Author’s Note: Here is one of the things that has been distracting me as of late. I’m hoping that by getting this out, I’ll be able to focus on Dreaming Of You and my original novel again. This was inspired by Thechrisbarnett’s shorts on YouTube: POV you and your soulmate switch bodies for a day. Thank you in advance for any favorites, follows, kudos, and reviews.
~*Flame
Disclaimer: InuYasha & Final Act are all owned by Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Viz Media & Madmen Entertainment.
Through Your Eyes
Kagome sighed, holding tightly to the pillow in her lap as she listened to her three friends gush over the latest celebrity gossip. She spent the entire summer elbow deep in youkai guts back in Sengoku Jidai; the latest gossip felt so trivial to her. They were so close to completing the Shikon she could almost taste it. Everyone in the group was antsy, wanting their quest to end, but she still had obligations in her time.
Hearing all about who was dating who or cheating on their spouse meant nothing to her; but spending time with Yuka, Eri, and Ayumi did. Her friends were important to her. They might not understand what she was going through beyond the well, but they gave her a little slice of what was normal. They reminded her what it was like to be a teen with no responsibilities beyond passing the high school entrance exam. So when she got home from her travels a little earlier than planned to stalk up on supplies and Ayumi called, she jumped at the chance to spend time with them.
She had expected to just hang out at Wacdnalds, or even browse the shops in the mall. Any time spent with the three of them was worth it to her. But when Ayumi mentioned a sleepover… Not even Naraku himself could stop her from going. They were so excited and surprised she agreed; that she was ‘feeling well enough to come,’ she felt terrible. Much like her school work, Kagome had been neglecting her friends.
She absolutely hated the truth of it, but there was nothing she could do about it. Until the Shikon was complete, her main responsibility was in the past. So many times she was tempted to tell them the truth. Tell them all about her time traveling adventures and quest to save their world. But she couldn’t do that to them. She couldn’t burden them with that cursed knowledge. The worst thing in their world would be a failing grade, not the death of a cherished friend.
“Are you okay, Kagome?” Ayumi cocked her head to the side, her dark brown eyes shining with concern. “Do you need any pain medicine?” With a gentle shake of her head, Kagome forced a smile onto her face. She should have asked Jichan what the latest illness he told her friends she was suffering from before coming.
“Please tell us you weren’t thinking about that two-timing boyfriend again.” Eri huffed, folding her arms across her chest. Kagome sighed, honestly surprised the topic hadn’t come up sooner. Whenever Eri was around, it was only a matter of time before boys came up in conversation. They had lasted nearly two hours this time; she was getting better.
“Inuyasha and I aren’t dating.”
“So you two broke up?” Yuka stared at her, a frown twisting her lips.
“Are you going to go out with Houjou then?” Eri wiggled with excitement.
“I’m so sorry, Kagome.” Ayumi rested a hand against her shoulder in comfort. Smiling for real, Kagome gazed at her three friends. This is what she missed so much while trapesing about in the past.
“I’m fine. We were never all that serious in the first place.” At least, not since Kikyou was revived. Some days she wondered what could have been, but overall did her best not to dwell on it. She and Inuyasha were much better off as friends. “I don’t think Houjou and I are suited for eachother though.” After all her adventures, it was hard to imagine herself with a normal human. Given time, that might change, but she wasn’t holding her breath.
A sly, devilish smile spread across Eri’s face, setting Kagome on edge. It was never a good thing when any of her friends got that look, less so after discussions of Inuyasha. “Maybe that’s for the best.” Eri rushed over to the corner of the room, where all their overnight bags lay forgotten. “The other day, I found the coolest thing in our antique store!”
Kagome, Yuka, and Ayumi all cocked their heads to the side as they watched their friend rummage through her bag. It wouldn’t be the first time she brought something from her family’s antique shop, but it had been a while since the last time. Her parents weren’t too happy when a near ancient love letter was destroyed in the sudden rainstorm on the way home from school.
Eri turned away from the bag, dark brown eyes shining with a hint of madness. She held out her hand, a worn and delicate parchment cradled in her palm. The three curious friends leaned in, all trying to get a glimpse of the antique. It was in amazing condition for however old it was; the ink was still bold on the page.
“It’s a spell to help you find your soulmate.” Eri’s smile widened.
Yuka scoffed, rolling her eyes before looking away.
Ayumi blinked, leaning in closer.
Kagome jerked back, goosebumps raising on her arms and fear shimmering in her sapphire eyes.
“Please tell me you don’t actually believe in that stuff?” There was no mistaking the plea in Yuka’s voice. Kagome hoped her logical friend’s skepticism would be enough to stop whatever crazed plan was forming in Eri’s mind. Kagome didn’t care if it was a fake spell used to trick tourists or a real one; the thing was dangerous.
“Aren’t you even remotely curious?” Eri egged on, looking down at the parchment. “I found it in a box full of old things claimed to be from a kitsune-tsukai.” Eri giggled, sending shivers down Kagome’s spine. To them, a witch who gained a fox familiar through bribery is laughable, something left for legends long forgotten. But not for her.
Though she had yet to encounter a kitsune-tsukai, Kagome didn’t doubt their existence. If anything, she was more surprised she hadn’t encountered one in Sengoku Jidai yet. If this spell Eri found really was from a kitsune-tsukai, it was absolutely real. The kitsune familiars were tasked with gathering secretes the witch could use against their enemies, and what better secret than one’s soulmate?
