InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Highschool Hanyous and Miko Memories ❯ Dreams and Demons ( Chapter 1 )

CHAPTER ONE: Dreams and Demons

 

 

Oppressing black, so thick that it cut the air off from my lungs. Fighting both panic and the thick red comforters, I fumbled for light, knocking over a glass of lukewarm water which felt like ice down the side of the desk. Damn, where was that fucking lamp? Cursing it thickly, I managed to get my head on straight and control the fear that was coursing fast with my blood. Cracking gold eyes, I used the small amount of star and street light from my window to find the stupid thing. By the time I had returned light to my room, my nightmare was fast fading from a blown up terror to nothing more than a memory gray and stale with age.

 

Of course, it still seemed real. The way his mother had died, and his father long gone. Alone, maybe not yet completely, but still alone. Sesshomaru had never been the loving brother that you'd wish for, but he took his `responsibilities' as eldest to heart. If he had a heart. The only thing he truly cared for was his rising `empire' and of course Rin. She was a true life saver. She grounded and humbled his brother, and made him human. Heh, human, that was good. That damned Inuyoukai would kill me if I even looked at him like he was human. Blood, little brother, is everything. You are only half youkai, and not worthy to live in my household. Be thankful that our father asked this of me, or you would be living on the streets. Hmp, like I want to live with that overbearing ass.

 

The red numbers of the alarm clock said 6:30. I didn't have to be up for another half hour at least, but lingering images drove all thoughts of sleep out of the realm of possibilities. Shutting the alarm off, I stretched lazily and rose from the cocoon of warmth to the cold hallway. Damn, I hated winter. Pretty, cold, and wet. Defiantly not worth the four months that it held onto with a death grip. Moving silently down the hall, I nodded to the early servants and went to find breakfast. Food, then a shower. It was good to have priorities.

 

The cook was making breakfast; pancakes, sausage, and ramen. Yumm. Taking a heaping plate into the downstairs den, flipping the TV on in case anything worth watching was on. No such luck. Giving up after 15 minutes of channel surfing, I finished my plate and dropped the dishes onto the counter. Maid would get that, I needed a shower. Sweat from my nights' mental wonderings rumpled my hair and clothes, making me feel sticky and gross. It would only get worse, as that day approached. Three weeks. And they would stop. For only a year, but that year would be blissfully empty of nothing to do with Izayoi or her death.

 

Shaking my head to clear it of clutter, I grabbed a quick shower and made my way down to the garage. Maybe, just maybe, I would be able to avoid him if I moved fast enough. He knew what was going on, and he wouldn't miss the opportunity to rub it in my face. Yes, there's the Viper, and his brother was no where in sight. Just a few more feet-shit!

 

“Little brother, are you avoiding me?” His cold, condescending tone irritated the hell out of me.

 

“Fuck you.” I snarled, wrenching the door open in anger. I was surprised it didn't come off in my hands, a little disappointed too. It would make a heavy projectile.

 

“We've had this little talk. I am not interesting in men. I care not for your-”

 

“Shove it Sesshomaru. I'm not in the mood to banter with you, so if you want something, spit it out. Make it fast though, I have to get to school.” I threw my bag in with more force than was necessary, wanting to throw the damned thing at his head. He needed to be taken down a few notches, but again, I wasn't in the mood to play his mind games.

 

“I am just reminding you of the banquet at the end of the week. You can invite your friends, but make them look presentable. And find yourself a date.” He turned without another word, leaving me gaping at his back, resisting every each to rip his arms off and beat him with it.

 

Buzzzzz. My back pocket, and its contents, vibrated madly. “Yeah?” I ripped the cell phone out and growled into it.

 

“Where are you Inuyasha? I'm standing out here in the snow! Sango still has my coat, and it's cold!” His best friend's voice, muffled and chattering, growled back at him. “Get your butt down here and pick me up!”

 

“Sango has your coat? How'd that happen?” Wrong question, I knew that as soon as it left my mouth. Now I'd have to listen to Miroku's ramblings all the way to Shikon High. Perfect morning, and it was only 7:15.

