InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Sage ❯ The Secret of the Higurashi Family ( Chapter 20 )

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Edited Version~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

A/N: Hey everyone!!! Thankies for the wonderful reviews I loved them all!!! Happy 4th of July to everyone who lives in the States!!! Let it be fun and happy!!! ^_^

 

A/N: FYI ~~~~~~ means a dream/vision. `italics' in “ `' “ means that someone is speaking through another. Here's the next chapter!!! Enjoy!! *hands out popcorn*

 

Chapter Twenty

The Secret of the Higurashi Family

Part I

 

Sorano got off the elevator and slowly made her way to Kaeda's office, which was at the end of the hall. Last thing she wanted to do now was to talk to Kaeda about Koga. Sorano slowed her pace as she looked around the corridor. It was mostly empty except for the three offices that occupied the hall. To her right was the office of the Central Command Operators. Rin even had her own office beyond the large fogged glass doors. To her left was the office of the Elites. It was the largest office in all the Headquarters even though there are only about eight Elites that worked out of the Japan Headquarters.

 

Sorano stopped just outside the Elite doors as she stared at the plaque that Read `We are the protectors of all those who cannot protect themselves. We are the Elites'. Sorano ran her hand over the plaque and sighed. Suzuki I know that you have faith in me to become the next Head Elite but I have to protect my family above all others. I can't even explain it but Kagome, Sango and Rin are my family and I am their protector. One day I may challenge you but I will always see you as my Master.

 

Sorano smiled softly to herself as she shook her head and continued her way down the hall. Sorano stopped just outside Kaeda's office. Her office was the only office that didn't have an automatic sliding door. Kaeda never was a fan of computers or any of the conveniences that they provided. Thus she had built her office like that of any other ningen office that you would find in the big businesses of downtown Tokyo. Sorano looked the large oak doors up and down before she grasped the large brass doorknocker and gave it a few hard taps.

 

Sorano waited patiently as she heard footsteps on the other side of the doors. Slowly the door creaked open and Kaeda stood just beyond the doors. “Ah I was wondering when you were going to come and see me. Come in Sorano I have someone I would like you to meet.” Kaeda turned and walked back into the room. Sorano shrugged and followed after Kaeda only stopping shortly to close the door behind her.

 

Sorano walked further into the dimly lit office. “Kaeda I really think that you should get some more lights. Other then youkai I don't see how others can even see in you office.”

 

Kaeda waved her hand as she walked around the corner of her large oak desk and sat in the winged tipped high back chair. “I don't need a lot of light to see. And as you said youkai can see just fine in here. After all the whole building is always so bright that I like a place that I can retreat to that lets me think, not burn my retina.”

 

Sorano shook her head as she stopped just shy of Kaeda's desk. What is that aura? I have felt something like this before. Kaeda wouldn't would she? Sorano glanced at the chair that was across from Kaeda and that was currently being occupied by her visitor. All Sorano could see of this person was black hair that shimmered silver in the dim light. But one thing was for certain. The person in the chair was male and it was a youkai.

 

“Sorano I would like you to meet an old friend of mine,” The youkai stood up and faced Sorano. Sorano gasped at what she saw. He was tall and very handsome with his emerald green eyes and long flowing black/silver hair. He had the marking of a deep violet six-pointed star on his forehead and a silver stripe running diagonally across both his cheeks. Kaeda wouldn't seriously ask this kind of youkai to come to the United Alliance? Does she not know what kind of youkai he is?! “He is from England and is thinking about transferring out here to work with the Elites of Japan.”

 

The youkai stepped forward and bowed lowly to Sorano, who backed more away from him. “I have heard a great deal about you Sorano-san. I am ever so excited to be working with you.”

 

Sorano cocked an eyebrow at the youkai, “Well you seem to know who I am but I still do not know who you are.”

 

The youkai smiled as he held out his hand to her, “ My name is Duane. I have been an Elite for over twenty years now. I ever so wish to work along side of you.”

 

Sorano smiled politely as she grasped his hand. Sorano's eyes flew open as she felt his youki starting to wrap around her trying to call forth hers. Sorano tried to pull away but Duane just smiled, as he held on tighter. What does he think he's doing?! Can't he smell Sesshomaru on me! “It was nice to meet you Duane. Now if you'll please let go of my hand I can speak with Kaeda. Alone.”

 

Duane looked over his shoulder at Kaeda, who was smiling, and gently let go of her hand but not before he gently stroked his thumb over the top of her hand. “I will speak with you later Kaeda. We have a lot to caught up on.”

