Unnatural

“Speaking”
‘Thoughts’


Chapter 2
New Day

The sky was filled with clouds and it looked like it could start raining at any moment. Kagome watched out the passenger window as a few cars passed them as her father drove them into town. ‘Forks’ Kagome thought as she laid her eyes on the sign welcoming them to the small town. Kagome ran her hands through Kirara’s fur while staring out the window of her father’s cruiser. ‘Well at least it has plenty of forests to train in.’ Kagome thought as her eyes ran over the forested area remembering that her boxes should be arriving tomorrow.

Kagome and her father had not spoken much during the ride to her new home. He only spoke to tell her that she would be starting her new school tomorrow. A High School that does not have mandated uniforms such a change.

When the car finally came to a stop I looked up at the home I had not seen since I was 10. Now I can appreciate the woodsy area of my new home in a way I could not while younger. ‘I already look forward to taking Kirara out on a fly through the forest’ Kagome thought happily about the idea of taking Kirara on a flying trip. Kagome know that Kirara would love to stretch her flying muscles since it has been so long since the last time she flew or even took her battle form. Kagome knew that Kirara would love their new home because she could do things she could not while living at the shrine.


“This is your room, the sales lady picked all the stuff I hope you like purple” Charlie said as he walked into Kagome’s new bedroom. “I cleared out 2 of the shelves in the bathroom for you” he finishes coming to a stop by the window.


“Thanks dad, purples great.” Kagome said as she placed Kirara on her bed and turned to her father. “My boxes should arrive tomorrow do you think you could leave a note for the movers to leave it in the back if were not home?” she asks facing her father with her ‘for show’ smile. Kagome knew he would be unable to tell the difference since he did not know her well.


With a nod of his head Charlie walks out the door with an “I’ll leave you to settle in. Remember that school starts tomorrow. You can use the civilian car in the shed. You have your license right?” he asks turning around in the frame of her door.


“Yes, but I will need to change it as soon as I can. It is a Japan license after all.” Kagome said while shuffling through her purse to produce the license for her father. “See”


Just glancing at the card Charlie nods “We can take care of that over the weekend when I can take you to Port Angeles” he said before turning and leaving her by herself in the room.


“So this is to be my home for the next year.” Kagome whispers to her self as she looked around her room in a slow circle counter clockwise before plopping down beside Kirara on the bed. “You want to go for a fly later and check out the forest? I want to get a layout of the ground so I know how far we need to travel in order to train.” Kagome said and Kirara mewled her agreement happily. She was right Kirara would be happier here; maybe if it goes well she would stay. Japan no longer houses anything for her except her mother, Jii-chan and little brother which she could visit on school and summer breaks.

0ooo0

Once Kagome had put all her cloths away she walked down the stairs and into the living room her father was watching CNN (Do not own). “Dad, I’m going to take Kirara for a walk, she does not use a litter box mom was never one for the smell.” She told him when she came to his side and finished with a kiss to the cheek.


“Ok Kagome, just don’t go far and for dinner I’ll order some pizza. What kind do you like?” he asked looking up to Kagome as he said that last part.

“Pepperoni is fine, so is cheese. Doesn’t matter to me, be back soon” Kagome said with a wave of her hand and Kirara perched herself upon Kagome’s shoulder as soon as she stood up straight.

Kagome and Kirara walked out the back door and into the forest behind her home. As soon as the house was no longer in view Kagome came to a stop “Here should be fine there are no houses that I can see. Can you smell anyone close?” she asked turning her head to peer at Kirara head slightly tilted in her curiosity.

Kirara mewled her agreement after scenting the air and jumped from her shoulder to a place with enough room to transform. With a roar Kirara transformed into her battle form and Kagome jumped on happily; it had been to long since they were able to ride like this. In Japan it was hard to find a time and place that would be safe for Kirara to be herself and Kagome felt guilty about that.

