InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Desert Rose ❯ Desert Rose: Chapter 3 ( Chapter 3 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Desert Rose

Chapter 3

Jounouchi ran through the castle with a worried expression. Midoriko had kept everyone away from Kagome for two days time. Today she had him he could visit Kagome in her room as long as he finished his chores. So Jounouchi rushed through his chores in order to see his friend and savior. He stopped abruptly in front of Midoriko's room before knocking.

A soft 'Come in' replied to the noise allowing Jounouchi entrance. He quickly stepped inside and smiled at Kagome. "Jou-kun!" Kagome smiled back.

"Kagome!" Jounouchi ran forward and jumped onto the pillows that surrounded her. Some flew up while others lost feathers.

"Jounouchi....you're messing up my bedding..." Kagome pouted. Jounouchi laughed at her pout and hugged her.

"I missed you Kago-chan! Inutaisho was being more of a pain in the ass than normal!"

Kagome hugged Jounouchi back and giggled as the young boy buried his head into her neck. "You're tickling me Jou."
"I know...." He replied. Kagome laughed and let Jou go. He sat beside her and told her of the last two days and what she missed. "So Mana and Isis both threw their pillows at Marik who tried to peek into their room."

"Marik seems to be the trouble maker."

"Hai, hai!" Jou nodded. "You know Mahado, right? Well I see him staring at Midoriko a lot lately."

"Oh...think he likes her? Midoriko-san better watch out..." Kagome said. Jounouchi shrugged. "Has the hunting patrols been any trouble?"

"I've been taking up your position, but other than that nothing too bad." The blonde replied. "They are increasing in number though. Midoriko-san says that tonight is the last night for the hunts until the Egyptians leave. At least for us three..."

Kagome nodded and stood up stretching a bit. She looked down at Jou. "I better get in practice. Will you come to the dojo to help me?"

"Of course!" Jou grinned.

---

Yami blinked as he looked at the two Japanese royals standing in the door way of a room. Mahado looked around him to see Midoriko being one of those people. Mana and Isis were also there and smiled while looking back at Marik who was sporting a red hand mark on his cheek.

"What are they doing?" Marik asked pointing at the woman.

"I don't know but I think that's Midoriko and Inutaisho." Isis replied. Mana giggled as she looked at Mahado.

"Shall we investigate?" Yami said.

The others nodded and tried to sneak up on the two from the shadows. As they crept closer they heard the clang of metal and the whizzing of something flying through the air. They also started to hear the voices of the Prince and his guardian.

"Do you think it will be alright to send her out so soon?" Inutaisho asked.

"Your worry is touching, but it is in the wrong place." The miko replied. "You know better about Kagome, her powers aid her in her healing abilities."

"I just worry about her in times such as these. A young girl like her should be playing and helping her mother, not fighting and going out on patrols protecting us." Inutaisho replied.

"You do remember what happened when we tried to give Kagome to a human family...I don't want her to face that again." Midoriko replied. Silence was set between them as the two watched the happening inside the dojo. After a couple minutes Midoriko turned her head slightly. "You need not hide in the shadows...it wouldn't bode well if you were caught by the guards sneaking around."

Yami and the others stepped out from the shadows and walked out to see what was happening. "Er...sorry for spying Midoriko-san..." Yami said. "We didn't think you would like us just walking up to you."

"Nonsense, you are guests. It's alright..." Midoriko replied as she stepped to the side. "I'm guessing you all heard Kagome sparring with Jounouchi."

"Sparring?" Mana blinked and looked into the dojo.

"Oh my...." Isis whispered.

"Wow..." Marik said as he watched the two fight.

Yami stared as Kagome danced about the mats. She truly looked like a goddess. She wore a pair of white loose pants with a blue Japanese Floral designed shirt that molded into a skirt that ended at her ankles. She had on black slippers as she held two weapons, that looked like a blade on a ring.

Jounouchi twist his body inhumanly before he landed on his feet. He spun his sword around and smiled at Kagome. She truly was a deadly girl with any weapon. "Do you think that the weapons you have will help you?" He was only dressed in a pair of loose pants and had a small collar around his neck with a small charm.

Kagome smiled. "Now Jounouchi, it's not nice to make fun of my Chakrams..."

"Chakrams?" Yami asked looking up at Midoriko.

"A throwing weapon, it's usually a ring shaped." Midoriko replied as she grabs her elbows as she watched the stare down. "I made these for Kagome when she came up for the design." Yami nodded and turned back to Kagome.

