InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Hidden Identities ❯ Unforeseen Gifts ( Chapter 6 )

 

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters. They just wandered in here by mistake and I'm refusing to let them leave until the story is finished.

Acknowledgements: Thanks to my beta, the ever-patient Fenikkusuken, who is probably going to start beating me over the head with a frying pan for every time I use `the medical student' without just cause ;).

 

*

 

It was the sense of movement that roused Kagome partially out of sleep. Murmuring a protest, she tightened her arm over the solid warmth beneath her cheek, and the exit strategy of her full body pillow halted. Strong fingers wrapped gently around her wrist, trying to lift her hand away. Displeased, the girl hooked her leg over a muscled thigh instead. A rueful chuckle rumbled under her ear as the hand gripping her arm slid up and over her shoulder to delicately stoke her back.

 

“Kagome, I have to go,” Inuyasha said softly.

 

“Uh-uhnnn,” she mumbled, nuzzling her face into tender, warmly masculine skin and snuggling closer. She felt his cheek rub against her hair.

 

“Kagome….” The vigilante's tone was regretful as he firmly disentangled her clinging limbs and sat up.

 

Stirring with a discontented grumble, the girl forced her eyes open in the slowly lightening room. “Inuyasha?”

 

“I have to go,” the man repeated, swinging his feet onto the floor. “It's nearly dawn.”

 

“No it's not. It's still dark,” the girl argued. “You should stay here.”

 

“You have classes today, and you need your sleep,” the vigilante tried hopefully.

 

“It's Tuesday. No classes until after lunch. We could have a lie-in,” she replied, attempting to hook him back into bed. Inuyasha sighed, and with a visible effort stood up and moved out of range. The girl leant up on one elbow to watch him. The thin curtains did nothing to stop the dawn rays creeping into the room. Unknowingly silhouetted against the window, his long silver hair glowed around him like a shimmering aura, the dips and hollows of his naked body an artist's pattern inked in shadow. He looked positively ethereal and otherworldly, like a creature of legend brought to life.

 

I feel so ordinary… Suddenly vulnerable and a little awkward, the girl pushed her tangled hair behind her ears. The vigilante's ears flicked slightly as his eyes tracked the movement of her hands, taking in her dishevelled and less-than-perfect appearance. Kagome's fingers tightened on the edge of the blanket as he opened his mouth to speak.

 

“You have no idea how hard it is to leave you,” was Inuyasha's wistful comment as he picked up his clothes.

 

*

 

“So, how was your morning?” Ayumi asked, as she and Kagome strolled through the main Hongo campus towards the canteen area.

 

“Not bad. I didn't have any classes this morning so it's a good catch up time. I sewed up an entire set of notes.” Kagome replied, smiling. “Can't wait for lunch now; I'm starving!”

 

“If I had a morning off, I'd spend it in bed,” the law student retorted. Kagome flushed, remembering making that exact offer to Inuyasha. Easily catching her embarrassment, Ayumi slanted her companion a thoughtful look, and added casually, “Especially if I had someone to share it with. Are you still with your mystery gang-related enforcer?”

 

Kagome winced. I was wondering when she'd say something. “Yes, I'm still with him, but he isn't an `enforcer'. You're making him sound like a thug.”

 

There was a pregnant pause.

 

“You know I'm really worried, right?” The words were quiet and serious. “This isn't child's play, Kagome. Anyone who gets involved in any way with the gangs or anyone related to them is in danger. You should know that from all the reading you did last term. Not to mention the more recent events.”

 

“I do know.”

 

Ayumi deliberately fixed her eyes on a point in the middle distance, away from Kagome. “I can't ask you for any answers, because as a student member of the Law Society under the official Code of Conduct I have to report any evidence which may lead to the capture of known fugitives, or risk forfeiting my right to practice law at a later date. Any kind of violent fugitive with a current arrest warrant. You know, gang members, vigilantes…”

 

Oh. Damn. “I don't know what you mean,” Kagome flinched as her voice cracked tellingly.

