispers were exchanged.
"The lady fell into what seems to be a coma," the person on the other side whispered. "We were hoping you would know what to do in this situation."
The gears in Mr. Bellaire's head turned with a million thoughts. Should he charge them for something like this. He turned his head back and saw Kagome standing up off her bed with the help of other trying to seem strong. No, it would be a favor… For Kagome…
"Let's go," Mr. Bellaire finally said. They left immediately without a word and Kagome stared curiously at where they stood just a few moments ago.
"Where did they go?" Kagome asked. Everyone stared at her.
"We don't know, Miss," they replied. Kagome knew they had no intention of letting her go. Kagome conjured up every bit of her strength after her small incident and charged at the door. She sped out and through the hallways. She maneuvered expertly through the maze of her home. She knew the place better than anyone and even discovered more paths to the outside just in case of anything. She could hear her friends behind her, but Kagome kept running towards her mother's room. Something's wrong. She knows it. Why didn't they tell her? She can help.
Kagome opened the door to her parent's bedroom and peaked inside. Mr. Bellaire sat at the edge of her mother's bed. Kagome opened the door a bit more to see what he was doing. He had his hands on recognizable places where the pulse can be heard. He did more simple tests on her and Kagome simply stared. Why are her mother's eyes closed? Why aren't they open and welcoming Kagome inside? Surely she would've noticed by now.
"This is a much more rare form of her condition. The few facts there are, aren't enough to help. I'm sorry," Mr. Bellaire said. Kagome couldn't stand there any more. She barged in.
"Mother! Mother! It's me Kagome! Open your eyes!" Kagome jumped on her mother's bed, something forbidden, but Kagome didn't care.
"Kagome!" Mr. Bellaire whispered harshly.
"Mother, you can't leave me as well! I don't want to lose you as well!" Kagome screamed. Tears began to flow from her eyes in heavy loads. "No!" Kagome gripped her mother's hand in an iron grip. A white light emanated from her hands engulfing her mother. Everyone around her gasped. Some in surprise, others in horror.
The light warmed up the room and spread across the whole house and even beyond. The whole town area was engulfed in the bright light. Kagome continued to cry, completely unaware of the happenings around her.
Everyone immediately noticed their health went from average to perfect. Those who had a cold were healed. People with things as simply as cuts and bruises, were healed. Everyone. In other homes, families cried in happiness when their terminally ill family member was miraculously healed. Everyone else simply cried because the warmth was too much for them. It overflowed their soul.
Kagome looked up after she felt the warmth returning to her mother's hand. She saw her mother's beautiful eyes begin to open. At first they were trying to collect everything they could, trying to discern where they were until the truth set in.
"How long was I asleep?" she asked calmly, observing everything around her. 'You were in a temporary coma, though, malady,' everyone once again thought around her.
Kagome didn't give anyone a chance to answer before she tackled her mother. Her mother winced slightly before she eventually gave in to give her daughter a smile and a hug in return. Kagome continued to cry while her mother smoothed her hair, softly and lovingly.
A cry pierced the air and everyone turned to face in that direction. A maid walked over and carried the baby towards the mother. Kagome's mother held her arms out while Kagome eagerly tried to peek.
"It's a boy," someone said. Everyone turned to face the child as his mother unwrapped his face. Girls squealed as they turned to gaze at the baby. Kagome help her arms out as her new baby brother was placed in her arms. She hugged him to her.
"What will you name him, mother?" Kagome asked. Her mother sat quietly staring at the child.
"Souta. Souta Higurashi."
"Souta?" Kagome asked curiously. Her mother gave a small nod. Kagome nodded and smiled and continued to stare at her baby brother.
An hour later, a cough pierced the air. It wasn't as subtle as intended. Mrs. Higurashi turned to the source. Mr. Bellaire was staring patiently at her, but he was fidgety. She immediately understood he had something to discuss. At her order, everyone began to leave.
"Oh, Mother, may I hold him a little longer?" Kagome pleaded.
"I don't see why not. Take him to your room. It's warmer on that side of the house," she said. Kagome beamed. A maid came closer to help carry the child to Kagome's bedroom, but Kagome intercepted.
