InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Finding Kagome ❯ Chapter Thirty One ( Chapter 31 )

 

 

Chapter Thirty One

 

 

 

“Here, try these,” Selene pulled out yet another pair of shorts for Kagome to try on. “So what do you think of Hojo?”

 

“Um. . . he's everything Mikey said he is. . . but, he forgot to mention the 'good looking' and 'touchy feely' part,” she unzipped the cutoffs to pull them off.

 

They had been at it for an hour of 'try this one', and nothing fit. Kagome was tired of changing clothes.

 

“So you don't like him touching you so much?” Selene sat back on the bed watching Kagome's reaction.

 

“I'm just not used to it, I guess. . . Look Sally, I am about ready to write this off as a total loss, and just go buy a damn swimsuit,” she sighed looking at the pile of clothes on the floor. “Oh! What am I thinking? I can't keep the Jewel hidden in a swimsuit!”

 

“We don't really have time to go buy anything, the guys will be here in half an hour. . .” Selene looked at the leather cord that was securing the Jewel. “I think I might have an idea. . . wait right here,” she got up and left the half naked Kagome scratching her mussed head.

 

She was barely awake when they had started, she needed more coffee. Selene had called her cousin and gotten approval for an earlier arrival and the added guest, meaning Hojo. Kagome sighed. It was as if she had no say in the matter of his coming into her life.

 

“Isn't there a mall on the way there??” Kagome called out, as she reached for her only pair of jeans off the floor.

 

“Oh! You're right! I doubt the guys will want to go shopping though. . .” Selene returned with an ornate jewelry box in her hand. “I keep this around for repairs and stuff, I think I have something in here that will work better than that cord.”

 

“I can just roll these up if I decide to go shelling or something,” Kagome zipped her jeans resignedly, and reached for her tee shirt. Selene was busy at work with a pair of needle nosed pliers on a length of heavy gaged gold tone wire. Kagome watched along in fascination as she formed a spiraled cage.

 

“Here, put the Jewel in this,” she said holding up her work. Kagome did as she was bid, first loosening the knot on the cord, then pulling the Jewel from the knotted basket Michael had fashioned for her on such short notice.

 

Selene then continued her work, bending the wire completely around the jewel so that it was encased, with a double loop at the top..

 

“There, now you can secure it anywhere you want.” She handed the glowing bauble back to Kagome. “On your neck with a chain, or that leather if you want. High, low. . . even in your hair, or around your waist.”

 

Kagome examined the finished product. It was not only serviceable, it was quite pretty. Selene dug in the box and pulled out a gold Figaro chain, handing it to her.

 

“That's only 10 karat, so it's pretty tough. Try it and see if it's long enough,” Selene smiled at Kagome's expression.

 

“Oh, Sally. . . this is too much. . .” she held the Jewel up and slipped the chain through the two loops. “would you?” she asked as she turned lifting her hair.

 

“I think it's just the right length,” Selene secured the lobster clawed clasp, and turned Kagome around. It fell exactly between her breasts. “Just don't wear any really low cut stuff,” she grinned.

 

“Like I would in the first place,” Kagome smirked. She slipped the Jewel down into her sports bra, feeling its pulse next to her heart. “With the right style of suit though, this would work.” She pulled on her tee-shirt.

 

“Let's see what the guys think, maybe they can do the beer run while we make a dash through the mall. . .” Selene grinned. “Power shop!” she pumped her arms as though running.

 

Kagome laughed, her spirits lifting, as she started to pick up the clothes off the floor. Selene joined her, and quickly they had the mess in order.

 

“Coffee. . .” Kagome moaned heading to the kitchen. “Hey,” she called as she reached for the coffee pot, “what's on the menu tonight? Isn't you cousin a veggie?”

 

“I think she's seen the error of her ways, she said something about venison. . . her new boyfriend is a . . . sportsman,” Selene came into the kitchen. “It's really odd that she would team up with someone like that, but then it hasn't been that long since she decided to give up 'anything with a face'. She dropped a lot of weight, had me kinda worried.”

 

“You really need to know what you're doing when you make that kind of change,” Kagome sipped at her coffee. “I knew a girl in school who ended up in the hospital, she became so anemic.”

