InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ To Be Cursed ❯ Chapter Seven ( Chapter 7 )

As Kagome settled down for breakfast, her mother sat across from her with a cup of tea. She had plenty of time today, since she was no longer in school and only had to visit the mall for supplies, and she knew that her mother was just waiting to ask her something. After she had gotten a few forkfuls of her okaa-san's delicious food down, her mother set down her cup of tea and addressed her.

 

“Kagome are you going back today? I know you've only been here three days but that is usually all the longer you stay before leaving.” Her mother smiled at her daughter warmly as she studied her. Her little girl had done a lot of growing up lately and she knew it was mostly due to her extended travels to the past.

 

The young miko returned her mother's heartfelt smile with one of her own and swallowed the bite of toast in her mouth. “Actually no, I'm not, at least not to stay. I will probably go back tonight to check on Shippou then come home again. I have to meet someone once I get back and I figured that since I had so long to wait, I would spend the time here.”

 

A mischievous gleam entered momma Higurashi's eyes and she grinned. “Meeting someone? Who could that be? Have you finally found a boyfriend? Is he youkai?” During the first year of her daughter's travels, Mrs. Higurashi had known Kagome had loved Inuyasha. However, she had consoled her daughter so many times over the hanyou's careless handling of her feelings and now she only hoped that Kagome could move on. Her daughter deserved someone wonderful and the fact that there was a good chance that person would end up a demon didn't bother her at all.

 

Kagome blushed furiously at her mother's insinuation and waved her hands in the air dismissively. “Not that way momma!” She sputtered as she tried to organize her thoughts. “Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru's father contacted me over a week ago. Sesshoumaru is under a curse and apparently I am the only one who can lift it.”

 

She hastily spit out the rest of the details concerning her rendezvous with the late Demon Lord and watched as her mother's eyes widened comically. Once her explanation was complete, she cleared her throat. “Momma? What is it?”

 

Her mother blinked several times before speaking. “Nothing dear. I am just amazed by how many different things you have to tackle in the past. I know they are all things you have to do but I wish you didn't always get hurt so badly.”

 

The young priestess's eyes softened at her mother. She was always so dearly worried about her and it warmed her heart to know that at least she could always count on her family to care about her. “I know momma but as soon as this whole mess is over I can come home and stay here. Oh! I forgot…we had some good luck before I came back. Sesshoumaru gave me another ten jewel shards!”

 

Momma's eyes widened, “He…he helped you? I mean, I know you just told me you were going to have to try to help him with a curse but I always had the impression he was more of an enemy.”

 

Kagome smiled brilliantly at her mother and told her about the incident with the bear youkai and the Demon Lord's entourage. Once more her mother looked amazed. “Wow. He doesn't really sound so bad. Must just be Inuyasha.”

 

Mother and daughter snickered together at that and greeted a winded Souta who had just burst into the kitchen. He grinned at them both and plopped down into a chair to promptly inhale his cereal. “Kagome, what are you going to do today?” He asked after taking a bite of his breakfast.

 

Tapping a finger against her chin in a thoughtful gesture, Kagome answered. “I don't really know Souta. It's a Saturday and all but I don't have anything to do besides go to the mall for supplies. Why?”

 

The younger sibling swallowed his current mouthful of food before taking a swig of orange juice, “Would you mind if I tagged along? It seems like it has been ages since I actually got to see you.”

 

The miko smiled lovingly at her brother, “Of course you can! I'll even let you help me carry what I buy!”

 

~*~

 

Kagome and Souta were walking slowly down one of the streets of downtown Tokyo, both laden with bags from their shopping excursion. The siblings were busy scouting around for somewhere that looked like a good place to eat when a voice sounded out behind them, “Higurashi!”

 

Both turned to look over their shoulders and saw Hojou walking to catch up with them, waving and smiling the entire way. Kagome froze where she was and turned an anxious gaze on her brother. He caught it instantly and asked in a quiet voice, “Sis? What's wrong?”

 

Looking into Souta's concerned cinnamon eyes, she sighed. “I just feel so bad all the time. Hojou is the only person from school that really ever keeps in contact with me and I feel guilty always telling him all these lies about being sick. He's always been a wonderful friend and I feel like I am betraying his trust somehow.”