The farther they traveled the clearer it became, there was no clearing within the small forest for them to train. She would have to search another forest to find what she needed. So now at least she had something to do after school. School was something Kagome was dreading. She knew very well how small towns where. Everyone knew everyone, and everyone was nosy. “I’ll deal with whatever comes my way.” Kagome said to herself as they walked back into her back yard Kirara once again upon her shoulders.

0ooo0

Beep beep beep beep the sounds of the alarm clock beeped shrilly through her room and Kagome rolled over to see the time. 5:30 a.m. ‘I still have a half hour to sleep’ Kagome thought as she pressed the snooze button.

The alarm went off twice before Kagome finally woke up enough to walk to the bathroom to take a shower and get ready for school. Putting on a pair of blue hip hugging bell bottom jeans and a white t-shirt that came to an end right above her jeans and a pair of black sneakers she turns to Kirara “Are you coming with or staying here?” Kagome asked wanting to know whether or not to look for Kirara at the end of school.

Kirara mewled her agreement and through the bond they shared Kagome ‘felt’ the answer and nodded. She knew Kirara would not stay here; it went against her very grain to leave me unprotected if even for a moment, even if it was just a human school.

(Kagome Musing)
The dedication Kirara feels to me is deep, it is deeper then a simple mistress type of thing. No Kirara and I are friends. Her not being able to take human form did not lessen the feeling we held for each other in the least.

I was her redemption. She was my savior. We would be alone if not for the other. She would be alone in the past simmering in guilt for her failure in protecting her mistress, and I would be forever in a dark deep depression with no hint of light. Kirara is my light, my anchor in this world she keeps me sane. And I know she feels the same way towards me.
(End Musing)


Once Kagome had all she needed in her school bag she headed to the garage that held her car Kirara following shortly behind. Of course it was raining, but Kagome did not mind as she had when she was younger. The rain was comforting to her, maybe a better word for it would be cleansing.

0ooo0

A Blue Toyota Corolla pulls into the school’s visitors parking lot slowly and pulls into the first spot that was vacant. The driver side door opens and Kagome steps out leaving the door open enough so Kirara could hop out. Seeing the forest at the back of the school Kagome looks down to Kirara “I go get you from the forest when school is out, ok?” I asked and Kirara mewled with a short nod of understanding before dashing to the forest in a fast blur.

Smiling and shaking her head Kagome puts her back pack over her shoulder and walks towards the building that marked itself as the main office. This place did not even look like a school, or at least any school she was use too. They looked like a bunch of small building with trees and shrubs surrounding it making it hard to see anything too clearly. ‘I can get directions from the office I’m sure.’ She thought as the idea of stumbling around lost in the rain crossed her mind. That was not how she wanted to spend her first day at a new school. “Forks High School” she mutters walking up the dark stone path that was aligned with thick bushes.

She takes a deep calming breath and opens the door. The heat of the brightly lit room was obvious against the cold chill of the rain and she exhaled happily. ‘At least I know it will be warm’ she thought as she walked towards the desk with the only person behind it.

It was a large woman with red hair and a blue shirt. This was surprising because in Tokyo the teachers all wore something that told others they were a teacher or administrator of the school. ‘I guess small town schools don’t care how the teachers present themselves.’ I thought as I came to a stop at the desk and the red haired woman looked up. “Can I help you?”


“I’m Kagome Higurashi” my tone was pleasant and my smile friendly. I did not want to get on anyone’s bad side after all. The light of recognition lit in her eyes and I wanted to sigh. ‘Of course I was being expected I had no doubt that the whole school knew of my coming. There were no secrets in small towns after all.’ I thought with dismay. She wanted to try and get through this year with as little attention from anyone as she could.

“Of course” She said then looking to the pile of papers beside her until she found the one she wanted “I have your schedule right here. And a map of the school” She said lifting a few papers and passing it towards me. Taking the papers from the woman I was going to thank her when she added “and make sure to have all the teachers sign the papers and return them at the end of the day.” She said as she released the papers into my awaiting hands with a smile herself.

