Hopping around on one foot while trying to to get a shoe on was no easy task, but that's what Kagome was currently doing. She was in a rush, so she had no other option but to continue moving while getting ready or get ready while she was in a rush. Sadly, she stubbed the toe of her other foot when she turned suddenly after her cell phone went off.
Hobbling back to where she left her cell, she mumbled under her breath. Tiny shards of an all powerful jewel scattered across Japan, she could find. A larger singing modern object? To hell in a handbasket apparently. Finally pulling the demonic object from under her pillow, which hadn't placed it there, she panted out a greeting as she returned to rushing to the front door. While putting her other shoe on.
"Hello?"
"Ah, good, you didn't leave yet."
Kagome blinked at the sound of her mother's comment. Searching for a clock, she slipped a bit when she pulled back to read the one in the living room. "No, but I'm about to. It's already late."
"I know, but I need a favour dear."
Her full attention was now on whatever her mother had to say, though her stomach did drop on her a little. Why now of all times?!
"I'm listening."
"You're brother got hurt during his game."
"Is he alright? What happened?" Souta got hurt? Her mind was running over the possibles on what could have happened during his latest soccer match.
"I'm not quite sure, we're at the hospital now. I know you're getting ready for your own tournament, but I need you to deliver Takenori's package. The last time we used a currier, and the contents were destroyed."
"Takenori-oji?" her voice trailed off as her mind already began to calculate the distance, time and let out a groan. But her Mama needed this done, and after everything, Kagome was willing to do whatever her Mama asked of her. "I can do it."
"I called your supervising teacher and explained everything, and he assured me that they can pick you up."
"Alright, where's the package and where am I going?" a little more relaxed, she finally managed to put on the other shoe without incident.
"It's on the kitchen table. As for dropping it off, you'll have to go to where he works. It was the only way your teacher was going to be able to pick you up."
Blinking as she bypassed her duffle bag and bow sling, Kagome blinked at the small box on the kitchen table. The last time they did send something through currier, her Mama got so mad. Even more so when the company had the gall to charge them extra despite the state the contents were.
This package was relatively small, and peeking the neatly scrawled writing from her Mama, Kagome raised a brow at the address.
"L.M.E.?"
"Yes, your uncle is a talent agent there. I called ahead to let them know you're coming, so you shouldn't have too much trouble seeing your uncle. Thank you Kagome."
"It's no problem." in the background there was a sudden call that was too muffled to hear clearly.
"That's for us, we have to go. I'm sorry we couldn't be there to see you off and that you have to do this on top of things."
"It's nothing Mama, tell Souta I'll see him when I get back home and expecting to hear everything that happened."
"I'll do that. Good luck dear, and see you when you return."
And just like that, Kagome's hectic schedule took a veer. Into a direction she had not expected was possible. Shrugging her shoulders, she slipped her cell into a pocket and decided first to shoulder her duffle bag and slip before tackling on transporting the package.
After a year of toting around her destroyed yellow school bag, the one that held everything to survive travelling in the past, her current luggage was lightweight. Only problem, not as easy to manage. Three different things to handle at once was a little tricky compared to the bulging bag and easily slip on and off quiver and bow. This time around she had her hands full.
Letting out a deep breath, she ventured forth. Down the shrine steps and into Tokyo, to visit her uncle to ensure the safe delivery of a package. She did wonder what it was she was transporting, but she figured she could ask her uncle. It had been a long time since she last saw him and his family.
Before the well actually.
Funny how a single year can change so much. Or nothing at all.
The bus ride was uneventful, handling her belongings and the package off the bus took some time. Thankfully an older man offered her help to which she respectfully thanked him in return. She blinked when he smiled and commented on such proper manners being so rare in her generation.
During her travels, it was easy to see that the past left marks on her. Just as easily as she left an impression on the populace of the past.
Turning around, she took in the large building. One modern day marvel, skyscrapers. While the company building her uncle worked in wasn't as tall as actual skyscrapers, most of the block was monopolized by the company. Making her way towards the main building, she could only hope, she took in the people that were milling about.
Men and women were talking, either to others or through their cells, the interior was slick and modern but still comforting and welcoming. But it was still big, and made an impression. Walking towards the front desk, Kagome ignored the looks and subtle whispers in regards to her.
The pretty woman behind the desk smiled and turned her complete attention onto her. "Hello, how may I help you?"
"Yes, I'm here to deliver a package to my uncle, Sawara Takenori."
The smile became a little more warmer, though still maintaining a professional air. "Yes, your mother called earlier. Take the elevators to your right up to the 15th floor. Follow the system for the talent section. If you're still lost, just ask."
Kagome nodded her head, arms cradling the package with great care. "Would it be alright if I left my bags here?"
The woman took in said bags with a quick blink, before nodding her head. "Of course, just come around to the side. I'll be sure to keep an eye on them."