 

“I shall tell you when you pick me up! Hurry up, or I'll have icicles on my-”

 

“Don't need to hear that.” I hung up, tossing the phone unceremoniously on the dash. Sango first, then I'd deal with the letch. She, of course, wasn't waiting outside, so I had to go in and get her. Her brother, Kohaku, let me in, waving goodbye to his younger sister and heading for work. As she went for the door, I couldn't resist. “Don't forget Miroku's coat. He's freezing his ass off without it.” She blushed, and stammered, racing up the stairs to fetch it. I could make out a soft crash and a muffled curse from her haste, and laughed as she flew past me to the car. “What's the hurry?” I moved easily into the car ahead of her, watching her with an innocent expression on my face. “Can't wait to see your boyfriend? Oww, hey!” I pushed myself away from her as she viscously attacked my head.

 

“Shut up! Just drive you stupid arrogant jerk!” She raised her fist again to smack me, and I flinched. Smirking her revenge, she settled into the seat.

 

“Sorry, didn't know you were so sensitive.” I muttered, and pushed the car into traffic. Five minutes later, and we found Miroku's shivering form huddled against a tree.

 

“Finally! What the hell took you so long?” He climbed into the back seat, not even taking the time to give a token argument about Sango being in front. “Turn the heater up! We aren't all half youkai you know!” He grabbed his coat from Sango's arms and curled in a ball in the back seat, teeth chattering together loudly.

 

“You wimp. If you would have waited in the house like normal people, you wouldn't be freezing.” I chided, glad that I had picked Sango up first because now he would keep his mouth shut about whatever the hell had happened. I didn't really want to know about it this early in the morning.

 

“Why the hell were so late? It isn't like you to sleep in.” He moved his hands to the heater, leaning over Sango to reach the warm air.

 

“Didn't get much sleep at all last night.” I slammed the brakes on as I was distracted by the sudden burst of emotion in my chest. The little old lady gave me the finger as she hurried across the street, and my sensitive ears picked up on her mutterings about `spoiled rich kids who couldn't drive a tricycle'.

 

“Why not?” Sango caught on and shoved an elbow into his shoulder. Ignoring the looks the two passed, I fiddled with the radio. “Oh, sorry.” He sat back, subdued by the realization.

 

Whatever. Just don't think about it. I told myself sharply, and decided to change the subject. “Business dinner this Saturday, you coming?” I parked the car in a parking spot, and dragged myself out of the car.

 

“Of course, who's going to keep you out of trouble?” Sango followed me up the steps, leaving Miroku to catch up. She laughed at my growl and shoved my shoulder. “Don't give me that look, I've known you since we were two. I know what you'll do, given the chance.”

 

“Sango, my darling, your skin is as soft as the snow that falls from the EIIHH!” He gave a yelp and fell backward, a pink hand print staining one cheek.

 

“Hands. It's too early to deal with you.” She said, not turning around. She continued to talk with him, something about a test or something, and I tuned them out. Taking a deep breath, I frowned as something new caught my nose. Turning, I studied the press of bodies that pulsed around me. Where was that scent coming from? It was burning through me, making me shiver. It was delicious. Burning, yet gentle, and somehow it soothed my aching soul. Flowers, wind, sunshine, spring. All wrapped up with something else. Something so pure I couldn't even begin to describe it.

 

“Inuyasha? You ok?” Miroku touched my shoulder, drawing me out of my trance. I almost answered him, when the object that was emitting the scent walked right under my nose, making my head snap as I followed her. She looked nervous, and scared, and lost. Most of all, she looked sad. I wanted to pull her into my arms and make that go away, to hold her until she smiled. I trembled, thankful for all the people that kept me from doing so.

 

“Em, excuse me.” Her voice rung in my ears, driving the breath from my lungs just as effectively if she had drop kicked me. Sango smiled at her, and the girl offered a tentative smile in return. She's gorgeous… “I was wondering, em, do you know where this class is? Someone was supposed to show me around, but he never showed up…” Her voice drawled off, and her chocolate eyes flickered under bangs to glance over at me. She blushed, knowing that I was gawking at her, and tensed up.

 

“Sure. Here, let me see your schedule.” Sango looked over the piece of paper while the girl did her best not to look at me, and I couldn't take my eyes off of her.

 

“I know your half dog youkai, but that doesn't mean you can pant after someone so literally. Keeping your tongue in your mouth, it's really starting to freak me out. And you're drooling.” Miroku whispered loudly to me, making blood rush to my face. My hand drew over my mouth, even though I knew he was poking fun. Still, he wasn't exaggerating that much. I must have looked stupid, staring at her so dumbly. Nice first impression.