I thanked the woman and left the office to go back to my car and find the student parking lot. I knew it would not be too hard as I could see some of the kids piling in now so all I had to do was follow traffic. I felt Kirara following me at the edge of my senses from the forest; she most likely wanted to make sure she knew exactly where I was.

When I pulled into the student parking lot I pulled into the first spot available and turned off the ignition. I wanted to memorize the map now so I knew where I was going before I left the car. I knew that if I had that I’m lost face on someone would approach me and ask if I needed help. Small towns and high school boys are so predictable. ‘Fresh meat’ I thought to myself knowing that was what I was to them, something new and different. It was likely that most of the people here knew each other since grade school so a new face was bound to draw attention. That and the magnate effect my aura has on people would draw them too me and I want to be ready for that. So before I left my car I double checked my bindings, it would not do for me to spark people who get to close. My powers where always erratic and still are when I am nervous. Even after all the training I put myself through it was like a defensive mechanism I could not control. ‘Scent masked? – Check! Aura compressed and concealed? – Check!’ I thought going over my mental list habitually. Ever since I learned how to do these things it became second nature to keep them up at all times. You never know after all if someone from the past I don’t want to see again catches my scent or my aura. Once I was sufficiently calmed and the map was studied I opened the door to my car and stepped out once again shouldering my back pack.

It was a normal high school scene with kids all hanging around certain cars talking and flirting. Looking to the ground allowing my hair to cover most of my face I walked past all the teenagers quickly noticing my first period classes building. The building looked similar to the main office only it had a large number painted on a white square in the east corner. I walked towards the building as quickly as could without actually running there. When I walked through the door the first thing I saw was people hanging up their jackets on a long row of hooks, so I followed hanging up my coat as well.

I took the slip the secretary gave me to the teacher. He was a tall balding man; he was sitting behind a desk with a name plate naming him Mr. Mason. I was thankful when he just sent me to the back of the class without the introduction. I could tell we would get along just fine.

I sat in the back of the class keeping my attention on the reading list he had given me with dismay. I rarely had time to read as I was traveling in the past and when I returned I was in no condition to just sit and read. I had to do something, keep myself busy so I was not swimming in my misery. Plus there was the fact that these were American books and I had only read the ones that where written by Japanese people. ‘At least I won’t have to worry about the history teacher teaching Japanese history. So the feudal era was not to be a subject. I don’t know if I’d be ready for that yet.

I zoned out as the teacher droned on about something uninteresting and before I knew it the bell rang and that class was over. ‘Only 6 more left’ I thought as I gathered my books and put them in my bag. As I got up from my seat and shouldered my pack a tall gangly boy with skin problems and dark hair like an oil slick approached me to talk.

“You Kagome Higurashi aren’t you?” he asked as he came to stand beside me. He looked like the overly helpful chest club type.

I nodded then added “And you are?” I did not want to come off as mean so I answered with a friendly tone.

“I’m Eric Yorkie, what class do you have next?” he asked as we began to walk out of the class room.

I pulled the schedule from my pocket to look “Um, government with Jefferson in building Six”

“I’m heading for building 4 I can show you the way” he added and I knew I was right, definitely the over helpful type.

I smiled “thanks” I said as I put on my jacket again. The rain had picked up and was coming down harder now. As we walked to my next class I could swear we were being followed by other nosey kids walking close enough to eavesdrop.

“This is different from Japan huh?” he asked trying to conversational.

I nodded “Yea, I did not even know this place was a school! Only reason I did not drive right by was the big sign out front saying Forks High school” I said with a small laugh. With continued with small talk until we came to a stop in front of building 6 “thanks for showing me the way” I said trying to be nice.

He smiled in response “No problem! I could meet you here after class and I could show you to the next one.” He asked always the helpful one.

