125Chapter X – The Konpyuta
Kouga brought his best glower to bear, quickly realizing the motives of the human male before him. His gloom at Kagome's world vanished as he measured the newcomer. The boy was as tall as he – irksome – and held himself with casual ease. His youthful face was all smiles and lightness, but he fretted over Kagome, tutting about ailments and 'saving her strength' with a mate's level of doting.
And he touched her. A lot.
The youkai glared at the palm currently resting on her upper arm, initially placed with some pretense of dirt on her sleeve, clenching his teeth until he felt the strain in his jaw.
"I'm much better Hojo, really," Kagome assured, reaching out to pat his hand.
The boy grasped her fingers in mid-air, pulling them to his chest. "You look it," he beamed. "So much healthy color in your cheeks."
Kouga began to growl, a low warning note any youkai would have recognized. The rival – if such a generous title could be awarded with his paltry power and docile air – noticed nothing aside from the girl.
Kagome returned the smile, keeping Hojo's eye to avoid looking at the wolf who was exuding enough displeasure to stop traffic. Passersby paused, stumbled, and looked around in alarm, unable to sense the plumes of youki rising out, but knowing something was amiss. "My recovery has been pretty miraculous," she managed, about to call up her own power to beat back some of the demonic aura with a resounding 'knock it off'.
"Indeed," Hojo said softly, completely immune to Kouga's display, moving from her arm to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. He had just brushed the soft skin of her neck when a clawed hand materialized between their faces, capturing his wrist.
"You're awfully… familiar… with my companion," Kouga uttered, dragging the boy's arm away. "Cease the propositions, whelp," his claws engulfed the limb, squeezing with less-reservation than he normally used on humans. "Immediately."
Hojo's eyes widened. "I-I'm not being too forward," he winced at the crushing grip. "I've known Kagome for years."
Kouga gauged him anew, ignoring the warning seep of miko energy that had entered the air.
He does have a spine. The naivety in his eyes is a falsehood – he wants her as much as I.
"You touch her as if you've staked claim," he countered. "Have you?"
The pressure around his wrist was becoming unbearable; Hojo scrunched his face up, trying not to cry out. "Why do you speak so strangely, sir?"
"Kouga!" Kagome interjected, banishing his youki with a burst. Hair lifted off her shoulders momentarily. "Stop it right now! You're hurting him!"
He eased his throttle, still staring at the boy. "This one is not concerned for you from friendship."
She scoffed. "Because I've never faced anyone like that before."
Kouga staggered back as if struck. How could she compare him to this gangly pup? They were nothing alike. He released the captured wrist, crossing arms over his chest. It was awkward with the restrictions of extra fabric, and he swore in irritation.
Hojo's eyes darted back and forth between them as he drew his hand to the safety of his side. "Kagome?" He wetted his lips with his tongue. "Are you going to introduce me to your… uh… boyfriend?" There was a hopeful note in the question, wanting to be wrong.
Kouga beat Kagome to a reply, knowing she would stammer out refusals and wanting to be clear about this lad's prospects. "Kouga, prince of the eastern Yoro Clan," he said gruffly. Judging from Hojo's reluctance, it was clear 'boyfriend' was some position of status granted through courtship.
"A foreign Prince, eh?" Hojo's ease bled as he blanched. "Wow."
Kagome rolled her eyes, opening her mouth to correct, but Kouga was too swift again.
"I'm not sure how courting is done here in Tokyo," Kouga straightened to try and clear the boy's head. "But where I'm from, it's considered impolite to handle a female already being pursued."
Kagome's jaw plummeted. "Is it now?!" Her voice spiked into a new octave. "I had no idea you were aware of that!"
Now it was Kouga who balked. He thought of all the times he'd taken up Kagome's hands, pledging to make her his, right in front of Inu-Yasha. He had chosen his words poorly.
Perhaps the similarities between the lad and himself were more glaring than he realized.
