InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ The Real Folk Blues ❯ The great trashway ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimer: I do not own anything never will sadly.

----

Title: The Real Folk Blues

Author: Adorkablebanana

 

-

Chapter 5: The great trash way

-

P.O.V.D: Kagome

-

“You say drinking washes the problems away…what about cocktails?

-Ema Uranch.

 

 

It had been an awkward two days ever since I met Botan. First impressions count of course, I'm sure I impressed her, I completely blew mine with her. Luckily she wanted to start over erasing the memory of the wrong foot we got off on.

 

 

I'm glad Botan is a very cheerful girl with a good heart, it would have been a shame if we grew into bitter enemies. Not that I'm the grudge type of course. By the looks of it Botan is the kind of person who can't hold a grudge, thank god for that! I hate it when people get angry with me or dislike me. I'm still recovering from the rancor Ayame and Kikyou hold against me. Sensitivity, my delicate point.

 

 

Botan apologized to me, she never intended to insult or embarrass me in any form. Accepting her apology made guilt swim inside me, I should be the one apologizing to her, she only reacted instinctively. She did it for the friendship between her and Keiko any person can misinterpret the scene she saw two nights ago. It was late, me and Yuusuke were in bed on top of one another squirming around, one would think we were making love. Loyalty drove Botan to smack Yuusuke across the face with her wooden oar, (giggle) she reminds me so much of Sango hitting Miroku and InuYasha using her ever so trusty bone boomerang.

 

 

 

Gosh, how will I get use to living without the Miroku, InuYasha, Sango, Kouga, Kaede, and little Shippou? They don't realize how much they're needed now.

 

 

 

Yuusuke shouted at the poor girl quite loudly, a thin film of moisture glistened over those sullen bright eyes, thus, motivating me to defend her. It's a small replay when me and InuYasha use to fight. Yuusuke regretted yelling at Botan murmuring a sorry or two in a hoarse, congested voice. He's most definitely angry with me.

 

 

 

I know he isn't a bad person, he didn't mean to take all his anger out on Botan. Yuusuke's been piled under a lot of pressures he just snapped instantly at the first victim to bother, an InuYasha trait all too familiar to me. Darn it! I need to stop that! Yuusuke is Yuusuke and InuYasha is InuYasha. I can't keep mixing two different people together. They're different. I need to cease rekindling my past otherwise I can't live on.

 

 

 

Botan and Yuusuke and including me made quite the scene, the memory of that day is still too freshly recorded into my mind.

 

 

 

After the silent pause watching the rise greet the morning sky, Yuusuke, stretching out his back and arms, set out to the problem at hand. The young man went downstairs to the kitchen mumbling swears and cursing about waking up so early on a weekend for no good reason. Kagome giggled softly, following close behind him.

 

 

Yuusuke for once didn't kick the door open as he normally did--his way of announcing his arrival to a room--instead he opened the door gently twisted the metal handle painfully slow.

 

 

Kagome already tired of waiting for Yuusuke to open the door clamped her hand over his larger hand and twisted the handle for him.

 

 

Yuusuke eyed her a glare, arching a questioning brow. "You're no fun. You know I wanted to scare Botan, right?"

 

 

A playful gleam shimmered her eyes innocently. "I know, I just wanted to ruin it for you is all."

 

 

“Remind me later why I haven't killed you just yet, at this moment I can't seem to remember why?” he said sarcastically, earning a nervous giggle from her.

 

 

Entering the room a certain blue-haired girl sat on a stool next to the kitchen counter, cross legged, in a very dignified fashion glaring daggers at the two individuals before her.

 

 

The kind hearted girl Kagome took her for (she has an odd judgment of people before even meeting them) before seemed oddly different, changed in a freakish way, her eyes seemed to want to burn a hole through her. She felt a tad hurt at this action though she can't hold it against the girl to feel this way towards her. Yuusuke fidgeted under Botan's angry stare, its rare to see Botan angry, very rare in fact even in deadly situations she always portrayed a friendly, happy demeanor. It's even more infrequent to be in the receiving end of her rage, unless provoked of course.

 

 

“Uh…so, uh, hey Botan. Did Koenma send us an assignment or something?” Yuusuke asked acting stupid, his courage and playful image faded the instant she send her intense fiery gaze his way. He seriously hated angry women, it's scary, plain scary.

 

 

Yuusuke's small talk struck a nerve in her. Her eye twitched losing what's left of the self-control she had. Botan gripped her wooden oar tightly, her knuckles turning bone white clutching tightly around the base of the stick.

 

 

Kagome predicted the girls' upcoming actions stepping back very slowly, edging away from Yuusuke to a more safer distance. `Oh Yuusuke, you had to open your trap, now you're going to get it.' She silently prayed the tensed up woman would give mercy on his condemned soul. The scene won't be pretty.

 

 

Within the count of three Botan rapped, quite harshly, the tip of her oar against Yuusuke's skull. “Ouch! Why'd ya' do that for! That hurt like a one hell of--Ow!” he complained, shocked, while rubbing the newly grown throbbing lump at the top of his head. Botan merely grinned satisfied.