Cringing internally at the way he sounded, it reminded me of Hojo and I knew I should tell him no before he got the deluded idea that I was into him or something. “Oh, no that’s ok. I’m sure I can find my way now, but thanks anyway.” I added the last part as I saw his face fall in disappointment. I was always a sucker when it came to hurting peoples feeling.

“If you’re sure” he added before shrugging trying to pull off the sense of nonchalance. “I am” I added and he nodded before he turned to walk towards his next class. I could not stop the exhale of relief that came when he left.

The rest of the day passed in pretty much the same manner. My trigonometry teacher Mr. Vonner which I would have hated anyway because of the subject he taught was the only one that made me to the introduction to the class speech. I stuttered and stammered and blushed through the whole thing wholly embarrassed. Of course my embarrassment was not complete until I tripped over my own feet on my way to a desk. I can never understand how I was so graceful when in battle and training, but when it came to normal walking I was a lost cause. After two classes I started to recognize several of the faces in the class, there was always someone braver then the others that would introduce themselves and asking me questions about how I liked Forks. I tried to be courteous and friendly, but mostly I just dodged questions I did not want to answer.

One girl sat next to me in both trig and Spanish and she walked with me too lunch. She was tiny several inches shorter then my 5 feet 4 inches, but her wildly dark curly hair made up much of the difference between our heights. I couldn’t remember her name so I smile and nodded as she prattled on about teachers and classes I didn’t try to keep up.

We sat at the end of a table with several of her friends who she introduced to me. I forgot all their names as soon as she spoke them. The boy from English waved at me from across the room. It was their sitting in the lunch room with seven curious strangers trying to make conversation that I saw them. I was not actively searching out inhuman auras so I had not noticed until I set my eyes upon them.

They were sitting in the corner of the cafeteria as far away from where I sat as possible in the long room. There where five of them and they weren’t talking and they weren’t eating thought they each had a tray of untouched food in front of them. They weren’t gawking at me like most of the other students, so it was safe to look at them without meeting a pair of extensively interesting eyes. But it was none of these things the held my attention. It was something about their aura, they felt human, but at the same time did not. I noticed what was missing and almost gasped in surprise. It was something every living human housed no matter how un-magical they where. ‘They have no life energy’ I thought as I took a closer look.

They did not look anything alike, of the three boys one was big muscled like a serious weight lifter with dark curly hair, and one was taller leaner but still muscular and honey blonde, the last was lanky less bulky with untidy bronze colored hair he was more boyish then the others. Who looked like they could be in collage or even teachers here rather then students. The girls were opposites; the tall one was statuesque and had a beautiful figure the kind you saw on the cover of swim suit issues. The kind that had every girl in the room take a hit on her self esteem just by being in the same room. Her hair was golden gently waving to the middle of her back. The short girl was pixie like, thin in the extreme with small features, her hair was a deep black cropped short and pointing in every direction. And yet they were all exactly alike, every one of them was chalky pale, the palest of all the students living in this sunless town. They all had very dark eyes despite the range in hair tones. They also had dark shadows under those eyes, purplish bruise like shadows as if they were all suffering from a sleepless night, or almost recovering from a broken nose. Though all their noses and features where perfect, straight and angular. But all this was not why I couldn’t look away. I stare because all those faces so different, so similar where all devastatingly inhumanly beautiful. They were faces you never expected to see except on the airbrushed covers of a fashion magazine, or painted by an old master as a face of an angel. They were as beautiful as many of the demons I had seen the past.

It was hard to decide who was the most beautiful, maybe the perfect blonde girl or the bronze haired boy. They where all looking away, away from each other, away from the other students, away from anything in particular as far as I could tell. As I watched the small girl rose with her tray, unopened soda, unbitten apple and walked away with a quick graceful lope that belonged on a runway. I watched amazed at her live dancers step until she dumped her tray and walked and glided to the back door faster then I would have thought possible. My eyes darted back to the others that sat unchanging “Who are they?” I asked the girl from my Spanish class whose name id forgotten. As she looked up to see who I meant thought already knowing probably from my tone.