 

“She told me that he rags on her constantly about her eating. . . I guess I should thank him,”she grinned. “So, how do we tell if he's a good guy or a bad guy?”

 

This got Kagome's attention. She looked up at Selene, her brow furrowed. Is there a way to tell?

“I wish I knew. . .” she finally answered. “But if he's so attentive to her, he can't be all bad, ne?”

 

Suddenly there was a raucous knocking at the door. Selene glanced at the clock, and then nodded to Kagome. The men had arrived.

 

“Good grief! I haven't even brushed my hair!” Kagome ran to lock herself in the bathroom. As she ran the brush through her hair, she tried to analyze the sense of apprehension that was creeping over her.

 

She could hear the others joking beyond the door, and wondered why it was that she seemed to be so out of sync with them. She had never felt that way with Michael and Selene before. It had to be Hojo. Why are they pushing him on me??

 

“'Gome!! Hurry up!!” Selene called to her. “That is IF you want to go POWER SHOPPING!!”

 

Kagome took one last look in the mirror. It'll have to do. . .

 

As she exited the bathroom, she was met with Hojo's warm, brown eyed smile. Why does he have to be so nice? Why does he have to look at me. . . like that??

 

“Kagome. . .” he wrapped his arms around her. “It's good to see you again.”

 

“Um. . .” her eyes darted around for a reasonable response. “It's good to see you too,” she forced a smile, pushing away from the embrace while patting the middle of his chest gently. “Ready to go surfing?” she prayed her cheerful tone didn't sound too forced.

 

“I understand you need to make a stop on the way,” his arms were still out as though poised for another hug. “Anything you need. . . I would be honored. . . if you would allow me.”

 

“Don't be silly, Hojo! My entire life just landed in a dumpster!” She looked up to find hurt disappoint written all over his face. That was mean. . .

 

“You're still mad about last night,” he frowned. “I can't blame you, I would be too.”

 

“I just want to see if I can find something suitable for the beach today. That's all. I can handle it.” She stroked his arm reassuringly.

 

“'Gome, c'mere and show Mikey your new necklace!” came a reprieve from Selene.

 

Kagome walked into the kitchen where they were standing and pulled out the Jewel to show Michael. He reached out to touch the chain, pulling the wire work around the Jewel up for closer examination.

 

“See? It's purtiful, ne?” She grinned, winking at Selene.

 

“Kami. . . You weren't shitting me!” gasped Hojo from behind her as he saw the Jewel for the first time.

 

Kagome twisted her neck around at the profanity and stared at Hojo over her shoulder. Well, maybe he will believe the rest of it with time. But, what's the point? I'm going to Tokyo, and I'm going to find InuYasha. . .

“Very nicely done, my dear. . . very nicely done,” proclaimed Michael, kissing his intended chastely on the cheek. “Shall we be off, then? Sand and surf awaits!”

 

Kagome slipped the Jewel back into her shirt, wondering if Michael had warned Hojo about Miranda's boyfriend. Probably not. . .

 

 

~ooO0Ooo~

 

They probably should have taken two cars, but Selene had insisted they all ride together, and mercifully chose softer music for the trip. Kagome wasn't certain if it was a 'strength in numbers' philosophy or if it was a plot to get the two of them in the back seat together. She strongly suspected the latter, after the music was changed from the customary heavy metal to Spanish guitar.

 

Hojo's arm was draped around her shoulders in possessive fashion, which she tried very hard to ignore. It wasn't working. She was beginning to wonder if she was going to have any say at all in having a relationship with this man.

 

As they approached the mall, Kagome caught sight of a white stretch limousine. The fact that it was parked in front of a motorcycle dealership struck her as a little odd, until she spied a pair of familiar figures speaking with a salesman. Caleb. . .

 

Craning her neck as they drove by caught Hojo's attention, who in turn twisted to see what was of such interest to her.

 

“Seems he's getting around,” he commented softly in her ear. “I looked him up on line this morning, it appears that his younger brother Caleb was missing for a number of years, and he just found him last week in Japan. There was something about amnesia in the article.”

 

This news caught her attention and she turned to face him, forgetting that he was so close to her ear. Their noses brushed, and she backed away with an embarrassed giggle, touching her nose.

 

“Sorry,” she apologized, still grinning.

 

“Don't be,” he smiled pulling her hand from her face, his eyes focusing on her mouth. “That was kind of. . . nice.”

