Chapter 37: Despicable Plan

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Kagome sunk deeper into the tub of her bathroom; the tub mixed with lavish oils that shined a pretty purple over the water and gave her fair skin a natural glow. Sighing happily, Kagome felt the knots of tension ebbing away the longer she stayed soaking.

Steam rose from the water, fogging the mirror and windows of the small room. She had heard the door opening, and silently counted down until he made himself known.

"Oy! Kagome."

The sound of the bedroom suite opening sounded off, easily heard since the man that walked in seemed to announce himself wherever he went.

"Here" She spoke softly, knowing his hearing prowess could make out just about any sound she could make.

"You almost done in there?"

Poking one foot out of the tub, Kagome inspected her wrinkly toes, "Yeeeep, looks like."

"Better hurry, don't want to be late to your stupid human event."

He left with that final word, her door shutting loudly behind him, while Kagome tempted to cool down the surge of panic that came with his word. A week seemed like such a long time, yet with all the time she had spent with Inuyasha, the days counted down as if they were minutes.

Their arguing seemed second nature now, and although heads were always budding, Kagome had spent the time with him in relative peace. Inuyasha didn't leave her apartment, and if he did, he left while she was sleeping. The exact opposite of how they first started out, with just as much tension as they had at first, being replaced with a different, but equal tension.

There had been no more dates, but the kissing hadn't stopped, and if she were being honest with herself, she hoped they would build to something more. Feeling the blush from her wayward thoughts, Kagome dunked herself into the dub, filtering those thoughts aside, she focused herself on the real nerve wrecker of the day.

Graduation day had come, she had received the emails from her school, stating the where and when. It had come along with a form to fill out marking down how many family members would need seating for such a big event, Kagome had selected her one seat, even if Inuyasha continued to flip-flop with his answers.

She tried to stay optimistic, even if the person whom she worked so hard for, would not be there. This was still a remarkable event, a notable marker of her life, her school days were finally over. Gramps had wanted to throw a small celebration party for her, something everyone had agreed to, until he passed away.

This may not have been the day she had dreamt of, but there was still a level of accomplishment that refused to be dampened down by her gloom, that part of her had enough excitement to turn it into nerves.

So that as she stepped out of the egg-shaped tub, Kagome had taken extra time she did not have to gaze at the foggy mirror of her bathroom. The girl there didn't seem like a-would-be graduate, if anything, her round face made her look like she should be starting school rather than finishing it.

The only major differences now were the subtle scars from Naraku, barely visible unless you knew where to look. Two scars on either side of her ribs from where those bone-spikes had struck her, the skin of her forearms was a shade darker, speaking of burns and tissue reconstruction before anyone could ask of it.

Other than those patches of mismatched toning, she looked the same as she always had. It didn't seem to matter all that had happened in such a short amount time, as she evaluated herself over in the mirror, Kagome couldn't spy something that spoke of everything that had gone down.

Her long hair was still very much a blend of dark browns and blacks, her eyes still shined that rogue blue color not seen in any other family member, she didn't look different, but sure as hell felt different.

The heat that often alluded to her felt easily summonable, and she was starting to catch onto to things she would never have been able to. A sudden movement here, a hazy shadow there, the more she saw the more she was driven forward by her need to explore this long-forgotten piece of her.

Drying herself quickly, Kagome patted her hair dry, before downing on a robe and making her way back out to her room. They had both decided on staying in her deemed housing rather than his, it was a decision that happened on its own, and without them having to discuss it. They just settled themselves in the smaller space, with Inuyasha going in and out as though this was his own home.

Not that she minded, over the last week Kagome had nothing left to do but brush up on the subjects she had failed in. A Master's degree had never been part of her plan, but she felt required to actually know the subjects before she graduated. The long-awaited question of what to do after graduation had solved itself.

Kagome was to be an asset, a pawn in a drawn-out game that should have ended long ago. How it would end now that she was involved, she couldn't fathom, but was in it for the long run.

Picking up the burgundy dress her mother had bought her for this event, she pressed the garment up against herself, glancing at the vanity mirror in her room for evaluation. Mama Higurashi would not be there, as she had planned when buying her the dress, but it felt necessary to wear it even if her mother wouldn't get to see it.

Even if it hung a little loose than it originally did, even if the dress itself would be drowned out by her graduation gown, it felt like she was taking a part of her mother with her by wearing it.

She decided on flat sandals, knowing today would consist of a lot of standing around, heels wouldn't do the job this time.

To finish up her look, she added a soft touch of makeup, curled her lashes and spread a light blush over the apples of her cheeks. It wasn't much, Kagome had only dawned makeup on during those rare occasional dates, or family gatherings.

There hadn't been many dates before, and family gatherings were a thing of the past now, so that when she glanced at her reflection, she drew a soft gasp. The makeup made her face much more noticeable, angular almost, with a light gloss her lips looked wet and plump.

"I guess that's it." She spoke to her reflection, wiping the gloss from the corners of her mouth.

Kagome had closed the door to her room as softly as she could, wanting to catch Inuyasha off guard, and see the reaction on his face with the dress and makeup. Turning the corner from living room to kitchen, Kagome had found herself surprised by the new man in her doorway, Inuyasha a barricade that prevented the man from entering.