 

Ayumi grimaced. Perfectly mimicking a certain wolf prince's voice, she drawled, “If you're into Youkai, I'm a much better bet.” The law student held up her hand as she heard her companion draw in a sharp breath with intent to counter. “Don't say anything, Kagome, please. I'm not even looking at you because I don't want to see anything that will make me have to take action. After all, currently this is all supposition, and I'm grimly hanging onto plausible deniability here for both of our sakes.” The girl paused, picking her words as carefully as if in a courtroom. “I want you to know that if you're determined on this - presently unspecified - course of action, I'm here for you. Just… be careful. Please. And if this starts to… impact negatively on you at all, I'm calling the police myself. I swear.”

 

Kagome fought a wave of anger at the threatened interference. Why does everyone think it's their place to make these decisions for me on what's too dangerous and what isn't? First Inuyasha tried, now Ayumi! It's my choice! “Do whatever you feel you must,” she snapped.

 

They continued walking in uncomfortable silence. As they passed the Administration Building, Ayumi tentatively asked, “Do you mind if we go into the post room before we eat? I know you said you were starving, but I'm waiting for a letter from the bank about my overdraft.”

 

Kagome nodded shortly, still irritated at her companion. The girls veered into the main doorway and down the corridor to third door on the left. Once inside the small room, the young women headed for their respective pigeon holes. Kagome picked up the bundle of papers. Turning the flyers and envelopes over in her hands, the girl flicked through them. No sign of Grandpa's promised `Survival Pack', she noted in disappointment. What else… local shop opening, lecture venue change for Thursday, invitation to the end of term black tie faculty dinner, last week's marked essay… Taisho Foundation? The girl stared at the distinctive crest for a second, before ripping open the envelope. The letter was short and to the point, and the shocked young woman ended up sitting on her backside on the floor.

 

“Are you OK? What happened?” Ayumi instantly crouched beside her. “Is it to do with… him?”

 

Kagome shook her head, too dazed to maintain her previous aloofness. “I won one of the sponsored places.” Her voice was a thin wobble as she flapped the letter at the other girl. “The shortlist only went up a week ago. Most grants take months to organise and decide.”

 

Ayumi took the missive, briefly scanned it and whistled at the amount awarded. “Holy hell, Kagome! You could buy somewhere to live in the centre of the Azabu Ward for that, rather than renting your tiny bedsit!”

 

“Do you think it's a mistake? That they've put too many zeros on it?” Kagome chewed her lip anxiously.

 

“Maybe, but it's been undersigned by Ryutaro Taisho himself, so it's legally binding. At least binding enough for it to go to court if you wanted to give him some really bad publicity, which is exactly not what this bursary is for.”

 

“Still, I think I might check. I'd feel really guilty if it is a mistake.”

 

“You're just too honest, Kagome.”

 

“Maybe, but there are some people I don't want to find myself on the wrong side of, and he's one of them.”

 

Ayumi stood up, and offered a hand to the girl on the floor. After a moment's hesitation, Kagome took it and was pulled to her feet, then glanced sideways at her companion. Ayumi's usual composure was compromised by the set of her jaw and a slightly pinched look around her eyes. In a belated rush of understanding, Kagome suddenly realised what it had cost the trainee solicitor to bend her principles. She's not reporting any of this, even though it goes against everything she's training for. She knew that I would be angry at her threat to involve the police, and yet she did it anyway because she cares about me. Her irritation evaporated. Overwhelmed by affection, Kagome leant forward and gave her friend a quick hug.

 

“And you're another one of those I don't want to unnecessarily annoy. I'm glad you're on my side; thanks.”

 

Ayumi hugged her back, the tension visibly seeping out of her expression. “Any time.”

 

*

 

“Mr Taisho is not able to take calls at the moment, Miss.” The voice of the receptionist was brisk and business-like through the mobile. Ayumi sat across the lunch table, watching Kagome with interest as she munched on her rice balls.

 

“Could you at least check that the figure is correct, please?” the girl pleaded.

 

There was the clicking noise of a keyboard, and after a brief pause the Taishos' receptionist read out a number, and it definitely matched the amount noted on her letter. “Wow. So it's correct,” Kagome muttered. Ayumi made a show of cheering silently, before mouthing the word `details' at her flabbergasted friend. “Um… so how does this go forward?”

 

“I believe there will be an official grant ceremony and dinner at the university next week, where you will be presented with the award; the date is marked on both of the Taisho brothers' diaries.”