She raised her weapons to her side and flicks her wrists hard. Blades swung out from the one and spun all the way around the ring to the beginning. It 'click' and locked in place allow Kagome to get into stance.

Jounouchi suddenly lurched forward with a burst of speed and raced toward Kagome. The girl threw one of her Chakrams at Jounouchi, only to have him smack it away with his sword.

The flew into the wall right beside the spectators causing some to yell in surprised. Mahado turned his head to Midoriko to see she didn't even twitch. He walked to her side and watched the fight continue.

Jounouchi lunged at Kagome with his sword raised. Kagome brought her other chakram up and blocked it. She twirled out of the way, while trying to cut Jounouchi with her chakram. He leaned forward on his sword, letting only hairs be cut. Kagome was about to go again when Jou flipped over his sword, hand still on it, and pulled it up to block.

Kagome jumped back when Jou got an opening to slash at her. She looked down to see a spilt from her collar to her chest. She blushed and glared at Jou. "Jounouchi! You are not suppose to undress me!" He just grinned like wolf before using his speed to disappear before her. She looked around before jumping into the air and doing a flip as Jounouchi appeared where she was. She flicked her wrist, letting the blades slide around the ring, closed into one thick blade. As she came down she raised the weapon over her head. Jounouchi turned and blocked it with his sword. But the force and weight was too much. Jounouchi stance shifted as well as his weapon. Kagome slide down the length of his sword and ended up deeply cutting Jounouchi's left leg.

Jounouchi yipped and immediately pulled back. He wobbled a bit before falling onto his butt due to the wound. Kagome's eyes widened as she dropped her weapon and ran to Jou.

"Oh Jou! I'm so sorry I didn't mean it!" She looked like she was ready to cry. Jounouchi frowned and pulled Kagome into a hug.

"It's okay! When I change tonight it will be as good as new!" Kagome pulled away and smiled. "So no crying okay?"

"'Kay!" Kagome replied as she wiped her tears away. Kagome looked up as Midoriko came over to them.

The older miko held her elbows as she looked down at the two. She pulled out a roll of bandages and knelt down. She silently bandaged Jou's leg and then stood once more.

"You two have had enough fun for today. Tonight we will go on hunt." Midoriko said.

Inutaisho walked to Kagome and handed her the two closed Chakrams. Kagome bowed to Inutaisho before running to the weapons wall and putting them away. Jounouchi bowed his head to Midoriko, thanking her for the bandage before getting up with his sword. He limped over to the wall and helped Kagome clean and put away their weapons.

"He's stubborn..." Inutaisho said. "He should rest that leg."
"Jounouchi is dedicated, he means well." Midoriko replied.

"Midoriko..." Yami called. Midoriko turned and looked at Yami.

"Yes Yami-sama?" Midoriko asked.

"You mentioned a hunt tonight." Yami said. Midoriko frowned immediately knowing what he wanted. "May we accompany you?"

Inutaisho snorted and shook his head. "This is up to you Midoriko...I have lessons to go to..." He turned and left the dojo. "Tell Kagome I wish her well."

Midoriko stared down at Yami and his group hard. She didn't want to take them with her. They would only get in the way....or would they? She glanced back at Kagome and Jounouchi. It would be a good experience for them to be fighting along side shadow masters. Her thoughts were cut off when Mahado stepped forward.

"Please Midoriko....we want to see what you do when you leave the castle at night." He said as he stared into her eyes. Midoriko smiled, they had determination and curiosity about the unknown. That was good.

"Fine...meet us here in a few hours. Until then, Kagome!" Midoriko turned to the girl slightly. "You are to stay with them. They are coming with us tonight."
"Yes Midoriko-sama." Kagome bowed.

"You are to be here an hour before them to prepare with me." Midoriko said as she walked to Jounouchi. "I'll take care of goldie."

"HEY!" Jounouchi said as Midoriko smirked and made him sit. She waited until Kagome led the Egyptians out of the room.

"Jou..." Midoriko whispered seriously. Jounouchi knew it was important so he turned to Midoriko and listened. "No matter what happens tonight, I want you to stick close to Kagome."

"Do you think something will go wrong?" He asked.

"I just have a feeling that's all..."

---

Yami frowned and looked at the clothing they had been giving. Marik, Mahado, and himself have been giving a pair of pants and long sleeve shirts. Mahado wore a navy blue set, while Marik wore a dark golden set, though Yami had a dark red set. The servant who gave it to them told them that Midoriko had demanded they wear it if they wish to go on the hunt. Yami looked at Isis and Mana and notice they were wearing an outfit similar to what Kagome was wearing during her spar with Jounouchi. Isis was in a purple color while Mana was in a lighter blue.

