InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Cruel World ❯ Chapter 3 ( Chapter 3 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha,never had, never will. He, unfortunately, belongs to Rumiko Takahashi...:'(

If you're reading this, then I'd like to thank all those who reviewed. I'm glad that those who don't really like high school fics are enjoying mine so far, and I hope I'm able to keep you all interested. High expectations, but I think I can handle it, haha.

This chapter has given me a lot of trouble, going over it multiple times so that everything makes sense to you. Also, I didn't want to reveal to much this soon into the story, but the background info that was given was needed to understand a decision that Kagome makes.

It's the longest chapter I've ever written. A reason for this is that I seem to be having a lot of time on my hands, mostly because its summer, with no school and all. I was hoping to get a job this summer, but unfortunately I still haven't heard anything from the places I applied at for an interview. I just got to keep pushing for it, though, I guess. It's harder to get a part-time job these days, at least where I live…

Okay, so I'm gonna stop rambling, and let you read the chapter now, if you're even reading this in the first place.

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Recap:

Haku looked at his brother, seeing him struggle with what his life had been like in the past. Grabbing his brothers shoulders as well, looking around to make sure no one was close enough to hear him, he whispered back, "If you weren't suppose to be a guy right now, I'd hug you." Haku grinned.

Akiro laughed, and let go of his shoulders, Haku doing the same. Slinging an arm around his shoulders, he said, "I think this will do for now." Leaning closer to his ear he whispered, "When we get home, you can hug me."

Haku chuckled, and nodded his head. Even though they were in hiding, being people they weren't, at that moment, he and his brother knew that no matter what happened, they'd have each other and would never feel alone.

With that thought, they walked to their next class, unaware of the golden eyes that watched them, and the moment they had together a few minutes before.

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Chapter 3

“Hey…”

“…”

“Hey, new kid!” A boy with light brown hair called in a hushed tone.

“Do you think he's deaf?” Another boy asked, with reddish brown hair and green eyes.

“Nah, I saw him tense up when I called him.” The first boy answered.

The boy across from his scoffed, and turned to face him. “That doesn't mean anything, Kohaku.”

Kohaku glared at him. “Shut up, Nate, and yes it does.”

“No, it doesn't, and you're an idiot.” Nate glared back.

“You're both idiots!” said the so-far quiet green-eyed boy.

“Stay out of this, Shippo!” They growled together, still glaring at each other.

Shippo rolled his eyes, and turned back to the person next to him, who started the whole thing, unintentionally. He could see a small twitch in his eyebrow, probably from the annoying boys behind him.

“You're name is Haku, right?” Without taking his eyes off the board, he nodded. Looking back up at the teacher, Shippo leaned forward slightly and whispered, “Where you from?”

Haku had to think about that for a moment. He knew that this Shippo person wasn't someone to be wary about, but he knew that Akiro would be mad if he let slip to anyone where they were actually from. He said the first thing that came to mind. “Canada.”

The boys behind him, who until then had still been glaring at each other, turned to look at him at the sound of his voice.

Kohaku studied his face, and then said, “Really? You don't look Canadian. You look more oriental to me.”

Without panicking, Haku turned to the boy sitting diagonal from him and explained, “That's because my dad's Japanese and my mom is only half white.” It was sort of the truth, and little bit that they knew wouldn't hurt his families situation.

“Cool,” said Nate, the boy behind him. “Do you—” He stopped midsentence, and looked at something standing in front of Haku.

Haku slowly turned around, seeing the teacher standing the right of his desk. Looking up at him sheepishly he apologized, and stared down at his hands until the teacher walked away. With the teacher's back towards him he turned to the three boys quickly, only to glare accusingly at them, before turning back around in his seat.

`This better not be an every day occurrence…'

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Akiro stood by the small tree in the front courtyard of the school, waiting for his brother to show up. He told him to meet him there after school, so they could head home together, but after 10 minutes, Akiro couldn't see his brother anywhere.

Sighing, he looked back down at his phone in his hand to check the time once more. `Where is that little snot?' He glanced back up, searching for his brother through the crowd. `I'll give him 5 more minutes. If he isn't out by then, I'm leaving him.'

“Hey pipsqueak!”