With a nod, Kagome deposited her bag and sling before thanking the woman and making her way towards the elevator. The trip up was… boring, and the sappy music that played softly did not help. Shaking her head when she heard the soft bell that announced her floor, she took a breath and read the signs opposite the elevators to find where her uncle worked.
Turning in the direction, a strange scent wafted towards her from behind. Brows furrowed, Kagome paused and checked her surroundings. Soon, startled gasps and whispers echoed softly off the hallway walls. Along with the sound of something that sounded like hooves.
Going against her better judgement, Kagome turned around, and promptly pinched herself at what she saw making it's way towards her down the hall.
A man dressed up as a desert traveler, riding a camel.
What type of company did her uncle work for?!
Speaking of uncle, she saw him walking next to said camel, holding a conversation with it's rider like it was an everyday occurrence.
"Takenori-oji?" her voice warbled a bit, she really wasn't sure about the current sight, and the conversation looked relatively important. Though it was hard to tell… what with the man riding a camel and all.
Both men paused in their conversation and looked towards her, one in wonder while the other in relief.
"Kagome-chan!"
Her uncle spoke softly to the rider and quickly made his way towards her, but Kagome was currently staring a camel down. She was vaguely aware of the hug she was receiving along with the warm greetings, but she could only stare at the animal and it's rider.
"There's...a camel... in this hallway."
Her uncle tripped over his greeting and followed her pointed gaze to said camel. The president did have a way of stealing ones attention and making first impressions.
"That's… our president, Rōri Takarada."
Kagome's eyes widened, if at all possible, with the news. "I see. The rich really can afford to be eccentric."
"Not that I'm not happy to see you, but why are you here?"
Shaking her head and turning towards her uncle, Kagome blinked as her brain processed his question. She blinked a few more times as she took her uncle's face in before coming up with an answer.
"Souta got hurt during his game, so Mama had to take him to see a doctor. So I'm delivering this package to you in her stead." she lifted her arms to indicate said package.
Her uncle simply stared down at her before taking in the package, his entire face bloomed into excitement before suddenly dragging her off in the direction she had started off with when she first landed on the floor.
As she followed her uncle, more like keep up with his pace, Kagome looked over her shoulder to see that the president was watching curiously and motioned the camel to follow after.
"Is he really the president?"
"Yes, he just really like to… express himself."
Facing forward, Kagome furrowed her frowned slightly at her uncle's expression. It looked somewhat… exasperated. Meaning that this was nothing new for him.
"So he's always riding camels on the 15th floor?"
His head whipped about with a shocked look on his face. "What?! No. It's different every day."
It was Kagome's turn to look shocked. "Everyday is… different!?" she had a newfound respect for her uncle if he was putting up with such an eccentric boss everyday.
They slowed down when the finally reached an area that was full of desks and offices. People were busy running about doing whatever it was they were paid to do. Kagome could honestly say she had no idea what it was they were doing.
"So Mama mentioned that you are the head of the talent section here at LME?"
"Ah, that's right."
"What exactly does that mean, and what do you do?"
"Well, LME has different sections. One for music, acting, talent, hosts and so on. The talent section is pretty much a mix of them all. For example, a person who has more than one talent, such as singing, acting and modeling, would fall under my section. As for myself, I manage these people, the jobs that come in and who is being asked for these jobs."
He pulled her into a comfy office that looked over the rest that were working and took a seat in what Kagome could tell was his chair.
"Ah." though she was slightly thrown off at a rather sly look he threw her.
"Why? Are you interested in joining the entertainment industry?"
Blinking, Kagome cocked her head to the side as she went over the question. She never really thought about her future since the Shikon quest, and ever since the well barred her from the past she had dove head first into her studies.
"Never really thought about it. And I wouldn't even know where to start, to be honest."
"Well, since you're here, we can talk about it. Your mother mentioned in our conversations lately, that she was worried for your future. Something about you being… empty?"
"Ah. Last year had been really… different for me. Opened my eyes and made me realize that I really don't have an idea of what I want with my future. But that conversation is going to have to wait. I have my own tournament to attend to." she placed the package on his desk and quickly looked at the small clock that sat atop it.
"My ride to said tournament should-" Kagome was cut off at a sudden announcement that echoed through the entire floor, if not the entire building.
"Calling Miss. Higurashi. Megumi-sensei has arrived."
Smiling, Kagome returned her attention back to her uncle. "That's me." seeing a blank piece of paper and pen, Kagome quickly snatched them up. "Here's my cell number."
"Ah, then here's mine." he handed her a business card that she read before tucking it away into her pocket.
"Then I'll send you a message when the tournament is done and we're on our way back." smiling still, she turned towards the door and began for the door and got so far as opening it and getting one foot out.
"What sort of tournament is it?"
"Archery. I'll see ya then. Ja ne, Oji-san!" with an excited wave, she turned and came face to face with the camel.
Letting out a squeak, she took half a step back. Tilting to the side, she took her first good look at the president.