"Must we wear these Japanese Garments?" Marik asked. "They are so bland..."

"Midoriko said we had to if we were to go with her." Mahado replied.

"Yeah Marik stop being such a party pooper. I think these clothes are fun!" Mana said as she twirled around.

"Indeed, they are also very light. I wonder how they weave it..." Isis said as she put her hands over the cloth. "So very soft."

"It's something different...." Yami said.

"I'm sorry if they are uncomfortable Yami, but it is necessary." Midoriko said as she entered the room.

Mahado's jaw dropped as he turned to see Midoriko. She was in a skin tight black outfit. She had lavender shoulder, elbow, stomach, and knee armor. The rest of the trimming was also lavender as well as the sash on her boots. She have a lavender sash across her stomach which held her sword. Her bow was across her back with the quiver there also.

Mana and Isis giggled as they saw Mahado. Marik elbow Yami slightly and smirked as they saw Mahado stare at Midoriko. Yami smiled, it seems his priest is interested in the older priestess.

Midoriko smiled and walked to Mahado and gently closed his mouth with her two fingers. "It's not polite to keep your mouth open." She whispered in his ear. Mahado blinked and blushed as he straightened up. He felt slightly embarrassed that he was caught gawking like that. He looked at Midoriko only to see her chuckling at him good-naturedly.

"Midoriko, may I ask you something?" Isis asked. Midoriko nodded as she turned to the younger woman. "What type of outfit is that?"

"It is what we call a Taijiya Outfit. A slayer's uniform..." Midoriko said.

"Slayer?" Yami echoed.

"Yes...you'll understand when we go out." Midoriko responded. "I thought it better if just Kagome and I were in our outfits. Or else you all would be a lot more uncomfortable."

"Kagome has the same outfit?" Yami blinked with a slight blush.

Midoriko smiled. "Kagome, are you and Jounouchi ready?"

"Hai!" Kagome came out in the same outfit as Midoriko but with green instead of lavender. She had her chakrams at her sides. She also had a dagger at her lower back. Her hair was up in a high ponytail, swinging from side to side as she came out.

Not too far behind her, Jounouchi came out. He was shirtless and wearing a pair of loose low cut pants. He wore a sheath on his upper left arm and a leather band on the other. There was also a thin leather band on his right thigh and one around his neck as a collar.

Jounouchi stayed by Kagome's side as she bounced around. Yami seemed to notice that Jounouchi's eyes were more golden tonight than before.

"Are you ready?" Midoriko asked.

"Hai!" Jounouchi and Kagome replied as they became serious.

"Then let us go meet the guards and set out." Midoriko replied as she headed to the garden. Kagome and Jounouchi led the Egyptians after her.

"Er...Kagome...is that outfit uncomfortable?" Mana asked.

"Oh no...well I suppose I'm use to it." Kagome said rubbing the back of her head. "But this outfit actually helps me with my fighting. It is light and not so billowy as my other outfits which allows me to be faster and swifter than my opponents."

"And cuter..." Jounouchi grinned as Kagome turned around and bopped him on the head.

"So this hunt....what exactly is it?" Yami asked coming up next to her. Kagome smiled.

"I hope you've seen death before..." Kagome said sadly.

"We all have...it's required among the court to watch public executions." Mahado said gravely. Kagome smiled weakly at him.

"This is not like your normal executions..." Kagome said. "You might think about Midoriko, Jou, and I differently after you witness tonight."
"Kagome..." Yami frowned.

"Kagome's right...but this is what we do to protect our castle and our prince. It is our duty to ensure safety to the royal family." Jounouchi replied from beside Marik. "So before you judge us after our kills, keep that in mind."

They arrived at the gardens to see Midoriko with the guards that would be going with them on the hunt. "We are to protect them?" One guard asked.

"Great..." The other replied.

Mahado watched as Midoriko's eyes grew cold as she glared at the guards. "You will do as I say. I am in charge of this hunt."

"No one wanted this human...much less a woman in charge though." A guard whispered to another.

In that instant, Midoriko had her sword out at the guard's throat glowing slightly. There was a growl from behind the guard signaling that Kirara was there too. "Do you want to be purified for rude comments?" She asked coldly. "Or perhaps neutered..." She lower the sword to his groin. The guard shook his head rapidly. "Good!" She sheathed her sword with a practiced ease. "You are to obey my orders and commanded am I understood?" The guards nodded. "Am I understood!" She demanded loudly.