`Not now…' Akiro turned around to where the voice had called. Standing 5 feet away, Inuyasha stood, his friend surrounding him like they did in the hallway. Akiro mentally rolled his eyes. `One against three, plus spectators. This screams fight.' Focusing back onto Inuyasha, he said, “You want something?”

“Yeah. You owe me an apology for what happened in the hallway.”

“If it'll make you sleep better at night, then fine, I'm sorry…” he paused for a second, letting Inuyasha feel like he won this battle. Akiro continued, once Inuyasha started to smirk at him, and his friends started to laugh, “…I'm sorry…that you are unable to see people walking in front of you. Maybe the dog in you is messing up your eyesight. You should have that checked.”

Dog boy wasn't smirking anymore. Glaring at him, Inuyasha started to growl, and tensed up to leap at him for such a remark.

“Hey Akiro!”

Right before he could push off the ground, a girl ran in front of him, blocking his path from his prey.

Akiro looked at Sango in surprise. Facing him, she started to talk him as if she didn't see her friend about to jump him.

“Sango, get out the way!” Inuyasha growled.

“Sango, my love, what are you doing?” Miroku asked in confusion. “Do you know this guy?”

Sango turned to look at him coldly, her voice just as icy. “If I didn't know him, I wouldn't know his name, now would I?” She turned to face them, standing next to Akiro, and hooked her arm with his. “He's a new friend, and a much better person than you.”

“Uh…”Akiro glanced back and forth between Miroku and Sango. Whatever they were fighting about, he did not want to be in the middle of it. Taking his arm from Sango's he backed away from her. “It was nice seeing you again, but I've got to go.” Seeing Miroku glare at him now, he knew it was best to leave.

`Haku, you're on your own.'

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When Kagome got home, the house was empty save for the fat cat that was spread out onto the floor in front of the couch. `Mom must have gone to the store…Hope she gets some more chips…'

Kagome headed up the stairs, stepping around all the moving boxes yet to be unpacked. Sitting in front of her door was one of the boxes, marked `Kagome', lid slightly open. The clothes inside were ones she knew she'd never wear again, and she fought to keep the tears at bay.

She clenched her eyes and fists, cursing the man that ruined her life so horribly. For five years she's been trying to hide from Him, hoping for a life without the fear of being found, someday.

If only she had kept her mouth shut at there last home in Japan, instead of trusting someone with the burden of her life. Kagome's anger from Him shifted to the boy who she thought she could depend on, to keep her secret, to help her live the life of anonymity.

The desire to want someone other than her family to know the truth weighed heavy on Kagome, so that she could feel like she wasn't alone. Her family was great, but they only knew the truth to an extent, so there was no reason for them to blame her for what happened. `But I know… I know that I'm the one that caused the whole thing…the reason why dad isn't here with us right now…' The tears came now, as she fell to her knees beside the box.

She opened her eyes, and looked at the contents inside the box. Even though her vision was blurred, she could still make out the blue summer dress that was lying on top the pile of all her other girl clothes. Sniffling, she brushed her hand across the material, the silk cool to the touch.

She thought back to the strong want she had when she divulged her horrible past, and knew that it was possible to have it overwhelm her again, but she knew what could be the outcome with letting her secret be known by anyone.

`I wish there was another way to release this stress and crave.'

Kagome focused her gaze back to the dress, brushing her hand on top of it again.

`What if I…?' She tightened her grasp on the dress, and jumped to her feet. `That's it!'

She smiled, feeling like it was the first after a long time. Bending down she grabbed the box, and walked into her room, her plan swimming in her head, making her smile grow in its intensity.

`Hopefully Souta won't look too shocked…'

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Haku glanced around him, searching for his brother. A large crowd had gathered in the area Akiro was supposed to be, and Haku hoped he wasn't in the middle of it, especially after what they had talked about not starting anything in case of being found.

Haku sighed. It'd be just like his brother to provoke anyone who decided to mess with him. Forcing his way to the center of the mob, he prepared himself to drag out his brother from any tussle he might have gotten himself into. Once he got through the crowd, what he saw in the middle surprised him.

Instead of seeing Akiro duking it out, Haku saw the first girl from their lunch table, Sango, and a guy with a purple shirt glaring at each other. Ignoring the people around him, and the guy across from Sango, he walked towards her. `Maybe she knows what happened to my brother.'

