InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Finding Kagome ❯ Finding Kagome - Chapter Seventeen ( Chapter 17 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

DISCLAIMER: I do not own InuYasha and company.


FINDING KAGOME



Chapter Seventeen





The sun streamed into the window of Kagome's room, as she stretched languorously. This was turning out to be a pretty nice vacation after all. The conversation the night of her arrival had gone long into the night, as her mother had revealed one new piece of information after another. How was it that she had not learned these things before now? Why was it that the jewel suddenly turned up now? Could it be possible that she really was the heroine in all those stories?

Michael had excused himself late that night, citing that he had to be hallucinating. She giggled remembering how Momma had said that even shrinks were subject to information overload, though she couldn't help noticing how quiet he had been for the most part during the rest of the visit so far. It was a lot to think about, a lot to adjust to, providing it was true. Though knowing wasn't going to change anything really. She still had her classes to teach, he still had his thesis to complete. There was still the performance to plan for the cultural faire. Life wasn't going to change... though, perhaps, their perception of their respective lives might.

She rose, and grabbed her yakama before heading to the bath to pursue her morning routine. It was a little later than she would normally sleep, but that was the fun of a vacation wasn't it? Taki and Bo had been working out some design ideas for the set for the production and she would be meeting with them this afternoon to see what they had come up with, and Sally was due to arrive this evening, which meant that they would be able to rehearse. She couldn't wait for her momma to hear what they had so far. She and Michael had agreed to wait until Sally arrived before playing for her.

“Kagome! Are you up??” Called her mother.

“I'm in the bathroom!”

“Breakfast is getting cold,” and she heard her mother's voice close to the door.

“Is Michael up?” she asked around her toothbrush.

“Yes, he's in the kitchen,” came the reply. “He says he has something he wants to talk to you about... well, both of us actually.”

“Hmm...” she said as she rinsed her mouth. “Wonder if he's decided that we need to be put away?”

At this her mother laughed heartily. “No, no, no, no... I don't think that's it... hurry up!” and she heard her call to Michael as she headed back to the kitchen, “Hey Mikey!! Leave some bacon for the rest of us, huh?”

He must be feeling better, thought Kagome. His quiet contemplation the last few days had worried her more than she cared to admit. That really was a lot of information to take in all of a sudden like that. She quickly ran a brush through her hair, and went to join them.

“Mmmornin' Momma,” she kissed her mother's head, before reaching to the cupboard for a cup, “Coffee, smells good.”

“You really should have a bite before you drink coffee, little one. You know how it kills your appetite,” warned her mother. “So Mikey, what did you want to talk about? You have been too quiet the last couple of days.” She turned to the young man inquisitively, watching him as he scarfed the last of his eggs. He hadn't eaten much since the first night, and had worried her. It was good to see his appetite back.

Michael held up a finger as he chewed up the last piece of his bacon, touching a napkin to his lips, and motioning for Kagome to come sit. “This is for both of you,” came his preamble, while Kagome took her seat, sipping her coffee.

“Why have you been so quiet, Mikey? At first I thought you were mad about something...” she set her cup down and gave him her full attention.

“First of all, I am not mad,” and he smiled genuinely. “I just needed some time to process all this. You seem to just be taking it all in stride, Kagome. Doesn't any of this bother you??”

Kagome thought for a moment, then looked at her mother, who was sitting back in her chair with a serene smile on her face. She had spent the better part of the last three days, instructing Kagome on different ways to sense yokaii energy, and protect oneself from the same.

“Sure... it's a big change. But,” and she took a breath, looking squarely into his eyes, “I would rather know, and have a clue about how to protect myself, than know nothing and just be scared all the time.” Her brow furrowed, “You do think we are nuts, don't you??”

“That's why I needed to talk to you both this morning,” he got up and put his plate in the sink, then grabbed Ouna's as well as he continued, “ That first night, my head was swimming. Not just with what has happened, and... the jewel... but also with the ramifications that all of this has on how we see the world... the normal world.”

