Paradigm of Sacrifice by Dana

Chapter 2: No Time for Goodbye

(AN notes at bottom)

Sitting up, Kagome took in the powder blue walls of her bedroom and the bright pink sheets that graced her bed, feeling confusion. Wasn't she just in the Feudal Era, doing guard duty? Kagome shook her head suddenly, trying to clear the fuzziness that accompanied the broken memory. Sunlight poured in through the window, casting shadows from her desk and alarm clock. Glancing quickly at her clock, Kagome froze. Eight o' clock, she was going to be late! Quickly throwing her uniform on, she grabbed her book bag and ran downstairs.

"Good morning Kagome, honey," her mother called. Kagome smiled at her mom.

"Good morning, mom. What's for breakfast?" Kagome sat down at the table as her mother placed a bowl of rice and salmon before her. She dug in, eating her food quickly. She paused a moment as her mother looked at her strangely.

"Mom?"

"Kagome, how did you get those cuts on your arms and legs?" Kagome looked down at herself and saw with slight shock the small scratches that slighted her pale skin.

"It's funny but I can't quite remember. Oh, you know what! I fell during track and field a few days ago, maybe that was it." Kagome frowned as dullness settled into her brain. She knew there was something she should remember, but the thought eluded her, settling just beyond her reach. Groaning, she pressed her hand to her head, trying to relieve the small headache that had started to pulse behind her eyes. Kagome's mother's eyes lit up suddenly as she smiled.

"How silly of me to forget! Oh dear, get yourself back upstairs and change. Why are you wearing those clothes anyways?" Kagome looked with confusion at her mother.

"Mom, I need to go to school," Kagome paused.

"Honey, its Saturday. Remember, we are going to Souta's school fair today? Your brother worked so hard to help and remember you promised him you would dress as the geisha for his class's table," Kagome's mother smiled at her daughter but Kagome didn't miss the slight worry that marred her features. Smiling brightly back at her mother, Kagome laughed, waving off her stupidity.

"Oh, silly me, how could I forget?" Kagome smiled. i That's right, how could I forget? What is going on? /i She left the room dashing up the stairs back to her room. What was going on? Kagome felt something nagging at the back of her mind and she tried to draw it forward but as she did, her head began to pound. Stripping herself of her school uniform, she sat on her bed, the heels of her palms burying themselves into her eyes. The pain in her head was overwhelming causing a groan to spill through her lips.

As soon as it had come though, the pain subsided and Kagome blinked. What the hell-? Reaching for her closet she pulled out an elegant kimono with vibrant sakura blossoms bursting along the dark blue canvas of silk. The smooth material slid like water over her skin, its malleable fabric conforming to Kagome's slight curves. Looking in the mirror, Kagome giggled, wondering if maybe the outfit wasn't a little too revealing to wear to a school event. The silk moulded to her firm breasts and folded around her legs, displaying her supple form behind a teasing veil. Kagome tied her hair back in a simple bun, allowing a few strands to frame her face.

Not bad, she thought to herself, giggling a little. Skipping down the stairs, she greeted her mother once more, a bright smile on her face.

"Wonderful!" Her mother said enthusiastically. "You look absolutely beautiful! Now all you need is a matching parasol and your sandals."

"I'm glad they didn't ask me to cake my face with all that makeup," Kagome said making a face. She hated wearing makeup and after looking at a picture of a geisha on the internet, she had kindly requested that her role not extend to the cosmetics. Of course the class, desperate to get any model they could, accepted her terms. Still, although she thought she looked good in the kimono, she felt uncomfortable that everyone would be able to see her in it. Taking a deep breath, she put on the sandals, took the parasol from her mother and then spun around with a bright smile on her face.

"How do I look?" She winked at her mom and giggled again. "I don't know why, but I am in a great mood today!"

"Well why don't you start walking. I still have to finish this for Souta," her mother said, returning to a pot of stew that smelled absolutely heavenly. Kagome kissed her mom on the cheek and walked out into the cool morning air. Souta's class had decided to do a dual theme for this year's fair - fashion and food through history. Kagome recalled, through the haze of her confused memories, when she had heard about the theme, she thought it was a cool idea... Then Souta had volunteered her to be a modern Geisha. Kagome felt a little perturbed that he hadn't even asked her, but she graciously accepted to do it.

As she walked along the sidewalk she became uncomfortably aware that it was too calm. The breeze rustled through the cherry blossoms sending soft petals to the ground as the sun peeked through the overhanging branches, warming her face, filling her with tranquility. What disturbed her was the lack of other people on the street. It was unusual for the main street that ran outside the shrine would be so silent. The sound of a twig snapping had her whirling around, her parasol poised before her as a weapon. She tentatively lowered her makeshift weapon as she locked gazes with the man before her. He was unlike anyone she had ever seen, his impossibly long silver hair flowing down his back, thin wisps straying in the breeze. His golden eyes flashed momentarily as he looked at her but the brief sparkle of emotion dulled so quickly, Kagome wondered if she had imagined it.

"Do you mean to attack me with your pitiful weapon?" he asked humourlessly, one eyebrow arching up. The tone of his voice, his attitude, struck a chord deep in Kagome's heart and she felt a strange mixture of loathing and attraction for the stranger. But is he really a stranger? Kagome didn't know what it was about him, but she felt she knew him.