"Can't I carry him myself, Mother?" Kagome asked. She stared at her daughter.
"Don't drop him. I'm only letting you because you are a graceful lady," she said. A few butlers and maids chuckled and smiled. Mrs. Higurashi saw this, "What is it?"
Kagome blushed, "Nothing, Mother. I will be going." Kagome sent glares to her friends. She got down off the bed and reached for her baby brother. A maid walked close behind her and another at her side. The door to the bedroom was closed with a silent click.
Mrs. Higurashi turned to Mr. Bellaire. "Now, what is it you wanted to talk about, moussier?"
Mr. Bellaire continued to explain all the current events. He began explaining about Mr. Higurashi's imminent death. He later found out the true story despite what was said to Kagome. As it turns out, during the storm, an evil was approaching Mr. Higurashi's ship.
Naraku.
He knew the demon's intention and decided to fight him off to protect his family. Naraku killed him and his ship off easily and only left two survivors to spread the word of his coming.
Mrs. Higurashi's heart ached, but she held unto the anger rising in the pit of her stomach.
Mr. Bellaire then proceeded to tell her about her coma and Kagome's… something. Mrs. Higurashi's eyes widened.
"She did what!" she practically screamed. Her thoughts began to run a million hours a second.
"As I said, malady. But may I ask what it was?"
"It's Kagome's miko powers! I found about Kagome's powers by the miko midwife. She foretold all that will happen, but I never listened. But, she basically alerted Naraku where she is! We must leave this instant!" As if on cue, a bright orange light danced outside the window. Screams and shouts were also being thrown around. Panic began to settle in the atmosphere. "Kagome!" Mrs. Higurashi tried to get up off her bed, but winced at the pain.
"Mademoiselle!" Mr. Bellaire reached for her and helped her. They opened the door and maids and butlers were already running outside.
"Kagome!" Mrs. Higurashi screamed.
"Mother!" Kagome ran towards them with Souta in her arms.
Reunited, they made their way outside. Mr. Bellaire readied a carriage to help save the family he loved dearly. The road was bumpy as they raced through the streets trying to escape their imminent death. Kagome stared outside as the foliage began to pass through her vision.
What was few minutes seemed like hours. Abruptly, the carriage made a hard stop. Mr. Bellaire appeared at the side door of the carriage.
"We are at a crossroads. I will drive the carriage away from you while you run in the opposite direction," he said. Mr. Bellaire had no expression on his face. Kagome was filled with dread. He was willing to give up his life for them.
"No. You will take us the whole way and we will all live. I have an old friend that lived on the port side. We will be safe with him," Mrs. Higurashi said. Mr. Bellaire shook his head.
"I can feel the evil aura from here. You must do as I say. It's our only hope," he said. Nothing was said in the next passing moments as Kagome's mother contemplated the situation. Dread set itself further in her stomach and Souta's cries offered no comfort.
"Mother, you wouldn't-."
"Very well."
"What?" Kagome stared at her mother. She dragged Kagome outside the carriage and walked up the front where Mr. Bellaire was already seated ready to ride on. "No! I refuse! Mother!" Kagome pulled against her mother's iron grip around her wrist. She turned to face Mr. Bellaire with tears in her eyes. She saw relief. Relief that he will die?
Before Kagome could say anything, he rode off. Without a word.
"Come along, Kagome," her mother said. Kagome began to walk reluctantly alongside her mother. Tears threatening to spill were held back. They walked on for what seemed forever without pause.
"What an interesting trick. But did you honestly believe it would be enough to buy you time?" the voice whispered through the air. Kagome and her mother stopped dead in her tracks. Souta, for some reason, finally stopped screaming. A cold chill froze Kagome's bones as she looked around frantically trying to locate where the voice came from.
"Run!" Kagome did as she was told by her mother. She could hear her mother's breaths behind her. Only a seven-year-old and she was already running for her life. "Hurry Kagome! Run faster," she yelled. Kagome kept running.
"You can't run from me," said the horrible, sinister voice. "Give her to me and your life may be spared."
"Momma? What's happening?" asked Kagome. The woman led Kagome behind a tree, the small bundle in her arms.
"My sweet, beautiful, Kagome. Remember that I love you," said the woman.