 

 

“It's serves you right for cheating on Keiko. How can you do such a thing with your own Sister! And since when do you have siblings! Have you been keeping this an in the closet secret--you sicko!" shouting outraged by the appalling events, she gripped her oar tightly readying to create another lump on the offenders' head.

 

 

“What the hell are you talking about, woman! I didn't cheat on Keiko, not even once!”

 

 

“Oh, yeah, so what's this then? Huh! Huh!” she pointed frantically back and forth to Kagome and Yuusuke stating her point.

 

 

Kagome tried her best to act invisible from the bickering two, covering her blush with her hands she hid behind her clammy palms. Oh the shame of it all. Why is she always accused of being a home wrecker? Better yet why is she accused of things she has nothing to do with whatsoever?

 

 

Yuusuke looked at Botan as if she grew an extra head, how can she insinuate he and his adopted sister--err--his mother's step daughter are a couple--okay, sure it can happen, there's no doubt about it thinking on a logical scale--though, still, how can she say such rubbish? “Botan you're crazy to think me and MY step-mother's daughter, Kagome, are a `secret couple' ya gotta be a desperate nut to do something like that!”

 

 

It was Kagome's turn to be angry, she felt her jaw tighten and fisting her palms down at her sides, she marched up between the shocked girl and the red faced boy raised a quivering hand she brought it down hard across his face. Kagome slapped Yuusuke hard on the side of his head. “Desperate nut, huh? For your information I have a lot of suitors who beg me to go out on a date with them!”

 

 

“The hell was that for!”

 

 

“For insulting me that's what!”

 

 

“Well it's the frickin' truth!”

 

 

“Shut up!”

 

 

“God, what does a guy have to do in order for a couple of neurotic chicks to leave him the fuck alone!” Yuusuke exclaimed, gripping his sore face. `Shit that hurt!'

 

 

The screams and exchange of insults shot back and forth between Yuusuke and Kagome. Out of the sheer rage Yuusuke threw a less then dignified insult Kagome took to heart.

 

 

“Oh, so you think that about me?”

 

 

“The truth hurts, toots. You should seriously get over yourself,” Yuusuke said without missing a beat. He wasn't about to let her off easily.

 

 

“Well I guess hypocrisy is the new black then Yuusuke,” she spat and added “and further more stop yelling at Botan! It's not like she knew about me or any of this. She's only defending Keiko, I would do the same thing if I were in her shoes!” Yuusuke wanted to retort with such a passion though Kagome intercepted the process. “I don't blame her to think so negatively towards us, c'mon, anyone can see what a lying, spineless, pervert you are. It isn't hard to miss,” with that she marched out of the way with her head held high keeping as much dignity as possible.

 

 

“Pfft! Yeah, go walk away! You know it's a fact Kagome!” He barked after her. She had a lot of nerve--that little bitch! He wished he could--oh forget it!

 

 

Yuusuke's words hit a sensitive spot in her. She acted indifferent toward the comment leaving the two equally shocked Detectives in the dust.

 

 

“Wow, you really blew it this time Yuusuke,” said Botan in awe amazement. That girl had enough spunk to put the ordinarily unruly young man in his place including collecting the guts to level with him. Botan reverted back to the easy going, concerned person she normally is.

 

Yuusuke gave Botan an incredulous and dirty look, it was her fault he was stuck in the doghouse again, a target to Kagome's rage. How dare she miraculously change out of the blue to her perky self, she is definitely some crazed nutcase.

 

 

“YOU!” Yuusuke growled. “It's your FAULT!”

 

 

He stammered. Botan giggled nervously, tugging habitually onto her ponytail during awkward moments. “Whoops, my mistake.”

 

 

 

After that day I'm still not speaking to Yuusuke. I'm on a no-contact basis with that…that stupid head! I can't look at the creep! He could go screw himself. I'm not talking to him anymore.

 

 

I can't stand him… As best as I could manipulate my feelings I will not let what that jerk said get to me no matter how much it did hurt. For the rest of the few days I avoided him at all costs and when we happen to past each other in the hallways we ignored one another's presence. Good thing he's leaving to another mission I could use his absence in the house, I don't want to dodge Keiko any longer because of Yuusuke.

 

 

 

Two days drifted by and Yuusuke left. I didn't bother to bid him goodbye nor did he. The action twisted a tightening knot in my chest although I pay no heed to it. Yuusuke left on his mission along with Botan.

 

 

 

Aside going to school regularly there's nothing going on. Really, nothing whatsoever. The extreme boredom possessed each fiber in my being. Yes, dramatics are necessary to imply around this point. Everyone's too busy caught in their own work to have fun. Mom and Atsuko left to the beauty salon getting a whole new makeover taking advantage of this week's treatment theme, free of charge. They could have at least invited me but nooo it's their “own time.” Keiko is attending some gifted league program for the rest of the week due to her excellent grades and so are Eri, Yuka and Ayumi, lucky them.