Kagome wanted nothing to do with it. Thankfully Yuka agreed, though for wholly different reasons. Ayumi on the other hand…
“I think it could be fun.” The sweet girl smiled, scooting closer to Eri and the cursed spell. Yuka sighed before giving in and joining the other two, leaving Kagome alone on the other side of the room. She stared at the three modern girls, envy filling her as they so easily and obliviously plunged into danger.
“Fine…” Kagome sighed. If they were so determined to try this strange spell Eri brought, the least she could do was keep an eye on everyone; what with her being the only one with experience. If there it something truly dangerous, she could counter it. At least, she hoped she could counter it.
All three friends huddled around Eri, eyes glued to the ancient parchment. “So, how does this work?” Gazes shifted to Yuka for a moment before focusing on Eri, waiting for her to explain. This was her idea, after all; she should know what they needed to do to make it work. Kagome just hoped they wouldn’t need any strange ingredients. She shuddered as flashes of Urasue came to mind.
“It’s easy! All we have to do is get comfortable and say the spell written here.” Eri lifted the hand holding the parchment, grabbing their attention. “Then we’ll see through the eyes of our soulmate for the rest of the temporal hour.” Kagome nearly groaned, never the fan of determining the archaic timekeeping system. She always left that to Miroku on the rare occasion they needed to keep track. Her friends wrinkled their noses, but were not deterred from their path.
Ayumi was the first to move, ever the hostess, grabbing the various pillows so they could get comfortable. It only took moments for their small group to settle in. The plush pillow cradled Kagome’s head as her stomach flipped with anxiety. If it didn’t work, she’d be relieved, of course, but she didn’t think that would be the case. The spell would work, and that’s what worried her the most.
“Everyone ready?” There was no hiding the excitement in Eri’s voice. “Repeat after me! Red string tied to me, lead me to the one I seek. Through their eyes, I will see through the period as I please.” Eri’s voice trailed off as the others repeated the words. It wasn’t the most eloquent of spells, but Kagome was well aware eloquence wasn’t a requirement for real magic.
As she repeated the words, her eyelids grew heavy. Before the last words slipped past her lips, she was already halfway in a trance. The magic of the spell trapping her in its thrall.
___
Between one blink and the next, Kagome went from Ayumi’s bedroom to a boardroom. Well, not quite a boardroom. There was a large conference table off to the side of the room, but there wasn’t much else Kagome could see of it out of the corner of her eye… or rather, her soulmate’s eye.
The much older man was focused on the accounting documents on his desk, working far too late into the night. There was so much to unpack, she wasn’t sure where to start. She didn’t know what she expected going into this spell Eri was so keen on, but being tied to someone so much older than her wasn’t it. Of course, when she was crushing over Inuyasha, the fact he was practically two hundred years her senior didn’t bother her. Yet, whoever this man was, it did. Maybe it had something to do with being in the modern era?
She was only assuming he was at least twice her age. There weren’t many in their twenties that would find themselves in such a spacious and sleek office. Considering how late it was, the decor of the office, and the subject of the work in his hands, Kagome was certain he was an executive of some sort.
What a cruel fate for the both of them. Even if she survived her time in Sengoku Jidai, society would frown upon their coupling, regardless of how long she waited to find him. For fate to tie them together, when there was no way for them to be together was something she expected of Naraku, not the Kami.
The man groaned before releasing the pen in his hand to rest on the table before he rubbed his temple. How often had she done the same while studying late into the night? He needed to take a break if he was ever going to figure out what exactly he was looking for in the sea of numbers.
It was something he must have realized himself, as he leaned back into his chair, glancing at the clock at the corner of his desk. The time read the same as Ayumi’s had before they settled into the spell. Though she had no plans to find him, it was good to know they were at least in the same time zone.
His shoulders sagged as he put away the documents he was working on. His movements were so precise, Kagome could only imagine how often he had done them. Within moments, his desk was cleared; nothing to show for the day’s work. Lights dimmed as he left the office and marched down the darkened hall. There were no other workers to be seen. Relief washed over Kagome, knowing that though he stayed far later than was expected, he didn’t make his subordinates do the same as so many other managers would.
The man turned away from the elevators, taking the stairs to exit the building. At first, she thought it was due to being so close to the bottom floor, but as the stairs continued, that proved not to be the case. Did he not like elevators? Or were they just not working this late at night? Regardless of the reason, Kagome was a little perturbed, hoping to have caught a glimpse of who the fates had deemed to be her soulmate from the reflection in the chrome.
Unfortunately, it was not to be. After exiting the stairwell, making a B-Line for the only car left in the garage, she got her hopes up, hoping for that tantalizing glimpse from the reflection in the car’s windows, or even the mirror as he drove. Excitement filled her as the sleek silver car drew closer before she felt a pull on her consciousness.
___
Kagome blinked, the parking garage replaced with Ayumi’s room once more. She groaned, sitting up as her other friends did the same. There was a glazed look in all their eyes as the grip of the spell fell away.
“I can’t believe that really worked.” Yuka breathed, looking down at the forgotten parchment.
“What did you see?” Eri asked, surprisingly subdued.
“They were studying science.” She wrinkled her nose. “As if I don’t study enough as is. What about you?” Eri frowned, sadness filling her chocolate eyes.
“Nothing.” Pulling her legs to her chest, she rested her head on her knees while wrapping her arms around herself. “I didn’t see anything.”
“Maybe they were sleeping?” Ayumi rubbed her shoulder, trying to comfort their friend. “I only saw mine getting ready for bed before it was just darkness.”
