InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Head Over Heels ❯ And Everything After ( Chapter 30 )

 

 

 

Chapter Thirty

…And Everything After

 

Kagura:

 

That evening I sat exhausted in a plastic chair at the foot of Kohaku's bed. He was alive and well… talking.

 

Being dead had taken it's toll but he seemed to be bouncing back and if Nanny Jane was the norm, then I expected him to spring into a series of energetic hand stands. Instead he was pushing his fork around a plate of unidentifiable hospital sludge. The hospital was keeping him a day or two for observation despite his miraculous come back.

 

Sango sat by his elbow. “Okay I wouldn't eat that either. Here, have some…” She squinted at the orange squares in the green plastic bowl, “jello?”

 

Sango sat the bowl on Kohaku's tray and he pushed them away. “I hate jello.”

 

“Eat something, please. It's been awhile since your last, real meal.” I saw Sango glance at the clock over Kohaku's bed. Had it really been only twenty four hours?

 

Kohaku's pale lips thinned. “I HATE jello.”

 

Sango's forehead wrinkled, I leaned back fully expecting a fight. Instead Sango sniffled, “That's right… you hate jello.”

 

Then a single tear slid down her cheek and she threw her self on Kohaku, hugging him and sobbing at the same time. “I love that you hate jello!”

 

Okay… this scene just got a bit too mushy, I am outta here. “I think you two could use a little alone time. I'll just hop on down stairs and get some real food.”

 

As I left I heard Kohaku ask over Sango's sobs, “I want a strawberry shake.”

_-_-_-_

 

Even though it was New Year's Day the hospital Wendy's was still open. I leaned my elbows on the counter while ordering. “I need six burgers, eight fries, six Cokes and one extra large strawberry milkshake.” I figured it'd be best to have enough food for everyone.

 

The pimpled teenage reject who was lucky enough to man the counter on a holiday smirked. “We here at Wendy's don't serve strawberry shakes.”

 

What the hell? What hamburger joint didn't have strawberry shakes? I rolled my eyes, “Oh come on!”

 

The clerk didn't say a word so I sighed, “Okay how about chocolate then.” Kohaku had requested strawberry but it would have to do.

 

“We only have chocolate frosties,” snarked the sixteen year old virgin asshole. Well I had no proof of said virginity but it was a safe guess.

 

“What the FUCK is a frostie?” Now he'd gone and done it. I was pissed. It wasn't over the lack of milkshakes, but because of the pleasure he was deriving from my disappointment. Give a little runt a touch of meaningless power and this is how he behaves!

 

Gusts of wind bellowed around my feet and rose with my hands to scatter a huge stack of tiny napkins to all corners of the restaurant.

 

Clerk boy's face paled and he began to slowly back up as he stuttered, “Uh… it's soft serve ice cream…”

 

Only the Boogeyman is scarier than the wrath of my petty temper. Oh who am I kidding, not only do I love the Boogeyman, I'm a huge fan, a fact I'd never admit in public of course. If the Boogeyman is anything like he's portrayed in The Nightmare Before Christmas than I already know he's my kind of guy.

 

I sparked my ruby red eyes at him. “Okay lady if it means that much to you… how about a free frostie?”

 

Oh goodie! My fast food prospects were looking up. I cocked a cool eye brow a la Sesshomaru. “How about four free frosties.” That meant one for each of us.

 

He threw up his hands in defeat and I noticed he was a nail biter, even his poor cuticles were a lost cause. I'm sure that was sanitary. His voice shook only slightly, “Sure what ever you want. Just don't come back here… ever.”

 

I shrugged; there wasn't a chance in hell, of that happening. “Kid, ya got yourself a deal.”

 

_-_-_-_

 

The folly in scaring Clerk boy into giving me free loot was now I was forced to carry it all back to Kohaku's room. I spent most of the walk dodging the guilt that ate at the edges of my mind.  

 

Even though I still couldn't figure out what Wendy's had against milk shakes, it had been out right wrong to push matters until he'd shoved even the bags of fries and hamburgers at me, yelling, “It's on the house!” then ducked under the counter where I could practically hear him shivering.

But didn't he have it coming? He probably got his rocks off ruling the burger counter day in and day out. Odds were sooner or later he'd be knocked into a good douse of reality, if it wasn't me surely someone else would've done it. Also with the bookshop burnt down, I was newly jobless and in no condition to be spending money on burgers and shakes… Opps, I mean FROSTIES.

