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"Random Subject Prompts"
Chapter 003: Takeru Fujiwara
Anime: Prince of Stride: Alternative
Prompt: Legs/Shoes
Chapter Warning: It felt like I wrote this only when I was high on sugar, so I'm sorry for that
RSP*RSP*RSP
After her adventures in the Sengoku Era ended, Kagome had hoped for a peaceful life. The jewel had been purified and returned to within her body, where it would remain inactive and safe with its rightful guardian. Her friends had settled down and started their own lives after Naraku's demise.
And now it was her turn. She had studied hard and long in order to get into Honan, where her older cousin Ayumu Kadowaki attended. It also helped that Shippo had found and reunited with her in present-day Japan, so the commute wasn't terrible. Moving in with the now-full grown kitsune had been a no-brainer. He was also insanely successful, having founded a sporting goods brand that was popular with athletes of any sport, though 'Stride' seemed to be Shippo's biggest buyer. Kagome had never heard of it before, but Shippo had given her the basics. It sounded interesting, but the last thing she wanted to do was run and jump over obstacles at high speed. She'd done enough running in her life, thanks to the Warring States Era.
Of course, that didn't mean she let herself go. The constant activity and traveling had instilled a type of need for exercise, so now she went running every day for a couple of hours. Shippo also liked using her as a model for his athletic wear, so Kagome owned a steadily growing collection of the latest and best gear. She didn't really mind, especially when she got to test out the archery equipment.
Shippo pulled over his convertible to the curb in front of Honan, his dark sunglasses blocking his emerald eyes from the early morning sunlight. "I'll pick you up right here after school, Kagome."
"Sure. Thanks again for the ride, Shippo." Grabbing her bag, Kagome smiled and got out of the car. She ignored the stares she received, knowing it would pass soon enough. She leaned down to peer at the redhead. "Don't forget – I'm trying out for the archery team. If it looks like it'll run late, I'll call you."
He grinned confidently. "You're going to do great! They'll be begging you to join them, I know they will."
"I hope so." She laughed lightly. "I haven't really practiced since I moved out here, so I'm probably a little rusty. But thanks for the vote of confidence – I needed it."
"Anytime. Anyway, you better get inside. I don't want to make you late on your first day."
"Okay. Don't work too hard."
Shippo's grin turned decidedly wicked. "If it's fun, it's not work." He waved. "I'll see you later, Kagome."
"Bye Shippo." With that, he drove away with a roar of the engine. Kagome sighed, half exasperated and half amused. Shippo would always be Shippo. And she wouldn't change a single thing about him.
Turning to face the entrance to her new high school, Kagome smiled. Her path to a peaceful life was about to begin.
KH*TF*KH*TF
Homeroom
The guy sitting on her right – Takeru Fujiwara – was staring at her again. She didn't even need to look to know. She could feel his intense gaze, almost like he was trying his best to drill holes into her. Honestly, it was starting to freak her out. From past experience, when a guy stared at her in that way, Kagome always ended up getting kidnapped and forced into some sort of weird courtship, if not a marriage ceremony.
The top examples were Kouga, who oddly fell in love with her after she slapped him in the face, and Mukotsu, who tried to force her to marry him by poisoning her first. Seriously, her love life sucked, but she just wanted a peaceful high school life. Was that too much to ask for?
Apparently, she thought, miserable. She could still feel Fujiwara's eyes on her. Didn't the guy know staring was rude? She would've preferred his attention turn back to Riku Yagami and Nana Sakurai.
Did the kamis hate her? They certainly loved using Kagome as their plaything.
Mentally groaning, she sank deeper into her seat. So far, her peaceful life wasn't working out.
Fujiwara shifted just the slightest bit closer in her direction, his startling blue eyes sharpening on her figure, never blinking.
Kagome started to mentally sob, a giant sweat-drop forming on the back of her head. It wasn't working out at all!
KH*TF*KH*TF
Class Break
As soon as class broke for free time, Kagome bolted out of her seat, like a shot out of a cannon. She seriously needed to get away from Takeru Fujiwara. If she didn't know better, she'd say he had stared at her throughout the entire morning without once blinking. She knew it was the first day, but still! Didn't the guy take notes for class? Or breathe?
Hopping over a stair railing, she easily made her way to the second-year classrooms, while absently dodging other students with a fluid grace that could be mistaken for dancing. She didn't have a lot of time, but she was going to use any excuse available in order to avoid being caught alone with Takeru Fujiwara.