He was handsome, for an older man. Dark hair that looked wavy from beneath his… head piece could be seen, he had a long masculine face that bore signs of age. Though time treated him kindly. A thin stylish moustache rested over his upper lip and dark grey eyes took her in. And despite his costume hiding his form, she could tell he was tall. If not well built, though not in an overly strong form.
Bowing respectfully, she acknowledge him. "President-san." With a final farewell, she quickly made her way towards the elevators to head down to the lobby so she could finally get going to her tournament.
Lory watched the young woman go, going over what he had witnessed. There was something about her, a similar feeling he had after Mogami-kun had auditioned, or after Kotonami-san failed the auditions as well. Most would say he was looking for things that weren't there, but he knew what he saw and felt. And there definitely had been something about that young woman.
"Sir, please don't eye my niece like that."
Turning to look at Sawara, he raised a brow at his comment. "Niece? And I'm not eyeing her."
"Yes, from my younger sister. And you were eyeing her like you found the latest puzzle, which means prey." his flat look, something that Lory was used to by now, caused Lory himself to wipe all expression off his face.
"Prey? Not only is that inappropriate, but highly inaccurate." he turned to take in the last spot she had stood in and contemplated over the girl and his next words very carefully. "I got a sense from her, much like Mogami-san and Kotonami-san when they first tried joining us."
Takenori looked totally perplexed, eyes wide as the presidents words worked their way through his mind. But before he could ask on what his boss meant, the man turned back towards him and asked a new question.
"What was it that your niece wanted?"
"Ah, she was delivering something. My father in law has an interesting network of contacts, so through him I managed to get a gift for Sachiyo."
"That's right, your daughter's birthday is coming up." Lory nodded his head as he stroked his chin. "Why didn't your niece stay a little longer than?"
"She's participating in an archery contest. That announcement just now was for her."
Takenori hummed as he watched a summary of the tournament that Kagome had participated in. The announcers were also talking about their review of said tournament, their words only managing to go in half an ear.
"... -l's team was a refreshing shock! We were surprised by Higurashi-san's performance. It says in her papers that she only joined the club when she first started high school, and had no prior training. To think there is such a thing as a natural in the archery world." the woman's voice sounded surprised, pleased but surprised.
"I know what you mean. Just look at her form and that concentration! Not only that, for a first year she also picked up the slack when a fellow team mate couldn't participate in the longbow part of this tournament." the faceless male spoke enthusiastically as Kagome finished her round and turned to return to the rest of her team. "Also look at her grace and poise even afterward! Call me foolish-"
"What's that you're watching there, Sawara-san?"
Looking up, Takenori blinked when he spotted Matsushima walking in with a few folders in his hand. Though the other's man attention was quickly drawn to the real that was still playing on his screen.
"Wow, she's pretty good. I didn't know you were interested in archery."
"I'm not, well not really."
Matsushima raised a brow as he turned to Takenori. "Then how do you explain that?" he nodded his chin towards the screen.
"Oh that's because-" the phone on his desk rang, where he quickly asked for a moment. "Sawara speaking."
"Sir, you have a guest here. Your niece is waiting here at the front desk."
Smiling, he thanked the secretary before telling her that he would be right down. "You'll have to excuse me, something just came up that needs my immediate attention." he was already up and heading towards the elevators before Matsushima could get a word in edgewise.
"Wonder what that was all about…" shrugging his shoulders, he placed the folders on the desk for his college to go over after he returned.
Takenori hummed as he rode the elevator down to the main floor. Kagome's recent visit had been the first time he had seen her for a long time. He was glad that the bridge between his family and his sister's was being rebuilt.
When the elevator doors opened, he paused when he saw Mogami-chan waiting. Without really thinking other than wanting to share his joy, he slung an arm around the girl's shoulders and dragged her with him.
"Mogami-chan, so good to see you!"
"Sawara-san!?"
Kyoko began to panic, remembering that the manager of the studio had more than likely called Sawara-san about her performance. It was also more than likely that he had watched her debut. Not only that… she was sure she had just spotted Tsuruga-san from the corner of her eye.
While she had spoken with Tsuruga-san the other night, it had been as Bo and not herself. The last time she had spoke to him as Kyoko, she had flipped him the bird and then stormed off. Panic began to set in when their eyes met and Tsuruga began to follow after.
Whipping her head about to face forward, she also just realized that Sawara had just asked her a question.
"Ah… yes!" perhaps a little too much enthusiasm in that reply?
"Pleased to hear that. Just this way then."
What had she just agreed to this time? Not another odd Love Me member job. The last one had been nothing like he had described, and the one before that didn't end quite like she had thought. Although… she was now a student of the acting training classes, so that was a plus.
"There she is now. Kagome-chan!"
Kyoko jumped at the name, deeply buried memories of her childhood began to bubble to the surface. Memories of happier times when it had been Shotaro, herself and a blue eyed girl. It had been the three of them for the longest time. Shotaro would only talk to the two of them, her more so than the other girl. Kyoko had been picked on because of that fact, and the other girl was picked on because of her blue eyes and name.