 

The younger Higurashi put a comforting hand on his sister's shoulder. “Kagome, why not just tell him the truth?”

 

Her blue eyes widened exponentially. “Are you kidding? That would be madness Souta! I would like to, but what's going to stop him from calling the loony bin on me? I mean, you guys didn't even believe me until you saw Inuyasha.”

 

Souta looked contemplative for a moment before responding. “That is true sis, but Hojou has always believed you and I think he would even believe the story about the well. Besides, you need someone here that knows you besides just your family.”

 

Kagome took a sidelong glance at Hojou who was mere feet away before focusing back on her brother, “Do you really think so? Do you think he'd believe me?”

 

He grinned widely and squeezed her shoulder before moving his hand. “Well, there's only one way to find out. If he doesn't believe you, we can always just say that one of your illnesses has affected your imagination.”

 

Kagome, being the mature woman she is, promptly stuck her tongue out at Souta and turned to smile at her high school friend. “Hello Hojou! What are you doing today?”

 

The young man's smile brightened as he looked at the small miko with adoration shining in his eyes. “Just running a few errands how are you? I haven't seen you in quite awhile. No new illnesses or anything?”

 

Souta took the chance to butt in and steal the conversation, “Actually, she is doing wonderful! We were just about to get some lunch…want to join us?”

 

~*~

 

Twenty minutes later found them at a table far from any prying noses in a quaint café. The server had already made a round and taken drink orders when Hojou turned to Kagome to strike up a conversation.

 

“You really are looking quite well Kagome. I take it the doctor's finally got you cured of everything?” The young man asked with concern shining in his warm brown eyes.

 

Rubbing the back of her neck in an obviously nervous manner, Kagome shot him a sheepish grin, “Actually Hojou…that is why you were invited to lunch with us. There is something I need to tell you.”

 

Genuine worry overcame the concern in Hojou's expression and he reached across the table to grasp the miko's non-fidgeting hand in his. “Kagome? You…you're not…dying…are you?”

 

A giggle born of anxiety and embarrassment bubbled up from her throat and she moved her other hand to pat the top of his, “Nothing like that Hojou. Actually…I've never been sick. Not once, other than minor colds.”

 

Now confusion reigned supreme on the young man's face. “I don't get it. You missed all that school and your grandfather always said you were sick and you always looked so tired…”

 

Giving the hand holding hers a reassuring squeeze she spoke softly, “Hojou…do you trust me? Because…I have something really…big…and kind of otherworldly to tell you. I know it won't sound believable and please don't think I am crazy but I really think you deserve to know the truth…about me.”

 

The concern was back as well as skepticism. He eyed her warily, “Of course I trust you Kagome-chan and I wouldn't think you were crazy…but…what could possibly be the real reason for everything?”

 

The server brought their drinks and took their orders, giving Kagome time to calm down and arrange her thoughts. Taking a deep breath, Kagome blurted out “I'm a time traveler.”

 

Way to break things to him easy Kagome. Now he's looking at you like you grew an extra head.

 

“I-I don't understand. Time travel isn't possible.” He shook his head clearly not believing her. Hojou turned to look at Souta and then back at Kagome. Both siblings looked deadly serious. “Is it?”

 

Souta laughed outright at the look of utter bewilderment on Hojou's face. “I'll say! Kagome has been traveling through time for years now.”

 

Curious brown eyes locked with sapphire. “Is that true? Really?”

 

Nodding and taking a sip of her soda, Kagome smiled warmly at the perplexed boy. “Yeah it is. See, on my fifteenth birthday I went into the well house on the shrine grounds looking for Buyo. Once I was down by the well, I found him but something else found me. A centipede demon came through the well and pulled me five hundred years into the past.”

 

Hojou promptly choked on his drink.

 

~*~

 

After assuring her friend could breath, Kagome continued her tale only stopping when the waitress came around to bring their food. Once everyone had eaten and her story was complete, Hojou was gazing at her with questioning eyes. Well, at least he hasn't declared me mentally unsound yet.