Which meant finding and locating her older cousin, instead of focusing on the panic thumping of her heart. Seriously, she couldn't handle being kidnapped in modern-day Japan! That was just sad and pathetic. If she could take on Naraku – the baddest of the baddies – she could avoid a regular human with staring problems.
Her pride depended on it!
Kagome squeaked when she was suddenly jerked from behind, her eyes widening as her world blurred, and she found herself pinned to a wall in an abandoned hallway. Oh, come on! This can't be happening right now. Why me? She mentally wailed.
"Kagome Higurashi," Takeru Fujiwara intoned. "You're fast."
"Clearly not fast enough," she sulked. Even more insulting, he was almost a head taller than she was, and she could tell by his earlier grip that he was physically stronger too. Oh well, she had faced more dire odds. Still infuriating, though. "Anyway, what do you want?"
She immediately regretted her question when his eyes sharpened and seemed to… sparkle? What the hell?
When Fujiwara crouched, she was confused, but she quickly froze into a stone statue when he started touching. Her. Legs. And it only got worse when he started a running monologue on her how toned and shapely her calves were. Kagome felt her brow begin to twitch when he started commenting on the various muscles, too.
But she drew – she absolutely drew – the line when he started massaging her thighs, checking and testing the muscles there. She couldn't even register the words coming out of his mouth. All she cared about were the hands. On. Her. Thighs. That. Were. Creeping. Higher. And. Higher.
Kagome exploded, face the reddest and most heated it had ever been in her life. "Don't touch me there, you pervert!" And then she did the only thing she could do without getting thrown into jail for murder.
She ran.
Takeru watched her, still crouched in the hallway. He blinked.
"So, she's even faster than I expected." His sharp blue eyes twinkled with determination though his facial features didn't otherwise shift. "It's decided. She has to join Stride."
KH*TF*KH*TF
Lunch Time
A dark cloud hung over Kagome's head, her shoulders slumped with tension and stress. Again, she had felt Fujiwara's intense stare all throughout class and, if possible, it was even heavier than before. Seriously, what was this guy's deal? Even more so – What had she done to earn such regard? Wasn't it enough that he had sexually harassed her? And she hadn't beaten him up for it? Back in the Sengoku Era, if Miroku had done the same thing he would've at least been knocked unconscious with Sango's Hiraikotsu.
But no. All she'd done was run away from him. It was still the better option than killing Fujiwara and hiding his mangled corpse.
Right?
I want a peaceful life, she reminded herself. Kagome closed her eyes, using the breathing exercises needed to center her emotions. It had helped tremendously when learning how to control her purification powers. And it had the added bonus of keeping her homicidal tendencies in check, especially in situations like the one she currently found herself in. I can still have a nice, peaceful life if I just ignore this one guy! You can do it, Kagome-girl!
"Kagome Higurashi," Takeru said, starting to stand from his seat. "Come with me—"
"NOO!" With that, Kagome took off again without once looking back.
Takeru stared in the direction the raven haired beauty took off in, blinking. Suddenly, a smile appeared on his face, truly pleased and admiring. "She's definitely more than she appears."
And then he took off after her with that same smile on his face.
On the sidelines, Riku Yagami blinked in confusion, his yakisoba bread halfway to his gaping mouth. "God, that guy is so creepy." He shuddered as a cold shiver traveled down his spine, then focused his attention once more on his lunch.
KH*TF*KH*TF
"Kagome Higura—"
"NOO!" She immediately sprinted away at the sound of his voice, screaming at the top of her lungs.
KH*TF*KH*TF
Takeru turned a corner, seeking one specific female classmate. When he saw her talking to one of their teachers, he zeroed in on her position.
"Kagome Higu—"
She stiffened. Then, without even glancing over her shoulder, she bolted straight ahead, not even paying attention to whatever the teacher was saying anymore. Her pace didn't even slow when Yujiro Dan, their homeroom teacher, called out to her in concern.
"NOO!"
As Takeru passed him, Yujiro fixed his glasses on the bridge of his nose. Of course he recognized the younger male, especially his reputation as a pretty famous Stride competitor and runner, but that didn't explain why Takeru Fujiwara would adamantly chase Kagome Higurashi.
"I'd… rather not get involved." With that, he turned to go back into the teacher's room.
KH*TF*KH*TF
Kagome panted, mostly out of panic rather than because of all the running she was unexpectedly doing. Takeru was persistent, she gave him that, but it was totally unwanted and she. Just. Wanted. Him. To. Stop!
"Hey, are you alright?" a male's voice asked, concerned and a little bewildered.