 

“I agree Duane. The Elite office is on this floor. Feel free to look around. I will come and get you when Sorano and I are done speaking.”

 

Duane bowed to Kaeda and slowly left the room. Sorano didn't turn to make sure that he left but she felt his stare on her back. Sorano waited till the door opened and closed and she could no longer hear his footsteps before she rounded on Kaeda. “What's the big idea inviting someone like him here?!”

 

Kaeda cocked her head and gave Sorano a confused look, “What are you talking about?”

 

Sorano walked forward and slammed her fists on Kaeda's desk. “He is a night walker! A youkai of the dark! I will not be working with him! I will not be helping him in anyway!”

 

Kaeda waved her hand at Sorano as if she said nothing, “He wishes to learn from the best and you're the best. So he…”

 

“I am NOT the best! Suzuki is the best and since she is Head Elite it is her that can train and work with him. I am but another Elite and I refuse to work with him. And since I am not the Head Elite I can refuse to work with anyone.”

 

Kaeda rested her elbows on the table and laid her head in her held out hands, “Ah Sorano you are all fired up. I thought that you would like to work with Duane because as you said he is a night walker. A youkai of the dark. And with you being a light youkai I thought that the two of you would easily compliment each other's strengths and weaknesses.”

 

Sorano shook her head and glared at Kaeda, “His type of youkai are interested in only one thing from a light youkai and I will never give it to him! Trust me on this Kaeda it is not a good idea to team us up. And if he tries what he did earlier again I will attack him.”

 

Kaeda's eye widened slightly before she nodded and motioned to the seat across her desk, “I will consider that. Now let's talk about Koga and what our plans for him are.”

 

Sorano sat down and nodded, “I agree. We need to work fast.”

 

***

 

It had been four days since the night that Kagome spent in the ICU. She had gotten tests done first thing in the morning but the tests just showed that she had a larger then normal amount of miko. They said that if she trained harder and used most of her miko during those sessions then the pain in her side would go away. So Kagome did as the doctor said but it didn't do a thing to help. If anything it was making things worse. Kagome could hardly get through her classes because of the pain in her side. Not to mention that she was hurting Inuyasha because her miko was becoming unpredictable.

 

Right now they were sitting outside in the soccer field for lunch. Sorano and Sesshomaru were talking with the principle since Sesshomaru finally seemed to convince Sorano to run for Senior Pin. Rin was off talking with her friends and Sango was keeping an eye on Miroku who was getting a little more adventurous with his wandering hand.

 

As for her and Inuyasha. They were sitting under the tree and Kagome was curled against Inuyasha's chest. Her miko wasn't that bad today and she wasn't hurting Inuyasha by lying with him. Inuyasha had his arms wrapped loosely around Kagome as he breathed in her scent. She sighed as she twirled Inuyasha's hair between her fingers.

 

“Kagome?”

 

“Huh…”

 

“Are you alright? You're not in any pain?”

 

Kagome snuggled closer to Inuyasha as a light breeze lifted her hair, “I'm not in any pain Inuyasha. This is the first in a while that I have been able to lay with you and not hurt you. I am really sorry that I don't know what's wrong. If I did I could stop it from hurting you.”

 

“Baka. I don't blame you for your miko hurting me. Like you said you can't control it. I will never blame you for something that is out of your control.”

 

“Arigato Inuyasha,” Kagome tilted her head back to look up at Inuyasha's face, “So how is your paper work doing? Are you bored out of your mind yet?”

 

Inuyasha sighed as he shook his head, “I'm really starting to wonder why I joined this group. I don't have a clue how you go to school, be a part of the best team of the organization, and you're a popular rock band.”

 

Kagome giggled, “It was hard at first but when Sorano is your Team Lead she has a way of getting everyone on a schedule that is really easy to follow. I won't doubt that Sorano is teaching Sesshomaru how to make this schedule. Though youkai don't need to sleep as much as we ningens so they can get a lot more done in a day then we can.”

 

“You're the weak ningen. I don't need to sleep as often as you do. I just can't make head or tails of half the stuff that's in the handbook.”

 

Kagome snuggled once again into Inuyasha, “Don't worry it will all make sense the first time you watch a mission or see Central Command in action.” Kagome tried to stifle a yawn but it still reached Inuyasha's ears.

 

“You know Kagome we still have about thirty minutes until next class. I know that you haven't been sleeping because of the pain in your side. Why don't you sleep and I'll wake you when class is about to start.” Inuyasha wrapped his arms more around Kagome as he spoke.