 

“Next week? Not next term or even the next academic year?” Kagome asked incredulously.

 

“No. The Taisho Foundation wished to start immediately as a sign of good will instead of waiting. You will receive the money immediately; this will be the only year with this option. After this, all grants will be organised over the Autumn and awarded at the start of the academic year in April.”

 

“Wow. Well, thank you for your help.”

 

“You're welcome. Congratulations Miss Higurashi.”

 

*

 

Ten minutes before the start of the afternoon class on immuno-deficiency, Kagome loitered uncertainly outside Professor Nakamura's office. After that embarrassing situation with Professor Kagewaki on Friday of the week before, the medical student was painfully aware that she'd not yet been forgiven. Professor Nakamura hadn't glanced at her once in yesterday's lectures, and she was dreading the afternoon's class in case of a continuing cold shoulder from her favourite staff member. Still, I'm sure he must have been the one who put my name down for the sponsorship programme, and I do want to thank him. Clutching the Taisho Foundation letter in one hand, Kagome knocked on the door. The hum of conversation died briefly.

 

“Come in!” Professor Nakamure called sharply.

 

The young woman slowly pushed the heavy door open and gulped when she saw the other occupant of the office… none other than Professor Kagewaki, the eminent man she'd inadvertently insulted.

 

“Good afternoon, Professors.” Kagome immediately performed the most formal of bows.

 

“Hello, Miss Higurashi.” Professor Nakamura stiffly replied, and the young woman's heart sank. “What can I do for you?”

 

“Apologies for my intrusion, but I wanted to thank you. I was selected for the sponsorship programme from the Taisho Foundation, and I thought you might have put my name forward…”

 

The professor looked confused, “I didn't, but I'm very pleased for you, Miss Higurashi. I know things have not been easy for you.” His expression softened and he gave a small smile.

 

“Thank you, Professor!” Kagome smiled shyly, and bowed again.

 

“Congratulations, Miss Higurashi.” Having momentarily forgotten the extra person in the room, Professor Kagewaki's deep voice made the young woman jump. “It's nice to see that you can stand still for more than a few seconds.”

 

To hide her fluster, Kagome bowed deeply. “I'm so sorry if I caused any offence, sir. I should have apologised immediately.” She came out of her bow to be caught on the end of an intense stare from a pair of unusual, reddish-hued eyes. Kagewaki was young for a professor; there was no grey in his long black, wavy hair, currently swept back over his shoulders. His grey-blue suit provided a sharp colour contrast to his red pupils; Kagome briefly wondered if he dressed in that shade on purpose. He's remarkably handsome, but something about him gives me the creeps.

 

“None taken.” His smooth voice for some reason sent chills up her spine. “I never could resist an attractive woman, especially one that looks like you.” Professor Kagewaki held out his hand in the European fashion. After a bemused pause, she took it. He unexpectedly tightened his grip as the girl tried to pull away. Turning her hand over in his palm, he inspected the old calluses on her thumb, index and middle fingers. She tensed, his familiarity making her highly uncomfortable, but his expression remained bland. “You are an archer, Miss Higurashi?”

 

“A long time ago, Professor.”

 

He gave a harsh bark of laughter. “Of course it was.”

 

Professor Nakamura frowned as he looked between the two of them. “I'm afraid that Miss Higurashi and I must leave you now, so if you would kindly release my student, we need to be off.”

 

Kagewaki immediately let go of her hand. “Apologies, Nakamura. I suppose that I've become too accustomed to other social rules.” His cold smile never reached his eyes. “This time, I must apologise to you, Miss Higurashi, for any offence I may have caused.”

 

“None taken,” the young woman muttered, edging away.

 

Professor Nakamura held the door open and ushered Kagome out in a rather protective manner, shooting Kagewaki a disapproving look. The medical professor cleared his throat as they walked towards the class room. “Miss Higurashi, are you all right?”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

“I apologise for Professor Kagewaki. He can be rather… intense.” Professor Nakamura hesitated and added, “I'm not sure he's good company for an attractive young woman such as yourself.”

 

“I have very little reason to visit an archaeology professor at the moment,” the girl said diplomatically

 

The old man smiled in relief at her understanding. “I am glad about the sponsorship, Miss Higurashi.”