I stood waiting for the hospital elevator balancing the frosties in one hand, the bags in the other.  All and all I put up with a lot of crap. And I don't mean fetching the burgers, after all I imagine dying really takes it out of you and a growing boy does need his daily dose of dead cow.

I'd let my human boss, tell me to cancel the Christmas holiday I'd been granted well over a year ago. I let Sesshomaru install an unwanted security system in my apartment. I was such a mess even the dead ran rickshaw over my life. For Christ sake's even the dead pick on me? What kind of yokai was I?

 

These days, my scare factor was ringing in on the negative nil scale, unless you count petrified pimpled losers.

The elevator beeped and the doors slowly slid open. Seeing it was empty I stomped into the car and pressed the button for the 4th floor. The doors slid shut and I turned to find an angry old lady next to me. She was dressed in her Sunday's best, her hair pulled back into a severe bun; obviously pissed about her new found lot in the after life.  She stuck her bony finger in my face and shook it vigorously while yelling at me in silence.

At first my stomach did a firm flop, she was the first ghost I'd seen after the incident in the waiting room. I'd left the katana in Kohaku's room and now I regretted it. Suddenly my fear broke and underneath was a hearty stock of fury.

I'D HAD ENOUGH.

She yanked on my shirt sleeve and my powers must have gotten stronger because I felt it and turned my head turned to face the shade. “Lady go get fucked.”

Her thin white eyebrows shot up and she shook a thin fist at me as she faded away. My heart beat hard in my chest. When the bell dinged for the fourth floor I almost missed it.

Even though the fourth floor was a fresh assault on my delicate sense of smell, I barely paid it any mind. I'd just run off a ghost.

 

_-_-_

 

That night I sat on my dilapidated couch just absorbing the day. Even though it was lightly snowing outside, my apartment was somehow stuffy. My hair stuck to my sweaty forehead as I lay back and stared at the ceiling.

 

Sesshomaru's sword was safely stowed under my bed, cleverly concealed under a mountain of shoe boxes. My temples pounded out my pulse and it was the only sound in my head.

 

My last coherent thought was the memory of a live newscast I'd seen months ago. A reporter with solid hard helmet blonde hair was interviewing an athlete who completed the Boston marathon. What separated him from the crowd, attracting every reporter on site, was the fact he'd lost both legs from the knees down and in fact was running on clever prosthetics.

 

I, who had two perfect legs, had no chance in hell of even making it to the finish line but a man who had no legs had not only completed the race but finished in the top quarter.

 

The reporter flashed the camera a fake grin, and proclaimed the runner to be a hero.

 

He winced and lost his temper. Oh the joys of live news casts, otherwise this would have never graced my humble TV. “I'm no hero!”

 

She frowned, “Excuse me?”

 

“Yeah I lost my legs. I didn't have a choice. But I'm just trying to live my life. That isn't heroic. It isn't running into a burning building. This is every day life. I'm just doing what I have to. Nothing more nothing less. Before the accident I loved to run.”

 

She quickly interjected, “But that is heroic, you didn't give up!”

 

He closed his eyes and turned his face momentarily towards the sky. “It's just a life, my life. I'm sick of you people acting like I saved someone from a sinking boat or something. Can't you see! I'm just a regular person, making it. My other option was to lie down and die and I'm way too chicken shit to take that option.”

 

The reporter was glaring at him no doubt dreaming of strangling him with the cord to her microphone.

 

Until today I've never quite understood what he meant. Today changed my life. Kohaku was alive, and I was no longer afraid. It had all happened under extraordinary circumstances but I was still just me and there was nothing amazing about that.

 

I also knew it was because of me, Sesshomaru had decided to save Kohaku. The whole thing was insane but that changed nothing. I was still a girl, confused and upset over a guy. A guy who was a big jerk, who liked to be in charge of EVERYTHING, a guy who gave me an amazing gift, which I prayed he didn't need back anytime in the near future.

 

After all it's not as though I can claim it was stolen or misplaced. A magical sword? I'd better take good care of it, in case he does come for it. It'd be too awkward to be forced to admit I ruined the blade using it to shave my legs or scrap old gum off my shoes. Not that I was contemplating any such things…

 

The way he rode to my rescue in true knight in shining armor style didn't change the fact he wanted me to be someone I'm not.

