InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dreams of a Past Long Forgotten ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter 2 - rated A

 

Looking at the letters in front of her on the kitchen table, Mina screwed up her face, clearly showing her thoughts on the matter at hand. Her mother ignored her antics, already used to them by now, and continued her lecture about her daughter's new school.

“Oh, you'll be fine, dear. You'll fit in nicely and make plenty of friends.”

Yeah, only for you guys to move and make me lose said new friends. Grrrr, can't you see how much this hurts me?

Used to the lecture as Akemi was used to her disgruntled faces, Mina tuned her out. Unlike other times when they had moved, her mother had let Mina have a few days to settle into their new home before she told her about the school she would be attending. In that week, Mina had explored her new house and some of the surrounding area. Their garden reminded her a little of the one in her dream, so whenever she felt troubled or wanted to think, Mina would find herself sitting by the small fish pond as she gazed off into space.

She had only wondered as far as the cross roads at the end of her street. Her father, Tsutomu, had warned her not to travel too far on her own before he had left for his new job. Mina had passed her time by helping her mother sort out the boxes, putting things where they belonged, or going on a run for groceries.

“Earth to Mina?”

“Oh…um…sorry,” she mumbled, before sitting up in her chair.

“As I was saying,” Akemi said. “The principle has agreed for you to go in to school this Friday, so you can get a feel for the place and collect your schedule. Your uniform hasn't arrived yet, so you'll have to wear something presentable. And that means no jeans!”

Rolling her eyes, Mina grumbled in reply before finally being dismissed. With her father already off at work and dinner already long gone, Mina found herself with spare time to kill. Informing her mother she was going for a walk, she grabbed a light jacket to fend off the slight chill in the air, slipped on her trainers, and quickly headed off on her newest adventure.

The street was eerily quiet for that time of day. Looking up and down the street, Mina couldn't see anyone out and about like her. She could hear distant traffic and pick up on the people in their homes, but apart from that input, if felt to the sixteen year old that she was the only living being around.

I think I'll head up the street instead of down this time.

An excited tingle raced up her spine at the prospect of finding something new. She had always been an adventurous person at heart. Any new path she came across, she just had to explore it. A new book she hadn't read, she just had to read it. It was like an unknown force inside her, demanding her to try and experience everything that intrigued her.

Maybe this time I'll try Kendo classes. Last years archery didn't go as I thought it would.

She couldn't help but cringe at the reminder of her latest failure. It took her tutor, telling her she should give it a rest, that Mina finally realised archery wasn't one of her strong points. Before she could move onto another hobby though, her parents had thrown the news of moving into her face. However, now that she was settled down, Mina couldn't see anything wrong with trying now.

That'll be the first thing I'll ask the new school I'll be going to. And if they don't run the class then I'll…oh, wow…

Coming to a stop at the bottom of a long flight of steps, Mina felt her eyes widening in childish awe as her gaze kept going up and up until her eyes saw the red gates at the top. That strange buzz she had gotten used to earlier in the week came back with a vengeance, making Mina sway slightly on her feet. Realising quickly she had better sit down before she fell down, Mina lowered herself onto one of the steps and took deep breaths to steady her racing heart.

Jeez…what the hell!

It took a few minutes before the feeling lessened, but once it did, Mina rose shakily to her feet again. Her curiosity was now piqued. She couldn't stop her feet from moving if her life depended on it. As she ascended the steps, Mina felt her pace increase until she was flat out running up them. She was slightly out of breath when she reached the top, so lent against the gate pillar to catch her breath.

Wow…this sure looks like a big shrine.

The path she was on led to a small shrine in front of her before it branched off to left and right. On the left, she saw another structure. The signs and items outside it let Mina know it was a gift shop. Turning away from it and looking at the small shrine, Mina suddenly had an idea. She had visited a few shrines on her family's travels before, but in none of them, she had prayed. Slipping a few yen into the collection box, she stepped up to the little alter, clapped her hands together and bowed her head.

How do I go about this? Hm, a “I pray we'll stay here” just doesn't sound right. Oh well, here goes nothing, I guess.

“I wish we didn't have to move again. I wish we could stay here forever. I wish…I wish I had friends that wouldn't forget about me.”

“And your wishes shall be granted!” A wheezened old man's voice proclaimed from behind her.

Letting out a little “eep” of surprise while jumping slightly in fright, Mina whirled round to face the creep that dared to cause a reaction from her. Her eyes blinked rapidly in shock as she took in the squat form of an aging man in traditional priests garb and the bauble he dangled from one hand.

“The Shikon no Tama can be yours for a small prize, young lady,” he replied. “And will make all your wishes come true.”