 

“I'm finally not hurting you. I just want to be held by you so we c…c….can talk,” Inuyasha chuckled as Kagome couldn't even talk without yawning.

 

“Baka weak ningen. Get some sleep. I'll never let you go while you're with me.” Kagome made to argue but Inuyasha started his purring, which Inuyasha called growling and Kagome felt her eyelids getting to heavy to stay open.

 

“Your…..cheating…. Inu…”

 

~~~~~~~

 

Kagome opened her eyes and gasped. She was no longer curled into Inuyasha nor was she sitting in the soccer field at the school. She was standing in a wide-open meadow with the tall grass blowing gently in the breeze. Kagome looked around and shivered slightly.

 

“What an evil aura.” Kagome held her hands to her mouth as she yelled, “Hello! Inuyasha! Mina-sama! Helllooooo!” Kagome sighed when no one answered her.

 

Kagome wrapped her arms around herself as she started to walk through the meadow. Kagome walked through the field yelling for Inuyasha or anyone to answer her. She suddenly heard voices talking in the distance. Kagome turned in the direction of the voices and broke out into a run.

 

Finally someone can tell me what the heck is going on! Kagome reached the top of a hill and when she looked down she saw four figures standing in the clearing looking east. Three were female and one was a male. Kagome yelled out to them as she ran down the hill. But none of them moved or even showed that they had heard her. As Kagome got closer a shimmer of white golden hair caught her eye. It can't be can it?

 

Kagome ran until she was a few feet away. Sorano? The three women were all standing really close together as they looked east. The male was still a little ways off but he was running in their direction. The two other females both had long black hair; one female had her hair tied back in a high ponytail and she was wearing a strange tight black body suit with armor while the other was dressed in miko robes and had her hair tied back at the nap of her neck.

 

The white/golden haired one was dressed in very ancient looking armor and stood about a foot taller then the other two women. Kagome slowed down into a quick walk as she came closer to the three women. Kagome reached out to touch the one that she thought was Sorano.

 

“Sorano-samaaaaa!”

 

Kagome jumped back as the male that was running towards them screamed out Sorano's name. The golden/white haired woman turned towards the voice and smiled. Kagome gasped as her suspicion was proved to be right. The tall youkai was indeed Sorano. She had the same eyes, markings and aura as the Sorano she knew but somehow this Sorano seemed younger as if Kagome was seeing her in the past. This must be a dream of some sort. Or could it be a vision?

 

The male reached Sorano and the other two females but as the other two females turned around Kagome yelled out in surprise. It can't be! The female dressed in the miko robes looked a lot like her except that this person's face a little more narrow and her eyes were more hazel then brown. The other female looked exactly like Sango but this woman had blue eyes and not brown.

 

Sorano stepped forward as the man doubled over to caught his breath, “Shoichi what is it? I thought that you were back at the village watching over the shrine.”

 

Shoichi took a minute to catch his breath before he turned to Sorano, “I was but the youkai have managed to get through the first kekkai. They will be here in a matter of hours. I also have a message from your father Sorano-sama.”

 

Sorano cocked an eyebrow at Shoichi, “My father? My father is back in the light realm. What could he have to tell me?”

 

The two other women exchanged looks of sadness between them behind Sorano's back. Shoichi stood up as he held a stitch in his side, “He wishes for your return to the light realm.”

 

“What!!”

 

Shoichi stepped back as Sorano growled, “Milady I am sorry but I am only relaying the message. He wishes for your return to the light realm at once.”

 

“Sorano I think that you should do as he says. If you are needed in your realm then you must return.” The one that looked like Sango said as she walked up to stand beside her.

 

Sorano looked at her and growled out, “ Not you too Haya. I must protect my families and leaving to the light realm will not kept you safe.”

 

The one that looked like Kagome stepped forward until she was standing right in front of Sorano, “You have kept us safe and we can take care of ourselves.”

 

“Makoto-san I can not leave. Once I leave the physical realm I will not remember you. I am your protector and I will be until the day that I leave this world and enter the after life.”

 