 

Kagome's Schedule

 

History

 

English

 

3. Art

 

Photography

 

Lunch

5. Chemistry

 

6. Calculus

 

7. Dance

 

 

“Let's see, oh. We've all got the first three classes, and Miroku's got the fourth. We've all got the same lunch, and Inuyasha has Chemistry and Calculus at the same time. I've got dance too. It'll be nice to have someone to talk to in that class. The guys have gym, and they refuse to acknowledge me. Come on, if we don't hurry, we'll be late.” Sango, a take charger by nature, gripped the girl's arm and steered her to the commons. “My names Sango. What's yours?”

 

“Kagome.” She said softly, a little frightened by Sango's gung ho force. Give it a week, and she'll be used to it. She looked over to us, who were just staying out of Sango's way. We didn't want to be dragged into another one of her projects.

 

“Miroku. Your beauty is stunning.” Of course, he was flirting right off the bat. 3-2-1. “Will you bear my children?” Whack! Sango smacked him upside the head, sending him crashing into my side. “Sango.” He moaned, holding his head. “What was that for? I was only joking.”

 

Kagome was staring at him with wide eyes, and to my surprise, she let out a small chuckle. Sango rolled her eyes, and went on to tell her to ignore the henti, everyone else did. “And the quite one is Inuyasha.” Sango laughed, her knowing eyes meeting mine. “Don't put too much stock in the first couple meetings, he just has to put his brain into motion. Give him an hour, and he might just say something intelligent.”

 

“Oi!” Sango just laughed and continued to lead Kagome to the classroom. We quickly snagged a table in the back. Miroku and Sango exchanged evil smiles and took one side of the table, leaving Kagome to sit next to me. Oh, they would die a slow and painful death. Glaring at them, I slammed my book onto the table with more force than I intended, making the nervous girl beside me shriek and jump. “Sorry.” I muttered, giving my eyes a rest from staring at her and just studied the book, until Sango reached over and put it right side up.

 

“We know your smart and half youkai and all, but even you can't read upside down.” She joked, pulling her own book out and using it as a shield from my pencil.

 

“Mr. Takashi, please do not throw things in my room.” Mrs. Wolff snapped from behind her desk. Even with her back turned, she still caught whatever I was doing.

 

“Sorry Mrs. Wolff, won't happen again.” I called over, retrieving my pencil from the floor. When I turned right side up, I was face to belly with someone. Leaning back, I decided I should have stayed in bed.

 

“Kikyo.” I said, clenching my pencil in my fist.

 

“Hello, Inuyasha.” She purred, moving to put a hand on my neck. I flinched away, scooting my chair away until I pushed against Kagome's.

 

“What do you want?” I growled softly, not taking my eyes off the wall behind her. I had no reason to be polite to that.

 

“I just wanted to see if my cousin was having a good first day. And to say hello to you of course.”

 

“Cousin?” I looked back at Kagome, who was staring at Kikyo with such loathing I felt a burst of happiness. They didn't appear to be close cousins. She did look similar, same hair, cheek bones, and build. Her eyes were different, and Kagome was much cuter. “Well, you've done both, get lost.”

 

“Hardly the way you should treat me. I mean, I am one of the hottest girls in the school, and being hot and rich yourself, you should really reconsider my earlier offer.” She leaned down, hair falling into my face. Swiping it away from my nose, I snarled up at her. Like I'd ever date that bitch, not after what she pulled last year.

 

“Just because Naraku ran off, doesn't mean I'm going to come running back to you. Bye now.” I lifted my lip in a warning show of teeth, hating the way she smelled. Once, I would have rubbed my nose into that shinning black curtain of hair, but now all I wanted to do was gag.

 

“Don't be that way Inuyasha, you'll make me cry.” She pouted, reaching up to tweak one of my ears. I flattened it into my hair, away from her cold fingers. “See ya later, dog boy.” She whispered, and flounced away. She sat next to Kagura, Kanna, and Yura, laughing at something one of them said.

 

“She makes me want to commit murder, just to get away from her.” I snarled, moving my chair back over to give Kagome some breathing room. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that.” Kagome shrugged, twiddling with a scrap of paper in her hands. “Is she really your cousin?”