“Yeah, right, and I'm the fairy godmother,” she mumbled under her breath.

Seeing no way getting round the old twerp without hurting his feelings, Mina fished in her jean pocket for her money and bought the shiny, pink bauble on a gold chain from him. It seemed to please him though, because he crowed in glee and vigorously bowed to her.

“If my shrine weren't closing right now, I'd show you around, young lady!”

“Mina, my name is Mina,” she replied in a soft, distant tone. She was worried that he would hurt his back with all the bowing. “Um…why not show me around now? It shouldn't take too long, since I'm the only customer here.”

Straightening up to his full height, which only came to her shoulders, the old man looked thoughtful as he stared off in one particular direction. “Well…I can't see any harm in it. Oh, it's so nice to see the youth of these days being so interested in the past. Come! Let us start the tour.”

Mina listened intently to every word Mr Higurashi said, whom introduced himself once the tour started. He told her the history of his family's shrine and the myths and stories that came with it. She expressed her interest in the love story between the hanyou and the miko, and was further impressed with the tale of the jewel of four souls - just like the bauble she now had in her pocket.

After hearing his explanation about the sacred tree, Mina followed him further down the path towards another small shrine like structure. Mr Higurashi then went on to explain the history about the bone eaters well. Just the name made Mina's body feel cold. Thinking about the demon remains in there though, soon had Mina's curiosity piqued again.

“Can I see them?”

“Ah…well…you see,” he babbled, clearly not expecting her to ask so quickly.

Noticing his fidgeting and the way his eyes kept darting towards the closed shoji doors, Mina wondered what the old man could be hiding. She, personally, didn't see a problem with her request. It wasn't like she planned to go in there and wreck the place, or god forbid, jump in the well.

I'd probably end up breaking my leg if I did.

“It doesn't matter,” she finally said. “I was just curious.” Realising it was getting late by how far the sun had gone down, Mina turned to leave. “Well, thanks for the tour, Mr Higurashi. See ya!”

Waving, Mina swiftly dashed off before another word could be said. Running through the shrine grounds as fast as she could once she saw what time it was by her watch, Mina only slowed down when she came to the steep steps that lead to the street below.

Mr Higurashi is hiding something. Hm, dare I even bother to figure out what it is?

Her inquisitive spirit was at full force inside her by the time she got home. Her parents were a little worried she had stayed out so long, but after explaining where she had been and showing them the little trinket as proof, they soon left her be. It wasn't until after the evening meal and she was telling her diary about her day that the old priest's odd behaviour towards the well got her full attention once more.

I know, I'll sneak out and have a look myself! No, wait, I can't tonight. I have school tomorrow.

Grimacing at the sour reminder, Mina huffed and slumped back in her swivel chair. Her back soon straightened though once another idea came to mind. After thinking it through several times and finding no flaws, Mina squealed quietly in glee.

Now, all I have to do is get through my first day of school.

 

~*~*~

 

The morning of her first day of school crawled by for Mina. She kept nervously glancing at the clock or fidgeting with the hem of her white shirt, which practically dwarfed her frame and just about concealed the black pleated skirt she had on.

Who's idea was it for me to wear one of dad's work shirts? Oh yeah, that's right - mum's! How could she forget where she packed all my old school shirts? Idiot.

“Ms. Mina?”

Snapping to attention, Mina jumped up from her seat outside the principles office and looked at the receptionist. A young girl with wavy chestnut hair stood beside the older woman's desk. She had a warm smile and kind brown eyes that instantly put Mina at ease. Her own hazel orbs brightened when the receptionist informed her that the girl, called Ayumi, would be showing her around school for today.

“You have an unusual hair colour,” Ayumi commented as they walked down the hall, one hand raised as if she wanted to touch one of the pink locks. “Are you from over seas by any chance?”

Blushing slightly at the compliment, Mina shook her head. “No, actually I was born in Japan and lived here for a few years before my parents moved away.” And kept on moving, she added mentally. “Anyway, I forgot to ask the principle what extra curricular activities there was. Does your school do Kendo by any chance?”

Ayumi seemed to pale slightly at the thought of her wanting to partake in such a sport. It didn't stop her from answering yes or showing her where it took place. Mina filled out a form for Kendo and handed it to the sensei in charge, who told her to come back after her last lesson for an induction. She was practically bouncing on her feet with happiness as her and Ayumi continued on their trek through the school grounds. By the time the lunch bell rang, they had covered everything. Ayumi had even gone so far as highlighting several places on Mina's map that she should memorise.

“Come on, I'll introduce you to the rest of my friends,” Ayumi informed, before pulling Mina along behind her to the cafeteria.