 

Kagome beamed back at him, happy that she had been forgiven for her earlier transgression. “So am I, sir.”

 

*

 

It was around eleven that night that Inuyasha reappeared. Kagome stood in her tiny kitchen, wearing nothing but a towel as she made a cup of jasmine tea. She let out a startled yelp as red-clad arms wrapped around her and the silver-haired man buried his face in the shower-dampened skin of her neck and breathed deeply. Instantly relaxing, she turned around in his arms and kissed him softly on the lips. “Good evening.”

 

Tucking a lock of wet hair behind her ear, he nuzzled her cheek. “You need to put on some clothes,” he muttered.

 

“How come?” Kagome asked mischievously. “Usually you're trying to take them off!”

 

“Flying visit.” At his tight expression, the girl dropped the levity and scrambled into her clothing. Less than five minutes later, Kagome leant against the kitchen counter sipping her tea as the vigilante paced around her flat. “We spent the day undercover trying to get information on why the Spider's gang had gone into lockdown, and what did we find? Nothing. Fucking nothing,” he snarled in frustration.

 

Kagome had gone vaguely cross-eyed at the mental image of the highly recognisable Youkai Pack in disguise. After an amusing set of visions of Inuyasha with a fake moustache and a half-naked Kouga in a policeman's outfit, the girl tuned back into the man's irate monologue. Yesterday he was pleased that nothing was happening so he could spend time with me. Something's changed. What's triggered it?

 

“Every lead hit a brick wall, apart from one idiot babbling on about Naraku getting his greatest wish, which gives me so many flashbacks it's not funny,” Inuyasha continued furiously

 

That's different, but it doesn't explain anything.

 

“Everything's going to go balls-up… I know it! Damn it all to the eighth fucking hell!”

 

That's it; he's gone from venting to winding himself up. “Inuyasha, sit down!” Kagome ordered.

 

The vigilante immediately obeyed, dropping onto the bare floor where he stood instead of moving to the carpet. Baring his fangs, he growled, “I fucking hate it. I'm so fucking stressed right now because I don't know what Naraku's up to.”

 

“Maybe he's regrouping and planning his next move?” she offered.

 

Inuyasha's mouth twisted. “Not fucking likely. He doesn't move until he has everything sorted out.”

 

“Why are you so wound up?” the girl asked.

 

He clenched his fists. “Naraku's last known activity was breaking into your university after you talked to Kanna, and now there's a comment about Naraku and wishes!”

 

So his fear has to do with me… and he's terrified. Kagome left her cup and knelt beside the agitated man, putting her arms around him. “It'll be OK.”

 

He gave her a bleak look, and there was something behind it that made her blood run cold. “No. No, it won't. It's like a sick cosmic joke being replayed and I can't do anything to stop it.”

 

She pried open his fist and tenderly wove her fingers with his. “What do you mean? Has something like this happened before?”

 

The rage vanished as he looked down at their hands. “Yes.”

 

When he remained silent, she cautiously voiced her suspicions. “I'm guessing that Naraku was involved somehow with your previous relationship… the one that ended badly?” Bingo. As Inuyasha gave a jerky nod, Kagome quietly asked, “Can you tell me what happened?”

 

The man hesitated, raking his free hand through his hair. “I want to but… I can't. Not yet; I need to straighten out a few things first. I will tell you at some point, just not right now, OK?”

 

The girl nodded, before another thought occurred to her. “Does Naraku know we're involved?” As Inuyasha shook his head, Kagome breathed a sigh of relief. “Then why would I be in danger?” she wanted to know.

 

“If he saw you, you'd definitely appeal to him,” Inuyasha said grimly. “Trust me on this one.”

 

Kanna pretty much said the same thing. Urg. Highly uncomfortable with her thoughts, Kagome changed the subject. “So how come this is a flying visit?”

 

He drummed his claws on the floor. “I'm not coming here for a while; at least, not until we have some answers. I'm worried it'll lead Naraku to you.”

 

“But…”

 

“No buts. I'm not going to let you get hurt because of me,” he stated flatly. “I couldn't bear it.”

 

Kagome's lips tightened. “Fine. But will you agree to text me every couple of days to tell me you're alive?”