 

 

They ruined any chance for a much needed shopping spree. Darn. And I'm not all nutty about shopping in the first place. There's proof of my desperation right there. Souta went to Grandpa's shrine and even Hojou's too preoccupied to help tutor or even take me out on a date to see a movie.

 

 

Boredom is severely consuming me inch by inch, I'm so desperate I phoned Hojou a couple of times this morning to see if he might want to go eat at Wac Donald's for breakfast. It's not that I feel Hojou's annoying or dislikable (alright sometimes he is when he drops by at a wrong time) he's cute and adequate enough for a girl just not for me. And he can be too clingy, it forces me to feel squeamish and guilty on the inside, thus, spoiling a possibility to having a relaxing day.

 

 

 

I'm cruel like that. Hojou's just too damn nice, as the saying goes `nice guys finish last' is proved true once again. InuYasha won me over Hojou. It's a shame to let a such nice guy go to waste, I should had paid more attention to the boy, he troubled himself bringing me remedies for my so called "diseases." He also went class after class picking up my homework assignments to ensure I wouldn't fall behind. Heck, when the opportunity presents itself he tutors me no matter the time. Poor sweet guy, too naïve for his own good, well, at least now I can make up for lost time by accepting his dates. I'm such a softy (sometimes). I can't dump him out of the blue. Sure I'm not interested in a commitment but he's nice to have around plus he's not a cheap date.

 

 

They ruined any chance for a much needed shopping spree. Darn. And I'm not all nutty about shopping in the first place. There's proof of my desperation right there. Souta went to Grandpa's shrine and even Hojou's too preoccupied to help tutor or even take me out on a date to see a movie.

 

 

 

Boredom is severely consuming me inch by inch, I'm so desperate I phoned Hojou a couple of times this morning to see if he might want to go eat at Wac Donald's for breakfast. It's not that I feel Hojou's annoying or dislikable (alright sometimes he is when he drops by at a wrong time) he's cute and adequate enough for a girl just not for me. And he can be too clingy, it forces me to feel squeamish and guilty on the inside, thus, spoiling a possibility to having a relaxing day.

 

 

 

I'm cruel like that. Hojou's just too damn nice, as the saying goes `nice guys finish last' is proved true one again. InuYasha won me over Hojou. It's a shame to let a such nice guy go to waste, I should had paid more attention to the boy, he troubled himself bringing me remedies for my so called "diseases." He also went class to class picking up my homework assignments to be sure I wouldn't fall behind. Heck, when the opportunity presents itself he tutors me no matter the time.

 

 

Poor sweet guy, too naïve for his own good, well, at least now I can make up for lost time by accepting his dates. I'm such a softy (sometimes) I can't dump him out of the blue. Sure I'm not interested in a commitment but he's nice to have around plus he's not a cheap date.

 

 

 

A smile gazed my lips observing the picture children playing, enjoying, laughing, having a ball amongst their friends. If I could be happy like them 24/7 life would be a breeze. Speaking of breezes, a strong gust of wind blew swirls of freshly fallen leaves in the air along raising my hair and to my utter dismay the hem of my floppy yellow dress giving a peek of my white lace panties for the world to see.

 

 

Oh god no! The burning red flame of extreme embarrassment colored my face. The humiliating buzz alarmed all my senses. The hysterical roars of laughter from the group of girls hanging around at the corner stop filled my ears. Somebody just shoot me! Desperate calls call for desperate measures, without thinking through it instinctively I ran down the quickest street way to disappear from this disaster.

 

 

Stupid weather! Why does mother-nature torture me?

 

 

My sprint challenged the speed of light, I hoped a familiar face wouldn't recognize me. I already felt the mortification eat me whole. For toppers the shadow of bad luck loomed in over my head, a group of teenage boys, stupid teenage boys, standing across the street saw my little accident occur. This has got to be a nightmare living in reality. No one can have this much bad luck!

 

 

In my panic frenzy my thoughts scattered here and there. I need to get out of here!

 

 

 

The whistles and boorish comments burned my ears. Comments about my ` nice ass' as they put it drew the publics' attention. If I knew what half those dumb, rude remarks meant I would have marched back gave them a nice slapping. Sadly mortification prevented me to commit such actions of murder or purification, instead like a shamed coward, scurrying away seemed the most logical action to take and afterwards find a nice rock to hide under. I hope those morons aren't from school. The dread anyone of those guys attend the same school as me dampen the whole situation. I prefer having the reputation as a rabies-infested girl than as “Flash.”

 

 

Note to self; never wear a short summer dress on windy days. Wind and light fabric don't mix well.

 

 

The heat of my cheeks rose, I'm betting my face resembles a ripe tomato. The complications running amuck back at home is a far above a large filling to bust a chop. I already have enough embarrassing moments to air on a sitcom show, this just adds to season two.

 

 

 

The escape artist I am, I stumbled--not actually stumble. I'm trying not to be clumsy anymore!--into what appeared to be an vacant alley way. Interesting. Catching my breath, each limb ached threatening to drop on the spot. My muscles ached. Cripes…I need to sit down for a minute. Even my inner thoughts were tired.