Before she could make a comment about the sudden turn in events, Mina found herself with a tray full of food, which she tried to keep from falling off as her new friend herded her towards a nearby table. It already had two other girls sitting there with their own food. The one with the short brown hair and yellow headband introduced herself as Yuka, while the one with a bob of black hair was called Eri.

“I guess Kagome isn't coming to school today,” Ayumi commented offhandedly.

When Mina raised a fine brow in silent question, her new friend blushed and apologised before informing her that the other girl “Kagome” was another childhood friend of theirs. A quick stab of jealousy seized Mina's heart at the thought of these girls staying together throughout their lives before she managed to kick it aside.

I can't have everything, she silently mused as she tucked into her meal. I should be happy with what I have…even if it is flawed.

Dinner seemed to go by more quickly. Her new friends asked her all sorts of questions regarding her family and where she was from. They seemed to think travelling all over the place was “cool” and “romantic”, as Ayumi put it, but Mina just shrugged their words off with a bland “yeah, sure”.

Mina tagged along with Ayumi for the rest of the day, even through Ayumi's classes. Even though she had no books herself, and only had her timetable and school map in her bag, Mina still sat back and watched how the lesson progressed. It was a little different from the other schools she had been in, though she soon caught on. Not once did the sensei call on her to answer a question though, which was good, because Mina hadn't a clue.

Once the final bell for the day rang, Mina felt her lethargic body snap back into attention. She had been looking forward to this part of the day from the moment she handed in her Kendo form. Following Ayumi outside, Mina bid her and her two new friends farewell and informed Ayumi she remembered where the training dojo was.

“Don't you want to come to WacDonalds with us, Mina?” Eri asked, bewildered.

“Oh, Mina has applied for the Kendo club,” Ayumi offered.

“Whoa,” Yuka squeaked. “You sure you want to do something like that? I hear it's a harsh sport.”

“Yeah,” Eri chimed back in. “You should go for something easier, like archery.”

At the mention of her failure, Mina winced. Not wanting to get into a lengthy explanation and possibly make herself late, she told the trio she would see them on Monday before making a hasty retreat. She told herself time and again that she wasn't running from the three girls as she headed for Kendo class, though it sure felt like it.

I'll have to watch myself round those three. God knows what else they'll wheedle out of me.

Banishing all none relevant thoughts from her mind, Mina focused herself on the task at hand and silently prayed she wouldn't fail this one, too.

 

~*~*~

 

“Squawk, bad Mina!”

“Shush, Rocco!”

Scowling at the traitor as he strutted about his cage, Mina returned her attention back to the task at hand. She had put off finding out what Mr Higurashi was hiding because her parents had been keeping her busy since she came home from school Friday night. Her father applauded her efforts at settling in and was further surprised to hear she was now a member of the Kendo club. Her mother became worried at the idea, though she did congratulate her daughter before announcing they were going out for a celebratory meal. By the time they had gotten home that night, Mina was beyond tired. All day Saturday, she was forced to spend her free time with her mother, as she took her shopping for a new uniform. It turned out the one she had sent for had been lost in the post. However, her mother didn't stop there, and proceeded to drag her daughter through every shop known. Again, by the time Saturday night came around, Mina was too tired to put her plan into action. Sure, she may have school again in the morning, with it now being a Sunday night, but Mina couldn't put off what she was about to do any longer. Not if she wanted to concentrate at school!

“If you don't be quiet, Rocco, then you won't get any more honey seed sticks!”

That whispered threat seemed to do the trick, as her bird lowered his head submissively before squawking softly. It sounded to Mina as if Rocco were crying, so with a defeated sigh, she pulled out his favourite treat, opened his cage, and put it in.

“I won't be gone long,” she assured him as she petted his feathers. “Now you be good!”

Making sure she had everything, Mina turned off her desk lamp. Her door opened with a near quiet “swish”, while her sock clad feet made no sound as she crept stealthily down the upper hallway, down the stairs, and through the den. Picking up her trainers, she carried them out the front door where she put them on. She kept up the slow pace until she was halfway up the street before her eagerness won out. By the time she reached the bottom of the shrine steps, Mina was out of breath and bent at the waist with hands resting on her knees.

I need to take up running again, she wheezed, before she started the trek up the stairs. I'm soooo out of shape.

Blaming her unfitness on all the junk food and worrying too much about where her family would force her to next, Mina made a silent vow to fix it as she neared the top of the steps. She hid behind one of the red pillars as she checked the shrine grounds were clear of any life. The only thing that moved was the trees and plants, so with a deep, reassuring breath, Mina dashed as quietly as she could along the path towards the well house.

“Brrrrr,” she mumbled, wrapping her arms around her suddenly cold body.