Squeaking, she jumped nearly a foot in the air, heart hammering against her rib cage. For a second, she'd thought she'd been found by that molesting weirdo, but when she looked up, she gave a mental sigh of relief.
"I'm fine," she assured, getting her breathing under control and standing straight – not that it mattered. The guy appeared even taller than her tormentor, with light brown hair that was held back with what looked like a black headband. By his features, Kagome could also tell he wasn't full Japanese, though… Did she see him somewhere before?
Her eyes squinted thoughtfully, head cocked like a curious puppy. "Um, have I seen you somewhere before?"
Heath Hasekura stiffened, eyes widening in alarm. "Uh," he stuttered, slowly backing away from the younger girl. "N-No! I can't imagine what you mean!" He waved his hands in the air, starting to panic. "I don't know what you're talking about – It's not like I've modeled or anything like that! That's insane – Do you hear yourself?" Laughing too loudly, he backtracked further and further away. "You seem fine, so I'm just gonna… go… now. See ya!"
Kagome blinked, watching the older boy run away in the opposite direction. A light bulb seemed to flicker on in her head, and the side of her fist smacked the palm of her other hand. "Ah, I know where I've seen him now. Heath Hasekura. Shippo mentioned how scary senpai's older sister was, and how she would force her only younger brother into modeling gigs for her new fashion lines." Really, the guy practically spoon-fed her everything. Poor senpai.
She must have somehow found herself on the third-year floor, while running away from Takeru Fujiwara in blinding panic and sheer fear. Seriously, didn't that guy ever get tired? She was beginning to think he wasn't human…
"Ah, Kagome Higurashi," the devil himself spoke, as if the mere thought of him summoned his presence. Kagome stiffened, eyes widening, like a deer in the headlights. She turned to stone when she felt hands. Touching. Her. Legs. Again. "I have finally found you."
How… How did he get so close without her feeling his presence? It defied all laws of physics!
Short of kicking him away, Kagome scrambled, arms clawing at the air, on jerky legs until she was out of his clutches. Comical tears fell from the corners of her eyes as she prepared to run for her life again today.
"NOO!"
As she hopped over the stairway rail to get to the lower level faster, Takeru pouted as his prey got away from him again. Fixing his glasses, he gave serious thought to changing to his contacts in order to properly run after her. As it was, he was barely putting half of his speed to good use, and Kagome Higurashi had proved to be a lot more fun. Not many could evade him as effectively as she did, let alone outrun him.
Standing straight, he patted the nonexistent dust from his school uniform as he prepared to give chase once more. He was determined to get Kagome to join Honan's Stride team. He really wanted to run with her, and Riku Yagami and Nana Sakurai. He just had to catch the little raven haired minx first…
From his hiding spot after running away from the female underclassman, Heath Hasekura felt his lips twitch in amusement. When his unusual show of panic had died, his mind cleared enough to remember that girl, Kagome Higurashi. That damn sister of his had mentioned her before, how she wanted Kagome to model for their company rather than one of their biggest competitors. Though, Heath admitted, Higurashi was in really good shape, if that little scene he'd witnessed was anything to go by.
And that boy… If Heath wasn't mistaken, that had been Takeru Fujiwara. Fujiwara definitely wasn't a slouch either, not by any means. Even wearing a school uniform he was fast and light on his feet.
If only Stride were still a club… Heath sighed, shaking his head. "It would be best if I didn't get involved."
And he definitely didn't want to get involved if Fujiwara continued to sexually harass Higurashi. That was just trouble Heath didn't need in his life.
KH*TF*KH*TF
Hozumi Kohinata was waiting for his friend, Ayumu Kadowaki, when he saw the most amazing thing.
A cute girl doing acrobatic parkour in the building right across from where he was standing.
Hozumi's eyes sparkled with excitement. He had never seen anyone move so fluidly, like him, especially when faced with obstacles and other objects. He found it absolutely amazing how the unknown girl's skirt didn't flash anything indecently, too! That took some pretty awesome skills.
And, as a man, he found it a little disappointing. But still! The more important thing was watching the tricks she performed without missing a beat.
Hozumi pressed his forehead against the cool glass, wishing he were closer to see clearer. He watched, amazed, as the raven haired girl easily flipped over a rather large box, then using a chair to gain leverage in her next jump. The impromptu springboard worked in her favor as she spun in the air, stuck the landing, and kart-wheeled with the momentum a few feet before finally stopping at the stairway.