"Okay, you needed to report to me, and now you've done that. Get lost."

With a hard slam, Inuyasha shut the door in the man's face, turning back into the apartment, his face had said it all.

"No! You're not coming!?"

"Kagome..."

"You said you would!"

"Don't go putting words in my mouth, Bitch. I said I'd see how things went, I do have a job to do around this place, I can't just babysit you all the time!"

"Babysit!?"

"Yeah! Babysit."

The two glared at each other for a hot minute, neither really upset with one another, but still wanting to make their own point across.

It was the slight trembling of her lower lip that released their glaring match, Kagome was quick to hide it, turning on a dime, she threw her hands in the air.

"Fine! You don't want to be there, don't be."

She had meant to walk back into her room, never expecting the hands that came around her waist from behind, she let herself be pulled back into a strong chest.

"It's not like that, you know it's not."

Inuyasha rested his chin on her shoulder, his hands curling around her form, this wasn't a new development as they had shared a few embraces over the last week. Still, her poor little heart jumped every time he initiated contact, she already knew he was grinning before she turned her face towards him.

"It's fine, I do know."

"There was a breach, some idiot, suicidal demon. Not at this location but another one of ours."

Kagome stared at the man that never failed to surprise her, take this moment for example, he didn't need to explain himself to her. They both were aware of that fact, he was doing it to ease her disappointment, even if it didn't work, she let herself lean back into him.

"So, what are we talking about? A quick dice and slice job?"

He chuckled in her ear, the sound sending shivers down her spine. "Yeah, something like that. You'll have a security team with you though, and if I don't pick you up, I'll send Shippo to do so."

Perking up, Kagome's pout was instantly replaced with a smile. "Oh! Well, that's okay. I like Shippo."

She felt his arms tighten around her for a split second, before he took them away all together, agitation showing in the way he stomped over to the door.

"Be down in the garage in 30 minutes, exactly 30 minutes, you got that woman?"

He didn't let her get a word in, no kiss goodbye, just his rough order before he was out the door. Kagome hadn't even asked if he liked her dress, it was more flowy than she usually liked, so she had really been relying on his opinion of it.

Sighing to herself, Kagome looked around her apartment, compliments of her new boss Sesshomaru. And couldn't help feeling a wave of melancholy coming in, she would never have guessed this day to be going on as so.

30 minutes was an awful long time, and with a sudden urge to go see her school friends, Kagome questioned why she would be bothered in waiting. With a haul of her long-strap purse, Kagome left her little make-shift home, leaving Inuyasha's ticket on the kitchen counter... just in case.

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Whether Inuyasha had planned on her to do so, or because she simply was not to go anywhere without supervision, whatever the reason may have been. Kagome would still have found herself pouting, in the back of a limo, with another nameless goon riding along with her.

She pursed her lips, huffed not-so-quietly in irritation, and frequently recrossed her legs with agitated movements. It didn't quite matter what she did, he continued to stare out the window as though he were the only occupant in the wide vehicle.

"I still don't understand why I couldn't take the bus..."

He did not reply, as she knew he wouldn't, the plain man hadn't said a word other than his introduction. Even that had been a stiff explanation of their schedule, and a rigid bow as he led her to the car. So that when the wide vehicle turned onto her school's street, Kagome was itching to get out.

Already she could see the crowd gathering at the gates, parents and siblings, students and teacher, all greeting one another as introductions were made.

"You can let me out here."

When the limo continued to roll forward anyway, Kagome glared at the man sitting there, using some of what Inuyasha had taught her to get her way.

"Oy! Did you not hear me? I said stop this roach coach now!"

The growl had been too much, and not as intimidating as Inuyasha's surely would have been. Still, Kagome swore she saw the man swallow thickly, before he had reached up and pressed the intercom button on the control panel of the car. No words were spoken, but the limo began to slow, easing itself onto the shoulder.

Kagome might have felt a little guilty for the man, who even she could see sweating with his nerves, but the feeling was quickly dispelled when she spotted her first familiar face.

"Okay, thanks, bye!"

No sooner than the doors unlocked, was she out in a rush, carrying her graduation gown over her arm and her cap clutched within her hand.

"Yuka! Ayumi!"

The two girls turned on her call, faces splitting into big grins, mirroring Kagome as they approached her. The girls hugged her closely, a tearful introduction, as they shared this moment full of nerves and excitement.

"Take it in Ladies, this time next year, we'll be college freshmen!" Yuka exclaimed, swinging an arm over both girls, keeping them tight together as they went with the crowd further into the school.

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Most young adults graduating today were speaking of their next step, college and master's degrees being spoken as if they were trading cards, each person matching and comparing achievements.

The school's valedictorian wouldn't get to speak for another hour, following her speech was the principal of the school, followed by their guest speaker. That role for previous years had been given to up-and-coming global tycoons, or a selected scholar, or politician that the teachers all picked unanimously, these speeches tended to run for hours.

To waste time until the ceremony began, Kagome allowed herself to be dragged around by her two friends. Conceding to too many pictures, and talking to too many teachers, she was very grateful for Eri who interrupted their next photography shoot.