“This is my normal world, Mikey-chan,” Ouna interjected. “Always has been, regardless of how the people around me see the things I do.”

“I understand Ouna-sama,” and he nodded. “Please, I do not wish for you to take offense. However, my normal world... isn't so normal anymore. I spoke with Sally early this morning, on the phone. I asked her if she thought it was possible... that we were together before... in another life.”

“And what did she say, Mikey?” asked Kagome, a tiny smirk forming at the blunt response he probably had gotten from her outspoken best friend.

“She said she had no doubt about it.” Michael's eyes were unfocused for a moment as he remembered the conversation. “Kagome...” and his eyes grew in intensity as he gazed at her, “she's had dreams too, recently. Not unlike your's.” And he shook his head quickly. “She said that in her dream last night she watched me die in an explosion. That she woke up crying. She still had sniffles when we talked.”

“Dreams are often as not memories,” Ouna commented, “ this is something that my grandfather told me once long ago. Memories of what has happened, memories of what is to come. In the journey of the soul it is all the same, really.”

“Momma, I don't think you are helping here,” inserted Kagome, who watched her friend's eyes grow wide at the possibility of an explosion in his future. “Mikey, is she coming? Is Sally driving up tonight?”

“Yes, she is going by your place after work to get her shamisen, then driving straight up. I can't wait to see her,” he smiled looking at his hands.

“So Mikey-kun, where did your thoughts take you? Your thoughts about ... all this,” Kagome asked using his own generalized term.

“I am thinking about scrapping my thesis. If all of this is true, then everything I have written so far is... bunk,” he took a breath, looking at the two women sitting with him. “Do you realize how many people are medicated, or even hospitalized for seeing demons? The statistics show that over the last 40 years, instances of individuals being referred for psychiatric treatment for hallucinations has increased dramatically, I can show you articles on the web... and that brings me to think that much of what I have studied all these years is based on a prejudicial assumption that there are no supernatural occurrences. Its a science, psychology is... the science of the human mind. Science doesn't believe in legends, it doesn't believe in reincarnation, or ghosts, or demons.”

“Wait a sec, Mikey... Wait a sec!!” Kagome interrupted. “Are saying that you are seriously considering dropping out of Psychology??”

“Let me finish, Kagome... please,” and he held out his hand. “Because of the last few days, I realize that I can't continue to pursue that direction... not when...” and he took her hand, and then took her mother's hand, “not when I find myself believing everything you have said.”

“Oh Michael!” Ouna gasped. “I am so sorry, I never dreamed this would have that effect on you! You can't just quit, not now! You have worked so hard to get this far...”

Kagome was speechless. She had known Michael since her first day at Berkley. They had become fast friends, once it was clear that her rear end was off limits to the young Psych major. He held a fascination for Japanese history and tradition that was refreshing in a college full of self possessed, materialistic young people. She had watched him struggle over the years, both financially and emotionally, to get to this place... and he was so nearly done.

“There are other things I can do, with the degrees I have... I can teach, for one!” he announced brightly. “I want you to know, Kagome, that I will be here for you.”

“What do you mean by that?” she looked up at his intensely sincere gaze. “You have always been there for me, why would that change?”

The look on Michaels face was one of relief.

“I didn't know how to tell you, I was afraid you would think that I was going to back away.”

Kagome leaned into the table and took her friend's hand. “Friendship is the most important thing in life. Your choices with your career are your own to make, and I promise you that I will be there for you, too.” She turned his hand over, inspecting the birthmark that she had never noticed before. Was it darker? No... just her imagination...

“Looking back on that encounter with that Limo on the way up here,” Michael looked at Ouna, “I felt something, remember how I said it gave me the creeps?” and he glanced at Kagome for confirmation. She nodded, returning to just holding his hand on the table. “Ouna, I know you have been instructing Kagome... would you consider instructing me as well?”