The way she glanced over her shoulder had Hozumi blinking in confusion. What was she doing? Was someone following her?
His questions were answered within a few seconds as another student – this time male – came running down the hallway the unknown female had just vacated. Hozumi blinked. What was going on here? Getting a closer look at the guy, the second-year student had to rub his eyes at what he saw.
"Hey, Hozumi," Ayumu's voice cut in. "Sorry about that. I didn't think it would take that long – Hey, what are you looking at?" Eagerly, he started glancing around outside the window as if he could spot what had his friend's rapt attention. "I don't see anything."
"… smiling."
Ayumu gave his best friend a bewildered look. "What? Smiling? Who was smiling?"
"He was smiling," Hozumi quietly repeated, his facial features unreadable. Shaking his head slightly, he grinned happily at Ayumu. "Never mind. Let's get going!"
"Good idea! I've been meaning to challenge Heath-senpai to another Shogi match." Flames of determination suddenly burst behind the glasses-wearing male. "As the King of Shogi, I have a reputation to uphold! He won't beat me this time – just watch, Hozumi!"
A sweat-drop formed behind the other male's head, laughing in a strained manner. "Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, Ayumu."
KH*TF*KH*TF
Back of the School
Kagome sat with her back against the building, panting, and wiping the panic-induced sweat that beaded her forehead. She felt as though she'd been running nonstop since lunch time… which actually wouldn't surprise her. She had said it before, but she'd say it again:
Takeru Fujiwara was one determined and persistent guy!
No matter what she did, she just couldn't shake him off her trail. And if she did manage to lose him, he somehow found her within a few minutes. It was like he had a sixth sense that homed-in on her position, no matter where she was or where she hid.
Seriously, was that guy even human? She was beginning to have her doubts.
"Excuse me, miss," a deep, smooth voice suddenly spoke up. Kagome jumped to her feet, her fight or flight instincts kicking in hard. How had that pervert found her so quickly?
"NOO!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. Then, just like she'd been doing all day, she bolted in the opposite direction without once glancing back. There was no way that perverted guy was touching her legs again!
Kyosuke Kuga blinked, surprised. When he'd seen the younger girl crouching and out of breath, he'd thought she had needed medical assistance. But, when she'd jumped up and screamed, he'd been proven seriously wrong. It had been a long time since he'd seen anyone move as fast as she did.
Vaguely, he wondered what had her so spooked. It was obvious she was running away from something – or, perhaps, someone?
"Interesting," he muttered under his breath. He thought about asking his old friend, Heath, about her, but shook his head. He didn't feel right about talking to Heath or anyone else, for that matter, from his old life.
Besides, Kyosuke was sure the younger girl would be okay.
"Excuse me," a male's voice intoned, and Kyosuke turned to face the speaker. If he wasn't mistaken, Takeru Fujiwara was now standing in front of him. He was pretty famous in the Stride community, after all, even though Kyosuke took great pains to avoid it. "Have you seen Kagome Higurashi? I believe she passed by here not too long ago."
Was that the girl's name?
Kyosuke pointed in the direction the now-identified Kagome had run off in, without saying a word. He blinked when Takeru nodded in appreciation then took off running in the same direction. A glint had entered his too-blue eyes, and a small smile appeared on his stoic face.
Only after Kyosuke could no longer see Takeru did he wonder if he had done the right thing.
I'm sure she'll be okay, he reasoned. Placing his motorcycle helmet on, he smoothly got onto the powerful bike and took off from school.
KH*TF*KH*TF
After School
Like a demented squirrel, Kagome kept glancing left and right as she quickly walked through the hallways in search of her cousin. Thankfully, Takeru Fujiwara hadn't managed to corner her again, but she was still keeping her guard up.
As it were, people were giving her a wide berth. It hadn't taken long before everyone had heard about the reoccurring incidents involving her and a certain someone, so they obviously figured she was weird. Her paranoid state wasn't helping either. She was positive people were conspiring against her, which explained why Fujiwara had kept finding her so easily throughout the day. It was the only thing that made sense.
But the day was over, so she had a chance of avoiding her stalker… until she had to deal with him once more tomorrow.
Kagome sighed, clutching her books and binder closer to her chest. If she wasn't so determined to try out for the archery team, she would be well on her way home by now. However, she had to check in with her older cousin, tell him her intentions, then leave to find the archery range.
It shouldn't be too hard. Ayumu had said he was in the chess club. All she needed to do was find the right room. Not difficult at all.