Hojo seemed oblivious to the new tension, lifting a hand to the back of his head and forcing out a chuckle. "Your country sounds a bit old-fashioned," the boy said. "But I'm sorry if I came across as rude. It wasn't my intent. Kagome has been struck with so many illnesses over the years, I was just glad to see she was feeling better."
The girl's cheeks tinged pink, and Kouga frowned at her response to the regard.
"Thank you Hojo-kun," her voice returned to its normal register. "I'm still not well enough to attend university, but hope to apply next year."
"That would be wonderful," he smiled, reaching again for her shoulder.
Kouga's growl was louder this time – deep and furious.
Hojo's fingers hovered, frozen.
"We should be off," Kouga urged, the words clipped and curt. This boy's audacity would only rile him more, and he could feel Kagome's simmering wrath swirl through her scent. He did not want to be goaded into more acts that would set it upon him. "There's still much research to be done."
"Research?" Hojo glanced at the large library at the end of the street. "Kagome just said she wasn't continuing school this year," his eyes narrowed. "Are you having her help you with your college homework?" Hands turned to fists. "If she's too weak for her own education, you shouldn't be taking advantage sir!"
Kouga bristled, not needing to comprehend the context to know his character was being accused. "I'm not," he spat. "And unlike you, I've always made my feelings and intentions clear to Kagome," he leaned over. "I don't pretend to be benign and obliging, while secretly coveting. It's you who takes advantage of her trusting heart, boy. She's far safer in my company than yours."
Hojo stiffened, and Kagome's features contorted in indignation.
"Enough, Kouga!" She snapped. "I'm right here! Don't talk about me like I'm not!" Her gaze was livid as she met his. "Hojo is a friend – I'm allowed to have them."
"I didn't say—."
She held up a palm, shaking with barely-held fury. "You are being just like a ridiculous, jealous individual we both know, and I don't care if you don't want the comparison. Stop it. Right now," she turned to the boy, her face softening in apology. "I'm sorry Hojo. It was so nice to run into you today," her smile was tremulous. "We should catch up soon. I'd love to hear about your studies sometime."
The young man's mouth thinned to a hard line. "Will your boyfriend allow it?"
Kagome sighed, wanting this uncomfortable exchange to end. Clarifying their circumstances would only lead to questions she couldn't answer, prolonging it further. "He's being a moron," she said. "But it's not you; his own insecurities run away with him."
Hojo gave Kouga a sullen glare – as much as his default politeness would allow – before offering Kagome a small bow. "Until next time then," he turned on his heel and stalked away, steps forced and jerking.
They watched him depart, crossing the street without a backward glance.
Kouga felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. His sense for danger was screaming at him to back away from the priestess at his side. He stood his ground, but not without his tail swaying in nervousness.
Kagome stared as Hojo disappeared into a crowd, fighting back a scowl. "You're a jerk," she muttered. "He is one of the nicest boys I've ever known," the sentiment held a note of wistfulness that made Kouga die a little inside. "Why I can't seem to fall for guys who aren't posturing, possessive asshats is beyond me."
He cringed, feeling the hakama shift with his tail and trying to keep it still. "I'm sorry," he offered immediately. "My behavior was uncalled for."
If she was surprised at the ready apology, she gave no indication. Blue-gray eyes snapped to his. "You're damn right it was."
Kouga nodded glumly, having no other defense. She was not his to fight for – he was a much a grasping pretender as the boy.
Kagome spun for the library. "Come on. Let's get this over with."
The spite he heard made him flinch, and he followed wordlessly. The sea of people in strange attire with their towering palaces of mirrors held no interest now; he had proven – once again – how far from her notice he would always be.
The librarian they spoke to was only too eager to grant them access to the encased books in a separate, temperature-controlled room. Kouga had felt her gaze linger at their formal outfits and wondered if the traditional garb had somehow lent credence to Kagome's tale of being researchers interested in the Warring States period. She had dropped a few obscure dates and facts that the woman behind the desk subtly used star strands from her own version of Laptop to verify. After she'd finished her search, Kagome hadn't even needed to show any credential scrolls before they'd been whisked away to a lower antechamber, away from the tables and rounded chairs of the main floor.