"I may if you keep acting like your better than everyone else. Hmph!" Kagome spun quickly, missing the brief shock that passed over the man's face. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I make a habit of not speaking to strange men."

She turned her head slightly to see if the beautiful man was there, but he was gone. When she turned back to walking to Souta's school, she was surprised to see that the previously empty street was now full of people. Tamping down her shock, she continued on, pondering her encounter with the strange man.

* * *

"Kagome, you are late!" Souta yelled across the playground. He ran towards her, his grin denying any anger she thought he held for her. "Sis, you look great! Now come on, there is someone I want you to meet! He is also participating as a model, wearing the robes of the royalty from the "warring states era". Approaching a tall man from behind, Souta tapped on his shoulder lightly.

"Ryuku-sama," Souta called tentatively. The man turned around his mane of dark hair framing his delicate features. Kagome gasped as his eyes held her own, a spark of dominance gleaming in them. The purple robes he wore accentuated the paleness of his skin, making him gleam in the sunlight like polished ivory. A blue stripe of eyeliner caressed his upper eyelid, drawing attention to the dark depths of his eyes. Kagome felt as if she could have gotten lost in those eyes, but a nagging sensation crept under her skin, telling her that it would not be a pleasurable experience.

"Ryuku-sama, I'd like you to meet my sister Kagome. Kagome, Ryuku-sama is Kanna-chan's older brother."

"It is a pleasure, Kagome-san." Ryuku lifted her hand to his mouth placing a gentle kiss on the back of it. Kagome felt a fluttering sensation extend from her palm and into her stomach. The man certainly was good looking, so why shouldn't I be attracted to him. Come to think of it, I've been running into a lot of good looking guys today. Realizing that she had not said anything back yet, and that she was being watched attentively, Kagome flushed a dark red.

"I-indeed, the pleasure is all mine," Kagome stammered. Seeming pleased by her embarrassed reply, Ryuku let go of her hand and turned back to Kanna.

"Kanna, why don't you and Souta-kun go help set up your table?" Ryuku offered. The young albino child nodded at her older brother and grasped Souta's hand.

"You know, it's funny, but you two look nothing alike," Kagome remarked casually. A flicker of something crossed Ryuku's face but it passed quickly and an amiable smile graced his features.

"Same father, different mother; but still, I... care for her as if we were full blooded relatives. " Ryuku remarked. Kagome studied him briefly, wondering what it would be like knowing that your father couldn't just stay with one woman. Thoughts of her own father pricked at her mind but she pushed them away, not wishing to dwell on the unpleasant thoughts.

"That's good. A child her age needs someone stable in her life; she's lucky to have you there for her," Kagome said quietly. Ryuku looked at her for a moment, taking in the sadness that seemed to permeate the air all of a sudden. Looking up, a flash of white caught Kagome's eye. She looked straight up and saw the same golden eyes she had earlier. Jumping to her feet, she turned towards a startled Ryuku.

"Sorry, I have to go. I will see you at the table in an hour!" She took off, missing the dark look that passed over the young man's face who was just moments before smiling cheerfully. Chasing after the streak of white, she followed it into the school where it finally lost her.

"Damn it!" she cursed, turning around and walking out. It was frustrating not being able to talk to him... Not that she wanted to, no sir-ee. She was not fond at all of the snide beautiful man who was the complete opposite of the young, dark charmer. She found him sitting at the table and smiled brightly.

"An hour?"he asked, arching his eyebrow. She made a face at him before setting to work.

"Come on, we have a job to do."

* * *

Kagome had stayed late after the fair was over, helping the other volunteers to clean up. Thankfully, her mother had brought a pair of jeans and a t-shirt so she wouldn't get her beautiful kimono dirty. Her mother and Souta had already left, taking the car home so Kagome knew she would have to walk in the dark - a prospect that had never really scared her up until recently. Thankfully one of the parents of the other children drove right past the shrine on her way home and offered Kagome a ride.

Sighing, Kagome stepped out of the car and walked up the steps that led to the shrine, her home. When she finally got into the house, she pulled off her sandals and placed the bag with her kimono and parasol to the side. Bent on having a nice hot bath, she moved towards the washroom, but was stopped by a heavy knock on the door. A pained ache suddenly burst within her chest and she knew something was terribly wrong. Hesitant she moved very slowly towards the door, reaching out with trembling hands to grasp the door knob.

As she opened the door she was greeted by the sight of two police officers.

"Kagome Higurashi?" The asked harshly. Kagome swallowed hard past the lump in her throat and nodded.

"Is there a problem, officers?" she asked hesitantly. One of the men's faces softened at her obvious distress, but the sadness and regret that marred the thick lines in his face meant ill for Kagome.

"There was an accident, Ms. Higurashi," the police officer said, his face saddening. Kagome's heart stopped beating as she felt an all consuming pressure pushing down on her body.

"I'm sorry, but your mother and brother were killed."

* * *

AN:/ So just before I leave you, I would like to remind you all to please review :3

And thank you to CookieAsylum for the awesome review ^.^ (Awesome name by the way)

Goodbye for now