 

“Yeah.” Came the almost incoherent reply. She didn't look up from the table, and I had looked over to the peanut gallery for some help. Sango shook her head, and Miroku looked as confused as I felt. “After the-” She paused, and I saw her shoulders shake, repressing sobs. I could smell the faint scent of salt, and sadness came off her in waves. “accident, I moved here with my Aunt Kaede. Kikyo lives there too, and she is slowly driving me insane.” Suddenly, her gaze snapped over to mine, making me incline backward. “You must be the guy she's always going on about. I must say, you're nothing like her description. From what she's says, I was expecting some rich jerk.” Did that mean I wasn't a jerk? Did she like me? My ears perked up at that thought, and continued to perk up as she went on. “All she could talk about was how she had to have the hottest guy in school. After” another pause, and this one sat heavier as her eyes burned hatred as she spat the next word out. “him, she was all alone and couldn't stand that. I just wish she had taken off with that lowlife. Life would defiantly be better.” The last bell broke off her string of words, and she looked startled that she had said so much. Blushing, she went back to staring at the desk.

 

“Alright class, we have a new student. Ms. Higurashi, please stand up.” Mrs. Wolff waited until Kagome sat back down before she continued. “I don't have a book for you yet, so if Mr. Takashi would be so kind as to share, we will continue the lesson.” As I moved the book between us, Miroku whispered something to Sango who giggled madly. Kicking him under the table wouldn't work, he was sitting diagonal to me, so I made a memo to get him later.

 

The class went by slower than usual, but I was not complaining about that. Kagome stirred the air continuously, nervous fingers twirling strands of ebony between them. Every fresh wave hit me as hard as the previous, and I had to stop my own fingers from massaging her hand, or stroking her face. I didn't catch the looks that my friends continued to cast in my direction, or the small bet that Sango initiated. My whole being was wrapped so tightly around the girl I wouldn't have noticed an earthquake. I kept expecting her to shove me away, to tell me I was too close, but instead she did the opposite. Ever so slightly, she relaxed enough to lean into me, not close enough to touch, but the change in position was obvious. I could hear her heartbeat in my ears, soft and slow. She felt safe, everything about her said that. Scent, posture, heart rate. Why though? Why would she trust me that much?

 

The questions started buzzing around more persistently when we headed for the next class. She walked beside me, unconsciously gripping my arm as the rest of the school body shoved next to her. When she tripped, over what I didn't see, I caught her without a second thought. Holding her close until her balance returned, I shivered with joy at holding her softness against me. Tucking her closer than need be, I walked her to the door, not releasing my hold on her until she was safely in the classroom. Convinced that I had crossed some unspoken line, I waited for her to tell me off, ears quivering in anticipation.

 

She looked up at me, and I relaxed when I saw the gratefulness in her eyes, and my ears flicked forward in relief. I'd hate for her to be mad at me, but I couldn't resist embracing her. Her brown eyes went from my face to my ears, eyes widening with wonder. “Those are so cool.” She whispered, and her hand rose slowly towards them. She stopped short of touching me, fingers curling into a fist. Embarrassed, she tensed, and blushed three times worse.

 

“It's alright.” I said, tipping my head forward so she could reach them without standing on tiptoes. “Just don't pull on them.” I froze as her fingers brushed the edge like a butterfly's wing before becoming braver and trailing down to the base. She gently massaged them, feeling the soft fur and exploring the velvet warmth. Unable to stop myself, I began to purr in response to her touch to one of the most sensitive areas of me. Eyelids drooping, I leaned into her hand, urging her to carry on. I didn't know how long I stood letting myself drift into the blind pleasure of her touch before a scent I didn't want to experience made me jerk away.

 

“Kouga.” I snarled, and was rewarded with a snarl in return. The wolf youkai was not looking at me, instead watching the girl in front of me. Stepping between them, I crossed my arms over my chest. Mine mine mine! My youkai side howled, spots of red dancing in my vision. `Keep your hands to yourself, she's mine!' was the glare I sent him, and he returned it without blinking.

 

“Hey Kagome. What are you doing with that freak?” They knew each other? How the hell did they know each other?

 

“Kouga, it's great to see you!” She came around me to give him a short hug. He returned it, smirking over her shoulder at me. “How are Ginta and Hakaku? And Ayame?”