 

 

In the rush to leave I hadn't noticed the direction I fled to. Tiresomely I explored the alienated territory. The surroundings; an abandoned alley way, graffiti staining the ashy brick walls, torn squeaky rail fences the rust chipping it's material into the ground, broken pieces of glass scattered across the floor with metal and scraps of garbage littering the cracked pavement. A unadulterated pure picture of the projects boarding the outskirts of town. That or the landfill.

 

 

 

I'm positive I haven't ran that long, come on, how can a girl wearing high heel pumps cover that much ground?

 

 

Me running to a dump?

 

 

I can, no, I am so dense at wrong moments.

 

 

Ha, I gotta stop sleeping late. These silly little ideas are getting to me. Yet laughing at my blunder doesn't help tell me where the heck I am.

 

 

“Where am I!” I act upon things before thinking it thoroughly, InuYasha was half right, I can be stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid! If it were possible without causing any further brain damage I ram this empty skull of mine against the brick wall, maybe I'll see “the light.”

 

 

No use in mumbling swears, doesn't get a woman anywhere. Might as well rest a bit. I found an old bench to sit myself in, amazing how I recognized a suitable seat in this wasteland. Hesitantly unsure if the thing might collapse under the mere touch of my rear end I tapped it lightly with my index finger…hmm… seems sturdy enough.

 

 

Might as well take any chances, besides, my body's killing me nobody will see me bust my butt out here…I slowly lowered myself and the cracking creek vibrated the durable bench. Thank goodness. Settling down on the rickety old bench I acknowledged the luck it's still standing in one piece underneath me. Sighing, I carefully leaned back not fully trusting the squeaking contraption I took one last glance over the desolated alley, making sure I was the only existing person in this neck of the alley.

 

 

I peered in all my directions and yep I'm completely alone in this solitary place. This place is quiet to the point the birds could hear the echo of my breathing from afar.

 

 

Very quiet.

 

 

Gently closing the thin lids of my eyes I could not thwart succumbing to the darkness my wandering thoughts returned to, keeping my mind occupied. Yuusuke, why is it so hard to be around you? Why? Nope not your behavior, trust me, I've been around and attached to your kind way too much it's unhealthy.

 

 

Why then? Is it because the boy shares an immeasurable amount of similarities with InuYasha?

 

It's very hard yet very comforting.

 

 

Yuusuke, you share that brash attitude and tough exterior my hanyou had. Both of you have enough tough skin to break a sword.

 

 

Yet Yuusuke has his own qualities that make him the `Yuusuke' I identify. Like for example, Yuusuke's a pervert, not like Miroku, the monk is in his own category. The boy has an annoying sense of humor always finding enjoyment at someone else's expense. Besides the essentials he is suitable for boyfriend material.

 

 

I don't know if this is a kink of mine but I find alluring the bad boy appeal because I think Keiko has good taste. She's a lucky gal, she owns one of the few good ones. Too bad all the best guys are taken or they're plainly not my type. Maybe one day prince charming will turn my way and perhaps he can give me the small thing I wanted InuYasha to have given me …love...I wish for unconditional love. That's my secret. Admitting the truth would open a new level of revelations I am not willing to give others. This remains personal.

 

 

The way my life runs I doubt any other man will occupy that role other than InuYasha but dreaming is all a girl can do.

 

 

Drat. My eyes feel heavy the firsts signs of falling to sleep. I can't sleep here. Come on Kagome, get a grip on yourself. You cannot doze off in the middle of nowhere like a log it's irrational.

 

 

No. Stop that, Kagome! I scowled the innate act my body's exhaustion betraying me.

 

 

Well…maybe a few winks won't kill me, yeah I'll just close my eyes for a moment to clear the fog. Resting my eyes, that's it! Closing off troubling thoughts I drifted unwisely to sleep--err--I mean nap, no that's not right either…well short rest, fatigue consuming me whole I drowsed off.

 

 

 

 

~…~

 

 

 

 

Kagome calmly walked about through the forest, taking her time basking in the sun and cool air. Strange enough Kagome felt cheery despite the nearing threat of Naraku. Soon the gang will have to face the final battle for the completion of the Shikon-no-Tama and to slay the deranged hanyou. Deep within her she knew far too well her time was limited in the feudal era, a painful limitation remaining together with her friends. For the moment Kagome shoved distressing thoughts in the far end of her mind, forgetting negative ideas she chose to enjoy the moment, a logic learned from the monk, Miroku.

 

 

 

Mother nature's weather today was at it's peak in beauty, the sun is shining, the clouds are floating by, the weather's not too cold nor too hot and it's the time of year when the cherry blossoms are blooming and sprouting fresh from the tops of trees. It's truly a sight for sore eyes. A heavenly picture. “How beautiful!” chirped Kagome excitedly, her eyes sparkled amazed by the pinkish/whitish delicate surroundings.

 

 

A light breeze swayed the plant life circling the girl. Straggler blossoms clinging to the branches the little effort the wind blew carried a few cherry blossoms off the trees, sailing in the wind and some landed gracefully on the ground. Spotting this Kagome bended down and picked up a single frail flower admiring its beauty.