 

Honestly, now that I seemed to free of my supernatural fan club, the occasional ghost I can handle but the goblins…

 

But it didn't matter because now, I was free. Free to get a good night's sleep, lead a regular life. Hell I could even look for a real job. The kind that leads to a career, with paid vacation even. The kind they don't cancel. Of course I had no idea in hell what I actually wanted to do. My life was based on living in the moment. I have no experience in planning for the future. Suddenly the notion of my future was almost as scary as the silent dead shades that until now ruled my meager existence.

 

_-_-_-_
Three days later I was spending my Wednesday putting the finishing touches on Miroku's W2's. Normally I would be worried about the moral dilemma of handling my coworker's personal income information, okay not worried per say, but bugging the hell out of Miroku about it just for kicks, but it was officially a moot point. He was selling the store and moving into his new profession.

Usually I never tackle such mundane numerical tasks without a cup of frothy Starbucks at my elbow but being unemployed had humbled me to a meager cup of tea. Okay not overly humbled as it was a Twining's Lady Gray. I took a long drink and closed my eyes.  

It was official.

I'd gone from a paying job and boyfriend to alone and unemployed in… I squinted at the calendar and reached for my glasses, five simple days. It probably wasn't worth mentioning my boyfriend was sorta evil and my job was sorta menial.

I shrugged and tried to ignore Sushi's fishy glare. It killed me to admit it but I loved that bookstore. It was no office with a view but it was a place to go with people I knew.

Miroku didn't even bother masking his joy at being rid of the bookstore when he called to check on his tax forms. “Kagura, I'm sorry but it's for the best. And I owe you big time! Thanks to you, I'm cured of my fear of… crickets.”

He is such a rotten liar; I rolled my eyes ready to come back with, `What are you talking about?' He thought he was so slick, still trying to trick me into a confession.

Instead of baiting him I surprised myself, “How much are you asking for the store?”

“My agent advised me it was unlikely anyone would pay more than fifty, unless I was willing to wait for some big corporation to make an offer, which is possible but could take months.”

Wow, fifty grand. I didn't have that kind of money under my couch cushions. I shuddered. Perhaps it was best not to contemplate what exactly was under the cushions of my couch.
 
I leaned forward and said before I could stop myself, “What if say… I bought it. How much would you sell it for?”

He laughed, “I'd give it to you for forty, because you'd need all the funds you could get to fix up the dump. Really Kagura, it's the Money Pitt. It's a black hole, vampire store that will suck the life out of your checking account and soul. Don't tell that punk Kohaku I said this, but losing it might be good for me.”

I smirked, “That's a generous offer, considering the fact you are also getting insurance money for the damages.” Hey you can't fool the lady who does the books!

“Oh please, the policy payout was a mere pittance.” He paused and I heard a soda can pop open. “Really Kagura, why would you hang that yoke around your neck?”

These past days I have felt, free. No headaches and no missed sleep. I leaned back in my chair stretching my arms and back, “I don't know Miroku. I just feel like I should do something.”

And that was the God's truth. I now saw light were there had been shadow. For the first time in my life I wasn't tired. Sesshomaru's wondrous sword lay in it's box hidden under my bed beneath an inconspicuous pile of shoe boxes. I don't pretend to understand how it worked or even why he gave it to me but ever since I laid eyes on it, my life changed directions.

It was at least the ultimate in pointy good luck charms. So good in fact I decided NOT to sell it on EBay. Though it had been tempting. For sale: One life giving sword. Shipping not included. Don't bid if you have a negative feed back. Reserve price not yet met.

Miroku gave a long tortured sigh, “Women. I'll never understand you.”

My lips tugged downward. “What the hell does this have to do with my gender you twisted little fuck?”

“Everything probably. But if you're basing your business plan on a feeling… then I suppose there's no hope for you.”

I watched Sushi follow my fingertip as I trailed it over the smooth cool glass of his bowl, “That's where you're wrong. There's hope for everyone.”

Not that I was ready to buy stock in hope but I didn't see why I shouldn't give it a chance. Oh wait… buying a store was bigger than stock.

Hook line and sinker, I was up over my head.

 

_-_-_

 

The next day found me sitting some place much scarier than the hospital, in front of a loan officer. He must've been the rebel of Citibank; his dark hair was long and pulled back, but not too much of a radical. His lips set in a tight grimace over his teeth. “Your investments would make suitable collateral but I'm not sure that bookstore is a wise decision. Are you planning on waiting for a big box store to snatch it up?”