 

“It must be pretty scary to not remember who you are,” she looked down at her hands, avoiding his gaze. “I'm not sure which is worse, not remembering or remembering too much.”

 

That cryptic statement caused Hojo to sit back in his seat, abandoning his attempt at a 'first kiss'. He did not remove his arm from around her shoulders, however while Selene deftly swung into a parking space which had just been vacated, and turned off the engine.

 

Michael, was grinning ear to ear, having surreptitiously watched the unfolding scene in the back seat, though unable to hear the dialog. He glanced back to meet Kagome's glare, and quickly schooled his expression, clearing his throat.

 

“Ok. . . you boys can go do the arcade thing, while we girls go do the clothes thing, sound good?” Selene suggested as she opened her door.

 

“Oh. . .” Hojo looked disappointed. “I was looking forward to helping Kagome pick something out.”

 

Michael stared at him with disbelief. He mouthed the words ' are you NUTS??'

 

“That's my job, surfer boy.” Selene grinned at the exchange between the men. “You would probably like something that's totally inappropriate, anyway. I mean, knowing who you keep company with.” She smirked at Michael, who shrugged innocently. “Ok, on the count of three. . . one. . . two. . . THREE!! POWER SHOP!!”

 

All four piled out of the car running full speed toward the doors of the mall, Hojo lagging slightly at first not knowing the routine. Once inside they split off in two directions, Michael having to snag Hojo by the sleeve to tug him away from Kagome and toward the arcade, nearly pulling the man off his feet in the process.

 

Selene and Kagome ran into the department store, and through it to the women's department, laughing heartily as astonished shoppers gaped at them. Kagome stopped at the swimming suits, and began quickly rifling through the hangers making editorial noises in the process. Selene hit another rack and began doing the same, sans the editorial.

 

“Feh. . . Blech. . . mmm. . . ugh. . . ah. . . OH NO. . .” Kagome commented shaking her head.

 

“Ooo. . . lemme see the OH NO, 'Gome!” Selene peeked up over her rack.

 

Kagome held up a fishnet woven string bikini barely draped on the hanger. Selene looked at it, then looked Kagome over, and tilted her head with a raised brow, grinning as she nodded rapidly.

 

“OH NO!! The doc said I have to keep my incision out of the sun for SIX MONTHS!” It was her best excuse, and she used it proudly. “How many you got?”

 

“Three. . . you?” Selene replied.

 

“Me too, lets go!” and they darted to the dressing rooms.

 

 

 

~ooOO0OOoo~

 

 

“Ok, so tell me, doctor,” Hojo aimed the rifle at the buck that wandered onto the screen, “is she really that shy, or is she just playing hard to get?” He fired five times rapidly to watch the buck wander off the screen again.

 

“Kagome is an innocent, I told you that. I don't think she would know how to play hard to get. She's never been. . . caught.” Michael pursed his lips, folding his arms across his chest. “Maybe we should play something else?”

 

“She seems obsessed with Inudono. . .” Hojo aimed at the bear this time, a slower target. “Why is that, Mike?” He again fired five times rapidly and stood back to watch the bear amble off the screen.

 

“I'm sure it's because she doesn't know why he approached her, or whether she can trust him.” Michael grabbed the rifle away from Hojo with a pointed look, and dropped it into it's rack, clearly ending the session. “He's only the second either of us has come into any close contact with,” Michael scratched at his chin, looking around for something less challenging for them to play. “Today will be interesting, good chance of number three.”

 

“Oh really? And you expect this to happen where?” Hojo still didn't quite sound convinced.

 

“Miranda's,” Michael paused a moment, realizing that he hadn't mentioned this little detail. “Selene suspects that Miranda's new beau is actually. . . one of them.”

 

“What would make her think something like that?” Hojo leaned against the game console, folding his arms.

 

“Changes in her attitude, and some of the things she told Sally that the guy had said. . . just a real 'pro youkai' philosophy,” he glanced around to be certain he hadn't drawn any attention with use of the term.

 

“I feel like I have been sleeping under a rock, you talk about this so easily,” Hojo pulled away from the console. “Wanna drink? I'm thirsty.”

 

“Yeah, sure,” Michael glanced at his watch. “If you wait another thirty seconds, the girls can join us. . .”