Suddenly he looked at her, the thinner one, the boyish one the youngest perhaps. He looked at my neighbor for a fraction of a second before his dark eyes flickered to mine. He looked away quickly, more quickly then I could. Though in a flush of embarrassment I dropped my eyes at once In that brief flash of a glance his face held nothing of interest. It was as if she had called is name and he had looked up in involuntary response already having decided not to answer. My neighbor giggled in embarrassment looking at the table like I did.

“That’s Edward and Emmet Cullen and Rosalie and Jasper Hale, the one who left was Alice Cullen. They all live together with Dr. Cullen and his wife.” She said this under her breath.

I glance sideways at the beautiful boy who was looking at his tray now picking his bagel to pieces with long pale fingers. His mouth was moving very quickly his lips barely opening; the other three still looked away and yet I felt he was speaking quietly to them. ‘Strange unpopular names’ I thought the kind of names grandparents had. But maybe that was in vogue here? Small town names I finally remembered that my neighbor was called Jessica a perfectly common name here in the states. “Their very nice looking” I struggled with the conspicuous understatement.

“Yes” Jessica agreed with another giggle “Their all together though. Emmet and Rosalie, and Jasper and Alice I mean. And they live together” her voice held all the shock and condemnation of a small town I thought critically, but if I was to be honest it would be a thing of gossip in Japan as well. ‘Not the feudal era though’ the small thought came unbidden as I smothered the feelings of pain.

“Which ones are the Cullen’s? They don’t look related.” I asked taking another peek at the table before looking back to Jessica.

“Oh their not Dr. Cullen is really young in his twenties or early thirties. All adopted, the Hale’s are brother and sister twins the blondes and their foster children.”

“They look a little old for foster children.” I added they looked to be 18 or over.

“They are now. Jasper and Rosalie are both 18, but they’ve been with Mrs. Cullen since they were 8. She’s their aunt or something like that” Jessica added after my comment.

“That’s kind of nice for them to take care of all those kids like that when their so young and everything.”

“I guess so” Jessica said reluctantly and I got the impression that she did not like the doctor and his wife for some reason. With the glances she was throwing at their adopted children I would guess the reason was jealousy. “I think that Mrs. Cullen can’t have any kids though” she added as if that would lessen their kindness.

Through out this whole conversation my eyes flickered again and again to the table the strange family sat. I could tell they were not human, but where trying to pass off as human. As I studied them trying to see if I could tell what they were one of them the youngest, the Cullen looked up and met my gaze, this time with evident curiosity in his expression. As I looked swiftly away it seemed to me that his glance held some kind of unmet expectation. “Which one is the boy with the reddish brown hair?” I asked then I peeked at him from the corner of my eye and he was still staring at me, but not gawking like the other students had today. He had a slightly frustrated expression I looked down again.

“That’s Edward, he gorgeous of course, but don’t waste your time. He doesn’t date, apparently none of the girls here are good looking enough for him.” She sniffed a clear case of sour grapes.

I wondered when he turned her down. I bit my lip to hide my smile then I glanced at him again. His face was turned away, but his cheek appeared lifted as if he were smiling too. After a few more minutes the four of them left the table together. They were all noticeably graceful even the big brawny one, it gave a strange sense of déjà vu. Being around demons for as long as I had and having seen some like Sesshomaru in action gracefulness of such a magnitude was something I associated with demons. But I knew they were not demons, at least they did not feel like one. They housed no youki or Jaki that I could sense and I knew there was no way for any demon to conceal that from me when I am searching them for it. I should call Jii-chan and ask if he knows what they are by a description alone. If not he can search for it, I’m sure if I tell him that I had come in contact with something that was not human but at the same time not demon he would be as curious about this as I was. They held all the beauty of a high class demon and grace of one as well, but at the same time was not one.