"Momma?" said Kagome.
"I want you to run toward the ocean and ask for a man named, Mamoru. He will train you and help you control your miko powers," said Kagome's mother.
"No! I'm not leaving you," Kagome yelled in protest. The woman's eyes were filled with tears.
"I love you and you will live. I will hold off Naraku so you can escape," said the woman. Kagome's eyes were filled with tears. "You will be used for a great task by completing the jewel. Now go!" said the woman.
"But-," said Kagome.
"Go!" the woman encouraged.
"I love you," Kagome whispered.
"Me too. When you go, don't look back. Keep moving forward." Kagome nodded. The woman looked down at the bundle in her arms. It was a small baby boy. She kissed his forehead. "Take care of Souta, Kagome. Please." The woman handed the tiny girl the boy. Kagome looked once more at her mother. Kagome turned and began to run.
As Kagome ran she heard her mother scream in agonizing pain. Kagome flinched at the sound, but continued to run. The sacrifice of her parents will not go in vain. Little Souta's cries echoed through the air. Kagome pressed him closer to her chest. She ran faster. The life in her arms making her adrenaline pump in her veins. Kagome looked ahead. There! The port was right in front of her. Just a bit more. Just a bit more. Just a bit more…
The Next Morning…
Kagome woke up to the smell of bacon. She opened her eyes and stared at the foreign room. She swing her legs over the bed and set them on the cold, wooden floor. It creaked under her weight when she stood at full height. Kagome decided to venture out. She had no memory of how she arrived and wanted to see if her baby brother was safe and sound. Kagome opened the door quietly and stepped outside. The bright morning light filled the hallway as Kagome headed up. It was all wood. Kagome was slightly confused and wondered if she was just walking in place because nothing seemed to change.
Finally, Kagome arrived at the end of the hallway where she was greeted to a large kitchen with even more wooden furniture. Kagome peeked around the corner and saw a man cooking on a stove. He turned around with a large smile on his face.
"Ah! You're awake! Well, come in. Don't be shy. I just finished making breakfast," he said. He walked over the small table and pulled out a chair. Kagome studied him as she took a seat, but the smile never left his face and it seemed to get even bigger. He walked back to the stove, put the food on a plate and set it in front of her. He handed her a fork with a napkin and a glass of water. This food was dramatically different to what she was used to. She stared at the utensils. One. That's it.
Kagome placed a small bite size in her mouth. She immediately spit it out as the vile taste invaded her tasting buds.
The man gave a nervous laugh, "Guess I don't blame you for that. My cooking never has been… edible. My name's Mamoru, by the way," he said still laughing nervously. His attempt to change the subject didn't change the fact that he still gave her food he even said was inedible. Kagome had the feeling she was going to like him a lot.
A cry exploded throughout the house. Kagome remembered her baby brother. 'Souta!' Kagome ran towards it. She opened every door until she found the one where her brother's cries were the loudest. She saw him on a bed squirming under his blanket. Kagome reached for him and rocked him in her arms. She whispered soothing words as Souta screams gradually ceased.
Mamoru was leaning against the door. "Poor thing kept crying the whole night. Must be traumatized of what happened."
Kagome sniffed her bad-smelling brother. Understatement. "Or he needs to be changed," Kagome said.
"Oh… That too," Mamoru said awkwardly. Kagome smiled.
"Oh! And forgive me for the pandemonium I caused," Kagome said with an innocent blush spreading across her face. Mamoru smiled and walked over. He pat her on the head.
"That's nothing. At least I know you're a good sister. I'll be right back with something to help take care of the kid," he said easily. Kagome smiled. Maybe he wasn't that bad.
"Here you go," he returned faster than Kagome was expecting. She stared at the hand he reached out to her with new, clean cloth. Kagome hesitantly reached out for it and smiled. She turned back to face her baby brother.
'Now… How is it that you clean a baby?'
Chaos erupted. It was a disaster. Kagome and Mamoru leaned against the bed in defeat. They spent an hour trying to clean off baby Souta. He put up a fight and there was so much to clean it left Kagome utterly exhausted. Kagome turned to glare at her baby brother. He simply stared back innocently. She sighed in defeat while Mamoru laughed sheepishly, but it stopped abruptly.