“Uhm, Sango?” Tapping her arm, Haku watched from over her shoulder as the guy shifted his glare from her to him in an instant, and the glared hardened even more. Widening his eyes, he looked back at Sango, who had turned around to face him. Her glare turned into confusion, and then into recognition.

“Oh, Haku, right? What to do you need?”

“I'm looking for my brother. I was supposed to meet him here.”

Sango opened her mouth to respond, but a voice from behind her beat her to it. “He ran away from the fight he knew he couldn't win, being a chick about it.”

Sango and Haku both turned to arrogant voice that interrupted their conversation. Haku only noticed then that the hanyou from the hallway was there, standing behind the other boy. Mentally, Haku chuckled at the last part he said, `being a chick about it', seeing as how it was mostly correct. He knew, though, that the reason for him walking from the fight wasn't because of his gender. `All those fights he got himself into…he's such an idiot…'

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he focused back onto the hanyou. “Good for him, then. At least he has the balls to do so.” He knew what he said wouldn't help the matter, but he wasn't just going to stand there and listen to him insult Akiro.

Inuyasha glared at him, dropping the smirk he'd been holding since Akiro had left. It seems the whole family wanted to piss him off. “Listen you, I don't know who you think you are, but—”

“Do you have a problem with my little brother?” Another voice interrupted. Inuyasha turned around, seeing a girl standing a few feet behind him, arms crossed. Her hair was short, a few inches below her ears, and her eyes, which were glaring at him, were a stormy grey. Inuyasha looked her up and down, liking her hourglass figure and that it was defined nicely with the light blue summer dress.

He was about to respond back when he heard a gasp behind him, bringing him out of his revere. Haku ran past him, heading towards the girl. “Ak—”Haku stopped himself short, then continued. “Kikyo, what are you doing here?”

When Haku saw his sister, looking like his sister, he was shocked. He didn't think that she would be this willing to ruin everything like this. Didn't he already tell her that it wouldn't be a good idea to cause a scene? She never listened!

She looked up at him in confusion. `Kikyo? Since when does—' She mentally shook her head, and shrugged. “Well, seeing as how Akiro left you here, because you took so long showing up,” she gave him a small glare, to which he just smiled sheepishly, “ I decided I'd come up here to get you.”

“I don't need an escort, sis. I'm not ten years old anymore.” Haku blushed, slightly embarrassed that his older sister was here to walk him home, right in front of the entire high school student body. He could here snickers in the crowd around them.

She rolled her eyes. She said, “I'm here, for the same reason you and Haku have to walk home together.”

Haku gave up. It's hard to argue with a hypocrite about private things when you're standing in the middle of a crowd that was watching and listening to the conversation between them. `I can't believe her. She's willing to risk everything for a fight and to walk me home…but only walks with me so that neither of us would be separated if He showed up right when we were heading home. She makes no sense...this is giving me a headache…'

“Whatever, Kik. You can explain to mom why you are here instead of Akiro.”

She tensed. She knew what he was saying, and he was right. “We'll talk about that later.” She whispered, so that the entire multitude of students couldn't here her reply.

Inuyasha stood to the side of them, listening to the entire interaction with confusion. None of it made sense. What did it matter to their mother if she was the one to walk home her brother, instead of Akiro? It's like what Haku said, it's not like he's ten years old.

Noticing they were turning to leave he finally spoke up. He was not going to let another fight walk away, making him look stupid just standing there. “Hey! I'm not done talking to you!”

To Inuyasha's satisfaction, they stopped and turned around. What he wasn't expecting though, was that the girl walked up to him instead of the boy. His eyes widened in shock as she marched over to him, glaring and extended her index at him.

She started to poke him in the chest, with every word she said. “Listen buddy, I don't know who you think you are, but if you ever try to bully my little brother again, I'll purify your butt!” With that said, she turned around again, looping her arm with her brothers as she passed by him.

Inuyasha stood there, stunned. No one, besides his brother, had ever threatened him, let alone a girl. He knew he should have said something in return, so he wouldn't look like a total loser, but he didn't really care at the moment. Something about that girl, her loyalty and love for her family, the way her nose scrunched up when she was yelling at him, and by how good she smelled through the masking charm. He couldn't believe the thoughts that he was having, but again, didn't care.

He smirked.

`Kikyo, huh?'