They sat together in a lone carrel, squeezed in two chairs at a space meant for one. Kagome wore a pair of gloves as she handled fragile pages, turning each reverently. The librarian had observed for a few minutes, pleased with her level of care, and had left them to their work.
Kouga sat hunched beside her, arms pulled close and dangling between his thighs. He hadn't spoken since his apology, finding nothing of note, and Kagome seemed to appreciate the silence. He let her read in peace, trying to keep his mind blank so he wouldn't be swarmed with the inner beratements circling.
Minutes ticked by, and he failed in his struggle, hunching lower.
I've made myself a fool in front of her – again.
She must see me as that human whelp, dull and neutered. Simply a friend with an uncomfortable proclivity for getting too attached.
Maybe not even a friend. Still.
Kouga started, making his chair creak from the sudden movement.
Kagome lifted her nose from the text. "Do you sense it too?" She mumbled.
He turned to her quizzically.
"The miasma?" She whispered, peeking around the sparse room. "I know, it seems impossible, but it feels like it's getting stronger. Closer."
Kouga whipped his head around, pushing back his chair in a rush. How could he have been so careless? Consumed with self-pity instead of being watchful? Protector might be the only role he could fill for her. Would he fail in that too?
A curse slipped out as he quickly discerned what the miko had felt; it was suffocating now that he wasn't consumed, barreling down on them with alarming speed.
"We should leave," he grabbed for her elbow. "Now."
Kagome closed the book and rose, hastily removing the supplied gloves. "Agreed," she nodded. "We should get to a place with less people."
Kouga swept her from her feet, heading for the stairs. "I thought youkai didn't exist in your time, or hid themselves at all costs."
In his arms, Kagome pulled her head and legs close as the walls of the landing narrowed. Kouga surged up the steps, cradling her deftly, ears twitching as he graced the main floor and searched for a nearby exit. They poked visibly from his hair, but concealment was no longer a priority. If the source of the miasma reached them, they would become a lot more conspicuous.
"This one certainly isn't concerned with stealth," the girl worried her lip, pointing towards a green 'exit' sign just as Kouga spied its accompanying door. He ran forward, shouldering it open and bursting outside.
Afternoon had faded to evening, and Kouga stumbled at the sight of so many whizzing headlights flying through the dim. Kagome felt him tense in a flood of panic and gathered a handful of kimono, drawing his attention down.
"The lights help drivers see," she reassured. "They aren't spirit wisps or soul-catchers."
He eyed the hard, black river and the wheeled boats along it, sending bright beams everywhere. "There's a stretch of land with fewer inhabitants," he managed, ears still twitching. "But it's across this frozen waterway."
"The park," Kagome nodded. "Good idea."
It was all the encouragement he needed. Kouga took off at a sprint, rushing for the road. A few people still out on errands gawked along the sidewalk as he sprung into the air, leaping over the cars in an arcing, impossible bound.
Was that a girl he carried?
Were they filming a movie? Where were the cameras? Did you see any stunt ropes?
Did he have fangs?!
Kouga landed gracefully on the other side, pausing only to check his cargo.
"I'm fine," Kagome waved him away. "Hurry. It's found us."
The dark energy swept over the library, followed by thunderous crashing. Looking past Kouga's shoulder, Kagome spotted its origin. A cluster of creatures, towering and mechanical, traipsed past buildings, bulldozing into brick and steel, blind to their hulk. Wires dragged around their blocky, cobbled frames, and Kagome made out smashed and splintered computers amid their torsos.
Nearby onlookers cried out as debris rained down, but as she squinted in the growing darkness, the girl could see they only reacted to the destruction, not the imposing beings approaching with swinging arms.
"They can't seem them," she whispered.
Kouga followed her gaze with a frown. "Those aren't youkai," he growled, clutching her tighter to his chest.
"Golems," Kagome agreed. "But who's animated them?"
Kouga burst from his spot, running for the trees and grass he smelled in the distance. "Now's not the time to stop and figure it out," he grunted, launching them over a concrete wall.