Her name was the same as the children's game, Kagome Kagome.
The girl at the front desk had her back towards them which showed nothing more than a high school uniform and her raven black hair. Kyoko felt her heart pounding so loudly, that she was sure the entire building could hear it. And it only got louder and quicker when the girl began to turn.
Blue eyes.
Her heart froze at those eyes. The face was the same, more grown up, but still the same. Soft oval face instead of childishly round. Her cheeks no longer childishly pudgy, but those of a young woman. Actually, everything about her had very few signs of a child.
"Takenori-oji!"
Kyoko watched with bated breath as this Kagome waved enthusiastically and jogged lightly towards them. Kyoko's brows furrowed. "Wait, oji?"
"She's my niece, didn't you pay attention to what I was saying?"
"Of-of course! It's still kinda hard is all." Kyoko stuttered her reply. Turning her head to the side to scratch the back of her neck, she spied that Tsuruga was quickly gaining ground. Jumping forward, her full attention was once again this Kagome.
"I just finished watching the summary news on your tournament, congratulations Kagome-chan!"
It was easy to hear the pride in Sawara's voice.
"Thank you, Takenori-oji! But it was a team effort." she smiled before turning towards Kyoko, canting her head to the side slightly. Her brows furrowed as her blue eyes took in Kyoko's form. She took a glance at Sawara, and Kyoko could already hear the oncoming question. In a sense, it hurt that Kagome didn't seem to recognized her. If this was -her- Kagome.
"Oh that's right! Kagome, I'd like you to meet-"
"Kyoko-chan?"
Kyoko perked up, this was -her- Kagome! A smile was slowly growing on Kaogme's face, the same one that had helped Kyoko when they were once kids.
"You… you remember me?"
"How could I forget little Kyoko-chan! Although… we're not little anymore. And you're new hair cut threw me off. But I like it."
Then without warning, Kyoko was in Kagome's arms, receiving a warm hug. One that Kagome would always give her whenever she needed them. That had been one of Kagome's gifts, seemingly knowing when to comfort, support or leave alone.
"The two of you know each other?"
Sawara's voice broke through Kyoto's thoughts, also causing Kagome to take a step back. Kagome was still all smiles, while she herself was still somewhat in shock.
"Kyoko-chan was my best friend when I still lived in Kyoto." Kagome gripped her hands and leaned in just the slightest amount. "It's been so long! We really should get together and catch up after all these years. When did you get in Tokyo to begin with? You should have called!"
All of a sudden, Kyoko felt nervous. Sawara-san on one side, Kagome in front of her, and Tsuruga-san who she had flipped off the other night just behind her. It felt like the pressure was mounting and continuing to do so.
"I-I… I um…" she stuttered, something she hadn't done since she had been a child.
Kagome furrowed her brows minutely, her eyes searching. As she continued to sweat up a storm, she could only blink as she was suddenly being pulled away from Sawara-san and Tsuruga-san by a gentle yet firm hold from Kagome.
"Okay, now that we have some privacy, we can talk."
"..." still the same old Kagome. But when she still had yet to say anything, Kagome quirked a brow and a sly smile.
"I don't have to tease you about goblins catching your tongue, that you spotted fairies or something, do I?"
"No!" Kyoko's cheeks warmed, huffing a slight amount when Kagome began to chuckle.
"Good. So, when did you come to Tokyo?"
"A… few years ago."
"A few years ago?!" Kagome's eyes widened and she leaned forward a bit, making the shock easy to read. "And you didn't call us in all that time? How come?"
"...I didn't have your contact information."
Kagome furrowed her brows. "But… I wrote it plenty enough times in all the letters I sent you. It was one of the things I made sure you had after Mama moved us here to Tokyo."
Blinking, Kyoko stared at Kagome blankly. "Letters?"
"Yeah, the letters… Wait. Are you saying you didn't get -any- of my letters?" her brows once again furrowed. "After we were settled in with Ji-chan, I wrote you every two weeks. But when I didn't get any reply after… six months…" Kagome shrugged her shoulders. "I figured you were upset that I had to move and wanted nothing more to do with me."
"Not at all! I had thought you had forgotten all about me!"
"Never. I never forget a friend. And you were my -best- friend." Kagome looked up at her, a shy smile in place. "I'd really like to be friends again, hopefully best friends, despite all the years we were separated. If you want?"
Kyoko stiffened, a blush starting to warm her cheeks. A best friend, even better, a girl friend! She could do all the things she had dreamed about doing with the other girls from Jr. High, and with Kagome!
When Kaname-san agreed, everything would be perfect!
Ren watched the two girls, memories of a time he had long ago forgotten once again quickly resurfaced. The fact that Kyoko was one of the young girls he had met when he himself had been a kid and had visited Kyoto with his family had shocked him. But as he watched this new girl, apparently Sawara-san's niece, drag Kyoko away to talk to her, he could only assume she was the other girl he had met.