-----

Their walk was silent, but not an uncomfortable silence. Both were lost in their own thoughts, both similarly thinking about what had happened outside the school a few minutes ago.

The girl glanced over at the boy from the corner of her eye, and then went back to looking at the sidewalk. Breaking the silence she said, “Kikyo? Haven't heard that name in a while.”

The boy shrugged. “It was a precaution. It seems I'm the only one trying to be precautious with our identity.”

She winced. “I'm sorry. It's just that, last time we were caught because of…”she couldn't finish. “I mean we were so careful last time, didn't mess anything up, until the very end when I had to go blabbing our secrets to someone I thought I could trust.” Her voice was strained, thinking back to that `Once upon a time'. Shaking her head, she continued her train of thought, “I feel like we don't need to try so hard fighting to keep this secret.”

Seeing his confused look, she tried to explain. “Souta…I think the reason I made the mistake in the first place is because I was getting sick of all of our secrets. I needed to just tell someone!” She took a deep breath, to calm her nerves. Thinking about the pain wasn't going to help right now. “I think that if I can act like myself just a little bit, I won't feel the need to rely on someone again.”

Souta stared at her in surprise. They never talked about what happened in Japan, knowing that it pained his sister to think about it. He never blamed her for having to leave, but at least now he knew why his sister trusted that boy with their secrets. `Kagome…'

Sighing, she looked back up at him and smiled. “Souta, I want you to do this too. I don't want you to suffer anymore than you already have. Okay?”

Smiling back he nodded, and he slung his arm around her shoulders. “You ready for that hug now?” He asked, still looking down at her.

Kagome smiled again, and reached her arm to his opposite shoulder, resting her hand there. She faced forward again, still smiling, she replied, “Nah.” From the corner of her eye, she could see Souta give her a shocked look. “Having you call me by my middle name kind of ruined that loving feeling.”

He chuckled. “Well if I knew that you didn't care about your identity anymore I would have called you Kagome, but I was still being careful then.”

She giggled. “That's okay. But really, my middle name? That's not really an alternate name to be called, like `Haku' or `Akiro'.”

“Yeah, well it was quick thinking. We had more than a week to come up with those names…so there.”

“Whatever, I'll let it go…for now.”

“Doesn't matter. It's stuck now. That's what everyone knows you by at school…it'd be weird to change it.”

Kagome stuck her tongue out at him.

`He's right, though. My new name, I guess, is Kikyo Shizukana.'

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“Look, I know we got off on the wrong start yesterday and I want to say I'm so—” Inuyasha choked on his words. The word `sorry' was stuck in his throat, and he couldn't voice it out loud. `This is pathetic! Why can't a say that word?! So—…I can't even think it!' He growled at himself. “What I mean to say is that I apolo—…ugh, what's wrong with me!”

Inuyasha looked up at his reflection in the mirror. “If I can't apologize to my own reflection, I have no hope to saying to anyone else.” He growled again, and left his bathroom, going into his room to finish getting ready for school. The whole night Inuyasha was plagued with thoughts of that girl, of Kikyo. He didn't even really talk to her and he was already hoping to see her again today. `I wonder if she goes to the all-girls school across the street…”

He was brought out of his thoughts when his brother came in. `Stupid bastard can't even knock…'

“Hurry up, baka, we have practice today.”

“Yeah, I know.” His brother turned to leave, with Inuyasha right behind him, his backpack in hand.

Sesshomaru looked back at his silent brother. It was unusual for Inuyasha to be this silent in the morning, and Sesshomaru told him so. “What? No hissy fits today?”

Inuyasha didn't say anything. He continued to stare at the ground in hard concentration.

Sesshomaru suddenly stopped in front of him, halfway down the hallway. Inuyasha, though, didn't notice, and ran into him, falling back from the sudden impact.

Inuyasha glared up at his brother. “What the hell, Sessh?”

Sesshomaru leaned up against the wall, looking at his brother. He sighed and shook his head, then asked, “What is that small brain of yours thinking so hard about, that you didn't even hear my question?” He extended his hand to Inuyasha, helping him to his feet.

Dusting the invisible dust off his jeans, Inuyasha just grunted, “Keh,” and proceeded towards the stairs.

