Child of the Hellmouth

Child of the Hellmouth
calikocat
word count: 4168
Yuyu Hakusho, Inuyasha, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer do not belong to me.
Author's Notes: Any speech that is italicized is in Japanese.

XXX

“And I totally need to introduce you to Clem, he's a local neutral.”

“Neutral what?”

“Demon.”

“What kind?”

“Uh...never asked him.” He winced as Kagome gave him a look. “Well ya know it's kinda rude to just suddenly ask a guy what kind of demon he is. He's a demon, he's neutral, and he likes to binge on Star Trek with me. We're cool.”

Kagome looked heavenward. “No matter what country or time I'm in, boys never change.”

“Well duh. Oh hey, we should totally freak out the clientele at Willy's.”

“We're underage.”

“I didn't say we had to get drinks. Just walk in and watch'em squirm.”

“I'm starting to understand how much you miss Jessie. Did the two of you always do stupid things together?”

He grinned at her and it was free of atonement. “Pretty much.”

“You're a...what's the word...oh yes. You're a dork.”

“It's not exactly news Kagome.” He watched her in interest as she stopped to look at the school. “The hellmouth still givin' you wiggins?”

“Not as bad as it was last night. Even being this close to it. You said it's under the library?”

He motioned her to keep going. “Yeah, it's this way. Oh, we probably shouldn't talk about the hellmouth, vampires, or mummies around Ampata.”

“Yes, yes. I've kept people in the dark before. Wait...Mummies?”

“Yeah, there's an Incan Mummy staggering around Sunnydale. Some kid broke the seal that kept it all cursed and restful.”

“You're kidding.”

“Nope.”

“Your life is...interesting. Anyway, as I was saying, I've done that dance, so keeping Ampata out of the loop will be easy enough.”

“Speaking of dances, what are you going as? To tonight's dance I mean.”

She grinned. “I thought I'd go traditional tonight.”

They were still discussing their costumes when they entered the library to see Giles hand what looked like a broken plate to a girl Xander had never seen before.

“That was a little fast Giles. You've only just met her.” Buffy rolled her eyes and caught sight of Xander.

“Xander! And guest! Kagome right?” She made her way over to them and Kagome bowed. Buffy looked flustered for a second but returned with a bow of her own. “Nice to meet you. I'm Buffy.”

“And it is nice to meet you as well Buffy-san.”

Xander's eyes were still locked on the strange girl. “Buffy...who's the new girl?”

“There was a mix up. Come on I'll introduce you to Ampata.”

“Ampata the girl?”

“Yeah.”

“Cool.”

“Ampata, this is Xander Harris, and Kagome...”

Kagome smiled. “Higurashi.”

“That's a mouthful.”

“Hello.” Ampata gave a small smile before turning back to Giles.

“Does anything on that seal look familiar to you?”

Ampata frowned. “Not really...but it is hard to know without all of the pieces.” As she shifted the broken seal in her hands a thin tremor of power rolled through the room. Buffy, Xander and Kagome all shuddered.

“That's...that's all we found though.” Buffy said, watching Ampata closely.

Ampata handed the seal back to Giles and pointed to a pictogram. “This could mean one who watches over the princess. You would call him a—bodyguard. I think.”

Giles hmm'd and latched on to the clue she'd given him and wandered off toward his books with the seal. “I'll just take another look at this and compare my texts for our...club. Willow, why don't you show Ampata around.”

“Sure. We can go to the computer lab first, you'll like Ms. Calendar. We'll see you guys later.”

“Later Wills. Nice to meet you Ampata.”

“It was nice to meet you too.”

After they left Xander and Kagome shared a look and Buffy wrinkled her nose. “You guys felt that too?”

Giles nearly dropped the seal. “Beg your pardon? Felt what?”

Kagome nodded at Buffy. “The seal is still trying to do what it was meant to do. It still has some power.”

“Oh?” Giles adjusted his glasses and peered closer at the seal in his hands. “Well that's quite interesting, do the three of you feel anything now?” They shook their heads and he hmm'd again.

“I guess I'm research girl today while Willow shows Ampata around and you give Kagome the grand tour of Hellmouth High.”

“Want some help? The school's not going anywhere.” Xander asked her.

“Nah. I can handle the books. Go ahead and show Kagome around.”