My sunglasses slid down the bridge of my sweaty nose. Today I'd thought it best to dress down my idiosyncrasies. One mustn't terrorize the people in charge of her money. That always been a deep core belief in my family; our only family value. “No. I was thinking of running it.”

He blinked and flipped through the papers by his keyboard. “Your friend… Miroku hasn't turned a profit on the store in a year and in December, he barley broke even. You did the accounting, you already know that.”

I shrugged and cursed whoever in fashion decided women needed shoulder pads in their jackets. I had meant to cut them out but as usual forgot. Oh well I supposed I needed all the under armor I could muster today. “I was thinking of changing it up a bit.”

“What are your ideas?” He tilted his head in such a way that said I was a fool for coming here today without any ideas.

“Children's books?” My suggestion even made me nauseous. I didn't mind kids so much but their mortal parents! Ugh.

A loud knock came at the door and it flew open to reveal a large man in a pinstripe suit, the stripes seemed to on the verge of bursting. “Bill! Are you coming to lunch with us? It's roasted turkey day…”

A rank cologne that had all the attributes of a bad cigar filled the small room. My nose started with a twitch then the stench began strangling me. I tried to hold back but broke down coughing.

Bill merely cleared his throat, “Joe... I'm with a client.”

The robust Joe sputtered, “Uh my apologies.” Then he retreated and shut the door quietly behind him.

The door knob clicked into place and Bill tossed me a box of tissues. I wiped my nose and tried to find a breath of fresh air. “Jesus, does he bathe in that?”

Bill laughed, “The sad thing is, he's gotten better over the years, if you can believe that. It used to be much worse!”

My sunglasses fell into my lap. I laughed, “I can't imagine what it's like sharing a taxi with that guy. Talk about a weapon of mass destruction…”

Joe was staring at me. Oh shit. I'd said something horribly wrong. “Um… that was out of line. I shouldn't have said that…”

“No, you're fine.” He was still watching me, mouth slightly agape.

I stood. “You're right. The bookstore's a bad idea. Thanks for your time.”

He beat me to the door, moving faster than I expected. “No, please sit back down.”

I took a step back and heard the crunch of my sunglasses under the heel of my boot. Shit. Those were nice glasses and now I knew what Bill had been staring at.

My eyes have always been ruby red but ever since Sesshomaru, they seemed to be… glowing. It disturbed a few folks so I'd started being cautious.

 

Bill smiled revealing a set of fangs identical to my own. He pulled his hair free and I saw the tips of his ears were also pointed. I sat back down and crossed my legs. “Nice. Too bad there isn't a secret handshake. We should really look into that.”

He sat on the edge of his desk. “If we had one, some old fashioned yokai would probably insist it involve killing something.”

Somehow his words invoked the image of Sesshomaru and I shook my head to rid myself of it. “There's always one bad apple huh?”

Bill tilted his head in thought, pretending not to be admiring my short skirt. I knew I was decently covered and decided to let it go, but only if he came up with a really good idea. Otherwise… My nails dug into the wood of his arm chair. “You should cater to the Yokai community.”

It was an interesting notion but not well thought out. “It would only attract humans.”

Bill's eyes finally abandoned my legs for my face. “You start off by collecting a few rare interesting volumes and do most of your business online. Have some stuff in the store but keep the good old dusty mortal classics. It's a win-win. The Yokai will pay the bills and you can still sell those Jane Austins.”

It was a brilliant idea. Why hadn't I thought of it? Sesshomaru would say it's because I've spent too much time around humans. Screw him. “I hate Jane Austin.”

Bill laughed, “Liar. Okay Orson Scott Card then.”

I leaned back in the leather chair. “Now you're talking.”

Finally a plan I could live with. Surely some yokai was in search of a copy of Cooking Mortals for Dummies? Or the latest issue of Yokai Bride. Hey a girl's gotta start somewhere.

_-_-_-_

“I think we've all arrived at a very special place. Spiritually, ecumenically, grammatically.” …Captain Jack Sparrow

The Devil's Dictionary:

 

Debt: An ingenious substitute for the chain and whip of the slave-driver.

Heaven: A place where the wicked cease from troubling you with talk of their personal affairs, and the good listen with attention while you expound your own.

_-_-_

This chapter is dedicated to Isabel, whom I miss horribly and everyone who is lost.