“Maybe.” Eri didn’t sound convinced. Out of anyone for the spell not to work for, Eri was the worst option. Though, if she tried it again later, she would hopefully get another result. It was rather late, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they were sleeping. “What about you, Kagome?”
“Mine was just getting off work.” That seemed to perk up their friend. Eri cocked her head to the side, narrowing her eyes at Kagome.
“Like, from a late shift at Wacdnalds?” She wanted to groan, already anticipating how her friends would react to the Kami’s cruel joke.
“No… He seemed to be some kind of executive.” All three of their brows furrowed as they stared at her. “He was working on some kind of accounting project.”
“You mean he was old?”
“Maybe the spell doesn’t work right after all.”
“Do you think he’d help you with your math?” All gazes shifted to the sweet Ayumi.
“I think you’re missing the point.” Yuka sighed. “Clearly, there’s something wrong with the spell. Why would Kagome be tied to some old guy?” Ayumi just shrugged, causing all of them to chuckle.
“Maybe Yuka’s right.” Eri sighed, moving her pillow back to where she’d be sleeping for the night. “It was a silly idea, anyway. It’s not like soulmates really exist. Life isn’t a fairytale.” Kagome nearly snorted at that. Somehow, she doubted Eri would think so if she spent just one day in her shoes.
___
Kagome scowled, cursing the pollution of this time. One of the best things about Sengoku Jidai was the lack of toxic air. Before she traveled back in time, she never noticed the noxious fumes, at least not as much as she did now. As she stopped by to remind Inuyasha not to bother her for another few days as she got her assignments for the new school year, it was all the more noticeable.
Lost in her thoughts, she missed her name called over the thick traffic. It wasn’t until her three friends joined her, Eri hanging an arm over her shoulders, that she realized she was no longer alone. “Hey! Sorry, I was distracted.” She chuckled, hoping they’d let it go. Of course, that was a wish never to be granted.
“Oh?” Eri smirked, eyes glinting with mischief. “Were you thinking about your old man?” Kagome coughed, not expecting them to remember their foray into the supernatural. It hadn’t been that long, but it was long enough for her to have forgotten the experience. Though she was frequently fighting for her life.
“No.” She huffed, moving out from under Eri’s arm. “Weren’t you convinced that spell didn’t work, anyway?”
“That was before I tried it again.” No wonder she was so perky. Ayumi must have been correct that Eri’s soulmate was sleeping when they tried. The besotted teen clasped her hands together, stars in her eyes. “He was just getting out of the shower!” The three other girls blushed as Eri swayed back and forth from the memory.
“Glad it worked out in the end.” Kagome cleared her throat while leading their small group toward the school. “I hated seeing you so disappointed.”
“Are you going to keep doing the spell to try and find him?” Ayumi cocked her head to the side, her question causing Yuka to shake her head in disgust.
“You’ve already peeped on him in the shower. Isn’t it a little creepy to keep doing it?”
“But how am I supposed to find him?” Eri puffed out her cheeks. “It’s not like I knew he was naked this morning. I mean, who showers in the morning?”
“Maybe he’s not Japanese?” Kagome shrugged as Eri stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. She, Yuka, and Ayumi turned to look at their now distraught friend. Tears welled in her brown eyes, threatening to spill over, before she looked away; bangs hiding her face.
“Do you really think so?” Kagome sighed, hating to have ruined her friend’s good mood. Of course, it was a possibility that he wasn’t Japanese, but all of their other halves had the same chance.
“Maybe? But it’s not like traveling across the world is impossible in this time.” Eri perked up, eyebrow quirked at Kagome’s odd turn of phrase.
“No wonder your soulmate is so old.” Yuka snorted. “What have you been up to while lying in bed sick all the time?” She leaned in closer, panic filling Kagome’s eyes. “Do you have a special studying technique you’re holding out on us?” Kagome laughed, turning back around and continuing on their way.
“Would you look at the time!”
“Kagome!” Yuka called out, the thunder of three sets of footsteps following her. She sped up, not wanting to continue that line of conversation. It was bad enough that her Jichan was lying to everyone about being sick. She didn’t want to make things worse. She hated lying to her friends, but how would they understand it wasn’t that she was laid up as they thought, but fighting for her life?
Thankfully, the school entrance came into view before any of her three friends could continue the discussion. With what little time they left before the first class, none of them had the luxury of fooling around. After changing shoes and finding their new classroom, there were mere moments to spare before the bell rang.
The first day of a new semester had become one of Kagome’s favorites since falling down the well. It was a perfect time to get a feel for how much extra work she would need to do for the class. Some teachers were soft and understanding, unlikely to have issues with her frequent and extended absences. Others, not so much. It was these teachers she needed to watch out for. There was always at least one of them, and judging by the stink eye her first period teacher was giving her, he was one of them.
She sighed, already dreading the upcoming year. Clearly, she obtained a reputation among the faculty. It wasn’t all that surprising, but it didn’t make things any easier for her. If she was lucky, Mr. Tanaka would be the only one to have an issue with her until graduation. She deserved that much at least, didn’t she?
Unfortunately, her friends didn’t seem to notice the already hostile nature of their instructor. A tap on her elbow drew Kagome’s attention away from the front of the class. There, tucked innocently beneath the bright white of her sailor fuku, was a note. The cherry peach paper could only have come from Eri. Swallowing hard, she shifted her elbow just enough to reach the note under her desk, hoping the teacher wouldn’t notice.