Kagome's mother had remained silent as she watched the two make their pledge to one another, and at his request, she sat a moment in consideration. How he fit in, she was unsure. That he did fit in, she was certain. What ever was brewing, her Kagome and this man were going to be intimately involved. Most likely Sally as well, and she frowned for a moment, wishing she knew more.

“On one condition, Michael,” she finally responded. “That condition is, that you do no more than take a sabbatical from your thesis work. You must promise that you will not do anything permanent for at least a year.”

“I can agree to that, but may I ask why?”

“It is my condition, for teaching you what I know, that should be sufficient.” She really didn't want him to make a move he would later regret.

Michael nodded, a little surprised by her tone.

From outside, to the front of the house there came a muffled THUMP, and yelp which was followed by a great deal of crashing and banging as Taki and Bo came running into the house.

“Ouna-sama!!! Ouna-sama!! He can't get past the warding!!” shouted Taki as he came breathlessly running into the kitchen. “I think he's mad! Quick!!”

“Kami! OK I am coming...” as she rose to go see what the commotion was about.

“Animal?” asked Michael, and Kagome shook her head not knowing as they followed her mother to the front porch, the sounds of frantic yelping echoing through the house. Upon reaching the front door, they could see the source of the yelping, as an overly large red fox repeatedly bumped into what appeared to be thin air, as it attempted to approach the house. Ouna had broken into peals of laughter, as the fox continued to literally beat it's head against her warding.

“Momma??” gasped Kagome, this thing was bigger than any fox she had ever seen, and she was getting that feeling again. And here her mother just laughed??

“The wards are working well Kagome, can you see?? You will be able to do that... and soon!” and again she laughed heartily as she walked down to the gate, and began dismantling her warding.

“Momma!!!! What are you doing???” Kagome screamed with shock, as she saw the fox gain entry to the front lawn area. It was a demon!! “That's Youkai!!” she screamed. Michael ran past her, assuming an attack position of some martial art next to Ouna, daring the youkai to move closer.

“Ouna-chan, call off your new watchdog, or I will never get to hug you!!” said the fox youkai.

“Oh Michael!! It's OK, honey... this is a friend...” and she patted Michaels shoulder as she passed him to go wrap her arms around the fox's neck, who stood up on two legs, and morphed into an attractive man of his middle years, with large green eyes, elven ears, and long shockingly red hair. “I didn't think you were coming after all! You are late!” as he returned her hug, smiling broadly.

“My little Ouna... I've missed you... it's been too long,” the demon replied.

Michael stood dumbfounded, still maintaining his mock ninja pose, while shock and horror registered on Kagome's face.

“Let go of my mother!!” She demanded, feeling a pulse throughout her body. This is new, she thought, then stormed down the stairs to confront the beast. Holding up her hands she saw they were glowing pink, nearly as brightly as they had in her dream, and this stopped her as she stared at them with an open mouth.

“Kagome, it's OK!” her mother held up her hands, standing to block the youkai from her daughter. “Put your hands down, you don't want to purify him!!”

Purify? Kagome stared at her hands. Is that what this is about?

“She's got the power, Ouna. Does she know how to use it?” asked the demon.

“No, and that makes her all the more dangerous to the likes of you...” she replied in a near whisper. “Now stand back while I calm her down,” and she went to her daughter, who had a look of horror on her face, the glow of her hands subsiding. Taking her daughter into her arms, she hugged her and whispered in her ear.

Michael, thinking better of his ninja attack, assumed a more casual pose, wide eyes on the youkai standing not ten feet in front of him. He could feel him. It was just like the feeling he had when confronted by the limo driver. He backed up a little bit, as the youkai eyed him for a moment before smiling a warm smile. Then he did an amazing thing. He walked up to Michael slowly, and reached out his hand to touch Michael's cheek, and a teardrop made it's way past his eyes.

“It's been a long wait, Hioushi-sama,” and he sniffed, before drawing Michael into a hug.