 

 

 

“Lovely,” she murmured, carefully placing it behind her ear. The flower's rare spark added to Kagome's graceful appearance. Continuing to walk peacefully she seemed to almost glide like a living nymph dominating the forest. The peculiar aroma filtering off the cherry blossoms tickled her senses. Kagome's peaceful state was shortly lived as a familiar energy emitting a short distance across the forest ensnared her attention.

 

 

 

`Could it be?' she wondered. Kagome looked above and in the sky the subtle glowing orbs snaking across the trees clueing her in. `It is…' Hesitant on her choice she debated the whim only coming to her conclusion shortly. Intuitively Kagome dashed towards the power compelling her to go to it, an unspoken calling. Coming to a halt, Kagome stopped in front of an enormous tree to see her presumed rival sitting on a thick branch leaning casually against the rough trunk supporting her.

 

 

 

Her pale face wore a serious mask reflecting no emotion, not a hint flickered by. Her brown eyes, lacking emotions, stared down below at Kagome staring her down as if she was the most insignificant creature her eyes ever lay on.

 

 

 

Kagome looked the woman with the uncanny similar features straight in the eyes, showing the same neutral feeling towards Kikyou. For a pausing moment, the two women stood without saying a word studying each others' profile.

 

 

 

Breaking the silence, Kikyou cut to the chase. “Girl, you are aware why I summoned you here…?”

 

 

 

“To be honest, no. I came here out of instinct knowing whenever you're presence is near, trouble is near” Kagome retorted coldly. A tone too fresh and unfamiliar to accustom to. Kagome's warmhearted nature transcends and extents even to the worst of the crowd such as Kouga, though, in this case Kikyou's different. Kikyou brings forth Kagome's bitter, callous side, a side unused and unseen by many.

 

 

 

The older woman's stoic expression didn't waver. She wasn't in the least bit affected over the girl's indifference. “Kagome, I need to speak to you upon the matter at hand.”

 

 

 

“About Naraku?” asked Kagome, believing she assumed the vile hanyou. The topic easing her tensed form near her.

 

 

 

“No.” This answer sent Kagome on high alert again taking a fighting stance. She can never be too careful around Kikyou, not like she did in the past. Her life constantly stood at stake as she recalled perfectly the several occasions where Kikyou tried to finish her off. Crossing paths with her is one of the regrets Kagome had come to known the hard way.

 

 

 

Kikyou cocked her head to the side amused by her reincarnation's sudden actions. Memorizing the drill; she attacks, Kagome runs or fights back and the heavy weight in her chest resumes. It has been that way since the first time Kikyou felt jealously and resented InuYasha for replacing her in his heart. Chuckling, shaking her head side to side she reminded herself some things will never change. Kagome's eyes widened baffled at Kikyou's behavior. Yet, thinking on a more clear scale she wasn't too surprised. Kikyou's tendency to laugh mirthfully at her expense happened occasionally.

 

 

 

 

Feeling edgy acknowledging the Priestess open mockery of her. Kagome trembled livid. `How dare she! She's just laughing at me like she always does. Oooh, I'll show her, I'll give her something to laugh at!' thinking brashly, she pulled out her trusty bow and arrow aiming it over Kikyou's direction. Whatever lucid, sensible thought she maintained fogged up with uncontrolled anger. She had enough of her, enough what she represented. “Let's see who's laughing now” said Kagome menacing, positioning herself.

 

 

 

She sighed tiresomely over Kagome's routine of trying to defeat her unsuccessfully. Kikyou gracefully jumped off her perch landing elegantly on her feet with ease. Kikyou calmly made her way towards Kagome.

 

 

 

“S-Stay back o-or I'll shoot!” warned the younger girl, trembling fear reliving itself as Kikyou stepped closer. Without thinking Kagome loosen her grip on the string letting loose the deadly arrow aiming straight for Kikyou. `NO KIKYO!' Kagome's heart screamed fearing for Kikyou's life, regretting her erroneous actions. For what's it worth she begged Kikyou would evade the shot. Rage drove her to attack her, if there was any great deity from above they would save Kikyou's life. Watching the purity arrow come, Kikyou stopped, holding a hand out splaying her slender callous fingers she concentrated on increasing her ki. A blue light highlighted her person, using the energy she created a shield, in a split seconds time the arrow hit the shield Kikyou conceived disintegrating on the impact.

 

 

 

A clash of purple and blue lights collided, flashing a blinding light illuminating the forest. Kagome threw her forearm over her face, she shut her eyes blocking the blinding light then reopened them surprised and relieved Kikyou survived the attack without a single scratch.

 

 

 

Then again it didn't completely amaze her for Kagome already knew fully well of the unique talents the miko was capable of, yet, Kagome mentally thanked the universe for answering her prayers. She might not be fond of Kikyou for what she done to her and InuYasha in the past but Kagome was no coldhearted person to take her rival in love's life. She couldn't bring herself to harm another. Not Kikyou. Cold-blooded tasks are virtually unachievable for her to commit, she wouldn't bear to carry a sickening guilt that would wallow in her soul.