Returning her focus to the front of the class, she slowly unfolded the note. So far, the instructor hadn’t turned around yet, giving her the perfect opportunity to glance down and see what exactly Eri found to be so vital it couldn’t wait for the end of class.
In case you want to check up on your old man again!
Red string tied to me, lead me to the one I seek. Through their eyes, I will see through the period as I please.
Kagome nearly groaned. The note, complete with doodled kissy face, was just asking for trouble. She was certain Eri passed one to their other friends, now that she knew the spell worked. By tomorrow, she knew they would ask her what else she’d seen. If she didn’t have an answer, there was no doubt in her mind they would try to coerce her to trying it again after class.
The way she saw it, she had three options: run away and return to Sengoku Jidai early, surprising Inuyasha and missing out on important information from class; ignore the note, and be doomed to try it again with her friends looming over her after class tomorrow; or try it out again tonight on her own terms. Rubbing her temples, she sighed. There really was only one clear choice. If she was going to be stuck doing this anyway, it might as well be on her own terms.
___
“Kanpai!” The clink of glasses rang through the restaurant. All around the table were fellow employees with smiles on their faces. The world grew dark for a moment as Kagome’s other half closed his eyes while drinking the beer in his hand. Though she had never been to a nomikai drinking party before, she had seen a few and knew what to expect. The fact that her other half was attending one, given her assumption of his high rank, wasn’t all that surprising.
The world returned as he set the now empty glass down. Sushi and other dishes lined the table, various employees picking away while laughing amongst themselves. “Higurashi-san!” His gaze drifted to the co-worker, thier exchanged lost to her.
Higurashi? He had the same family name as her? How was that even possible? It wasn’t a common name by any stretch of the imagination. She might not be well acquainted with all her family members, but she was certain the Kami wouldn’t pair her with someone in her own family. She mentally shuddered.
The party continued, with only a few of the subordinates refilling his glass. Each one seemed less hesitant than the last, but very few had the courage to approach. Considering he so rarely finished his full glass, Kagome suspected he was well aware of their fear. Was he, as Inuyasha would say, such a hard-ass that even outside of work he was intimidating?
Not for the first time, Kagome wished she could see this supposed soulmate of hers. Was it his personality that intimidated his workers, or was it something else? She had encountered so many people and youkai in the past that just one look from them could freeze the blood in your veins, no matter how pretty they were on the outside. Sesshoumaru was a perfect example of that.
It wasn’t much longer before everyone stood, clapping once to signal the end of the party. He towered over his fellow businessmen, the tallest only coming to his shoulder. His height, so unlike others in Japan, had to have a lot to do with the air of intimidation he let off. Did that mean he was a foreigner? With the last name Higurashi, she doubted it.
Unlike many of the others, he did not join in the after party. Instead, leaving the restaurant, and much to Kagome’s chagrin, walked home. Was it too much to ask to know what he looked like? Considering the short walk from the restaurant, it was understandable why he opted to walk as opposed to drive. Depending on how much time was left in the temporal period, she may get lucky and still have a chance to see his reflection. Not that she was hoping to spy on him during his evening bathing routine.
He opened the door to a rather unremarkable apartment. “Unkie Shou!” The sweet voice of a child echoed through the hall as he slipped off his shoes, replacing them with house slippers.
“Goodness, I seem to have intruders. What should I do about it?” Giggles drew closer as he moved through the small apartment. After turning a corner, a small girl smiled up at him, hands in the air making a grasping motion.
“Uppies!” His chuckle sent a shiver through her, making her wish he was closer to her own age. Grabbing the child, he twirled her in the air before settling her against his hip. Kagome’s heart melted at seeing him with the little girl. He was so good with children.
“And where are your parents?” He looked at the girl, her bright green eyes so like her Shippou’s. The girl shrugged, putting a thumb in her mouth. Deftly, he slipped the appendage out from her lips before walking deeper into the apartment.
“Akari!” The worried voice of a much older woman filled the home moments before the woman appeared. For a split second, Kagome worried it was his wife. It wouldn’t be surprising, given his age. That didn’t make the thought hurt any less.
“Mama!” The girl in his arms called out, wiggling in his hold, reaching for the woman. Relief she had no right to feel washed over Kagome when the woman took the girl in her arms.
“Sorry, she’s been asking for you all day.” She kissed the girl’s forehead before tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear.
“Hn,” He hummed, moving past the woman and toward the small kitchen. “Have you eaten?”
“We have, though we expected you home earlier.” He pulled a pitcher from the fridge, filling a glass with water before turning back to face her.
“I had a work engagement.” She smiled sadly before running her fingers through the child’s hair.
“At least you weren’t alone today.” He folded his arms across his chest, narrowing his gaze at her.
“Is this the real reason you came? Did my brother send you?” The woman rolled her eyes, putting the girl down on the floor only for her to run back over to her uncle.
“You know we don’t like leaving you alone, Se-” The world went dark before the woman could finish her sentence.
___
Watching her soulmate interact with his family was far from the last time she spied on him and his life. Kagome had few comforts, her quest to defeat Naraku dominating everything., but she’s taken comfort in watching what could have been.
Much like Eri, she had fallen hard for the one the spell claimed was her soulmate. Whenever she was stressed or overwhelmed while safely at home, the spell would slip past her lips and she would be once again see through the eyes of the man she yearned for. He was focused, and the epitome of the stereotypical workaholic businessman. Which made the relaxing visions of him with his family all the sweeter.