Kagome looked concerned. “I'm no slacker Buffy-san, I wouldn't mind helping.”

Buffy smiled. “Enjoy the tour first. You guys can spell me after that.”

They nodded and Xander lead Kagome out of the library. “We'll keep an eye out for anything out of the norm...for this place anyway.”

“Thanks Xan.”

They exited the library and nearly ran into Cordelia, who was glowering and snarking at a tall blond boy of European descent. “Easy Cordy, it's not like the guy is used to being a slave.” She rounded on him and stopped her verbal tirade when she saw Kagome.

“And this would be?”

Kagome gave a small bow, never breaking eye contact. “Kagome Higurashi. Nice to meet you Cordy-san.”

“At least your's speaks American.” She huffed before stomping off.

Xander turned a sympathetic gaze to the other boy. “Dude, I am so sorry you got stuck with Queen C. I'm Xander by the way.” He held out his hand and the taller boy accepted.

“I'm Sven, and thank you. When I signed up for this program I did not think it would be so bad. Is she always like this?”

“Afraid so.”

“At least not all Americans are like her.”

“Sven! Come!”

Sven rolled his eyes. “It was nice to meet you Xander, and you Kagome.” He gave them a small smile before trudging after Cordelia.

“Poor guy.”

“Definitely.”

“And would you believe that Cordelia was the girl of Jessie's dreams?”

Kagome looked at him. “Wow.”

“Yeah, I never got it either.”

xxx

“I can't believe you call that food.” Kagome shuddered as the walked down the hall from the lunch room. “That was disgusting.”

“I told you we should have brought something from home. Hot dog surprise is not for the weak.”

“But...how do they get away with serving that...poison?”

Xander snorted. “At first I always thought it was just an untold mystery of the power of the Lunch Lady. But with the hellmouth...” He shrugged.

They entered the library and stopped dead in their tracks as Willow bounced about in a nervous fashion.

“Big guy! Bigger knife! Tried to kill us, yelled something about the seal and he had a big, big knife! It was so scary Buffy! We screamed and he came after us and we screamed again anditrippedhimandAmpatapushedhimdownthebleachers. And then we ran here.”

Xander was across the room and putting his hands on Willow's shoulders by the time she ran out of steam. “Breathe Willow.”

“Breathing now.” She gulped at the air and shuddered again. “I thought I was gonna die.”

Ampata stood near the table, her arms wrapped protectively around her middle. “He was very angry. I think your investigation is dangerous. We were nearly killed. Please do not continue this.” She blinked away tears and ran out of the library.

Willow made sad eyes at the retreating girl. “I...I should go after her.”

Xander gave her a curious look. “You sure?”

“Yeah, I'm okay now. I think. I'll let you know after I come out of shock.” She gave him a shaky smile and went after Ampata.

Xander frowned as she left. “Something isn't right.”

Buffy gave him a look. “Well yeah, we've got a mummy and a crazy person with a big knife running around the dale.”

Kagome sat at the table and looked at the seal. “It is almost as if Ampata is hiding something.”

Xander nodded. “I think so too. Let's get to the books. Take a brake Buff...also it's hotdog surprise day.”

“Yuck. Thanks for the heads up.”

xxx

Xander, Kagome, and Willow stood on Buffy's front porch, while they waited for someone to answer the door.

“So I heard that you and Ampata were holding hands over a plate of hotdog surprise.”

Kagome elbowed him. “It's sweet, don't ruin it.”

Willow smiled at Kagome in thanks. “Yep.”

“No harm meant Wills.”

Willow giggled. “I'm just following your example Xander. It's nice to have options.”

Xander groaned and was about to retort when Buffy opened the door. He stared at her overalls. “So what country are you supposed to be from? The land of no tradition? Where's your nifty cultural get up?”

Buffy eyed him. “And what are you supposed to be? A burglar?”

“Ha ha, I'm a ninja. See the sword, the dagger, and look, throwing stars.”

“Riight. So super-stealth burglar?”

He rolled his eyes. “Seriously Buffy, where's your costume?”

“Well...with overalls she could go as a farmer.” Willow grinned.

Kagome looked confused. “I don't know that word. What is a farmer?”

“Hyakushou.” Xander said over his shoulder at her. “Or nouka.”