He observed her, Kagome if he remembered correctly, as the two of them walked back. Kagome, like Kyoko, had grown up. But the blue eyes that had startled him when he was a boy were still as vibrant and shined with her emotions as they had back then.
"What was that all about, Kagome-chan?"
"Just agreeing to setting a date to catch up with one another. Sorry for stealing Kyoko-chan away." Kagome's smile was still warm.
When he glanced his attention towards Kyoko, she stiffened under his stare and changed the subject back to Kagome.
"Sawara-san mentioned something about a tournament?"
"Kagome-chan won first place in an archery tournament!" Sawara-san boasted, causing his niece to blush the slightest amount at suddenly being the center of everyone's attention.
"Takenori-oji~ I'm on a team, meaning it was a team effort."
"But the announcers said you picked up for someone that couldn't compete suddenly."
"...announcers?"
"You mean you didn't know that the tournament was being broadcasted?"
Kagome blinked a few times shaking her head slowly. "No. I was more concentrated on the tournament, and helping my teammate after… Helping my teammate."
"I didn't know you were into archery."
Kagome turned to Kyoko-chan. "I got into it recently, still a novice in the archery world to be honest. Only started it… just under a year ago."
"Only a year and you're winning tournaments? That's quite the feat."
Kagome turned towards Yashiro-san, blinking as she took him and his manager in as if realizing for the first time that they had been there all along. Kyoko was panicking now that they were now part of the conversation.
"Oh! Thank you…"
"Ah, I'm Yashiro Yukihito." his manager was smiling pleasantly and bowed politely to the girl.
Kagome returned the smile and gesture. "Thank you for the compliment, Yashiro-san." She turned towards him, smile still in place. "And you are?"
He blinked, for multiple reasons. Firstly, to have that smile that he remembered so well directed towards him after all these years caused his heart to stutter. Secondly, he mentally wondered how she didn't know who he was. And he meant that in a way that wasn't too egotistical.
"Kagome-chan… you don't recognize Tsuruga Ren?" Sawara-san quietly spoke up.
"Last year, I was… otherwise occupied too much to worry about the entertainment world. And while I was in Jr. High…" she shrugged her shoulders. "I was more into… I don't know, trying to pass my tests, get the cutest boy to notice me, fashion and stuff like that. It was then I was just beginning to notice and recognize stars."
She turned towards him, a sheepish smile in place. "I mean no disrespect, Tsuruga-san."
"It's alright. It's good to hear that you're worried about your grades and about being respectful towards others." he offered a polite smile, then he turned towards Kyoko-chan. "Isn't that right, Mogami-san?"
The girl instantly stiffened, backing a few steps shivering as he continued to stare her down. Even Kagome had stiffened, but he wasn't sure if it was a reaction to Kyoko or not.
"Ah-ah… ah-!" her face grew pale quickly enough that it caused the others to grow worried.
"It was rather rude of you to walk away after seeing me. I am your senior, after all." by then, the girl was shaking and trembling.
"How do you do!" she bowed so quickly and so passionately, that he was almost sure she would end up tossing herself onto the floor.
"What, no middle finger this time?" he saw how Kagome's eyes widened at his words before she bit down on her lips and turned away to cough into a raised fist, obviously trying to disguise her laughter.
Yashiro-san choked on something at his side while Sawara-san groaned and ran a hand down his face. Seemed the man forgot all about that night, if the mutterings under his breath were anything to go by.
Seeing Kyoko curl her fingers as she shook subtlety, it was only easy to figure out what she was thinking. "Just now, you were thinking I was an unforgiving person, weren't you?"
She shot up, shaking her head frantically. "I did not! I did not! I did not think that!"
Standing to his full height he continued to smile down at the girl, she slowed down in shaking her head negatively before stopping altogether. It was his turn to bite his inner cheek. Kyoko's eyes began to swim with tears, her lower lip to tremble.
"Yes I did!" the words came out in a childish cry, as if she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.
Raising a fist to try and stifle his laughter, he shook with the minute amount of laughter he was holding in. Kagome on the other hand, was finally letting her own break out.
"Maa-maa! You haven't changed all that much, have you!"
"So mean, Kagome-chan!" Kyoko pouted as she began to wipe the fallen tears.
Ren watched as the two girls spoke with one another, Kagome still amused as she apologized while Kyoko began to scold her old friend. The surprising point was, that Kyoko was no longer crying.
"Did… did she really give you the finger?"
Ren hummed as he turned to face his manager, not at all surprised to see the astonished look on his face. Giving the two girls a brief glance, he could only smile at seeing that they were exchanging numbers.
"Ah, I pushed her. Perhaps a little too hard. But I was also trying to point out that paparazzi and reporters will be just as pushy, if not more so."