KH*TF*KH*TF
She should have known nothing was ever easy, especially if they involved her. Locating the chess club's room had been harder than she thought necessary, and it took so much time, she was sure all of the spots on the archery team had already been filled. Ayumu seriously needed to learn how to give better directions.
Exhausted and frustrated, Kagome slammed open the door, almost tearing it from the wall. It wouldn't have been hard either. The space and area was so worn-down, she wondered why they even bothered to stay. And what the hell was up with those signs on the door? Which club, exactly, belonged there? Chess or Stride? She'd never seen two clubs sharing one room before.
"Ayumu," she started then almost choked on air when her eyes landed on… him. Instant panic and fear flooded her system, and sweat beaded her brow. Her palms turned damp. "You," she hissed under her breath. The corner of her eye twitched, and that feeling of being a demented squirrel came back. "What are you doing here?" To add emphasis, she pointed accusingly.
Takeru Fujiwara smiled almost boyishly, changing his entire facial features from stoic to charming, even handsome. He was obviously pleased at her untimely arrival. "Kagome Higurashi. You're just the one we need."
The eye twitch became a spasm that wouldn't stop. "No," she exclaimed, backing away from the room swiftly without bothering to look at its other occupants. "No! I'm not letting you and your creepy little friends touch me again, Fujiwara. Stay back!" She dropped her books and binder in preparation to start running for her life again.
Takeru frowned softly, obviously not expecting that response. "But Stride needs a strong, fast runner like you," he started, but was cut off.
"You're probably gonna dip my legs in some weird concoction, too," Kagome continued, completely missing his words. Her pointing finger started to tremble as her imagination got away from her. "Or maybe you need my legs for some sort of dark ritual, where you perversely touch a poor girl's body! What, do you think they're like magic lamps or something? They aren't magical! No genie is gonna come out because you rub them."
From the sidelines, Riku Yagami rubbed the back of his head. "I am so confused right now," he said to no one in particular. At his side, Nana Sakurai was blushing with her hands cupping her cheeks.
Ayumu's mouth was dropped open, beyond speechless. He had no idea what was going on, but he seriously didn't want to know all of the details. Touch her? What was that supposed to mean?
Takeru waved off her words, like they meant nothing, and continued with what he was saying. His eyes trailed over her form, stopping at her feet. "You'll need better shoes," he commented. "I bet you'll be even faster that way. Your stamina is impressive, so—"
"Oh, Kami-sama," Kagome yelled in horror, interrupting him once more. Face paling, she placed her hands to her cheeks as she took another step away. "You have a foot fetish, too? I have the most horrid luck in existence!" Comically, tears started to cascade down her cheeks as she mourned over that fact.
"Foot fetish?" Heath muttered under his breath, shocked that an underclassman could have such an extreme kink. The things you indirectly learned about some people…
Hozumi clapped a hand over his mouth, finding the situation entirely hilarious. Who knew Ayumu's cousin would turn out to be the pretty girl he'd seen earlier? She was definitely related to his overly-excited friend, if the current conversation was anything to go by.
Her words seemed to finally penetrate. Takeru frowned deeply, brows furrowed in confusion. "Foot fetish?" he slowly said, as if unfamiliar with the term. He suddenly smiled. "I suppose I have one, but only if they're your feet, Kagome Higurashi." His face turned serious once more, as if his words hadn't just released a bomb in the small room. "Now, about your shoes… What size are you?"
Enough was enough.
Her entire body twitching, not just her eye anymore, Kagome screamed at the top of her lungs as she turned and started running back the way she came.
"NOO!"
Takeru blinked. Then a smile stretched across his face once more, and he instantly took off after the elusive girl.
A stunned silence fell over the remaining occupants. Then, Riku broke it.
"What… What the hell just happened?"
Ayumu fell over, twitching foot suspended in the air. "Foot fetish…" he mumbled incoherently. "Touch… Kagome… Legs… Shoes… Foot fetish… What…?"
Hozumi sympathetically patted his best friend on the shoulder. "There, there, Ayumu," he soothed, though his sunny smile made the others wonder how sincere he was. "Look on the bright side – when those two get married, their story about how they first met will be hilarious!"
As Ayumu started crying comical tears, Heath barked out a laugh.
Hilarious story, indeed.
Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed this latest installment (: and sorry if no one really recognizes this anime :P I ran across it one day, found it absolutely hilarious, so I wanted to share it with you (:
I was also wondering which guy people would like to see Kagome with? I know who I want, but what about you guys? Let me know in a review, and I'll try to make it happen! (: Thank you so much for reading!