“Oh.” She peered closer at Buffy. “Do American farmers dress like that?”

Willow nodded. “Some do.”

“Standing right here people.” She sighed. “There's been a change of plans. You guys are going to the dance with Ampata. Giles and I are going on a mummy hunt.”

“Oh, Buffy...but--”

“It's okay Willow, I didn't have a costume anyway, and you guys totally have me beat. You all look like the real thing. You must have worked really hard on them.”

Willow grinned. “I did, and it's as authentic as I could make it without using real fur. Cause that would be yuck.”

Buffy smiled. “And I love your robes Kagome.”

“Thank you, but this is traditional wear for a priestess. I wear it often when I'm helping my grandpa care for our family shrine.”

“That just makes it cooler.”

Ampata appeared at the top of the stairs. And they all gaped.

“Migoto.” Xander muttered.

Kagome smiled. “He said you're beautiful.”

Willow glanced at Xander. “Wow, you're really getting into the foreign language thing.”

xxx

Xander danced with Willow first, which was an interesting experience what with the fake fur coat. It made twirling her very slow and awkward. She had to take a break before the song was even over because she got too hot. However, he noticed that the lead guitar for the Dingos was watching his bestest bud with open curiosity. It was about time someone noticed how amazing she was.

He danced with Kagome next, which was easier because she was less hampered by her clothing. She could run and kick demon butt in her miko gear so dancing wasn't a problem. They moved together easily and she grinned at him. It was all so amazingly...platonic. It was nice.

Ampata looked like an ancient goddess with her face made up and her clingy gold dress. Her steps were unsure but he lead her and she laughed when he stumbled on purpose. However he was starting to feel uneasy and was glad when the band started up a faster song.

Eagerly, he dragged all three girls - Willow had ditched her coat - to the dance floor and they cut a mean rug until they had to collapse at their table, still laughing at Xander's antics.

Ampata smiled at them all. “I have not had this much fun in a long time. I will remember this night always.”

Willow grinned. “That's sweet.”

“Glad to hear it Ampata. Now, who wants a drink ladies? I'm buying.”

“Coke.”

“Tea.”

“Water.”

“One coke, one tea, and one water. Okie dokie, I'll be right back.”

xxx

Xander returned to find Kagome alone. “Where'd they go?”

Kagome looked worried. “They were dancing a moment ago, but then Ampata practically ran off the dance floor. Willow went after her. I think they went out back to get some fresh air.” She blinked just as he turned to face Buffy as their friend came up to the table.

“Hey Buff, thought you were hunting.”

“Where's Ampata?”

“Why? What's up?”

“Ampata's the mummy.”

Xander's eyes widened. “Oh no.”

They ran toward the back entrance and burst into the ally behind the Bronze. Ampata was kneeling on the pavement, Willow in her arms. The Inca Princess was crying.

“Willow!” He moved fast and Ampata scrambled back, surprised at his speed, and his glowing eyes.

“I didn't...I couldn't. She has been so kind. But I don't want to die. I want to be free. And I...I hurt.” She sobbed. “I don't want to hurt anyone. I don't want to die!”

Kagome approached her as she rocked back and forth on the ally floor. “Then let go.” She took Ampata's hands and helped her to her feet. Ampata started to glow, and a peaceful look appeared on her face, as if the pain she'd been feeling only seconds before had vanished. White light surrounded them.

“Tell Willow I am sorry. She has been so very kind to me.” Xander nodded.

Kagome gave her a small smile. “I release you revered princess, you have fulfilled your duty to your people. You are free.” Ampata smiled back as she dissolved into the light and faded away.

Willow blinked in Xander's arms on the ground. “What happened?”

Xander grinned. “I think Ampata was in love with you.”

Willow gave him a dreamy smile. “That's nice.” And then she was unconscious.

Xander snickered. “Well, it could be worse. She could have had a melt down about a mummy stealing her first kiss.” Kagome and Buffy just stared at him. “What?”

xxx

Buffy frowned as she turned the slip of paper over and over in her hands. “So these strips of paper full of squiggles will really protect us, and keep the nasties out of the library?”

Kagome rolled her eyes. “They're not squiggles Buffy, they're kanji, and yes they will keep minor demons out.”

“Well why not major demons?”