"Another of your lessons, then." Yashiro pushed his glasses back up onto his nose so they rested more comfortably. "It's odd."
"What is?"
"To see Mogami-san without her uniform."
Ren turned to the girl, taking in her outfit. While it was nice, it was somewhat odd to see her not wearing the Love Me uniform that he had become accustomed to in regards to her.
"Mogami-san." he waited until he had her attention. "Why aren't you wearing your uniform?"
"Eh? Uniform? You work here, Kyoko-chan?"
Kyoko herself blushed lightly as she absently scratched a cheek. "Uh, yeah, started just under three months ago."
Kagome blinked rapidly at the news before shaking her head. "And the job you do requires a uniform?" her brows were furrowed, clearly confused.
"Eh… in a way."
"Mogami-san, did you just finish a job for the Love Me section, is that why you're not wearing the uniform?" Yashiro asked.
"Wait, Love Me Section?" Kagome kept glancing between the all of them, looking like she hoped someone would clear things up for her. She turned to Sawara, a brow raised. "You didn't mention that section last time."
Sawara-san let out a little sigh. "It's one the president recently came up with."
"Not that recent, if Kyoko-chan has been working here for three months." she commented with a raised brow.
Her uncle ignored it and continued with the explanation. "Anyways, while it is an… odd section, the members of that section are treated no less than members of any other section. They are on the bottom and have to work their way up to the top. Doing work directly tied to the entertainment business, such as appearing on screen and such, may not happen as quickly as with members of other sections."
Kagome nodded her head, but it was easy to tell she was still somewhat confused by how her brows were slightly furrowed. "I… see."
She was about to talk up once again, but a light musical ringtone distracted her. She offered an apologetic smile and stepped away from them to answer her cell. A few moments later, she returned to them. "I'm sorry, but I have to go now."
Sawara-san perked up. "Ah, that was your Mother?" at Kagome's nod, Sawara-san smiled. "Tell her that the 9th is alright. Don't worry, she'll understand."
"Oh… alright then." she turned to Kyoko and smiled. "Don't forget to call me! It was a pleasure meeting you. Ja-ne!" she bowed before leaving with a wave.
It wasn't until after Kagome finally disappeared that they turned their conversation back business.
"You still haven't answered why you're not wearing your uniform, Mogami-san."
Kagome chatted with Ayumi, Eri, and Yuka as they headed towards the main entrance, happy that school had finally let out.
"I'm still shocked that you met the Tsuruga Ren and didn't even recognize him!" Yuka gushed causing the others to giggle as Kagome rolled her eyes.
"Well I'm sorry, but I've been busy these past few months I've been more worried about my grades than dramas. And you remember last year." she didn't explain any more than that, having long decided to stick with the 'sick' excuses she had used while traveling through time.
"Oh pooh. I'm more upset that you didn't ask for an autograph!" Ayumi sulked.
While she was the most naive of them all, she still was a teenage girl. It sort of got her goat that Kagome met a famous person, had an uncle that worked with famous people, and hadn't said a thing all this time.
They continued chatting, Kagome more than pleased that the topic had finally shifted to something else. Though the topic change did leave much to be desired. Why did they always have to ask if she would finally give Houjo a chance?
Kagome was about to answer when a student rushed passed them, nearly knocking the four of them down.
Yuka called out, more than angry at what just happened. "Hey, watch where you're going!"
"And no apology either, how rude." Ayumi huffed, cleaning herself of invisible dust.
Eri was also about to comment when a few more rushed past them, all calling out excitedly. The four girls paused whipping their heads about as more students continued to rush past them in an excited manner.
"What the heck is going on here?!" Eri blinked. When the next student decided to rush past, she snagged them and demanded an answer.
"There's a limo at the main entrance!" the young boy wrenched himself free from Eri's grip and raced off towards the entrance.
The four of them stood there exchanging looks before they shrugged their shoulders and continued on their way. They figured the limo had nothing to do with them. It was rather chaotic when they finally got outside. A mass of students were climbing over each other 'ooing' and 'awing' and speculating about the reasons why the limo was there.
They huffed as they shouldered their way past the moving wall. "Sheesh, you'd think they'd never seen a limo before, let alone a car." Eri huffed as she began to straighten her uniform.
"The closest they got to one is probably watching one in the movies or tv." Ayumi rationalized as she too fixed her appearance.
Yuka huffed, her cheeks red as she glared at the group. "Doesn't give them the right to cop a feel. Perverts."
"Maa-maa they're only-"
"Higurashi-san?"
Everyone froze as the driver stood next to the car. Kagome raised a brow as she turned around to face the man. He matched the limo, which was weird to her. He was tall, dark wavy hair and dark skin. He wore a suit that looked like it was something more from the Victorian era, but all in all, he was very handsome.
Kagome shifted a bit uncomfortably when she realized she was quickly under everyone's intense inspection. Shaking herself out of her thoughts, she focused more on the man.
"Yes?" she canted her head to the side, wondering who this man was and what he wanted.