"Miss Kagome?" Mamoru finally speaks. Kagome turned to him in confusion. He got so serious so quickly.
"Yes, Mr. Mamoru?" Kagome replied. Mamoru smiled.
"I have only one friend in this whole country. She would never come to me unless the situation is something beyond she and her husband can handle. You have a remarkable resemblance to her, Kagome. Could you possibly be the daughter of Mrs. Higurashi?" he asked. Kagome wondered what his connection to her mother was.
"Yes. Mrs. Higurashi is my mother. My name is Kagome Higurashi," Kagome replied. She stared at Mamoru, utterly perplexed.
"I see… Since your mother isn't here, I take it something happened?" he said. Kagome saw his eyes sadden to unimaginable lengths as he stared at her. Kagome swallowed the small lump in her throat. Yes, now she remembered. Her mother, father, the man named Naraku, Mr. Bellaire… Kagome's eyesight became blurry as she stared at Mamoru. Nobody moved, not even Souta, until Kagome felt the wetness of her cheeks. Mamoru reached a hesitant hand out and wiped the tears on Kagome's small face. His hand engulfed her face in warmth, a melancholy touch. The atmosphere changed. Kagome began to cry. Her tears were soft at first then gradually grew louder and more fierce. Mamoru opened his arms as she tackled into them. He held her tight. Kagome cried remembering her grief from the previous night's torment. It all rushed into her like a punch in the gut. Mamoru had no words to offer for he choked back the grief of his own heart.
His dear friend…
Time passed before Kagome finally slowed her tears. Her body and senses felt dull. She didn't want to move. Mamoru was so warm and gentle.
"You are so brave, Kagome. Look at how far you've gone already. You saved yourself and your brother," he said trying to comfort the girl.
"At a high cost," Kagome said. She wanted to continue to crying, but she had no tears left.
"Everything has its consequence, Kagome. Both good and bad. But do not let this destroy you. Though this beginning is harsh, I believe the intended consequence was for you to live and enjoy life. Things won't be easy, but that is why you must fight for that intended consequence, Kagome," Mamoru said.
Kagome drew in a deep breath. She opened her mouth to say something, but Mamoru seemed to already have an answer to her unasked question.
"Kagome, I do not mean to fight with a sword. I meant you should fight with your heart. Fight the negative that can overcome you. You are strong and pure, Kagome. I see it. Fight everything that threatens to change who you are," he concluded. Kagome memorized his words. Fight everything that threatens to change who you are.
"I understand," Kagome said. She smiled. Hope filled her heart. None of this will go to waste, she thought. "Thank you, Mamoru," Kagome said a little awkwardly. Simply saying his name was foreign to her. Mamoru sensed her unconformability and smiled.
"From where I come from, we use surnames. For example, here you use Mr. and Mrs., am I correct?" Kagome nodded. "Where I come from, we use -san. If you want to be even more respectful, we use -sama," Mamoru said. Kagome absorbed it all. What a strange place he must have come from.
"Oh… Very well then, Mamoru… -sama," Kagome said with a smile. Mamoru jumped, his face red.
"Y-you don't have to go that far! I am but only a humble man! Using such formalities is unnecessary," Mamoru stammered. He rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed. Kagome laughed. Her laugh was light and joyful like the sound of bells. Mamoru smiled. Kagome's laugh filled the whole room with a light that seemed to warm him down to his core. Blessed child.
Days have passed since Kagome arrived and Mamoru enjoyed every moment of it. But, there is only one reason Kagome's human mother sent her daughter to a not-so-human friend. Kagome wasn't your average girl. He noticed that just with her brother. Kagome did something once and by the next time, made almost no mistake.
"Kagome?" Mamoru called out. Oh no. There it is. Kagome recognizes that tone of voice. It's the same sorrowful, cautious tone he uses when he knows he's going to get into a conversation Kagome doesn't like. Kagome braced herself.
"Yes, Mamoru-sama?" Mamoru blushed, obviously not used to the high title Kagome decided to give him. It was the least, though, that she could do for him after finding and taking her in. Mamoru coughed and turned his face away. When he turned to see her again, his eyes had the small glint of determination, obviously in not backing down from this conversation, and even deeper Kagome could see the grief. She was really not going to like this.