 

 

 

Kikyou's pale expression deepened, she continued her way towards Kagome as if nothing transpired. A smirk twisted her lips and an unexplainable glint lit her dark eyes.

 

 

Kagome stood frozen not of fear but by surprise and confusion. The question remaining unanswered ebbed her mind; will she act against her and attack? “K-Kikyou …I-I…”

 

 

 

“Girl, you certainly improved since the last time, but you still need to work on a couple of techniques” she stated steadily, smirking wider seeing Kagome's astonish face.

 

 

 

“Huh?”

 

 

“You heard me well. You need much more practice to surpass me although you're not too bad for a novice.” Kikyou informed, folding her arms over her chest. “I presumed my hypothesis on you was accurate. InuYasha doesn't let you have the time to train with Kaede from all the jewel hunting.”

 

 

 

“At least I try, isn't a thing you can learn over night on your own” Kagome said in a low voice. Learning to grasp the art of archery wasn't all fun and games.

 

 

 

“And that is what is interesting, Kagome.” Kikyou brushed a few petals off her person. `InuYasha must have realized the power behind this little girl. He must have been afraid if she controlled her powers she might abandon him seeing no need in him to protect her.' “Kagome, such imperfections are unacceptable. You need to be more prepared for what's to come.”

 

 

 

Kagome glared at her comment. She frowned distasteful at the crudeness in Kikyou's lecture. “No one needs to tell me. I know what I have to do.”

 

 

 

Her eerily beautiful face cast Kagome a subtle knowing glance, Kikyou drew back, turning away from her. “Hm…I'll return for you when the moment is at hold, I expect to see you with the two missing shards when I come back.” A few of the Priestess' soul collectors coiled around her arms and waist. Appearing the instant their master called for them they glowed a ghostly white light and lifted the woman up in the air. Above, Kikyou whispered some words adding another shocker to Kagome's system. “Stay alive, girl.” Before disappearing into the distance.

 

 

 

Kagome barely registered the miko's words if it wasn't for her good hearing, she could have swore the icy woman spoke kind words to her in her own way, it didn't sound like a lethal warning as she spoken to her before.

 

 

 

Strange as it may appear Kagome distinguished for the first time Kikyou showed the barest trace of kindness to her. Kagome didn't know what to make of it. For now she'll just have to wait and see the true meaning behind Kikyou's words.

 

 

 

~…~

 

 

 

Gasping, I woke up with a start. Sweat drops trickling down my forehead the heat of my cheeks worked against me warming up my body more. What happened? Where am I? Looking around the trashy place I realized I dosed off in what intended to be a three minute nap.

 

 

 

I twisted to the side feeling the numbing stiffness in my back and bottom, the second I moved the horrible tremble of the bench cracked dismantling to a pile of trash taking me with it. “Ow!” I moaned.

 

 

 

My body aches in uncomfortable areas. Ouch and more ouch.

 

 

 

Dust covered my now brown dress, hair and skin. Splinters and pieces of wood covered me to top it off--huh? Wood? Where did it--wait? How did I end up on the floor?

 

 

 

Analyzing my position, I tilted my head around seeing the scattered pieces of wood thrown all over the place. I can feel the sticks and snapped hunks of boards underneath me crumbled and destroyed, pricking here and there. I think I got a splinter on my butt.

 

 

 

Fully wakening I registered what happened. “Oh…” I remembered. The bench smashed to the ground. “Tch!” I snorted at my own blunder. An idiot could guess what happened. The sad detail about this is I didn't feel it as I should.

 

 

 

Geez am I dirty. Fingering locks of my hair my normally black hair turned a nasty shade of ashy brown and judging by the dark shade my skin adorned the dirt really did a nice job. I can imagine the mess my dress is in. That's another case in it's own. I don't know how in the world I'm going to removed the stains off one of my favorite dresses. Ew, and I'm covered in the stench of earth and metal. Please let there be no rats around. Last thing I need is a rat the size of a football attacking me.

 

 

 

For a moment I paused, staying motionless on my spot on the ground.

 

 

 

Suddenly I recalled the problem. The dream…

 

 

Why did I dream about Kikyou? Kikyou of all people! This wasn't a dream no…no, it's an old memory. Who dreams about an old memory? It played out exactly how it happened. That day Kikyou did call me in order to speak to me. The encounter left me puzzled by her “nice” behavior. After the battle with Naraku, Kikyou died returning the missing soul piece she stole from me. Since that day Kikyou kept popping into my head randomly, I find myself thinking about her. Odd but true. Relapse perhaps?

 

 

 

Running a hand through my head I tried to understand where I stood. One look up at the sky jolted me to the here and now. Dark already. Hmm, I should get moving. Carefully motioning up and dusting off enough dirt as possible. I rose to my feet having enough rolling in the dirt and glanced over the mess made by yours truly, another accurate display of a hometown wreck after an earthquake. I sure have a talent for destroying things.

 

 

 

Checking my wristwatch (one of the many gifts Hojou lavished me with) the time was precisely 11:30p.m--wait 11:30! I promised I wasn't going to come home late. Atsuko and Mom are going to have my head for this. Man, I'm in trouble!