 

“Fine. Ayame and I are going out to the mall this Saturday. She wanted me to invite you to go with us.” His eyes narrowed and looked at me from the corner, and I clenched my fists to stop myself from jumping him.

 

“Oh, sorry. I'm going to a dinner or something with Sango.” She waved to Sango who was laughing at my shock. “Maybe next weekend?”

 

“Sure, see ya later Kagome.” He bowed over her hand, brushing his lips to the back of it in the barest kiss. Smirking at me, he cocked a hand and took off out the door. As the papers stilled from his whirlwind, Kagome went to talk to the teacher in the front of the room.

 

“You invited her?” Sango winced, and then nodded. “Why didn't you ask me? When did you ask her?”

 

“I didn't ask you because you'd freak out. Look, your already freaking out.” I growled at her, and Miroku sighed. “And I asked her went I took her to the nurse.” Kagome had passed a note to Mrs. Wolff that said she had to take some type of medicine and Sango had offered to take her there. “Are you upset because she's going? I can uninvite her if you want.”

 

“No, that's not why I'm ticked.” I dropped into the chair across from her, sighing. “I would have asked her.” I muttered, and put my head in my arms.

 

“Yeah, when you got over whatever she's doing to you. Which I think would be never.” Miroku pointed out, and I had to admit he was right. Damn, whenever she was around, it was all I could do to remember to breath. “Look, you need a date, Kagome wants to go, so what's the big deal?”

 

“I could have asked her myself.” I groused, pulling out my notebook. “Keep your damned noses in your own relationship. You don't see me sticking mine into yours.”

 

“Get over it.” Sango pointed a finger at me, a warning glint in her eyes. Glaring at her, I decided to drop it only because Kagome had come back. “Kagome, where do you live?”

 

“Oh, over on Elm.” She was flipping through the English book in a distracted kind of way.

 

“How do you know Kouga?” I was jealous, jealous because a girl I barely knew knew some guy I hated deeply.

 

“Hmm? Oh, Ayame and I grew up in my old town, before she moved here. We stayed in touch, and when she started dating Kouga, I got to know him and the twins.” She pulled out a sketch pad, and idly flipped to a blank page. Since in this class you actually had to take notes, I was forced to pay more attention to the teacher then to whatever she was drawing. Every once in awhile she would stop to jot something down on notebook paper or look over to me, but then she'd continue drawing. Her hair formed a curtain between me and whatever was on the page, and neither Sango or Miroku would tell me what it was. Before class ended, she must have finished because she slipped the pad back into her bag. Curious, I reached for it, and got slapped for my trouble. “Please stay out of that.” She whispered to me, pleading me silently. Nodding my consent, I stifled my curiosity out of kindness. If she wanted to show me, she would. I wasn't going to pry.

 

Art was uneventful, we were still with a sub who didn't know anything about art. Basically, it was a free for all that Sango used for `chick time' and made me promise not to listen in on the conversation. Shooing us off, Miroku and I retreated to the corner with the few guys that had started a card game. The sub was engrossed in a pile of fashion magazines, every so often telling us to quite down and `work'. Still, even beating the crap out of the others at poker, when the ability to smell a lie came in handy, I couldn't stop from watching the two girls in the opposite corner. I kept my promise, I didn't listen in, but I still watched. Sango had convinced her to pull her sketch pad out, and was studying the drawings with interest.

 

She stopped at one, and smiled. Kagome peeked over her shoulder and blushed darker than earlier. If she didn't stop blushing so much, she might just develop Rosetta. She looked at me, and turned several darker shades of red. Sango looked up at me, and then back at the picture. She whispered something to Kagome, and pointed down at the paper. Kagome violently shook her head, and whispered something back. If I really wanted to, I could have heard what the said easily, but that would be an invasion.

 

Raising her hands in defeat, Sango went on with flipping the pages, stopping at a few and offering comments. Still, I could see her finger hold the place on the other, and she would switch back at odd moments, comparing it to the others. Kagome gave up in trying to stop her and just sat beside her, reading a black bound book with nothing written on it.

 

“Inuyasha! Stop gawking and place a bet!” Thankfully, for whoever said that, the bell rang and gave them reason to vacate the room. Sango passed the notebook back to Kagome and directed her to follow Miroku. Sango followed me down to Trig, sending me sly grins and asking innocent questions about what I was wearing to the dinner party.