Kagome watched as the creatures vacantly scanned the area, searching for their quarry. "We have to draw them away before they do more damage," she rose in Kouga arms, stretching her own out on either side of his neck. "Those people are right in their path," her face beside his, she called up her power, pink rising in her palms. Their cheeks and jaws bumped together as he ran, jostled as one as he pounded along new pavement.
Kouga felt the miko energy race along his frame, pricking through thick, black fabric in a painful heat. Gritting his teeth against the onslaught, he called upon his own power, as much for defense as to help attract attention.
The golems, six in all, surged forward with shrill howls. They hobbled into the road, and vehicles smashed into the hard drive towers and displays of their legs. Motorists blinked in bewilderment as cars around them seemed to hit invisible walls, colliding in an escalating pile up.
Kouga pushed himself faster, spurred by the danger at their backs. Kagome's breaths were hitched and fast at his ear, and her heart raced against his. There was no fear in her scent though, only grim determination and the allure of untarnished purity. She let her hands glow brighter, willing the creatures to follow.
"Remind me not to get on your bad side," Kouga said, skirting around a cluster of closed-up street carts.
He felt her mouth curve into a smile against his skin. "Again, you mean?"
The wolf managed a grin, even as the steps behind them grew loud. "Did I mention I was sorry?"
"For which offense?" She quipped.
Kouga rumbled in approval. "Any. All."
Blue-gray eyes snagged his. "I'm glad you're here with me," her voice was barely a whisper, nearly swallowed in the booming footfalls descending upon the vendor carts, destroying them in a spray of wood and metal. "I wouldn't want to face any of this alone."
The claws clutching her shoulder and thighs curled in. "I'll always face your dangers with you."
"I'm beginning to see that."
Tree appeared up ahead, and Kouga raced for the park. Leaping a wrought-iron fence, he dashed up a hill into a grove of pines.
Kagome fidgeted to be released, and he hesitated, turning to face their pursuers. The creatures trundled through another road, dropping bits of metal and broken wires in their wake.
"I can't fully use my powers if you're holding me," she urged, swiveling to watch their approach. "You'll need my help."
Kouga clung to her more fiercely. "I don't want you to get hurt."
Kagome wriggled again. "We can keep each other safe. Put me down."
He obliged reluctantly as the fence was torn through. The girl remained composed as she straightened, taking a step forward.
The konpyuta puppets burst into the park, ripping up grass as they closed in.
"What do you want?" She called imperiously. "This city is mine to protect."
The golems slowed at her words, offering out a series of agonized groans. One reached an awkward limb out for her, large digits blinking with servos and circuitry. Kagome tilted her head, clearly making meaning from the sounds.
"I'm not going anywhere with you," she lifted her hands, bringing forth spheres of blinding, pink light. "But I will grant you peace," she glanced back from the corner of her eye, motioning slightly with her chin. Kouga caught the signal and grabbed her around the waist, wincing at the burning sting her power brought. He dove forward, dropping her at the feet of their foes before launching himself at their legs, mindful of the chikai's range.
The creature lowered its arm with a roar, whipping branches about with the force of its cry. Leaves rained down around them, and Kagome closed her eyes. She felt Kouga's presence and hurled her spheres high, striking the konpyutas' chests. The wolf slashed out at extremities that lifted too slowly to evade the purifying assault, ducking as pink erupted overhead.
More light followed, radiating the air with power, and Kouga kept low, striking at hard plastic and warped metal. The golems toppled over, falling apart into broken pieces in his hands. Kouga continued to swipe, feeling the spell's pull, ripping at wires and glass screens that no longer flickered. A few rushing steps sounded in the sudden quiet, and Kagome appeared at his side, surveying the ruin nervously.
"That was too easy," she said, looking for any hint of life in their remains.
Kouga agreed with a nod; he'd barely exerted himself. "Were they a distraction?"
"From who? For what?"
The youkai stared down at the smoking piles, dread filling his insides.