"There you three are!"

"Eri!" "Eri-chan!"

Gathering the third girl in another round of hugs, Kagome pulled back to look at her friends, eyes shining with deep adoration for her three childhood mates.

"I hope you guys located your seats already, it's getting crazy in there." Eri motioned towards the stadium, even from where they stood, they could see the truth behind her words, the crowd filling the gymnasium was of ridiculous proportions.

"Ah geez, we should have grabbed our seats first." Kagome groaned, not looking forward to the whole graduating process, she wished she could get her diploma and leave.

"You said it, how are we supposed to make it past all that?"

"Hey! At least we're all together, right?" Ayumi grinned that infectious smile of hers, drawing one out from each girl.

"Speaking about being all together..." Kagome glanced around them, just now noticing they were missing their newest addition, "Where's Fujimoto?"

The shared, uneasy glances between her three friends was the first tip off.

"What? Did something happen?"

Ayumi was the one to speak first, her sweet tone and avoidance did not fool Kagome in the least.

"Fujimoto is great, Kagome. Really, she is."

"But?"

Her three friends passed around a look, until finally, Yuka laid it out for her.

"Look, she's a nice girl, but she's super weird."

"Weird?" All three nodded in agreement, "How so?"

"Well last time we hung out, as soon as you left, she just went quiet on us."

"Ayumi is saying it too nicely, she totally snubbed us. It was like we weren't good enough for her!"

Kagome was at a loss for words, thankfully she didn't need to come up with something to say on the spot, the loudspeaker rang out the familiar chime, the one that announced the ceremony was about to begin.

Excited chatter broke out through the crowd of people, families began waving their goodbyes, parting ways so that everyone could head to their designated areas.

A little disorientated, it took the trio of girls to snap Kagome back from her daze, "Come on Kagome!"

"Yeah, you don't want to miss the best part!" "What do you think the senior prank is going to be this year?" "I don't know but I can't wait!"

Kagome followed at a slower pace behind her 3 hyperactive friends, trying as hard as it may be, to intake some of their enthusiasm. She hadn't paid enough attention to where they were going, simply followed the sight of the bottom of their robes swaying with each step, her downcast gaze giving her just enough view of their colored socks, to where Kagome knew she was following behind the right people.

The blow had come from out of nowhere, someone walking in the opposite direction of the masses had walked straight into her and gone on as if nothing happened.

She toddled for a moment, snapping her head up to catch the culprit, but the sea of people had already swallowed the fiend whole.

"Jackass" Kagome whispered, rubbing the sore patch of her shoulder.

Turning back, she had expected her friends to have waited for her, but already she could see she was the only still person within the moving gaggle of students and parents.

So that when the ringing had started, she was sure it was her that was producing that ring. This was by no means the hummin and often drill ring only her ears could pick up, she had caught the look of people as they bypassed her, and no sooner had she searched her pockets, did she find the black mobile.

"What the-" The small electronic in her hand kept its ringing, no pause in between, the call just kept going.

Swallowing the knot that was building inside her throat, Kagome anxiously looked over each shoulder, before slowly opening the phone and placing it near her ear. Before a word could be spoken by her, before she had the chance to brace herself, the voice that spoke over the other line called to her.

"M-Mom?!"

"Kagome? Honey, listen. I know you said you didn't care if I wasn't there for your graduation but... well I just got to the airport, and I think I can still make it, so just know Mommy is coming."

Dropping the gown in her arm, Kagome clutched the phone to her, fear worming its way up inside her.

"What?! No, MOM, stay where you are. Do you hear me? Mom!" Kagome clutched the phone closer to her, peeking down at the screen when there was a pause, just to make sure the call hadn't dropped.

"Kagome? Kagome?"

"Mom! Mom, I'm here, stay where you are. It's not safe to come home, can you hear me?"

"Kago-" Suddenly her mother's voice cut off, a second later the voice that came through the line instilled a cold dread within her, as if she had cracked the ice and was now submerged in the artic waters.

"I've been looking for you."

Feeling the blood drain from her face, Kagome began to breathe in shallow breaths, the pounding in her chest a painful throb.

"W-where's m-my Mom?"

"She's safe, for now. I've been searching for you, but this time, you will be the one that comes to me. Understood?"

Swallowing her nerves, Kagome lifted her chin, forcing herself to be brave.

"What do you want me to do?"

"I want you to come home Kagome, come back to me, come home."

"I-I don't understand, at the Shrine? Is that where you have her?"

"Come to me Kagome, quickly now, less you'd like for me to take my frustrations out on your poor Mumsie."

"Keep your damn hands off her you Bastard!"

The laugh that came from the other line was breathy, delighted even, Kagome ignored all of it. From the people who had turned to stare at her outburst, to the unease settling itself in the pit of her stomach, there was only room in her mind for one thing.

"I'm coming, don't you dare touch a hair on her head, do you hear me? I'm on my way!"

Slamming the phone shut, Kagome made sure there was no one watching, as she made her way through the crowd.

"I'm coming alright, just you wait, Naraku."