"I'm here because the President requires your services."
"The Presi… Oh. Him. What services? I never heard of any such request." she was semi shocked that his face showed not a single emotion at all. If she didn't know any better, she would have thought he was Sesshoumaru in disguise.
"He did not tell me Miss. All that he told me was that it was urgent and you were the one he needed to help solve the issue."
His facial expression remained neutral, as well as his voice. It didn't give her much to go on. Letting out a sigh, she nodded her head and walked forward.
"Kagome-chan?!"
She offered her friends a reassuring smile and wave. "Don't worry guys, we'll have to go another time though!"
The ride was silent, and a might uncomfortable. It didn't help that she had no idea on what the President of LME could possibly want from her, or that the driver wasn't talking. With that thought in mind, she decided to make some calls.
Going through her contacts, she found her uncle's number and decided to call him first. Perhaps with him working at LME, he might know what the President wanted with her. It took a few rings before she finally got through. And she had to smile at his greeting.
"Sawara Takenori, head of Talent LME, how may I help you?"
"Hi Oji-san!"
"Kagome?"
"Of course! Unless you have others calling you oji?" she giggled as he floundered about a bit.
"No, no! It's good to hear from you. How is everything?"
"Everything is going well. Oh! And Mama said the 9th is perfect." she watched the buildings past the window she sat next to.
"That's good to hear. I don't mean to sound rude, but why the call?"
"Not at all, you're a busy man. I was wondering if you've spoken with the President recently."
"The President… LME's President? Takarada-san? Not recently, why?"
"Oh, I was wondering if you might know the reason I'm on my way to… hang on a moment." she pressed the cell to her shoulder. "Excuse me, Driver-san. Are we on our way to LME?"
"Yes Miss."
"Ah, thank you." pressing the cell back to her ear, she started back up with her uncle. "I'm on my way to LME, due to the President's request."
"I don't have any knowledge of anything regarding that. Are you sure?"
"There was a driver and limo waiting for me after school let out, and I can see LME coming up. I just don't know why is all." she blinked and leaned towards the other window to get a better view of the building.
"Well, I can ask, but he tends to keep the details of these projects of his secret. I'll see you soon then. Don't forget to call your Mother to let her know of your detour."
"Hai! See you soon." she ended the call and did the quick search to call home, hoping her mother was home and would understand the mysteriousness of the entire thing.
"Higurashi residence, Higurashi Souta speaking."
"Hey squirt, is Mama home?"
"Kagome! Where are you? Your friends have been calling and shouting at me through the phone. Something about you being kidnapped in a limo?"
Chuckling, Kagome could only shake her head. Her friends still had the ability to blow things out of proportion. "I'm fine. I'm on my way to where Takenori-oji works."
"I… see." it was evidently clear that he didn't. But that was alright, she was still as lost as he was.
"I called to let Mama know, could you tell her if she should ask?"
"Yeah, yeah, I can tell her. But you owe me!"
Kagome raised a brow, not that Souta could see it. "Oh? And how do you figure that?"
"I can hear that stupid tone telling me there are people calling. Most likely your classmates wanting to know what was up with the limo and you. And the fact that I have to tell Mom where you're at."
"We'll see. Anyways, I have to go now. See ya later squirt, love ya."
"Blech! Isn't my leg in a cast enough, now you have to go and say that love stuff?!" he made fake gagging noises, causing Kagome to chuckle.
"Alright, alright! See ya later squirt."
Hanging up, she tucked her cell away and then undid her seatbelt. Just as she was grabbing her book bag, the drive stepped out of the car and then opened the door for her. Kagome blinked a few times before offering him her thanks.
"If you'd follow me, Miss. Higurashi."
"Ah… Kagome please."
He nodded his head before directing her to where she could only assume the President was waiting for her. From the looks she was getting from those nearby and around, not many people knew what was going on. Which was saying a lot, they were part of the entertainment business and it seemed like a priority to know what was going on.
Kagome followed the man around the park house and into what appeared to be a studio and a dojo put together. There were a few people milling about, some faces looked familiar from movies or tv dramas she had seen, the rest were lost to her. Well, save for the President, she recognized him. Which was a task made… interesting, seeing he was dressed up as a Feudal lord this time.
"Sir, I've brought Miss. Kagome here as you requested."
The man perked up, reminding her much of a child… or puppy. "Ah! Good, good. Just in time too!"
Bowing to greet the man, she spoke the words that had her mind buzzing most of the trip. "Takarada-san, as much as this is a pleasure, why exactly have you brought me here?"
"Follow me if you'd please."
Letting out a sigh, she could only nod her head and follow after the eccentric and excitable man.
"Sawara-san had mentioned that you were a member on your school's archery team, and after watching your latest tournament, I realized you were the one to solve a little dilemma one of our actresses was dealing with."
Canting her head to the side with a raised brow, she wondered if he was implying she teach this actress archery or something along those lines.