She stopped dead in her tracks a few feet from the well house door when that same buzz she had felt twice before throbbed through her body like another beings pulse. Her own pulse accelerated in fear when she heard the distinct sound of voices coming from within the shrine.

Oh, crap!

Bolting towards the wooden fence that ran along either side of the little building, Mina vaulted it. She landed in a roll on the grass on the other side then sprang up and hid herself in the shadows the well house offered, just as the sound of the shoji door opening reached her ears.

That was close, she mused, as she eavesdropped on the progressing argument.

“What's the rush, wench? I could've gotten you here at first light in the morning!”

“Inuyasha…sit!”

Wincing at the loud crash then blushing at the colourful curses that followed, Mina dared to peek around the corner of the well house at the two new arrivals. Her brain had yet to catch up to the fact that said two people had come out of a well that had only one entrance and exit. She was further shocked when she saw the silver haired man lift his head, with some effort, from the face plant position he had been in, giving her a clear view of two triangular, twitching shapes atop his head.

No way…those look like…dog-ears!

She must have made a sound, because she felt her eyes widening in fear when said appendages swivelled in her direction. Hiding herself as far into the darkness as she could, Mina clamped a hand over her mouth and nose in hopes of stifling any sound. She could hear the dog man, whom she had quickly dubbed in her panic, sniff the air repeatedly.

Losing track of how long she had stayed in her hiding place, Mina carefully lowered her hand before peeking round the corner again. A little sigh of relief escaped her when she saw there was no sign of the guy, though when she smelled food wafting on the air, she quickly surmised he had followed the girl inside the house.

That…that was a very close call. So…do I stay or do I go?

Mina mulled over all the new information she had come across during her little night trek. Her mind had finally caught up with her and brought to attention the fact that two people, one with dog-ears, had come out of a dead end. She couldn't see the two hiding in the little shrine just to scare the wits out of her. So, mind made up, Mina scrambled out of her hiding place and leapt back over the low barrier. The shoji had been left open, much to her relief. Stepping inside the dark structure, Mina stilled her hand as it reached for the small flashlight in her back right pocket.

They could be looking out a window. I don't want them to see me, so I better not use it.

As her eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness inside, Mina could make out the wooden railing that ran around the depression in the floor. There was a gap in front of her for the wooden steps, which creaked slightly under her weight with each step. When her eyesight finally made out the ancient bones that littered the dried out earth around the well, Mina bit her lips to quieten the squeal of fright.

Oh jeez…these are demon remains! Why'd I come here again? Oh, right - damn curiosity.

Feeling that alien throb within her body again, Mina finally gave the well her full attention. Her body felt leaden and cold, the odd feelings rooting her to the spot so she couldn't advance or flee. When she saw an ominous pale blue aura surround the well, which started to throb in time with the pulse inside her, Mina gasped in alarm. The strange sight seemed to draw her in, while an unknown voice breathed softly through her head.

Help us…save your people…do not be afraid…Princess…

Seeing her hand rise up slowly and reach for the lip of the well seemed to bring Mina back to herself. Snatching the limb back in fear of something grabbing it, she whirled around to flee…and found herself smacking into a warm wall.

“I thought I smelt someone,” a familiar male voice sounded above her.

Daring to peek upwards through her tousled bangs, Mina gulped audibly as she made out the bulky form of the dog man from earlier. His eyes seemed to shine oddly in what little light shone in around him from outside. The eerie sight and the fact that she had been caught further put Mina on edge. By the time she had scrambled to her feet, the guy was on her.

“Hey!” She barked, when one of his hands latched tightly onto her upper left arm. “That's no way to treat a lady!”

“Keh! `Ladies' don't sneak around in the middle of the night on someone else's property!”

Beating against the iron clamp on her arm as he pulled her out of the well house, Mina whimpered in fear when she saw a light come on in the house up ahead. Somehow, she could sense the person inside moving downstairs. Not wanting to cause any more trouble, or let her parents find out about her little adventure, Mina made one last, desperate move.

“Ung!”

You may be strong, dog man, but no male can keep his cool after a ball shot like that!

As much as she wanted to gloat over him as he curled up in a tight ball of pain at her feet, Mina knew she only had seconds before his friend came out and found them. She settled for sticking her tongue out at him before she turned and fled back the way she came. When she reached the bottom of the shrine steps, Mina pushed herself to run full out at the sound of rapid cursing. Although it was faint, it was still a frightful reminder that the dog man was slowly recovering from the blow she dealt him.

I think that's enough adventure for a while, she mused, when she finally stepped up to her front door.

If she had been more careful and not so focused in getting inside, Mina would have seen the bright gold eyes hiding in a nearby tree.