 

“So,” he started, trying to sort through everything he had been told within the last forty-five minutes, “you're telling me that the reason you missed so much school was because you were traveling into the past to battle demons and complete a jewel that is supposed to be a myth?”

 

Kagome nodded, “Basically. I know it's a lot to take in and if you don't believe me, I understand. I'm not so sure I would believe me either, were I in your position. It's just…you've been such a good friend to me for so long and I feel so guilty about lying to you for all these years.”

 

Hojou regarded her carefully. The tale she had spun was nothing short of mind-blowing and if it weren't for the fact that he could see the honesty in her and Souta's eyes, he wouldn't have even considered it as plausible. He needed more though. “I don't suppose you have any proof? I hate to sound like I don't trust you after all, but you have to admit it's pretty fantastic.”

 

The miko nodded absentmindedly while tapping a finger against her chin. Before she could say anything, Souta said “Why not show him some of your battle scars?”

 

Her eyes widened in shock, “Are you kidding? How is that proof? It isn't like I am the only person with scars Souta.”

 

“No…but you're the only person I know with scars from fangs and claws and arrows Kagome.” He countered while sticking his tongue out at her.

 

That phrase caused Hojou's attention to snap to her immediately. “You really have scars like that Kagome?”

 

The miko sighed while nodding, “Yes I do. But like I said, there isn't a whole lot that would distinguish them as such.”

 

Souta perked up all of a sudden and his eyes glimmered in triumph. “Why don't you just come back to the shrine with us? I am sure there is something there that could be proof enough.”

 

~*~

 

Kagome flopped onto her bed with a deep sigh and burrowed her head into her pillow. “What a long and exhausting day.” She murmured into the air, her mouth gaping in a huge yawn.

 

Long and exhausting was one way to describe the day…however, Kagome had a better description that summed it up in one word: hell. She and Souta had spent the rest of the day explaining things further to Hojou as well as Kagome showing him a few of her scars and demonstrating her miko powers. It had been enough to amaze him, sure…but the only thing that had totally convinced the persistent young man was Kagome taking him into the well house and watching and she disappeared in the time slip, only to reappear seconds later.

 

Of course, she had been worried that she would attract Inuyasha's attention so after her arrival back in her own era, she had promptly sealed the well. After spending the entire afternoon - and well into the evening hours - getting Hojou to believe her, Kagome had no desire whatsoever to face a temperamental inu hanyou.

 

She rose from her comfortable bed just long enough to shed her clothes from the day and slip into some soft pajamas before returning directly to bed. Kami she was tired.

 

~*~

 

Grasping the shoulder straps of her yellow backpack tightly, Kagome chewed on her lower lip while staring down into the depths of the well's gaping maw. It was time to return to the past; time to face the hanyou that hurt her so much and his late father.

 

It was time for Kagome to step into yet another role fashioned for her.

 

Normally, the idea of being forced into roles that weren't of her own design - or even her own desire - would bother her. Yes, she spent the majority of her life in the past and yes it was because she chose to…however, it was someone else's plan that had her pulled down the well in the first place. She loved her friends greatly and had never once considered abandoning them but that didn't mean she had to be happy with everything that she herself had suffered.

 

All the things that no one really knew about.

 

With a heartfelt sigh, Kagome removed the sealing spell before she sat on the lip of the well and swung her legs over the edge. After a silent prayer to whatever god might be listening, she leaped from the edge and was awash in blue light.

 

Within moments, the young miko could smell the beautifully clean air of the Sengoku Jidai and smiled. Truly she loved the era. Grasping a hold of the vines that littered the well, Kagome climbed slowly up and was soon vaulting over the edge.

 

She just stood for a moment, breathing in the air and gazing at the beauty of the feudal era. No one was there to greet her which wasn't really a surprise since no one knew exactly when she would return. Taking in another lungful of clean air, Kagome tightened her grip on her backpack and started the trek to Kaede's village.

 

Upon reaching the very outskirts of the humble village, Kagome heard a joyfully squealed rendition of her name and smiled, bracing herself for impact. Soon, a red ball of fur was streaking across the remaining feet between her and the old miko's hut only to come crashing into her chest. Tiny arms wrapped around her torso as best they could and she returned the embrace happily.