Most of the time she would find him hard at work, long after hours, still trudging away through financial records. She was slightly ashamed to say she’d spied on him enough to know where he worked. Not that she would ever go there. What would she say to him if she did? Some strange teenage girl claiming they were meant to be together? He would have her locked up in a heartbeat, with a restraining order in place before she could blink.
Kagome was more than satisfied with her brief glimpses of his life. It helped inspire her to continue on her quest. If she didn’t defeat Naraku, the life he had built would be over. His niece, who frequently visited, would perish. She didn’t care if they never met; she would protect him, just as he was unknowingly protecting her sanity.
The only thing that frustrated her was she still had yet to see his face. There were never any mirrors in his apartment, and she had yet to invade his mind when she suspected he was in the bathroom. She wasn’t that curious.
___
Tears ran down her cheeks, the heat of the fire fighting the chill of her flesh. Near silent sniffles reached her ears as Sango tended to the unconscious Miroku. The last encounter with Naraku had left the monk poisoned; his Kazaana wider. Time was running out, and they could all see it. Yet, they were no closer to defeating the evil hanyou, and Kagome was wondering if they ever would.
It’s been nearly three years since she fell down the well and started this nightmare. As much as she loved her family on this side of the well, she would give almost anything to be a normal girl. Shippou whimpered in her arms, her hands unconsciously stroking his soft fur in comfort.
“Why don’t you get some sleep, Kagome?” Inuyasha’s quiet voice floated over. She wanted to argue, but what was the point? She had already done everything she could for Miroku, and they were getting up early to return to Kaede’s. After all the stress of the day, there was no doubt in her mind that sleep would elude her.
She curled around Shippou, his fluff tickling her nose. If Kagome had any hope of rest, she would need to take drastic measures. At least, what she considered drastic measures. She made a point never to cast the spell to see through her soulmate’s eyes while in Sengoku Jidai, not wanting the horrors of this time to taint the bliss she got from sharing a small part of his life. But there wasn’t much choice.
She needed him.
Kagome nearly snorted, knowing how stupid that sounded. The man had no idea who she was. Yet the yearning desire she felt for him couldn’t be denied. He was the light in her otherwise bleak world, and she desperately needed that light now.
Of course, there was always the chance the spell wouldn’t work while she was in the past. Not when he wasn’t born yet. There was also a chance that instead of the man she’d come to crave, she would be thrust into the mind of his incarnation. That wasn’t something she wanted to experience, knowing too well the feeling of being on the receiving end.
Before she could second guess herself, the spell slipped past her parted lips. She didn’t care if Inuyasha overheard, not when the darkness began to overtake her.
___
Trees filled her vision once the darkness receded. At first, she didn’t think the spell worked, and why would it have? Her heart sank, the harsh reality of how much she relied on his unknowing support hitting her hard. She really needed to stop. Nothing would come from the glimpses she stole of his life. Nothing but heartache.
The deep snort of a creature startled her, eyes seeking out the source. At least, they would have if she had any control. Panic raced through her. The spell had worked, only it wasn’t the mind of the businessman she was haunting. Modern day Tokyo didn’t have these kinds of forests; one’s so similar to Sengoku Jidai.
That could only mean she was joined with his incarnation.
Anxiety prickled against her awareness. What was she supposed to do? Just because the man he was in her time was peaceful and kind didn’t mean he was the same here. With the violence of this time, she would be more shocked if he were anything like his modern reincarnation. Just look at the differences between her and Kikyou.
She wanted nothing more than to slip away and return to her own mind. But that wasn’t how the spell worked. She was stuck here, and there was nothing she could do about it until the end of the temporal hour. A twig snapped, gaining the attention of her host.
A small fire filled the camp, the gentle glow soothing to her frayed nerves. His eyes skipped over the beast she heard earlier; a large two-headed dragon that tickled something in the back of her mind. Did she know that creature? So focused on trying to remember she almost missed the small girl entering the camp. A gaped-tooth smile spread across her face as she settled before the fire, thrusting a skewered fish toward the flames.
Kagome’s mind went blank.
She knew that girl.
Rin.
Her mind whirled with the implications. There was no way Rin would be so calm and smiling at her kidnapper. There was only one person she would be so relaxed around…
“Sesshoumaru-sama!” A rough voice echoed through the trees as Jaken stumbled into the camp. How? How was this possible? She had to have mumbled the spell wrong. It was a long and horrible day; she could have easily confused a word or two. She was only human. Just like her soulmate was… wasn’t he?
Kagome had long ago come to terms with youkai being in her time. Though rare and hidden, they still existed. After witnessing some of Shippou’s illusions, she wouldn’t be surprised if there were more masquerading as humans that she just didn’t notice. It could be a very real possibility that her soulmate was youkai.
But Sesshoumaru?
“Jaken.” His deep voice, identical to the one she knew so well, sent shivers through her. The imp, who had yet to stop rambling since he arrived, instantly shut up. Rin giggled, turning her first in the flames.
“Don’t worry Jaken-sama.” The sweet girl smiled at the imp. “Sesshoumaru-sama is just worried.” Sesshoumaru looked away, a nearly imperceptible huff escaping his chest. Had Kagome not been invading his mind, she never would have known. Just the fact that Sesshoumaru of all people, was worried about something was shocking. But to experience something other than his temper when facing Inuyasha was something else entirely.
Far too soon, darkness encroached on her vision. She hated being pulled back to her body, but never fought it. Not like she was now. What was he so worried about? Who was he worried about? Everyone she thought he cared for was in the camp. Curiosity burned within her, but it wasn’t enough and darkness soon took hold.