“Sorano we will always remember you,” Haya walked forward and stood beside Makoto, “You have protected the Taijiya village and the Higurashi Family with pride and honour. We could never forget you. You're needed in the light realm. It is time for you to go.”

 

Sorano looked between the two of them and backed up. “I can't believe you both. Don't you hear what I am saying! I will NOT remember any of this. Once my physical body dies and I return to the light realm I will not remember any of you or our time together. I have never had friends before and I will not leave you all to your death.”

 

Makoto crossed her arms as she shook her head, “Such little faith you have in us. We may be ningens but we are strong and so is our power and desire to live. You may forget us but we will never forget you.”

 

Sorano shook her head with a look of utter disbelief on her face, “Makoto-san I can't leave you…”

 

Makoto raised her hand, “You have helped the Higurashi Family to protect and guard our greatest secret. All of us Higurashi will keep the secret until the chosen one is born. I know in my heart and in my very soul that we will meet again. I may be dead by then but the soul of me will find a way to you.”

 

Shoichi stepped forward and smiled at Sorano, “We will live on and we will live through his coming battle. The darkness that is coming for us will not win. The secret is being sealed away until the chosen Higurashi is born. You will find that person and you will continue your duty to protect the Higurashi family.”

 

Haya smiled as she nodded in agreement, “You will find the Taijiya people and you will protect them as well. Until then we will make sure that we keep the secret safe and protect it with our lives. You have the word of the Taijiya Village.”

 

Sorano made to comment but the next events happened so fast that Kagome didn't even get a chance to yell out a warning. As if out of thin air a powerful youkai appeared behind Sorano. The youkai raised his sword and thrust it through Sorano's back until it came out her chest. The sword pierced right through her heart. Kagome shook her head in disbelieve as she watched in horror as Sorano looked down at the sword tip that was sticking out of her chest.

 

“Nani…” Suddenly the blade was pulled free and Sorano stumbled forward. Blood poured from the gaping hole in her chest as it made it's way down her silk kimono and ancient armor. Sorano raised her hand and placed it over her wound. Blood dribbled down from the corners of her mouth as she pulled her hand away to look at her blood soaked palm.

 

“No! This is not happening! Sorano is not dying before my eyes.” Kagome backed up slowly and covered her mouth.

 

Sorano looked at the ones that were standing before her and watched as their tears made shimmering streaks down their cheeks. Sorano stumbled as she tried to turn around. The sun was still shining and the power of the sun was slowly helping her to close the wound. When Sorano turned around Kagome finally saw who it was that attacked her.

 

NO! It can't be!! He would never do something like that! I have met him before. He is kind and gentle and he wouldn't do this to Sorano! The youkai that had attacked Sorano was none other then Inutaisho. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's father. He was holding his blood-drenched sword pointed at Sorano as she fully turned around.

 

“Inutaisho-sama… why…”

 

Inutaisho bowed his head, “Your time in this realm is over. You are to return to your father. I know there we will be a time when you are needed to once again protect the Higurashi Family and to protect the Taijiya. But that is not this day. Your power is great Sorano and when the time comes you will be needed to use it. The secret of the Higurashi Family is sealed away. No youkai, ningen, hanyou, miko, or houshi will ever get it. When the chosen one is born your time will be at hand once again.”

 

Inutaisho raised his sword at he looked sadly at Sorano, “Though you may forget all of this we will always remember. I will find you again.”

 

Sorano smiled weakly as she let her hands fall to her sides. “We will meet again.” Kagome screamed and ran towards Sorano as Inutaisho brought his sword down for the killing strike. But no matter how fast she ran or how loud she yelled she couldn't get any closer nor could anyone hear her. The blade hit Sorano where her shoulder met her neck and sliced right through her body. Kagome screamed as she felt hot tears running down her face as Sorano fell to the ground in a bloody heap.

 

“SORANO!!!!!!”

 