 

“Kagome! I am so happy you're back! We didn't know how long you'd be gone and Inuyasha was grouchy the entire time.” The young kit exclaimed, leaning back in his mother's arms to turn his shining green eyes on hers.

 

Smiling fondly at the young fox, she ruffled his hair. “Is that so? Well, I am back now and we can start the search again in the morning. Where is everyone?”

 

Grinning widely, he jumped from her arms and started walking. Kagome took the cue and followed him. “Sango, Miroku, Kirara and Kaede are all at the hut. We've been waiting for you.” He looked back to assure he was following and quietly whispered, “I don't know where Inuyasha is. We haven't seen him for a few days.”

 

Kagome nodded sadly already well aware of the location of the absent hanyou. After so many years of the same thing, it really wasn't hard to discern where he would be when there was down time. Tears pricked at her eyes at the thought of the half-demon but she willed them away. No more crying over him.

 

Easing aside the flap in the doorway, Kagome stepped inside the quaint hut and smiled at her friends. “Hey guys. Sorry I was gone so long but I haven't been to see my family for awhile and since we got so many shards before I left, I really wanted to spend some time with them.”

 

Sango smiled warmly at her friend while levering herself from the floor to crush the tiny miko in a hug. “Don't worry about it Kagome. We knew you were leaving.”

 

Miroku was soon to follow and wrapped the priestess in a hug of his own, his hands staying in respectable places for once. “We are happy to have you back Lady Kagome. I trust your family is well?”

 

Before she could answer, a very grumpy hanyou stormed in the door, nearly ripping the mat down and glared angrily at Kagome. “Where the hell have you been wench? I don't remember telling you that you could leave!”

 

Leveling a cool gaze on the male whom she had loved so very much, Kagome retorted, “I don't remember having to ask you for permission! Besides, I am back now and we can resume the hunt in the morning.”

 

Turning her back to him in indication that she was already through with the conversation, Kagome walked to the side of the hut and set her bag down. Opening the top of the bulging pack, she withdrew several items she had purchased for her friends along with her bathing supplies. Grinning at Sango, she asked “Care for a bath Sango? I brought back some new shampoo and conditioner you might like.”

 

The Taijiya nodded and strapped her Hiraikotsu to her back. Turning to glare at the monk, she bit out “You stay here houshi. Sit on your hands if you must.”

 

That said she left the hut to await her friend outside. Kagome finished handing out herbs to Kaede, crayons and coloring books for Shippou and some old scrolls from her grandfather to Miroku. When she was finished, she gathered her bathing necessities in her arms and turned to walk out the door. The angry, red-clothed form of Inuyasha blocked her way.

 

“Excuse me?” He barked as his amber orbs narrowed. “You just got back and you're already leaving for a bath? And what's this bullshit about not leaving until tomorrow?”

 

Heaving a sigh and pinching the bridge of her nose with an unoccupied hand, Kagome answered him wearily. “Inuyasha, I just got back…do we have to fight already? Besides what is so bad about resuming our journey on a new morning?”

 

Noticing his eyes narrowing on her small figure further, she raised her head and set her jaw in a defiant angle before skirting completely around the irritated hanyou and leaving him to sputter in indignation.

 

~*~

 

After a nice long soak in the nearby hot springs, Kagome and Sango returned to the village, only to stop on their tracks at the site that met their eyes. Inuyasha stood away from the elder miko's hut talking with none other than Kikyou. Exchanging glances with one another, both young women resumed their trek to the hut and steadfastly ignored the two.

 

Kagome had just resituated her belongings in her pack and settled down besides Sango to enjoy the delicious stew Kaede had prepared when Inuyasha walked into the hut with Kikyou hot on his heels. No one even bothered looking at him which caused him to growl.

 

Seeing as how the vocal display sincerely startled them all and forced their attention in his direction, Inuyasha leveled a glare at them all. “Since Kagome seems to think its okay to just take off, Kikyou is going to join us in the hunt for the shards.”