___
Kagome pulled down on the blazer, staring at herself in the mirror while gathering the courage to follow through with her plan. After using the spell in the past, she couldn’t get the thought out of her head that the businessman of this time was Sesshoumaru. Sure, hundreds of years have passed, but was it enough to fundamentally change someone’s personality? Her businessman was nothing like Sesshoumaru.
She had to find out.
So, instead of donning her school uniform, she put on a suit. The pensil skirt was longer than her uniform, which she appreciated. With her hair pulled back in a tight bun and a little makeup, she looked old enough to be in an office. At least, as an entry-level worker. Which was the only way her plan would work.
Kagome knew where he worked, and she knew enough of the details on some of his projects to get past security. At least, she hoped. Squaring her shoulders, she grabbed a manila envelope from her bed. It was technically full of old magazines, but no one needed to know that. She just needed to make it look full of important documents to add credence to her story.
Thankfully, she didn’t need to worry about anyone seeing her as she left the house. Souta was already at school and her mother and Jichan were at a doctor’s appointment. It was what made today the day to confront her supposed soulmate. It wasn’t often she could sneak away from her family.
With each step, she ran over her plan in her mind over and over. If she had her story memorized, it would be far easier to answer questions she may not have anticipated. As long as she channeled her inner Miroku, she should be fine.
The office wasn’t too far, just a bus ride away, and thankfully in the opposite direction of her school. It wouldn’t do to get caught by one of her classmates if they were running late. Even with her Jichan’s outlandish excuses, they still believed her ill. That wouldn’t be the case if they saw her wandering about Tokyo when she was supposed to by lying in bed.
Glass windows soared through the sky. The office building like any other skyscraper. If she hadn’t seen it through his eyes thanks to the spell, she never would have found it. With one last grounding breath, she entered the building. Clean, sterile air hit her the moment she entered the lobby. The receptionist looked up from her computer, a sweet smile on her face.
“Hello,” Kagome smiled back as she stepped up to the desk. “I’m with Konpeito Cosmetics with some urgent documents for Higurashi-san.” The smile faded from the receptionist’s face as her grey eyes bored into her.
“I’m surprised they didn’t send them through email.” Kagome shrugged.
“It’s not my place to ask. I’m just the intern they requested to deliver the files personally.” The woman hummed before picking up the phone. A drop of cool sweat rolled down Kagome’s back as she waited, praying the receptionist wasn’t calling security.
“Higurashi-san, there’s an intern from Konpeito Cosmetics here with some documents for you. They said they need to deliver them personally.” There was no missing the suspicion in her voice. Her gaze shifted to Kagome, rolling over her as if something had changed in the few moments she was standing here.
“I understand.” She frowned before setting the phone down. “Take the elevator to the left and get off on the second to last floor.” A floppy hand gestured to the side of the lobby. If Kagome hadn’t known where she needed to go already, she would have gotten lost. The elevators weren’t just to the left, as the receptionist so claimed. They were down a hall and hidden.
“Thank you,” Kagome bowed before leaving, not wanting to waste anymore time. There was no telling if her businessman was going to call Konpeito Cosmetics and ask why they sent her. For all she knew, security would be waiting for her when she stepped out of the elevator.
Her stomach twisted as she reached the hidden elevator without issue. Breath hitching as the sleek chrome doors sealed her in and she pressed the button for the nineteenth floor. Her heart pounded with each floor that passed. Even if he wasn’t Sesshoumaru, he was still her soulmate. Would he know that? Like in so many romances, would they lock eyes and know they were meant for each other?
The doors opened with a chime. No security waited for her, only rows of fellow accountants leading to the doors of an unconventional office. When she first saw the layout of the office through his eyes, she thought it was a conference room. It was only after some time before she realized it was an office; his personal office. She always thought it would be hard to collaborate, separated from his workers. But now… she was grateful for the more western style office.
No one glanced at her as she strode up to the office. If they looked up at her soft knock on the door while her back was turned, she’d never know. “Enter.” The same deep voice she was so used to hearing tickled her ears, sending shivers down her spine. The door opened easily, revealing her businessman, hard at work.
Short, dark hair caressed the tips of his rounded ears, his focus on the documents in front of him. The slope of his chiseled jaw set in frustration as long elegant fingers held a pen slashing across the page. Kagome could do nothing but stand there; breath caught in her throat.
“Have you had your fill?” She swallowed, forcing herself to step further into his office, shutting the door behind her. No words passed her lips as she continued to stare at him. There was no doubt in her mind. No confusion over what she was seeing, nor the quiet hum of youki she felt skittering across her arms.
It was Sesshoumaru.
Her businessman, her soulmate, was Sesshoumaru.
He looked nothing like his younger self, but she didn’t expect him to. Even without considering the hundreds of years that passed, youkai were folklore. They couldn’t function in modern society without hiding. She hated that he was forced to.
“Sesshoumaru?” His head jerked up at her whisper. Golden eyes widened as he took her in. At least he didn’t have to hide everything about himself. The pen slipped from his fingers, splatters of ink staining the page as he stood. She chewed on her lower lip, his unwavering gaze locked on her. Perhaps this wasn’t a good idea after all…
“Sorry… I lied to the receptionist. I don’t really have any information for you. I just…” She scratched the tip of her nose, convinced of her foolishness the longer he stared at her. “I just wanted to know if it was really you.” She sighed, shoulders slumping. “I’ll leave – ”
“No!” He lunged for her before she could turn away, his hand wrapping around her wrist and pulling her toward him. Stumbling in her kitten heals, she fell against him. Heat rushed to her cheeks as her hand rested on his chest. His hard muscles twitched under her fingertips as his other hand cupped her cheek. Blinking, she stared up at him, mind slowly catching up with her new position. Gold gazed deeply into sapphire, wonder and awe filling his shining orbs.