 

“Huh?” Hojo stopped to watch Michael do a countdown. “You're kidding, right?”

 

“Nope, I know how much Sally hates to shop. . .” he grinned and raised his right hand with two fingers out, dropping it with the count. “Ten. . . nine. . . eight. . . seven. . .”

 

“Oh for Pete's sake!” Hojo was near to laughing.

 

“Three. . . two. . . one. . .” Michael looked up and grinned at Hojo's expression as the two women darted into the arcade, giggling with their cheeks flushed from the run. “You find what you needed?”

 

“mmhmm,” they affirmed nodding in unison, eyes bright.

 

The sight of Kagome, flushed and smiling moved Hojo into compulsion. His actions purely instinctive, he rushed to her and grabbed her into a bear hug, sweeping her off of her feet as he buried his face into her neck.

 

“Hojo!!” she squealed as Selene and Michael gasped, jaws nearly hitting the floor. “What are you doing!?!?” She slapped at his arms, her shopping bag flailing.

 

He set her down reluctantly with a sheepish grin. Backing up a step, he glanced back at Michael, embarrassment apparent on his face.

 

“I'm sorry, it's just. . .” he looked into her eyes, “you're just so beautiful. . . I couldn't help myself.”

 

Kagome couldn't close her mouth, as she gaped him, then at Michael and Selene.

 

“Well, I hate to admit this. . .” Selene ventured, “but I am envious. Yo, monk! Where's mine?”

 

“My dear Selene. . . He may be younger and faster. . . but I have experience and passion,” he winked as he drew her into an embrace, whispering into her ear, “and a lifetime lost to make up for.”

 

“Promise to stay with me this time? I couldn't do it without you before, I can't now. . .” her whispered words caused him to draw back and look into her eyes.

 

The haunted expression that he didn't care to see there told him that she was remembering more than she claimed.

 

“I promise you. . . I swear to you. . . I will never leave you like that again.” It was a sacred vow he offered her, and she accepted it as such. “Look at us now. . . I never really left you,” and he kissed her softly.

 

“Wow. . . well, I know when I am outclassed,” Hojo grinned, leaning on one hip as he observed the scene.

 

A pair of warm golden eyes, and lips that were rose petal soft drifted through Kagome's mind. She darted a guilty glance at Hojo. Just let me get through this day. . . Kami don't let him fall in love with me! I can't return it. . .

 

“Hey, let's go! Sun's a wastin'!” Kagome urged them.

 

“Ok, InuYasha. . . sheesh!” Selene mumbled, to Michael's astonishment.

 

“What did you just say?” Kagome didn't believe she had heard correctly.

 

“You know damn well what I said! You sound just like your mate, I swear his impatience rubbed off on you!” Selene accused with a good natured grin.

 

“I hope. . . when you say mate. . . you mean a really good friend. . .” Hojo was once again perplexed.

 

“Oh. . .um. . .” Selene blanched.

 

Kagome saw her chance and she took it. He's already too attached. . .

 

“No, Hojo. . .” she turned to him, “she means my life mate. . . my lover, my husband,” She looked up at him pointedly, “. . . the other half of me. . .” she trailed off. Having intended to make a point, she had caused a horrible hollow place to form in her midsection instead. “Can we just GO, already??”

 

“Mike. . .” Hojo looked lost.

 

Kagome grabbed Selene's arm and pulled her forcefully out of the arcade, needing desperately to just get outside. That was being mean again. . . I hate it when I am mean. . . He can't have my heart, it already belongs to someone else. . . I just need to find him.

 

“I'm so sorry 'Gome,” Selene shook her head, looking as though she were about to cry. “I spoke before I thought, I am so so sorry.”

 

“You didn't do anything wrong, Hojo is in a hurry for something. . . something I don't have to give to him. All you did was make it possible for me to acknowledge my own heart.

 

“But. . . you can't think that. . .” she couldn't say it.

 

“That he's out there somewhere? I sure as Hell can think it. . . You used to tease me about it, remember? Being in love with the hanyou. . . well, now I know why.”

 

“The monk says he's dead, Kagome. . . that he's not out there,” Selene eyes carried a deep sadness.

 

Kagome stopped walking.