"What were your… mother's… last words…?" Mamoru asked. Kagome lowered her head. "Why did she send you to me?" he continued.
"She said… that you would help me…" Kagome whispered. Mamoru barely heard her so he waited for more. "She said Mamoru-sama would help me control my… miko powers," Kagome whispered. She couldn't even understand what she just said. She doesn't understand why she said it. Miko powers? Kagome read of mikos… She read how they were known as priestesses in the eastern lands that protect the people from demons. Kagome can't do that. All her life was meant to be done in submission, in last place.
"I see…" Mamoru said. He sat close to her, but he seemed to be somewhere else. Deep in thought, Mamoru subconsciously muttered to himself. Kagome also went deep in thought herself. Kagome Higurashi, that is who she is and who she will be, as her parents wanted. Kagome has no time to do anything else. She completely forgot… Everything under the Higurashi name is hers until her brother comes of age. She must make sure the Higurashi name, the name her father's father and before, worked so hard to make. She must go back, but something held her back. Something about Mamoru. For once, she isn't treated as a tool. Her parents loved her, but for the sake of everyone, they had to sacrifice. Mamoru, though, didn't treat her as an inferior. Kagome believed he treated her and her brother they best he could. The truth is, Kagome has grown attached. Too attached. A dangerous place for a little girl such as herself.
"Kagome, I know you know what a miko is, am I wrong?" Mamoru finally spoke. Kagome simply nodded, stunned by her revelation. "I was a priest for a very long time, Kagome. I have trained young children who have the same gift as you do. But, I must say, yours is different. You seem to be more gifted than any other children I have trained," Mamoru said. Kagome stared at him. She took the time to look at him. Kagome always thought he was younger than what he truly is because his smile never left his face. He probably even smiled in his sleep! But now she understood. Kagome saw the hair missing from his head, the light wrinkles around his eyes and mouth, and she saw his eyes. Though they held the playfulness of a child, his eyes seemed undoubtedly tired. So this is the true Mamoru Kagome failed to notice. Kagome began to feel guilt squeeze in her chest. She came in his home and helped him with everything she could, she even began to learn housework, he dressed and fed her, gave her everything she needed. Even love.
"Mamoru-sama?"
"Kagome, I can sense your aura. You will become great. If it is your mother's will that I train you, I will only need your consent," Mamoru said. Kagome began to mentally analyze the situation. The most important question came to her first: 'What about Souta?'. How is she supposed to give Souta her full attention while training. Training to be a miko? The idea still sounded ridiculous.
"What about Souta?" Kagome asked. If she does have powers, Kagome would use them all to protect every innocent person. She's seen them die and refuses to ever see that happen again. She turned to look at her only remaining family. 'I'll protect you with or without powers, Souta,' Kagome thought.
"Souta… Kagome, you must understand you are too young to take care of him and if I am going to train you, I must concentrate solely on you," Mamoru said.
"Are you saying I would have to give up my baby brother just so I can train?" Kagome asked. She couldn't. She won't. He just lost his parents and she's all he has left. She won't leave him.
"I am not implying anything of the sort. Everything that happens will be of your choice. But, please, choose wisely," Mamoru said and left the room. Kagome faced a hard decision now.
Kagome looked around the room for a pen and paper. She found one and sat at the desk. With graceful movements of her wrist, Kagome wrote with tears in her eyes.
Dear Souta,
My name is Kagome. Kagome Higurashi. You are Souta Higurashi. You are my dearest baby brother. You may be reading this at any time. I am so sorry for what I am about to do. This won't be forever, I promise. I will find you one day and I will explain everything. Be strong, baby brother. I love you.
Kagome Higurashi
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AnimeExpert1981: LONG TIME NO… SEE… WRITE… Oh no, not this again… Anyway, just wanted to apologize. I SO SORRY! No excuse this time… But, I was almost ready by Christmas Eve and was going to upload it by Christmas… I don't know what happened after that… So… HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE (And Christmas)! Terrible ending, I so sorry… Have fun inferring! Hehe… Hehe…
PLEASE REVIEW AND ENJOY!