InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bound by Blood ❯ Chapter 10: Welcome.... Home ( Chapter 10 )

Chapter 10: Welcome…..Home?

 

Slowly they noticed the path they had been walking was starting to widen and the trees were thinning out. Soon the trees cleared into a small courtyard with a four floor building behind it. There were a few students in the courtyard talking, once Sango, Kagome, and Yuriye came into view all chattering ceased.

 

Kagome and Yuriye were quickly becoming uncomfortable with the amount of attention they attracted. It seemed as though this was going to become a normal routine.

 

Sango saw the two were uncomfortable with the stares they received and became increasingly concerned about Kagome. Kagome's back was still exposed and walking by the students they would see it even if both Yuriye and her walked behind Kagome.

 

As a gentle breeze blew across her lower back Kagome became aware that everyone in courtyard would see her scars. She knew that sooner or later everyone would find out about them, she just wished that it was later. But she would not try and hide them. She was sick of running and she wouldn't allow anyone to ruin this chance at possible happiness. For so long she had kept Yuriye and herself at arm's length from others, never allowing anyone to help them, never allowing anyone close enough to become friends.

 

`It was easier that way,' Kagome had thought. `That way there was no chance of being betrayed.'

 

The courtyard was simple, just a couple of benches and some flower beds. The building was beautifully made from brick and accentuated with an ivy vine growing up its sides. A few Japanese maples lined the front of the building. It was truly a beautiful and peaceful place.

 

“So how do we decide who gets what room?” Yuriye said, anxious to look at her sleeping quarters. Having a permanent bed and not the usual ground they'd grown accustom to was definitely something to look forward to.

 

Yuriye looked around the courtyard and back to Kagome. She knew that those in the courtyard would see Kagome's scars but she figured if there was a problem Kagome would speak up about it.

 

Sango was nervous she didn't think to bring Kagome a different top, knowing the gossip would spread faster than wild fire. “If you wait here I can go get a top to cover your back.”

 

“No, everyone will see them sooner or later. I decided a long time ago not to hide them. I would really like to see our rooms, plus you had mentioned food. We haven't had a good meal in over two months and it would be nice to sit and eat for once.” Kagome truly wanted to eat soon she could feel the pull for fresh meat but wasn't sure if it would be available.

 

“If you are sure,” Sango said and with Kagome's nod of approval she started to walk forward.

 

As they started forward everyone pretended to go back to their own conversations. But Kagome and Yuriye could hear the questions being asked. Who were they? Where did they come from? Did they have royal blood?

 

This last question kind of startled them; the mark in the middle of their foreheads old others they were from high society. But their lines had long left Japan almost three centuries before. Almost no one should be able to recognize their marks. The fact they had a mark at all is what gave them that inclination. But not all higher level demons had marks, most didn't.

 

The murmurs were surrounding their beauty, but as soon as the trio made it by the crowd the chatter about Kagome's scars began. The silver inu had nasty scars adorning her entire back. The demons in the crowd wondered how it was that any demon could be permanently marked. The gossip and speculation had begun.

 

Kagome could hear the whispers behind her back; she paid them no mind and continued her stride toward the building.

 

“After we have found your rooms I can take you to the lunch room. And you can also change your top Kagome. I put three uniforms in each of your rooms and a couple of tops and skirts. Later Kaede wants to see both of you so she can give you an orientation to the school and studies. She can also help you guys out with securing more clothes. This semester is almost over and we will have a couple months off.” Sango explained trying to distract the two inu's minds from the gossip. The next couple of months the inu could get to know those who lived here year round. While not everyone that stayed year round was an orphan most were.

 

As they passed through the doors the chatter was cut off. The halls were a simple white. On each side of the door there were six rooms, three on each side of the hall. A stairwell was found at the end of each hall.

 

 

As they got to the third floor both inu were very curious. It would be the first time in almost 15 years that they would have rooms to themselves. As soon as they left the hallway they could see that the upper floors also had 6 rooms on each side of the hall.

 

Sango started towards the right the room on this floor was on this side. Following her, neither inu said much as they were deep in thought trying to figure out how all of this would work. As they walked up the stairs they noticed how quiet the building was. For both inu it was such a contrast, they were so used to noise.

 

Sango took a room key out of her pocket and headed for the room on the right side of the hallway, on the door was 311. “Ok this is the first room, like I said it's up to you guys who get what room. There are some minor differences mostly just the color and how they are set up.” Sango stepped aside allowing both inu to enter.

 

Kagome could see Yuriye eyes widen as she stepped into the room. The room was a soft lilac with light green trimmings. The room was about 10' x 10' x 15', there was a small closet near one of the windows and the drawers built into the walls. The bed looked freshly made with white cotton sheets and a comforter. On the bed were the uniforms and clothing Sango mentioned.

 

Kagome knew that this was the perfect room for Yuriye. She could see the smile and how Yuriye eyes light up. It would be perfect for her to relax and get away from it all.

 

Yuriye looked back at Kagome and knew that this room was perfect. The colors were amazing and she fell in love with it immediately. She really hoped Kagome didn't want the room as well. Turning Yuriye noticed Kagome's smile.

 

“I take it you want it?” Kagome knew that Yuriye wanted the room she just had to hear.

 

“Yes! It's perfect for me!! That is if it's ok with you?” Yuriye couldn't hold in her excitement. Her eyes glistened as the realization of the situation finally hit her. `We have a new home...' she thought as shadow of doubt appeared in her mind, `At least for little while…'

 

“Of course. You go ahead and settle in. I'm going to check out my new room.” Kagome said as she looked at Yuriye in understanding.