 

“He can't possibly know,” she responded shaking her head. “Shippou said he hadn't seen him, that he assumed that he had used the Jewel. . . but I have the Jewel now, so. . . he didn't. . . so he's got to be out there, somewhere.”

 

“What if he did die? What will you do then??” Selene was becoming frantic, she knew where this was going.

 

“Then I will keep looking for him, because I am here, right? Then he has to be. . . somewhere.” Kagome's jaw was set, and Selene knew there was no more discussion when that happened.

 

The men were slowly approaching them, holding an animated discussion in heated whispers. Both of them gesturing for emphasis in turn on some point.

 

Selene busied herself by checking the clamps on the roof which were holding the surf board in place, then unlocked the car, casting a glance at Kagome who for all intent was pouting in the best hanyou fashion. She looked angry with her arms folded and hint of a scowl on her face, almost as if she were daring someone to flick that invisible chip off her shoulder.

 

“Are we ready yet?” Kagome for all effect growled with a raised brow at the two men.

 

“Yes, my dear Kagome, we are quite ready now,” Michael placated.

 

Selene changed her music selection to her standard, and the rest of the ride to Miranda's beach house was made in merciful silence. That is, other than the wild guitar riffs.

 

Kagome laid her head against the back of the seat, and pulled up her Tree, and again there were those amazing, warm, golden eyes superimposed on the serene scene. Eyes so much like. . . Caleb's. . .

 

 

 

 

~ooO0Ooo~

 

 

 

“Oi!! Woman!! What the hells do you think you are doing??” Kouga's snarl brought Miranda to pause, bent in half over the huge stainless steel tub.

 

“I think that I am putting ice in this tub, here. . .” she straightened up, arching against the pull on her lower back., “so the beer will stay cold?” She turned to face her mate, amazed as always at the intensity in his eyes.

 

Her own eyes traced his frame appreciatively, the changes with his new wardrobe were less than subtle, but he was still her Kouga. Jeans and a tee shirt, standard beach bum wear for today, though he had a variety of options in her closet now.

 

She had talked him into wearing his hair down, pulled over his delicious, however startlingly unique ears. She had returned his headband, when he presented her with one of her own, very similar though her band was a soft cream color.

 

“That's not for you. . . to do work like that. . . you should make Ginta do it.” He stood proudly in his best 'Peter Pan' pose with his hands on his hips, though the effect was lost somewhere with the new attire and the absence of his sword. “Or call for me, I would do it. . . You should be resting after this morning. . .” his eyes were softer than his tone, with a hint of worry behind them.

 

“It's nothing, I was a little nauseous. . .” she waved it off and offered him a toothy smile, drawing close to enough to drape her arms over his shoulders. “It's to be expected with the diet changes, lover.”

 

“You puked. . . several times. . . and it's not the damn diet changes,” he drew her close and placed his hand on her abdomen, stroking gently. “Please. . . go easy, koishii.”

 

“I just want everything nice, I don't entertain often. . .” she nuzzled his neck, instinctively drawing her tongue across her mark, drawing a low moan from him. “I think you will like my cousin, she's a lot of fun.”

 

“You need to stop that, my mate. . . or we'll be too busy with our own fun when she gets here,” he chuckled, running his hands along the lines of her back.“Come, sit with me,” he drew her to the steps, and they sat with her back to his, as he rested his chin on her shoulder, stroking her stomach soothingly.

 

The sun was high, and it was warm and breezy as the salt air brushed lightly at their hair.

 

Miranda couldn't help but sigh contentedly. Not only had he returned to her, but he had stayed with her, leaving only for short periods to hunt or fish. Her freezer was full now, with a variety of things which all had faces at one time, though this didn't seem to bother her as much as she would have thought.

 

She winced as she remembered the altercation between them the first time he brought her a fish. On her protest that 'it has a face' he had abruptly decapitated the thing with his claw, and announced 'Not anymore, wench. . . NOW will you fucking eat it?' It had taken several hours of heated discussion before she finally acquiesced and had a small portion.

 

The making up had been the best part, that was when she had gotten to bite him back. . . not realizing that in doing so she sealed their union, effectively making herself the chief's mate and some kind of royalty with their tribe, and that made Kouga very happy. She didn't understand it all, but that was alright for now.