"Are you asking for me to teach this actress archery?"
He stopped his gait and spun about to face her with a bright smile. "That's exactly what I need! We've already had many teachers, but they've never really gotten through to her. Seeing as you're around the same age, I had hoped you would be willing to take up the job."
They stood there, him watching her expectantly while she considered the situation. On the plus side, she'd get to see her uncle and Kyoko-chan more often. On the down side, if she were to ride in a limo ever lesson day, the school wouldn't leave her alone, and she'd end up with less time for homework.
Taking in a breath, she nodded her head. "I'll accept."
"Wonderful! I'll have my driver pick you up on lesson days and drop you off at home…"
As he continued on listing everything, they once again started walking. It was then that Kagome realized it was towards changing rooms.
"Am I supposed to dress up for these lessons?"
"Ah, our little actress is playing the role of a miko. So she's been having trouble putting the lessons she had to use in the required clothing for the part she's playing."
"..."
"I'll leave you here then, and announce that you've taken on the job! Thank you, Miss. Kagome."
They bowed to each other, and Kagome watched as he left, bounding towards the group he had left to lead her to her… dressing room. Opening the door, she paused when she saw the red and white of a miko's uniform neatly folded on a small table next to a mirror.
Sighing, she pushed herself forward. The last time she had worn one, was in the past, and she had nearly killed her friends because of Menomaru. Not only that, she was always told on how she looked like Kikyo. Those reds and white were more often than not tied to less than pleasant memories for her.
Ren was walking with Yashiro towards his car, it was finally the end of the day for him. Which was nice, since he hadn't had such an early day in a while.
On his way towards his car, he passed through one of the spare and larger studios, surprised to see a newbie actress dressed up with a small group of others. Deciding to see what it was all about, he made the detour. It hadn't past him when he noticed the President was also present.
"Tsuruga-san, this is a surprise." Takarada clasped his hand in a friendly shake, and gave a nod of acknowledgment to Yashiro.
"It is. What's going on?"
"Ah, our little Aoki-chan is here to receive some lessons to help her with her latest role."
The three men turned towards said actress. She was a bubbly young thing, all smiles and seemingly incapable of sitting still.
"Speaking of which, it seems the teacher is running a little late. Tsuruga-san, could you do me a favour and check up on them? Their in changing room number 4."
Nodding his head, he left the group and his manager to run the small favour. He recalled the role Aoki Ai was playing. A miko in a historical drama, but was having difficulty fitting into the role. Not that he could blame her, there wasn't much on miko these days. At least, not any that knew of the duties mikos of the past had to perform. But there were libraries and experts out there.
He shook his head when he arrived to the room's door and knocked on it. Blinking, he strained to hear something from behind the door to indicate that there was indeed someone in the room. There was nothing, or the echos of the others in the large studio made it hard for him to hear if there were anyone in the room.
Knocking a second time, he waited a few moments and still no reply. Growing slightly concerned, he gripped the handle and pushed the door open, only to pause on the scene he just walked in on.
Kagome in the middle of changing into her own set of miko attire.
The red hakama were already on, but she was still in the process of pushing her arm into the sleeves of the haori. It caused for him to be able to see a lot of skin from the waist up. But what caught his interest, were the silvery-
"Are you going to stand there, or close the door to let me finish changing?"
Her flat voice broke through his thoughts and forced him to make eye contact. There were a few startling realizations. She wasn't blushing at the unexpected intrusion, in fact she sounded… bored more than anything. She wasn't screaming or demanding him to leave. And she bore scars, disturbing ones that made him wonder what happened to the girl he met in Kyoto.
She let out a sigh and allowed the sleeve to fall, pulling it to rest on her shoulder properly. Her actions broke him out of his stunned state of being.
"Forgive me."
Closing the door, he turned away and ran a hand down his face. Of all the things to see, of all the people to see, what he just witnessed was not one of them. In fact she had been so far away from his mind, he had actually assumed the teacher would be another expert male.
His heart jumped when the door opened and she walked out, lifting her hair free from under the haori.
"I'm sorry."
"Think nothing of it. I wasn't paying attention to when you knocked, and you were only checking up on me. It was an accident." she fixed the collar of her haori before making her way towards the group that had waited for her.
"I still insist on apologizing."
"Then I forgive you." her tone was flat, no real emotion what so ever, nor were there any depicted on her face.
"You're awfully understandable."
She tossed him a look from the corner of her eye and raised a brow. "It was easy to see you didn't do it on purpose. If you had, I would have reacted differently. But, what's done is done, no need to make a big deal out of it."
His steps faltered at her words, his mind going over her words and what they could possible mean. As he watched her walk towards the President, who then introduced her to her student, he took in how she lacked any proper emotion. The happy girl from the other day was gone, in her stead was a hollow woman.
What had happened to her?
AN: My longest Possibility... one that was born while chatting away with Whispering Kage. Other than that; read, enjoy, and review!