~~~~~~

 

Sorano closed her locker and sighed. How did I ever let Sesshomaru convince me that I should run for Senior Pin? I don't even like politics let alone school politics. That is Sesshomaru's area of expertise. As it was Sesshomaru was still in the principle's office talking about an upcoming dance and what was needed for that. Sorano had put her foot down about The Sage being the band for the dance. After all they hadn't had a chance before to go to a school dance and Sorano knew that the others would wish to go to it.

 

Sorano picked up her backpack and swung it over her shoulder. She still had about twenty minutes before the next class. The others would probably be in the soccer field under their usually tree eating lunch. Sorano walked through the corridors trying to ignore all the students pointing and whispering about her. I really wish that they would stop that. I am just like them. Well okay I'm not just like them but I am trying to be when I'm at school. I don't want to hear them whispering about me anymore.

 

Sorano reached the short hall that led to the smoking pit. It was the quickest way out into the field. Granted she had to pretty much plug her nose because of the smell but at least the smokers didn't point at her or whisper. They were to busy smoking or joking with each other to gossip about the band or about her.

 

Sorano started to walk down the hall when she suddenly felt Kagome's aura. It was pulsating as if she was distressed. Sorano shook her head and continued walking down the hall. But the closer she got to the doors the more she felt that Kagome was in danger. Not physical danger but something was attacking her mind.

 

Sorano broke into a run when she heard students yelling and screaming from just beyond the double steal push doors. Sorano's backpack fell from her shoulder as she pushed open the door and stared out into the pit and the field.

 

“Kami-sama what is happening out here?!”

 

The students were all running away from the field. Sorano had to push and shove her way through the crowds just to get away from the doorway. A pulse of miko shot out from the field and Sorano heard Inuyasha yell out in pain. The last remaining students in the field were now standing in the far corner of the soccer field where they all usually ate their lunch.

 

Suddenly the wind picked up and Kagome's aura filled the air. Sorano ran through the smoker's pit and into the field. Once she entered the field she heard Sango yell out and a large fuchsia orb appeared under the tree that they ate lunch under. Sorano quickened her pace and soon the figures of Sango, Miroku and Inuyasha came into her line of sight. Miroku was supporting Inuyasha and Sango was trying to talk to someone.

 

Sorano skidded to a halt beside Miroku and Inuyasha and gasped. Inuyasha looked like he was half transforming into a human, “Miroku what happened?!”

 

Miroku turned, as best he could while still holding Inuyasha, to look at Sorano, “I'm not to sure. I was talking with Sango while Kagome was sleeping curled into Inuyasha. Suddenly Kagome started to thrash about as if she was having a nightmare. Then a burst of miko came off of her pushing her away from Inuyasha and almost purifying him in the process.”

 

Inuyasha was straining to stay conscious as he looked forward. Sorano followed his line of sight and felt her heart skip a beat. The glowing orb was Kagome. She was flowing within it. Her eyes were closed as she bobbed up and down ever so slightly within the swirling mass of miko energy. Sorano slowly walked forward until she was standing beside Sango. Sango glanced at Sorano before turning her gaze back to Kagome.

 

“Sango what is going on?”

 

Sango shook her head as she stared at Kagome, “I don't know! I can't seem to get her to open her eyes or even talk to me.”

 

“What is that miko doing?” Sorano jumped slightly as she turned around. Standing where she was a minute ago was Sesshomaru who was now holding an unconscious Inuyasha in his arms and he looked furious. Sorano shivered as his youki flared out in anger towards Kagome. And here I thought that Sesshomaru didn't care about Inuyasha.

 

“We don't know but what ever it is was powerful enough to almost purify Inuyasha.” Sorano turned her gaze back to Kagome as she slowly stepped forward.

 

“Are you nuts Sorano!? Look what she did to Inuyasha! She could do the same thing to you and you don't have the luxury of at least just turning human for a day!” Sorano ignored Sango as she walked closer to Kagome.

 

“Kagome?” Sorano jumped when suddenly Kagome's eyes opened and instead of them being the molten chocolate brown they were now completely fuchsia.

 

`Protector of the Higurashi Family.'

 

The voice sort of sounded like Kagome's but it was just an echo of it. Well at least she's talking though she is talking nonsense. “Kagome are you okay?”

 

`The time has come for what was forgotten to be remembered. You are the Protector of the Higurashi Family and the time has come for the secret to be known.'

 

Sorano made to comment but she was suddenly pulled forward by tendrils of miko that were flying off of the orb of energy that surrounded Kagome. Sorano clawed and fought with the miko as it wrapped around her and pulled her closer to Kagome. “Kagome stop this! What are you doing!?”

 

Sorano screamed out as the level of miko increased and started to burn her bare flesh. Sorano could hear the others yelling out to her but the pain was to great and her vision was becoming blurry. Slowly Sorano was losing her strength as more and more tendrils wrapped themselves around her as they dragged her forward.

 

“Sorano!” Sorano stopped fighting and let her head lull to the side. Sesshomaru was trying to get to her while he held onto Inuyasha. But somehow a kekkai had been formed to keep everyone at bay.

 

“Sessh…omaru…”

 

`The secret of the Higurashi Family has come.' That was the last thing she heard before her whole world turned to darkness and she lost consciousness.

 

***

 

A/N: A little bit of a longer chapter. This is the first part of a three-part mini-series. I hope you all enjoyed and I hope that I got this out with enough time for you to read it WhitneyLin. Huggles to you all!!!! Again thank-you for reviewing. You know the drill and I know have two days off from work. If I get even reviews I might finish this three parter in a day for you all!!! Huggles Tal ^_~