 

 

I ran as fast as a person can run with cramped legs and they hurt with each step I took. The agonizing sensations coursing in the nerves lacking circulation pinching like sharp needles. “Walk it off, walk it off.” Shoot I can't! Unable to resist any longer the pain I stopped completely and leaned on the graffiti marred brick wall.

 

 

 

Standing statue still I waited for the wave of pain to wash over, the slightest twitch can set off a period of nonstop ache. I hate having a charley horse, it counts as a severe nuisance.

 

 

 

Temporary stuck here for the time I cast my eyes to the sky above me. Pitch black rivaling my dark hair, not a cloud in sight, a smile twitched my lips admiring the stars dotting the sky. The stars glittered, shining brighter than polished crystals. I haven't seen stars so bright in ages, not since my voyages in the warring states era. City pollution takes it's toll on the environment and fog up the air not to mention crumbling the plant life. For instance, this vacant trash hole.

 

 

 

The good mood came to a halt before I realized it when a couple of the trashcans were knocked over, the sound of tin crashing rang into my ears drums. I cringed at the sudden disturbing noise and squeaked, having the life scared out of me. Out the corner of the alley a few guys near my age, I'm guessing, were laughing ridiculously loud, irritating my ears more than needed. From afar I could see them stumbling on their feet. Drunks, how typical.

 

 

 

The closer they approached they noticed me standing there. The three guys stepped away from the masking shadows giving me a better view at them. The boy in the middle must be the ringleader judging by how the other two oafs followed him. He's as tall as InuYasha was, lean but built, and he spiked, dirty blonde hair (the type that defied the laws of gravity) like many of the guys at school although the style accentuated his handsome facial features. Gah, I complimented a drunk. The two remaining boys weren't good looking as the blonde one, they were more on the average level.

 

 

 

The three boys wore the same blue uniforms the students in Keiko and Yuusuke's high school wore. It's not a wonder why Yuusuke gets into fights a lot, guys such as these jump at the chance.

 

 

 

“Well, look, look, look. What do we have here, boys?” one said wheezing as he chugged down the last of his booze. He flung the empty beer bottle to the opposite wall near me, the bottle shattered into huge shards. A few flying pieces of glass narrowly cut me. Why that little….

 

 

 

Thin lipped, I said nothing. I held my tongue for the time being.

 

 

 

“Careful where you throw that, asshole! That almost cut me!” one growled.

 

 

 

“Yeah, you almost hit the chick!” Blondie gestured his lackeys to follow him with a turn of his

head. Crowding around me in a circle. Great I get to be the center of attention.

 

 

 

Standing up straight, I showed no fear putting on the brave heroine act (which I mastered in the feudal era due to all those encounters with demons) naturally I had to learn to fend for myself. Learning the number one rule never show fear, fear is a strong weakness, an Achilles point where the table of chance can be turned against you. Showing no fear doesn't automatically make me brave, keep in mind.

 

 

 

Narrowing my eyes, I glared daggers at them in hopes of intimidating them.

 

 

 

“What's a pretty little thing like you doing out here all by yourself…all dirty” spoke the blonde haired boy, using a deep smooth voice which had no affect on me. I detested the manner he stared at me. What am I a piece of meat?

 

 

 

These weirdo's aren't just any ordinary students, they were thugs, Yakuza* probably.

 

 

 

The flickering worry twitched down to the bottom of my stomach, I was starting to get scared by the rate my heartbeat drummed. How am I going to get of this mess now?

 

 

 

These three thugs had the most sickest smug look on their faces, their roaming eyes traced each detail of my body…such pigs. They actually are leering me down.

 

 

 

This sure is an invasion of personal space. I felt violated under their perverse gaze and creep the heck out of me. Involuntary my lips frowned disgusted by how these lecherous creeps stared at me. They could at least hide it. These boys have to be desperate if they want to try something rated R on me, I'm not exactly what you call “exotic.” Damn hormones. They are like ram demons in heat, trust me, I've met one at their moment in a heat cycle pang, it's not a safe experience to witness. I'm still recovering from the trauma. Wish I haven't thought of that. Ick!

 

 

 

“That really is none of your business” I said seriously.

 

 

 

“Eh? Is that so? What do you think about that fellas, is it really none of our business?” The guys grunted their protesting answers, like I care what they think.

 

 

 

“Just let me go home. You`re just going to get in trouble by the cops.” I attempted a shot at rationality. Scaring them off usually works on spineless punks.

 

 

 

They roared in laughter, poking jokes at my threat. “I like when my bitches play hard to get.” The leader cackled, leaning uncomfortably close to me. “Now, now, I'll show you why pretty little girls shouldn't go out so late on their own,” his liquor foul breath huffed against me. I can't breathe. Extending a callous hand he caressed gently my cheek, I swatted the offending hand away, growling angrily to keep his mitts off me. The stupid perv had the gall to touch me!