“Um...” Michael's voice was muffled against the broad shoulder of the demon. “I think there's been some mistake, my name is Michael,” he muttered dumbly, eyes still like saucers.

“You're scaring him...” said Ouna as she walked toward them, arm around her daughter's shoulders. “Kagome, I want you to meet a very dear friend,” she said emphasizing the word. “This is Shippou, he was a traveling companion to my great aunt.” Kagome stared at the demon, unsure how to respond. How do you do? Gee it's nice to meet ya? WHAT am I thinking???

“Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, Ouna. I don't think they are ready for the, as you so well put it, likes of me,” his eyes grew sad.

“Don't be ridiculous, they just need to get used to the idea. They have only recently encountered any youkai at all!” and she went to him to bring his face down and kiss his cheek. “Let's all go inside and visit... Shippou, too much time has passed.” She hooked her arm into the demon's. “How is the family?” And she directed the group back into the house.

“Doing well, we have my grandson enrolled in the city school now,” He replied. “He can maintain a form for ever so much longer than I could at his age. And I can think of no better way to learn the ways of human's than through their education process.”

“I have to agree. It's too bad that other youkai can't assume truly human form.” Ouna responded. “I have always believed that understanding is the key needed to open the door for peace.”

“Wait a minute, Momma,” interrupted Kagome. “You mean to say that there are demon children in the city schools?? What city??”

“San Francisco,” Shippou replied. “My grandson is in your class, Kagome.” He grinned broadly.

Simultaneously Kagome and Michael looked at one another and said “Connor!”

“Ah! So Hioushi-sama has met him as well?” he asked good naturedly.

“Huh?” Kagome's face went blank. “Hioushi-sama?”

“My name is Michael, not hooshi,” Michael sounded irritated.

Kagome gasped with a realization, then started to giggle, as she tugged on Michaels shirtsleeve.

“Mikey-kun! Hioushi is Japanese for Monk... a Buddhist monk!” her titter turned into a full laugh as his jaw dropped.

“What's so funny, you two??” her mother asked as she started the water for some tea.

“Sally has been calling Mikey 'Monk' for quite a while now, a kind of a pet name ...” and she laughed some more. “Only her explanation for it is that he's making up for lost time, monk in a past life...he can be such a hentai!” And she continued to laugh.

At this the fox-youkai grinned.

“And Sally is...?” he asked.

“She's my fiance,” Michael eyed Shippou closely. “She will be coming up from the city tonight... Have we met before?? You seem awfully familiar to me for some weird reason.”

“Fiance... fiance... oh, help me here Ouna...” the demon's face was screwed up digging mentally for the definition.

“Betrothed... mated... same thing, no ceremony yet,” she joined them at the table.

“He's still courting, then?”

“It's past that, I think,” and she winked at Michael.

“So he's marked her...” continued the demon. “But they haven't had the.... what is it... wedding, is that right?”

“Close enough,” and she grinned at Michael's blush.

“Marked?” he asked. Did a tattoo count?

“It's youkai ritual, to mark one's mate,” Shippou explained. “ It binds them permanently and shows the bonding to everyone else, so there is no mistake as to the ... availability of the one in question.” And Kagome gasped.

“What is it, little one?” her mother asked with concern.

“The dream... the first one... the guy in red was...” and her blush grew more crimson.

“Trying in his own way to make an honest woman out of you?” Michael tried to help, suppressing his smirk behind his hand.

“He said I had to agree, and that it would be forever...” and eyes became unfocused.

“She's remembering, Ouna... I don't know if that's bad, or good,” Shippou whispered to his old friend, his eyes sad.

“You don't know the half of it, Shippou.” Ouna rose and went over to the cabinet. “I think I know why the demonic activity in this region has increased,” and she pulled out the specimen jar which still contained the jewel, taking it to the table and setting it down in the center. It pulsed slightly, as the already large green eyes of the youkai grew larger.

“Where? How?” he asked in awe.

“Kagome, last Saturday,” she answered flatly.