“You got your arm back.” He chuckled brokenly before pressing his face into her neck, inhaling deeply from her skin. His hand slid from her cheek to wrap around her waist, pulling her closer to him.
“You’re alive.” His words were barely a whisper, but with him so close, there was no missing the pain behind them. Shifting to look at his profile, her brows furrowed.
“Of course I’m alive. Did no one ever tell you I’m from this time?”
“Not until…” He pulled back, a madness filling his eyes as he stared at her. Her hair stood on end the longer he stared. What was he looking for? And why was he being so familiar with her? They were forced allies at best.
“Sesshoumaru?” She reached up, resting her palm on his cheek. His eyes slide shut instantly, a calm she hadn’t expected settling around him. As if that was all he needed to compose himself, he stepped away, returning to his desk without another word.
Kagome stood there blinking, head cocked to the side as he pulled out a notebook and picked up his pen once more. What just happened? “Are you going to ask why I’m here?”
“No.” He didn’t look up, so focused on his writing.
“Are you going to ask how I found you?” He remained silent. Taken aback, she frowned, arms folding across her chest and eyes narrowed. “Or… How about you explain why you’re using my last name?” Still, no words passed his lips, continuing to focus on the writing in front of him.
Huffing, she glanced at the door behind her. She should just leave. None of this was panning out the way she expected, far from it even. She was only getting more questions and no answers for her trouble. Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to move. Instead, she took a seat in front of his desk, giving her aching feet a rest and dropping the useless envelope on his desk. He didn’t even glance at her.
“I would have pegged you to have a more traditional office.”
“We do a lot of business with Europe. It helps set them at ease.” She blinked, not expecting him to respond. Humming, she stared at him. What made her last comment worthy of his attention? Was it because it had nothing to do with the past or their strange connection? Or, more accurately, his past and her future? Her blood chilled at the thought. Her lips parted, prepared to beg for his secrets.
He signed the note with a flourish. A small flare of youki filled the office. His claw appearing through an illusion, cutting open his thumb. Refusing to meet her curious gaze, he pressed his digit to the paper, smearing his blood beside his name.
“What are you doing?” He folded the note, sealing it with another flare of his youki before looking up.
“Give this to me in the past.” She frowned, staring at his outstretched hand and the note.
“So you won’t tell me anything, but you’ll tell yourself? How is that fair?”
“Kagome.” His eyes narrowed, the burning intensity urging her to obey. Her lips parted, prepared to argue, before his shoulders slumped. “Please.” He may not be on his knees, but he was begging all that same. The killing perfection was begging. It was mindboggling. Slowly, as if unsure what was reality any longer, Kagome took the letter.
“This is really important to you, isn’t it?”
“The most.” His eyes roved over her again, trying memorizing her features. “It contains the only regret in my life.” That was saying something, considering how long his life was. Slipping the note into her blazer pocket, she simply nodded. If it really meant that much to him, she’d deliver it.
“Can…” She bit her lip, looking down at her hands twisting in her lap. “Can I come back so we can talk after I take it to you?” She looked back up. “I have so many questions.” His features softened, a small smile twisting his lips. Her heat skipped a beat, heat rushing through her, settling upon her cheeks.
“I’d like that. Though there might not be much I can divulge.” She hummed her acknowledgement. It wasn’t all that surprising. He was already risking enough warning his past self with whatever was in this note. Besides, she may not like knowing what was to happen at the end of her quest. For all she knew, he would tell her they wouldn’t defeat Naraku in time and Miroku would succumb to his curse.
“I guess I should get this delivered.” Kagome stood, glancing back at the door. Sesshoumaru nodded, though remained sitting.
“I’ll let the receptionist know to let you up anytime you come.” He smirked, glancing at her forgotten manilla envelope. “No need for a cover story going forward.” Blushing, she grabbed the envelope before escaping the western style office. The meeting may not have gone like she expected, but there was no missing the sense of peace she walked away with.
___
“Are you sure you sensed shards this way?” Kagome swallowed before nodding. She hated lying to Inuyasha, but there was no other way she could think to get him to agree with chasing down Sesshoumaru. After she returned to the past, the first chance she got to lead them toward the Western Lord, she did.
After all the time she spent using that spell, she’d become a master at telling temporal time. At the end of each temporal hour, she would cast the spell, allowing her to make any adjustments to their destination. Unfortunately, all the changes made Inuyasha suspicious.
“Don’t listen to him, Kagome.” Shippou, ever her cheerleader, hopped on her shoulder. “He’s still upset over letting Naraku get away the other day.” She smiled, keeping her eyes trained down the road ahead. Would Shippou still be so supportive if he knew she was purposely leading them to Sesshoumaru? They should find him soon, especially with Inuyasha on edge. As soon as he got a whiff of his brother, she fully expected him to run at the daiyoukai. She just needed to get them close.
Thankfully, it didn’t take much longer. Just as he hoped, Inuyasha froze mid-step, sniffing the air. A growl reverberated through his chest only moments before he dashed off to the woods lining the road. “Inuyasha!” She shouted after him, not wanting him to actually confront Sesshoumaru. Her call fell on deaf ears.