Sesshomaru followed behind shortly, studying his brothers back. He had a feeling what was distraction his brother. Sesshomaru was there when the girl had showed up, threatening his brother to stay away from her family.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, as he thought back to the strange girl. Even though she too wore a scent masking charm like her brothers, he was able to detect a slight hint of her true aroma. Her anger made it stronger, almost overpowering her charm.

Sesshomaru had his suspicions about those new students, and the arrival of their sister increased it more so. Their weird conversation as they headed to class from lunch, the reason for using masking charms, and the small exchange between the girl and her younger brother all added up to something very intriguing.

`This year is going to be very interesting…'

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Akiro shifted his gaze around him, looking for anything suspicious that would cause the hairs on the back of his neck to stand like they were. When he and his brother first stepped onto campus, his sense of self preservation intensified.

Nothing was out of ordinary, though, when he glance around him to find whatever caused his discomfort.

It didn't help that Inuyasha seemed to be staring at him. If he was glaring, it would have been a different story, but he was just staring at him with a look of frustration on his face. All throughout homeroom and any passing period they crossed paths in, his gaze would never waver.

He wasn't the only one, either. His friend, Miroku, wouldn't stop glaring at him. He had three classes with the guy, and was relieved in each class to here the bell ring to be released.

`If looks could kill…' Akiro thought, as he walked out of fourth hour, and headed to the cafeteria.

As usual, the room was crowded, and Akiro pushed his way through the people to get where the tables were set up. Once there, he began to look for an empty table, knowing it'd be awhile for Haku to show up from his class that was on the other side of the school.

Finding one in the far corner next to the doors leading to the courtyard, Akiro started to head towards it.

Golden eyes followed his movements, watching him as he reached the empty table and started to pull out his lunch. Glancing around the room for the other boy, Inuyasha decided it safe to head over to the table now. `I know that if I have an audience, I won't be able to do this.'

Akiro's hair on his body stood up again, and he looked around him again. Sweeping the room for what unnerved him, he saw what the reason was most likely for it, heading straight towards him.

`Now what does he want?'

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Inuyasha faltered slightly in his stride when Akiro looked at him. He wasn't expected to be noticed until he got to the table, but then he remembered that Akiro wasn't a normal human, having spiritual powers and all.

He straightened his back, more determined to get this over with, and fast. Who knew when his brother would show up.

Pulling out the chair that was across from Akiro, he sat down, looking anywhere but the boy in front of him.

Akiro was confused, and it showed on his face. He wasn't entirely surprised to see him walking towards him, expecting some sort of altercation between them from the way he stared at him all day, but that changed when Inuyasha sat down at his table. Now he didn't know what to expect from the hanyou.

“Do you need something?”

Inuyasha jumped at the sound of his voice, looking up at him. A small blush painted across his face. Trying to cover up his embarrassment, he scowled and said, “It's a free country…I can sit here if I want.” Seeing Akiro scowl back at him at his tone and comment, Inuyasha mentally cursed himself. `Baka! This is not how to start a conversation!'

Akiro started to collect his stuff from the table, and retorted, “You're right. You sit here, and I'll find another table to sit at.”

“No, wait!” Inuyasha panicked now, thinking he'd never get to say what he needed to. Seeing Akiro pause, he took the chance to explain. “You're right…I need to say something.”

He sat back down slowly, puzzled by Inuyasha's sudden change.

Inuyasha sighed. Looking down at the table, he mumbled his apology. Akiro, leaned forward, asking him to repeat what he said. He growled low in his throat, and said a louder and a more intelligible, “I'm sorry,” waiting for Akiro to laugh in his face for giving up their small war.

Akiro sat back in his chair, eyes wide. He definitely wasn't expecting that. He could tell by the frustrated look on Inuyasha's face, and by his earlier antics that day, saying those words wasn't easier for him.

He smiled a little, and chuckled softly. “It's cool. You have to admit, it was a little fun, though.” Inuyasha's head shot up, hearing his words. Holding his hand out across the table, Akiro continued, “Start over?”

Inuyasha smirked, taking the offered hand and shaking it. “Yash.”

“Akiro.”

With things settled, they thought to the year to come, both having the same idea as Sesshomaru…

`It's going to be an interesting year…'

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Well that's it. If you're confused by anything just let me know. I'll try to see if I can edit it a bit more or explain it to you in the next chapter.

Review!

KC