 

Sango gave the key to Yuriye, “If you need us we will be on the fourth floor, room 400.” Sango started out of the room and headed towards the stairwell and up to the fourth floor.

 

“Thank you Sango. This is very new and unusual for us. It's been a very long time since we have been on the receiving end of anyone's kindness. It's a refreshing experience.” Kagome knew she was swallowing some of her pride but maybe for the first time they could trust someone. Maybe for the time they could have more….maybe even have friends again.

 

“I don't know what has happened in your and Yuriye's lives and I won't presume to know as much. Many get a fresh start here, I know I have gotten mine here . Kaede gave me a second chance and I'm happy to call this place home.” Sango said as she continued up to the fourth floor and exited the stairwell.

 

Heading straight to the other end of the hallway Sango stopped in front a door numbered 400. She opened the door hoping that Kagome would like the room.

 

As Sango stepped back Kagome got her first look at her new room. She fell in love almost instantly. The walls were a pale blue with black trimmings and were completely identical to Yuriye's room. Kagome knew instantly she could lose herself there. Her feelings resonating with Yuriye's, tears began prickling her eyes.

 

“We can start completely over,” Kagome's voice was trembling with overwhelming emotion, “that's something we've never thought could happen. It's been almost 80 years since we found somewhere we can just be.” Kagome turned towards Sango and smiled, not a polite smile but one that showed in her eyes.

 

“I'm going to go change, I have training this afternoon. When you guys are ready you can meet me in room 208.” Before Sango left she handed Kagome her key. “Welcome home friend.”

 

Yuriye heard Sango's parting words, she put away what little she had and came to see Kagome. As Sango left Yuriye entered the room and saw Kagome's genuine smile of contentment.

 

“Hey, do you think it suits me?” Kagome stretched her arms and spun in a small circle.

 

“It fits you perfectly. So what do you think about what she said?” Yuriye was glad to see Kagome smiling; it had been such a long time since she's seen a smile on her that reached her eyes.

 

Kagome turned and grabbed Yuriye into a hug. “Home? I like the sound of that. Maybe we can finally have a place to call home. It's not much but it's more than we have had in years. Maybe this will be our new start…” Kagome said echoing the words Sango had spoken earlier. “Yuriye, I don't know about you but I've done many things I'm not proud of and I…I feel that this is a chance for us…for me to wash away some of the blood…” Kagome said as she looked at her hands to emphasize her point. `Both literally and figuratively obviously.' She thought wryly.

 

Yuriye took in the picture of Kagome at that moment, she could see the walls that were built so well begin to weaken.

 

“Look, why don't you change your shirt and meet me down in Sango's room?” Yuriye said as she grabbed Kagome's wrists. “And maybe you should wash your hands, the bathrooms are in the middle of each floor.”

 

Unknown to both inu, cold amber eyes were surveying the scene. Sesshoumaru was on way to his room as he overheard their conversation and had become curious, `Blood? Interesting…' He wondered whose blood she wanted to wash away.

 

Guilt. Not a common trait amongst rogue demons. Well not any he had ever run across had any. Many never thought past their actions and only cared for themselves. The wolf group they had been fighting fit into this category. On many occasions the group had started to give the school trouble resulting in older students and teachers patrolling the borders of the property.

 

These two were not the first set of demons or humans that had been hunted by the black wolf tribe. Many smaller villages and even some cities were having trouble with them. In his experience, the black wolf tribe only attacked upon serious grievances or trespasses against them. He wondered as to what they had done.

 

As he headed back to his room, room 401, to drop off the book he noticed a note taped to his door. As he read it he was curious as to what Kaede wanted. He was wondering if his brother had somehow found himself in trouble again. As Sesshoumaru walked into his room he looked once more at the two inu, he noticed that as the Yuriye walked out. He proceeded on to Kaede's office..

 

Turning back towards her bed, Kagome noticed that she had three sets of school uniforms and half dozen shirts and skirts. She knew that if they trained, they would need to be very careful of their clothes, neither had any money and couldn't afford to ruin them. Smiling, Kagome looked around the room once more, `Home, that does sound right.' Going to her door she closed it so she could change her top from the ripped black tank top. Her fight hakamas were more comfortable than a skirt so she chose to keep those on. Kagome didn't hate skirts but running from rogue demon pack in them just didn't add up.

 

Looking down at the clothes she extended her right hand to grab a shirt and noticed the blood. Her hand had completely stopped bleeding just a little bit of dried blood. The skin around her nails had also healed. Looking at her nails you could see a small line barely visible or royal blue. It started at the very base of each of her nails; a small smile came to her face.

 

Her father and grandfather also had the same barely visible line in their nails. The poison she could barely control was supposed to be a trait inherited by the males in her family. It had been generations since a female could handle it. And almost instantly the smile vanished she could hardly handle this gift. It was almost too much for her to handle, as long as she didn't try and use it the poison wouldn't hurt her. Every time she did the poison would eat at her skin and get into her system.

 

Kagome licked the blood off her hands, her saliva held the antidote to the poison. Once her hand was clean her smile came back. Even if she couldn't handle it right now she knew hat one day she would learn. Grabbing a new shirt she took off her ripped tank top and replaced it with a pale blue tank top. Not wanting to waste the tank top she would save it.

 

After she changed her top Kagome left her room and headed towards the bathroom to freshen up and make sure all of the blood was washed away. She knew that Kaede wanted to talk with her and Yuriye, she hoped it wouldn't take too long she could hear her stomach grumbling.