 

The class inched by, and the clock seemed to be stuck. Finally, the bell rang for lunch and I bolted, running all the way to Photography class. I beat Miroku and Kagome out the door, leaning nonchalantly against the opposite wall. Miroku raised his eye brow at me, but didn't say a single syllable. It was unusual for me to meet him after class, we met up in the cafeteria most every day, but he choose to keep his mouth shut. Good for him, I might just let that comment from earlier go. Maybe. “Kagome,” I started, taking her English and History books from her so she could balance her backpack more carefully. What did she have in there? It looked like a small yellow boulder strapped to her back, and it looked about as heavy as one. “Don't you have a locker?” I asked, hearing her grunt at the weight.

 

“Yeah, but I'm not sure where it is.” She dug into her pocket to pull a crumpled white piece of paper out. “Locker number 615.” She shoved it back into her pocket, and hefted the back up on her shoulders.

 

“Come on, we can be a little late to lunch.” Like I was going to let her carry all of that stuff around. “What do you have in there anyway?”

 

“Let's see, clothes for Dance, my camera, two sketch pads, three of my favorite books, and class supplies. Oh, and my lunch. I couldn't fit those two texts in there, thanks for carrying them.” She reached for them, but gave up when I refused to hand them over.

“I'll carry them, you've got enough anyways. Here, that one.” I nodded at a bank of lockers, indicating one on the left end. “Combination?”

 

“I'll get it, thanks.” She remarked, and something akin to fear brushed on the surface of her eyes when she noticed we were the only ones in the hall. Steeling herself, she undid the lock and yanked the books from my grasp. She threw her clothes, camera, one of her sketch books, and two of her books from the bag before slamming the locker door shut. The nose rang harshly in my ears, making me flinch. What was her problem? Did I say something wrong? “Cafeteria?” She asked, eager to get away.

 

Head dipping low minutely, I waved an arm in the direction we came from. Great, she realized I'm a filthy hanyou and now wants nothing to do with my sorry ass. Can't really blame her, can I? Keh, she probably thinks you're going to eat her now that you're alone together, or worse. That thought alone made me shiver in disgust. “Kagome, I wouldn't hurt you. I'm not some slavering blood thirsty animal.” I said, soft enough under my breath that she might not have heard.

 

“Not you Inuyasha.” She said back, voice hard from suppressed something. “I just” She stopped, walking and talking. Studying the wall on her left, her shoulders hunched together. “I was raped, and I don't like being alone with guys. It's not you.” She whispered, and a small shutter ran up her body. “It was ten months, one week, and two days ago, you'd think I'd have gotten over it.” A sad laugh ended the sentence, and she looked back at me. The sadness and hurt was written all over her, and a small tear formed in one eye. “And I still count the days. Sad isn't it?”

 

“No. It's not sad. You have every right to be sad, hurt, pissed, afraid. Whatever you want to be.” She gave me a watery smile and sniffled. Leaning down so we could see eye to eye, I lifted a hand to brush the tear from her cheek. “Don't cry though, you shouldn't cry.” She froze under my touch, and I knew I had gone too far. Duh, you don't touch someone after they say that. Especially if you were a guy. “Sorry.” I whispered, and withdrew, clenching my hands in fists at my sides.

 

Sobbing roughly, she threw her arms out and around my waist, burying her face in my chest. Startled, I clasped my own arms around her and held her there, comforting her with little noises of nothing. “Hey, it's ok.” I tried to get out, and she ended up crying harder. Picking her up as smoothly as I could manage, I carried her to the nearest bathroom. Peaking inside, I shoved the door open with my foot and swung her into the small white room. I locked the door with my free hand, drawing her close with the other to keep from dropping her. Sitting on the window sill, I rocked her back and forth as she cried and cried. I heard the end of lunch bell, and the late bell to fifth period. Ignoring them, I continued to hold Kagome to me, letting her cry without trying to stifle her. Those weren't sobs you tried to stop, they would end when she got everything out, or she fell asleep. From the way things were going, she would end up falling asleep before she stopped crying.

 

Her hands gripped my shirt, holding on to it like a life line. Holding on to me like a life line. Cradling her, I rested my chin on top of her head. Breathing deeply, my anger and frustration washed away with her scent. I wouldn't leave, I wouldn't let go. Not unless she wished me away. Stroking her hair, I relaxed into the window, letting go of everything that had happened over the 16 years of my life. I just began to talk, filling the silence that was occasionally broken by her own small stutter of breath.