 

 

 

“Ooh, a feisty one. I like that. We're sure going to enjoy our little fun with you.” Smirking devilishly, the other two oafs nodded in agreement. Closing in on me, the malice glittering in their eyes gleamed of unkempt desire making my skin crawl.

 

 

 

I could easily blast these idiots off, I'm positive I can--err possibly. It wouldn't be right. I never harmed humans before. Sure I had a few brawls in the feudal era and the situations forced to purify demons. Can I purify humans? I doubt it, even purifying demons rubbed my fur the wrong way, guilt would lurch in my stomach. Fist fighting won't do me good either, I barely amount to the level of a rookie. Sango tried to teach me a couple of moves to defend myself and I can punch and kick like the next person but I'm helpless in a physical fight. When coming right down to it I'm stuck in a dead end and it scared me having no where else to turn to, no open options whatsoever.

 

 

 

“Eichiro let me have a go after you finish” one of the boys' asked, popping a cigarette in his trap.

 

 

 

“Why the hell not? We'll all get a round of this fine piece of ass.”

 

 

Giving no warning, the blonde-haired punk grabbed me throwing me violently on the floor, I slid painfully across the glass filled floor crashing against a near trashcan. Before I could blink he pounced on top of me, I did my best to push him away. Scratching, punching, even slapping him but the more I tried the more the he stood his ground tightening his hold harder. “Stop it! You don't know what your doing! You're drunk!” I screamed at him. Have some sense! You'll regret afterwards!

 

 

 

“Shut up, bitch, stay still or I'll beat the shit out of you,” he warned, emphasizing his meaning he backhanded me hard, the force snapping my face to the side. My cheek stung painfully, a throbbing pressure racking my head. Blood spilled forth, I coughed up hunks of blood he wouldn't permit me to spit it out.

 

 

 

He tugged at my clothes roughly, this idiot is beyond reason, the insane glint in his dilated eyes revealed the level of oblivion he's under. He left me no choice, I can't allow him to do as he pleases with my body. He might repeat the crime with another innocent person. Reaching the nearest glass shard spilled over the floor I snagged one, swiping it sharply across the boy's face. He screamed his pain, he clutched his lacerated face, the heavy blood pouring profusely allover his trembling hands. I pushed him off me and crawled quickly to my feet.

 

 

 

“Fuck! My face! My face! Get that fucking bitch!” the bloodied man screamed, on the dot the other two chased after me. They caught me with difficult effort as I continuously swung a lead pipe I found lying around like a bat, striking them the nearer they came towards me.

 

 

 

I struck one of the boys in the face accidentally leaving the other brute an opening to tackle me to the ground. He roughly pinned me, twisting one of my arms behind my back immobilizing my further movements. “Get off me!”

 

 

 

“Eichiro! I got the bitch!” said the one crushing me painfully under his weight.

 

 

There I stood completely vulnerable to these vultures. Fear rising, my heart pounded rapidly dreading whatever's in store. This has got to be hell! What did I do to deserve such a punishment? Not any I'm familiar with. My vision becoming blurry, tears dropped down my hot feverish eyes. Fear, hate, anger, helplessness mixed in each drop that spilled. “Let me go! Let me go!” His constricting grip on me wouldn't falter, struggling more the other two guys contributed to holding me down. InuYasha, InuYasha! “INU--YASHA!”

 

 

 

Rage instinctively riding the blonde guy, he had had enough. He stood up snatching the nearest metal rod. My eyes widen. “No! YUUSUKE! HIEI! SOMEBODY HELP ME!” I screamed in desperation for a savior. Squirming around underneath him like a scared puppy, refusing with all my might not to submit.

 

 

 

“You asked for it you little shit!” Holding the rod up he prepared to strike me. I rather suffer the fate of being beaten to a pulp than having them force themselves on me. Scared of the pain waiting for me, I shut my eyes tight, trembling, and whimpering as I anticipated the unmistakably brutal beating about to take place.

 

 

 

I waited for the rod to smash me, waited for the sound and cries, waited for the sensation of breaking bones and limbs and prepared for the river of red to splatter. It never came. Instead, I heard a muffled yelp followed by a loud thud impact the ground.

 

 

 

Curious, I opened my eyes to see what had happened and the sight meeting my eyes was not what I had expected to see. Surprisingly my attacker lied across the pavement, knocked unconscious. The two guys restraining the two limbs of mine trembled in utter fear, the rattling vibrating my arms within their shaken grip. Glancing a peek up at their faces verified the theory of mine correct that these bullies were frightened.

 

 

 

Should I be frightened as well? If this unknown force managed to render the thugs' leader unconscious what will become of me? My day just keeps getting worse as each second passes and here I was about to contact Hiei or Yuusuke telepathically for help, if it were possible that is.

 

 

 

“You bastards better let that girl go right now or else your gonna be joining your friend in a world of pain!” said an unrecognizable deep voice, a man's voice for sure. Cracking his knuckles he emphasized the true meaning behind his words.

 

 

 

Staring ahead, the trickling warm blood steeping down my chin a thought swept through me. Funny, very funny how this presence froze over everything I unwillingly succumb to.