 

“I promise.”

 

Squeezing his hand, the girl said wistfully, “I'm going to miss you.”

 

“I'm not exactly enthused about the situation myself, wench,” he huffed, before something sharp flickered in his expression for a split-second. “By the way, did anything happen today? Any more interesting letters?”

 

If I tell him about Kagewaki being super creepy, he'll freak. Letters? Oh! Kagome smiled brightly to cover her shiver. “I won one of the Taisho sponsorships! I found out today.”

 

“Thank the gods it came through. It'll let you move out of this damn neighbourhood and into somewhere safe. I hate the thought of you living here.”

 

“I'll have you know I quite like the unusual visitors in this neighbourhood,” she replied primly.

 

The corners of his mouth finally twitched into an unwilling smile. “I'm sure you'll have just as many unusual ones in a new place.”

 

*

 

After lectures the next day, Kagome headed over to the Administration Office with intentions of checking her post. Her pigeon hole was disappointingly empty. I was sure that Grandpa's parcel would be here by now! The young woman surveyed the unattended counter and rang the small brass bell.

 

“Yes?” A moustached face wearing a harried smile popped around the corner of a pile of boxes.

 

“Excuse me, sir,” Kagome bobbed her head politely, “but I'm waiting for a parcel from my Grandfather. It was due several days ago, and would have been addressed to Miss Higurashi. I wondered if you had it in the back?”

 

The staff member shook his head. “We've already allocated the post that arrived today. If it's not in your pigeon hole, it's not here.”

 

“Ah, well, thank you anyway.”

 

He tapped his chin. “Wait, miss… your accent is Kanto, but by any chance do you have family on Okinawa?”

 

“Yes,” the girl warily replied. “Why?”

 

“We have a parcel in the back that's post-marked Okinawa, but the writing is so bad we've been unable to work out the address. There was a notice on the bulletin board…”

 

“Oh! That might be it!” the young woman exclaimed.

 

“Give me a second…” Disappearing behind a set of overflowing shelves, the staff member rummaged for a few minutes before he re-emerged with a large, badly wrapped box. Kagome barely stifled a giggle. That's from Grandpa for sure! Not only was the address written with traditional brush-and-ink, which had smudged everywhere, but the parcel was absolutely covered in protective sutras that managed to obscure the readable parts.

 

No wonder they couldn't figure out who it was for!

 

*

 

That night, Kagome sat cross legged on her favourite dog-adorned rug and used her trusty medical scissors to hack through what looked like seventeen layers of brown packing tape. She finally laid bare the cardboard box and opened it with a mixture of glee and trepidation.

 

The parcel was filled with what Grandfather considered `essentials'. There were sutras to ward off evil spirits, rice paper and ink to create her own protective sutras, a small wooden fan, and a collection of small pots filled with mysterious ointments. At least it doesn't smell too bad! Kagome smiled affectionately, easily picturing the old man's expression as he diligently packed the box, while petting the upright paw of a bright yellow, pot-bellied lucky cat figurine.

 

At the very bottom was a small jewellery case. Unsure of what to expect and wary of the inevitable desiccated animal part, the young woman was shocked to find an exquisite pink pearl suspended on a fine gold chain nestled amongst the cotton wool. Inside the lid was a folded-up note in Grandfather's crabbed, inky script.

 

“My dearest Granddaughter. I intended to save this for your 21st birthday in a few weeks, but the omens advised that it was portentous to return it now. You are again its keeper; guard it well. Higurashi.”

 

Confused, the young woman read over the note several times. But I've never owned this before… I'd certainly remember something this unique! After an internal debate, she fastened the chain around her neck, the large pearl cool against her skin. It feels oddly familiar; maybe I had this as a child? While fruitlessly searching her memories for any previous encounters with the jewel, Kagome sorted and tidied away the rest of the items. The sutras, papers and ink, plus the fan, went into drawers while the dubious-smelling ointments were put back in the box and tucked under the sink.

 

The only other item she left out was the Maneki Neko. Popping the friendly-looking cat on the window sill, Kagome couldn't wait to see a certain canine-like vigilante's face when he was confronted by a fat, waving yellow feline.

 

Maybe I should call it Buyo?

 

*