Kagome arched a brow at her. “Because the library is above a nexus of evil, one that has been here for several hundred years. It is impossible, even for me, to completely ban evil from this spot.”

Buffy thought that over for a moment before nodding. “You have a point, but you can keep the big bad nasties from getting in and munching on our parents.”

Kagome looked thoughtful as she gave her answer. “It would depend on the demon. The demons I'm familiar with could probably wear down these wards, eventually. The ones that you see on a daily basis may not be able to break them at all.”

“Cool.”

Willow seemed much more intrigued by the symbols Kagome was painting on the strips of paper. “Who taught you how to make these? They're really neat. And they're also not something my parents will freak about, cause they kinda look like art.”

“Being able to make kanji correctly is actually a thing to be proud of. As for the wards themselves, my Grandfather, and an old priestess named Kaede. They are the ones who guided me through my training. Although I learned some things from a monk too.”

“Training? So this priestess thing is a big deal?” Buffy asked.

“It's a huge deal. Perhaps not as much as it used to be. Most girls who train to be Miko these days don't have any real power. It's just tradition. But my family has been in the same place for a little over four hundred years. There's power there, it's a naturally sacred place.”

“It sounds nice, I'd like to see it sometime.” Willow sighed wistfully.

Kagome gave her a smile. “Let's put the wards up.” Buffy and Willow helped her place the wards around the library until Kagome had the last one in her hands. “Are you ready?”

“Ready for what?” Buffy asked.

“This.” Kagome laughed as both girls jumped when she put the final ward in place. “Did you feel that?”

“Yeah, kinda shocked me. Not enough to really hurt though, which I'm grateful for.” Willow rubbed her arms. “Still...freaky.”

Another jolt went through the room and a cry of pain sounded from the hallway outside the main entrance to the library.

Buffy shot a look to Kagome. “What was that?”

“The wards at work. There is a demon in the hallway.”

Willow snickered. “Wonder if it's Snyder.”

Buffy shook her head. “I wouldn't be that lucky.” She cautiously opened the doors, the other girls behind her. “Angel?”

Angel was on the hall floor, his clothes were smoking a bit and his hair looked a little singed. “Buffy?”

Kagome had conjured up her spirit bow and had an arrow made of light notched and ready to shoot.

“Wait!” Buffy stepped between them. “Angel's okay. He's on our side.”

Willow nodded. “Buffy's right, he's a good vampire, he's got a shiny human soul and everything!”

Kagome looked at them like they'd lost their minds. However she looked closer at the vampire who returned her gaze warily. She could see the essence of a human soul present. “This is the strangest town.” She relaxed and the conjured bow and arrow dissipated. “I'll need to readjust the wards in the library.” She walked over to Angel and plucked a hair from his head before going back inside the library.

Angel looked from Willow to Buffy. “What was that about?”

xxx

Kagome's first experience in an American Mall had been a success, all three girls had shopped to their hearts' content. And since Xander's house was closest, they stopped there first to drop off Kagome's things. However when the girls entered the house laden down with shopping bags they froze.

Buffy sniffed the air. “Something smells really good.”

Willow nodded and her stomach growled. “Xander must have ordered in.”

Kagome shook her head and put her bags on the couch. “No, it smells like bukkake udon, he's cooked for us.”

Buffy glanced at her as she put her own bags on a chair. “Xander can cook?”

Willow looked thoughtful. “Well it makes sense, he did spend the summer working in a Japanese restaurant.”

Kagome nodded and smiled at them. “He is a very good cook.”

A feminine laughed tinkled from the kitchen and stopped their conversation.

“That didn't sound like Xander's mom.” Willow murmured as they entered the kitchen.

Again Buffy and Willow froze. There was young woman with blue hair standing next to Xander. She looked to be a few years older than them. They were talking in low voices in a language neither understood, more than likely Japanese. He handed her the table ware and she started to set the table. Xander caught sight of them and grinned.

“Hey girls. This is Botan, she's a friend of Yusuke's. Botan, that's Buffy, Willow, and you know Kagome. Botan came over with Kagome and she's been hanging out with a guy she met.” He looked back at Botan. “You sure you can't stay for dinner? I made enough.”