 

Miranda ran through her to do list mentally, hoping she had not left anything unfinished.

 

“Stop that. . .” he murmured in her ear. “Every thing's fine. . . every thing's perfect.”

 

“What, you read my mind now?” she grinned, putting her hand over his on her abdomen.

 

“Nah. . . I read your scent,” he kissed her neck.

 

“So, you're saying. . . I stink?” she teased.

 

“Like a flower does. . .” she could feel his smile against her neck. “You are my flower. I have to be careful to not crush you,” he squeezed her tightly, which made her laugh.

 

His head perked up at a far sound that she couldn't hear.

 

“What is it?” she looked up at his chiseled features, intent on what he was hearing.

 

“Someone comes. . . I hear. . . loud music,” his eyes widened slightly. “and I feel something. . . spiritual power, it can't be just one person.”

 

“That would be Selene with her music. . . the power. . .” she thought a moment, still unable to hear what he did, “that would most likely be Kagome.”

 

He nearly knocked her off the step as he jumped up.

 

“Kagome!!” he stared at her wide eyed. “You said her friend was a school teacher, you said NOTHING about a Priestess!!”

 

Miranda smiled, rising from her seat when she realized that the name meant something to him. So. . . I did something right for a change. . .

 

“Think of it as a. . . wedding present of sorts. . .” she kissed his cheek lightly, and went inside for one last check of her appearance, no sense in shocking Selene too abruptly.

 

 

 

~ooO0Ooo~

 

 

 

 

As they turned onto the beach side road, Hojo perked up from his pout in the back seat. He sat forward and watched the surf with an excitement and longing that made Kagome smile. She liked to see people happy, and it was apparent that the beach made Hojo very happy.

 

She had to admit to herself that she really did enjoy the candor and openness of his expressions. Just so long as they weren't directed at her personally. That made her uneasy, and a bit guilty. Though she wasn't certain exactly what it was she had to be guilty for. She hadn't asked for him to be plopped into her life.

 

In fact she had warned Michael to not do something like this. Why would he do it anyway??

 

They pulled up to a lone house of wind roughened wood, along a stretch of pristine beach. There was a small garden in the front, and a sliding glass door on the south side that opened to a small deck area that was festooned with plants.

 

Kagome noted a striking figure of a man with long black hair standing there, and as they pulled in to park he was joined by an equally striking woman with rich auburn hair. The man was definitely youkai.

 

“What an amazing spot!! It's like. . . no one is around!!” Hojo gasped, jumping out of the car and working on the clamps to his board.

 

“Mikey. . .” Kagome hesitated. “He won't say anything about the Jewel will he?”

 

“Oh, hell. . .” and Michael jumped out of the car to grab Hojo.

 

“Well. . .” Selene smiled at her cousin and waved, holding up one finger. “He is one, isn't he?”

 

“Yes,” Kagome affirmed. “Now we just figure out if he's a good guy or a bad guy, right?”

 

“No time like the present,” and she climbed out of the car, followed by Kagome.

 

“Sally!!” Miranda called trotting down the stairs to give her cousin a hug.

 

“Woman!! DAMNIT!!” Kouga followed her, looking like he was about tear her to pieces.

 

Kagome blanched at the fierceness of that look, stopping in her tracks.

 

“Oh stop it!! Kouga I am fine!! I can still walk!” she argued as she hugged Selene a second time. “He's entirely overprotective. Come here, and meet Sally. . .”

 

“Have you been sick?” Selene asked with concern. “Is today a bad day for this?”

 

“No, just a little nausea is all, seems to hit in the mornings. But I am great for the afternoons!” Miranda beamed, then glanced at Kagome, who was anxiously holding back. “You must be Kagome, don't be shy!!” and she beckoned to her.

 

Kouga froze for a moment, eying the miko. She wasn't the same girl. Had he really expected her to be the same girl? But this one was every bit as powerful, maybe more so.

 

“Randy. . . are you pregnant?” Selene asked, wide eyed. Miranda glanced back at Kouga, who met her gaze with a hint of pride.

 

“It's looking that way,” she blushed.

 

“No, not showing yet,” Kouga interjected, reaching his hand around his mate, to hold her abdomen. “But I know,” he nuzzled her neck.

 

“Have we met before, Kouga?” Kagome asked, moving closer to them, tilting her head slightly. “Something about you is very. . . familiar. . .”