“I don't get it...” he looked at Kagome. “You... they... completed it!! I assumed that he made his wish after...” he looked at Ouna, “after she passed away...”

“Apparently not, as you can see,” and she motioned to the jar.

“Cripes Kagome!! Why aren't you wearing it??” he demanded as he grabbed for the jar, the jewel tinkling against it's sides as he started to unscrew the top.

“Wear it??” she asked, looking to her mother for answers.

“My aunt wore it on her neck, under her haori. She said it was safest there, anyone who wanted it would have to go through her.”

“Sounds to me like wearing it would invite trouble, Kagome,” interjected Michael.

“Then tell me Hioushi-sama, where would it be safest? She is the one who keeps it pure, it can be tainted just as easily by the wrong person, anyone with evil intent. And the power can be used either way, now you tell me who should have it? The Miko of Power, or whomever finds it wherever you decide to store it??” Shippou glared at Michael. “I can't believe you just said that!”

“Calm down, Shippou... he doesn't remember anything... this is all new to him,” Ouna interceded. “I don't remember much, myself. You know that.”

“You remember how to set up those damn wards well enough,” he scowled.

“And it's a good thing I do too, the way things have been lately,” she reached over and took his hand. “You weren't expected old friend, the day of your arrival was past. But, I am so very happy to see you now!”

“So this is the same friend you told me about, Momma? The one with such good knowledge of the legends?” Kagome inquired.

“Yes, as I said he was a traveling companion of my great aunt Kagome...” she smiled at Shippou, “Actually a bit more than just a traveling companion.”

Kagome looked at the demon, appraisingly.

“You were the fox kit... that she adopted?” she asked him. “That means that you were there almost from the beginning!!”

“Kagome was like a mother to me, for many years. She and Inuyasha defeated the demons that murdered my parents, all over little tiny pieces of that” and he nodded to the bottle. “Please, Kagome... take the jewel, you are the only one who can keep it pure.”

None of them had touched it, it had remained in the specimen jar since the day Ouna had carried it home in her bag. Kagome tentatively reached for the jar, which Shippou had opened and pushed toward her. Picking it up, she tipped the jewel out into her open palm, a quick intake of breath as she felt the pulsating power.

“It will make you stronger... your power... just don't get pissed and push me, OK?” Shippou grinned. “You're strong enough to do some real damage already without it.”

“How do I wear it? I wouldn't want to mar it with some kind of setting.” She held the sphere against her cheek, it was so warm...it's like it's alive.

“I have an idea,” interjected Michael as he reached back and pulled out his leather hair tie. “This was too long for me anyway...” and he took the length of leather and quickly fashioned a cradle for the jewel. “Put it in there,” and he held it out to Kagome.

She carefully set the jewel into the pocket he had made. He got up, walking around her, tyeing it around her neck as she lifted her hair, making certain that it nestled low between her breasts.

“Problem solved, at least for the time being,” he grinned tossing his long hair before returning to his seat. “What's for lunch Ouna-sama, I am starving!”

“Mmm...”and Shippou looked at Kagome, “How about some ninja food?” Without thinking, Kagome got up from her seat and left the room.“Was it something I said?” He asked, looking at the two remaining at the table, who both shrugged. Only a moment later, Kagome returned with her over sized pack, which she set on the table. Ripping the Velcro of the fastener, she reached in and pulled out a cup of instant ramen.

“I have no idea why I packed these, “ as she pulled out two more. “But for some strange reason I did...” she pulled out yet another Styrofoam cup.

“Ninja food!!” cried out the demon. “You remembered!!”

“Oh, wait...” and she reached in one more time to pull out an over sized lollipop. “Does this mean anything?”

“And the fox asked for a treat...” mused Michael, remembering the dream she had told them about days before. He looked over at Shippou, to see the youkai with tears streaming down his face, nodding.

“It means everything, to me...” he somewhat blubbered, as Ouna patted his hand.