 

 

*Flashback*

 

 

Ten years ago, my mother's birthday. Father had the place decorated top to bottom, simple and expensive all at once. The nanny had spent most of the day corralling me into a suit, and keeping me out of trouble. Sesshomaru wasn't happy about being there, grumbling as only a twelve year old could. It wasn't his mother, so he wasn't planning on sticking around long for the `human tramp'. Even at twelve, he was a heartless bastard.

 

“Father, when's mommy getting home?” I pulled on his sleeve, and smiled up at the white haired man. His body was one of a warrior, and he had been a general in the army before he retired to become a business man. His ruthless business deals were always fair, and he refused to stoop to illegal means. He tried to instill the same in Sesshomaru, but all he saw was `pureness' and `worth'.

 

“Soon, Yashie, soon.” He picked me up, twirling me in a circle. “Do you want to see what I got for her?” He smiled slyly at my enthused squeals, pulling a thin black box from his pocket. “Think she'll like it?” He flipped the lid, and laughed at my reaction. A dazzling white gold chain adorned with two white diamonds and a single ruby lay between them. He snapped it shut when he heard hurried footsteps coming down the hallway, sitting me down on the floor with a ruffle of the hair. “See? You're mom's rig-” He stopped, nose flaring. He turned on the man that had walked through the door. “What?”

 

“Sir, it's Mistress Izayoi. The airplane, it” He looked up at my father's terrifying snarl, and gulped. “It crashed sir, there were no survivors. I'm sorry.” He bowed, and ran for his life.

 

At the time, I didn't understand what was going on. All I heard was my father's mourning howl and my brother's shocked expression. He might not love the human woman, but he knew our father did. Too young to understand, I sat down and played with the jewelry box that had slipped from Father's hands.

 

Later, after had been made official, and the funeral held, the dreams began. In them, my father blamed me for Izayoi's death. Everyone did, everyone but my mother. She would hold me like she did when she was alive, not saying a word. Father didn't blame me of course, I would know that when I got older. Now, he would take me to every recommended therapist in the city, and than the country. For almost three weeks, they didn't go away, and I began to refuse to go to sleep, screaming and crying whenever bedtime drew close.

 

They ended the day my father died. A carjacking that ended badly, that's all that was said. Case closed, and everyone went on with their lives. One of father's friends and business partners raised us until Sesshomaru turned 18, and inherited the company and me. He was an indifferent guardian, and could care less about what I did. He did enroll me in one of the finest schools in Japan, and made sure I lacked nothing that money could buy. “These are my responsibilities as the eldest of our family. My father asked it of me, which is the only reason I lower myself to take care of a useless hanyou like you.” He made sure there were no doubts that he hated me, and I learned early on not to go to him for love or any sort of emotion.

 

For years, the only friend was Sango. It was kind of ironic, the daughter of a youkai slayer befriending the half breed son of one of the most powerful inu youkais in the world. When her family was killed in one of the youkai wars, I returned the support. Kohaku was 18 at the time, so she was safe from being taken away and placed in a foster home. When she was thirteen, and me fourteen, Miroku showed up. For all his perverted ways, he was a loyal and wise friend, and knew how to still my often violent temper. At thirteen, Sesshomaru kindly shoved the only thing my father left for me. “A binding for your youkai blood. Never go anywhere without it.” The Tetsusaiga, a sword forged of my father's fang, something to use to protect my friends and hold my sanity.

 

I also learned early on that no amount of therapy was going to make the dreams go away, and somehow they became a morbid comfort. A living memory, one that would haunt me every year for three weeks, beginning on my mother's birthday and ending on the day of my father's death. Along with the necklace and fang sword, they were the only real things that linked me to my parents.

 

 

*End Flashback*

 

 

A sigh brought me from my narration, and I looked down to see that Kagome had stopped crying, and the emotional drain was making her sleepy. Smiling, I brushed a curl of dark hair from her forehead and settled down to sleep myself. Fifth hour was over, and sixth hour was beginning.

 

Happy that I had comforted her, I fell into a peaceful nap, contented to just hold her. I didn't realize I didn't have any dreams or nightmares while I was holding her until that night.