Botan smiled and her oddly colored eyes twinkled. “Thank you for the offer Xander, but I already have plans with Clem tonight. We're going to the movies.”

“Oh, hey. What are you gonna see?” He asked, stirring something on the stove top.

“”Attack of the Pet Rocks III.”

“You're kidding.”

“Nope.”

He shook his head. “You're a very strange woman Botan. So how was the mall?”

Buffy shrugged. “Mall-like. We went, we saw, we bought.”

Willow stepped closer to Botan. “So how did you and Xander meet? Well since your Yusuke's friend I'm sure he introduced you.”

Botan nodded. “I've been a friend of Yusuke and Keiko since junior high. I met Xander over the summer.” She smiled. “I don't cook much so I spend a lot of time at the Yukimura's shop.” She glanced at the clock. “I've got to run an errand before the movie. I'll see you later Xander. It was nice meeting you Buffy, Willow.” She waved at Xander and slipped out of the room, they heard the front door open and close behind her.

Buffy look at Xander. “Are all the people in Japan as pretty as Botan and Kagome?”

He laughed. “You have no idea.

xxx

They had set up a range at the edge of town, the library just wasn't big enough to practice properly. Kagome kept a watchful eye on Buffy and Xander as they practiced their archery, and she helped Willow with wards and seals. Being with them was...different and somewhat familiar. They reminded her a little of the friends she'd left behind in the warring states era.

Buffy reminded her of Sango, but Xander was nothing like Miroku or Inuyasha. And Willow was a refreshing presence and so eager to learn, and Kagome had to admit that the red head had a natural talent for magic. She just needed the proper training.

It amazed her how well she fit in with them. Xander had told her they'd made her an honorary Scooby. Of course then he had to explain what Scooby Doo was, she still hadn't quite made the connection to the old cartoon. None of them had a dog.

“How's this?” Willow asked, holding out her most recent ward to Kagome.

“Very good, you've caught on quickly.”

Xander nodded from the range. “Will's is a genius at everything she does.”

“We should all go out.” Buffy announced.

“Bronze?” Xander asked.

“We go to the Bronze all the time.” Willow countered.

“We should take Kagome out to eat, to a real restaurant.” Buffy said, putting the bow she'd been using down. “Nothing too fancy. Just a goodbye dinner.”

“Oh, that's a good idea.” Willow bounced. “We can wear party hats.” At the look Xander and Buffy gave her she stuck her tongue out. “Or not.”

“We don't have to go out.” Kagome offered.

“Don't worry about it Kagome. We'll make Giles pay.” Buffy waved her off. “Watcher pockets run deep.”

xxx

“I've had fun.”

They were sitting on the back porch waiting for Botan to show up. Kagome had her bags packed and sitting on the steps. The two of them sat on a bench by the back door, enjoying the warm night air.

“Even with all the craziness and demons.”

“Even with all of that.”

Xander chuckled. “Good. I'm gonna miss you Kags.”

“You come up with the weirdest nicknames.”

Before he could respond Botan poked her head around the corner of the house. “Found them!”

“Hello to you too, Botan.”

Botan waved and she came to stand at the bottom of the steps. Yusuke came around the corner as well. “Hey kids.”

“Yusuke!” Xander bounded off the porch and tackled his brother in a hug. “Long time no see.”

“Missed you too kid.”

“You ready to go Kagome?” Botan asked.

Kagome nodded and Botan put her things in a subspace pocket. Kagome came down the steps and hugged Xander. “Keep in touch.”

“Will do Kags.” He grinned as Botan whisked her away on her oar. “So, what's the what?”

“Can't I just come see my little brother?”

“Sure. So what's going on?”

Yusuke rolled his eyes and pulled something out of his pocket. “Got something from Raizen's vaults for you.”

“The old man?”

“Yeah.” Yusuke held out a silver ring. “It's his crest, his seal or whatever.”

“Royal logo?”

“Something like that. According to what my subordinates told me, only one of Raizen's blood, or someone connected to his line can wear them.” He held up his right hand. “I've got one too.” It was the same silver, the crest was a red stone, similar to a ruby.

Xander accepted the ring Yusuke held out and slipped it on his ring finger on his right hand, the same finger Yusuke wore his. The red stone turned green.

“Cool.”

Yusuke stared. “Huh...mine didn't do that.”

XXX