 

“Your name. . . I once new a girl. . .” he trailed off, then shook himself. “But that was a long time ago.”

 

Michael and Hojo joined the group, Hojo carrying his surfboard.

 

“This girl, she was a miko?” Kagome pried, peering at him.

 

“Mikey! Hojo. . . is it? Come, I have a tub of beer just waiting for you!” Miranda bid them follow her. “Selene, you brought your guitar?? Where is it??” she called back.

 

“Oh!! It's in the trunk,” and Selene ran back to the car.

 

“Yes, the girl. . . she was a miko,” his gaze pierced through her eyes, like he was trying to identify something deeper. “She was. . . a dear person to me.”

 

Kagome had to school her features. This was amazing, it was unbelievable, she hadn't felt an immediate sense of kinship with Shippou consciously, but she did with this demon. Perhaps the link between this life and the last was growing stronger. Perhaps more of her relationships with demons had been friendship, rather than enemies. Kouga did not feel like an enemy.

 

“Kagome Higurashi, the miko. . . was my ancestor,” she ventured. “You must be. . . very ancient if you knew her.”

 

Selene returned holding her guitar bag to hear the last of this. Her eyes narrowing on the demon, she straightened, widening her stance as if ready for attack.

 

“What possessed you to take my cousin as mate?” she demanded. “Don't you have enough females of your own kind?”

 

Kouga stared at the obviously angry woman in front of him. Kagome held a hand out in front of Selene, a gesture bidding her to stop and calm down.

 

“You don't like me. . . that's OK. . . I love Miranda, and she is my woman,” he returned the glare, “and there is nothing you can do to change that. It's done.”

 

On hearing these words Kagome's head tilted to the side, as she had a brief bright flash of memory. Shards . . . he had shards, and he needed me to find more. . . no, wait. . . he needed me to find a particular shard, to stop the attacks on his people. . . “I love Kagome!! She is my woman!!” but. . . I wasn't. . . my heart belonged to someone else. . . InuYasha, please save me!!

 

“Kami!!” she exclaimed. It was possibly the strongest memory so far, and it frightened her and elated her at the same time. She looked around herself, trying to focus on the here and now, working to ground herself.

 

Selene watched her friend blank and then come back, looking at Kouga with a strange sense of astonishment. Michael saw this too, and came running down the stairs to join them.

“What did you say to her?” he demanded, putting a protective arm around Kagome.

 

“I spoke to Sally, not her. . .” an air of confusion around him, he gestured toward Selene who was still in combat stance. “Isn't that other guy Kagome's man? Where is he? She reeks as much of you as Sally here! Some of him, but more of you. . .”

 

“Kouga!! Settle down, lover. . .” Miranda rushed to diffuse the situation. “They are all pack mates. . . of course she carries his scent.” She stroked his arm soothingly.

 

“I see we have some cultural differences to work through,” Michael muttered as Kagome pushed away from him, and offered them all a bright smile.

 

“I'm fine! I just remembered something that I didn't remember forgetting, but it's OK now, because Kouga and Miranda just look so. . . Happy together!! Don't they?” she fairly well gushed. “Did you say you have some beer, Miranda? I'm thirsty!”

 

They could see Hojo down on the beach waxing his board, as they all went to the deck. He had stripped down to his swim shorts, and Kagome couldn't help herself as she ogled him sans clothing. The man just looked nice, even if he was the only one around with hair shorter than his shoulders. Michael saw this and grinned.

 

“You are going to explain that little episode back there to me later, aren't you?” He whispered in her ear.

 

“Which one?” she smirked before drinking deeply on her beer. She was determined to have some fun today, now that she had concluded that Kouga was no threat.

 

“Hm. . . good point. . .” and he watched Hojo run out into the surf with his board.

 

 

 

~ooO0Ooo~

 

 

 

A/N :: I am updating now because I have a busy week and it may be a few days before I can get the next chapter finished. I am having too much fun with these characters, I am turning into a bit of a sadist with poor Hojo Sigh never knew I had it in me.

 

Gotta rush off and get ready for work now, so will do review responses on the next post, THANK you for the wonderful words of encouragement! You guys are the greatest!!

 

 

Until Next Time!!

 

metsuki