She and her other companions chased after the hanyou, concern on all their faces. Of course, for Sango and Miroku, they were more concerned over the potential threat, not the risk of arriving too late to stop the brothers from fighting.
Trees flew by as she ran as fast as possible. Even then, it was only the vivid splash of red peaking through the trees that kept her on the right path. By the time their small group reached a clearing, revealing Inuyasha, Tessaiga drawn and facing Sesshoumaru, Kagome was out of breath. Panting, she rested her hands on her knees.
“Sesshoumaru!” Inuyasha spat. “What are you doing here?” The Western Lord lifted a brow, as if to ask the same question. All it did was infuriate the hanyou further. Kagome had traveled with him long enough to read his tells for battle. His shoulders tensed, knees bending just a hair… there was no more time left.
“Osuwari!” She yelled as loud as her recovering lungs would allow. Inuyasha fell to the earth, the kotodama forcing him to submit. Icy gold eyes shifted to her. Shuddering, she stepped over Inuyasha’s prone form, much to the horror of her companions. “Forgive our intrusion, Sesshoumaru-sama.” She bowed, knowing if they had any hope of leaving this clearing without a fight, it would take giving the Western Lord the respect he deserved.
“As you should be, human.” The imp behind Sesshoumaru huffed. “Now leave, before Sesshoumaru-sama changes his mind to grant you mercy.” Kagome bit her lip, wanting nothing more than to snap at Jaken. All she needed was to deliver the letter, then they could leave. She could do this.
Staring into his golden depths, Kagome pulled the letter from the hidden pocket in her sailor fuku, holding it out toward him. “I have a letter for you, Sesshoumaru-sama.” That delicate brow rose as she swallowed past the lump forming in her throat. He made no move to take the letter she held, not that she expected as much. They didn’t travel in the same circles, so there was no way she would have a message for him. At least in his mind.
Tuning out her companions, she focused all her attention on the Western Lord before her. He would know she was telling the truth. As much as she wanted to keep her origins a secret, it was unavoidable, and she promised she’d deliver him the letter.
“I use the bone eaters well to travel here from the future. A few days ago, I met an older version of yourself.” His eyes narrowed as he took a delicate sniff of the air, searching for any falsehoods. “You, or the future you, asked that I deliver this letter to you in this time.”
“What the hell, wench!” Inuyasha growled, trying to stand as his subjugation spell wore off. Quickly, she muttered another osuwari, keeping him down and out of the way. He would only complicate things that were already complicated enough. Sesshoumaru stared at her for a long moment, the whole of the clearing waiting for his reaction. Kagome continued to stare at his golden depths, ensuring he could see the truth of her words. She had to believe that his future self wouldn’t have sent her to her death with this task.
The first step he took toward her set her companions on edge. Beads clacked together; the grip on hiraikotsu creaked as they prepared to defend her from the daiyoukai. Their caution was appreciated, but unneeded. Long fingers tipped with deadly claws took the letter from her grasp. She bowed again, turning to lead her companions away as the rustle of paper tickled her ears.
Her heat pounded as the adrenaline of the encounter seeped away. She was going to make the future Sesshoumaru pay for this encounter. If he thought he could get away with not telling her anything this time around, he was sorely mistaken. She would invade his office every day if she had to. Well… at least every day she was back in her time… and not at school, of course.
“Miko.” She paused, turning her head to look back at the Western Lord. “Did you read this?” He lifted the letter in his hand. She blinked, turning to face him fully.
“No, of course not. Why?” He didn’t say anything, continuing to stare at her. He had mentioned something about trying to fix the one thing he regretted in his long life, did he not? “I hope that will help bring you peace in the future.” She nodded her head toward the letter, a small smile on her face. She turned again, knowing that the only way to placate Inuyasha after this pit stop was to find an actual shard, and soon.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Inuyasha growled. Shifting her gaze, she expected the irate hanyou to be demanding an answer from her. But he wasn’t even looking at her. Brows furrowed, she shifted her attention back to Sesshoumaru. He continued gliding across the clearing, ignoring Inuyasha to stand before her once more.
“Forgive us, Sesshoumaru-sama.” Miroku stepped beside her, not that his gaze wavered any. “Is there something else you need?”
“Hn,” His hand brushed against the hilt of Tenseiga before lifting a lock of her hair off her shoulder. “I shall heed the warning of my future self.” His lids lowered, stirring a fire in her belly. “My pride is not worth the extended suffering to come.” He lifted his hand, brushing her raven hair against his lips. Kagome’s knees grew weak, her own stubborn pride the only thing keeping her standing.
“You’re alive…”
She swallowed hard, staring into his eyes. He may have tried to keep things vague, but she understood.
“Back off!” Inuyasha shoved himself between the two of them. Her hair slipped from the daiyoukai’s fingers, settling over her heart.
“Hn,” Sesshoumaru brushed passed the hanyou. “Come.” It was an order, of course, but one they could choose to follow. The dynamic of their group would change dramatically. There was no way Sesshoumaru would bend the leadership of Inuyasha. If they ignored the command, there would be far fewer headaches to deal with, but it would also spit in the face of the change Sesshoumaru wanted.
The future daiyoukai risked everything to keep her alive. The warning he gave to his younger self could just as easily result in his own demise rather than her own. Who was she to deny him this chance? Without looking back at her companions, she followed the daiyoukai, trusting in his strength to change the future.