"Yes Miko-sama!" They saluted.
"Good, now you will as you are told. Or so help me I will get Inutaisho on your asses...." She threatened. The guards nodded rapidly again.

"Mew..." Kirara said. She was still in her smaller form as she jumped up to Midoriko's shoulder.

"Guards being a pain Midoriko?" Jou asked.

The older woman sighed. "I don't know what to do with them. If I wasn't a miko, heavens knows what they'd do...." Kirara mewed and rubbed against her cheek. Midoriko reached up and petted Kirara with a smile.

Mahado couldn't help but think about what would happen if Midoriko was in Egypt. Would she as she was or would she be like most of the others and cower in fear of men? He smiled when she petted her demon kitten. She seemed almost content with her musings.

"Alright, you guys ready to go hunting?" She asked.

"Yep!" The girl said.

"No problem..." Marik smirked.

Yami nodded as Mahado stay silent. Midoriko smiled at the priest before turning to Kagome. "Kagome you're with me. Jounouchi, you've got the back of the group while you..." She turned to the guards with a glare. "Middle..."

Kagome sweatdropped and laughed as the youkai guards quickly took their positions. 'All hail the youkai...cowards in front of the Great Midoriko-sama. You'd never guess that they are the top dogs of Inutaisho's father's army.'

"Kagome!" Midoriko called. "Stay focus and come on!"

"Coming!" Kagome turned and ran to her teacher.

---

They walked around the forest around the outside of the castle. The Egyptians stayed close as Jounouchi seemed to hang back away from them. Frankly, they didn't understand the meaning of the hunts. They were bored and tired of waiting. Yami sighed and looked at Midoriko and Kagome. He realized they stopped causing their group to stop as well as Jou.

"Kagome?" Midoriko asked. Kagome turned as she looked up in the trees. Midoriko looked up and narrowed here eyes. "Jounouchi!" She whispered harshly.

Yami turned, but stopped when he saw that Jounouchi was already standing before Midoriko. Where did the blonde get that speed? He glanced at Mahado, who was at his side glancing around for danger. So his priest sensed it too.

"Something's here...." Isis whispered.

"Finally..." Marik said. Mana glared and smacked him.

Yami watched as Midoriko pointed into the trees. Jou went to Kagome and knelt down and wove his fingers together. Kagome put a foot on Jou's hand as she used his shoulders to steady her. When she nodded Jou thrusted Kagome up into the foliage, before he jumped up after her.

"Midoriko..." Mahado whispered as the elder miko walked closer to the group, while watching the trees. She ignored Mahado as she whispered to the guards. The Priest frowned and walked closer to the Pharaoh. "Mana, Isis, Marik...stay closer to me." He whispered. The younger kids quickly moved closer to Mahado.

Midoriko glanced at Mahado as the shadows started to shift. 'It seems he's the one that has the most control...' She thought. 'Mahado...you are more than you let on. I'll have to keep my eye on you.' She watched as his fingers twitched as the shadows moved. 'He's holding back. He knows that this is our hunt. Hm...he's reserving his energy for actual danger...good boy.' The group jumped as a large being dropped from the trees beside them. Mahado pushed them away from it as they looked at it. It looked like a bird...but more grotesque. It had a cut in its neck and slash marks in its bosom. Kagome dropped down soon after, with Jounouchi soon after. Jounouchi held another bird and threw it with the other. This one had teeth markings around it's neck which was broken.

The young Pharaoh's eyes widened as Kagome turned to them with blood on her face. He glanced at Jounouchi to see that there was a lot more blood on him than her. Midoriko walked to Kagome and wiped the blood from her face. "Report..."

"Due east...there's more." Kagome replied. Midoriko nodded and headed in that direction. Kagome and Jounouchi followed. The guards stayed close to the Egyptians as they too had to follow.

Yami frowned as he watched Kagome walk. Her voice was different. It didn't hold the innocent tone it did before the hunt. Her posture was different too. He felt her to be more dangerous now than before. He glanced at Mahado. "Mahado...do you..."

"I suppose this is why she was hesitant to bring us." The older boy replied. Isis stepped closer to the young Pharaoh, after all she was the Priestess that was assign to protect him with Mahado. "Isis, be on guard..." The young girl nodded. She knew there was danger...she could almost see it.

A loud roar echoed through the air as the trees in front of them seemed to rip away leaving a bunch of demons.

"Kagome!" Midoriko called as she quickly grabbed her bow and notched an arrow. Kagome did the same and they aimed. "Outsides...make them cower." The young miko nodded as they sent their miko energy into their arrows. They released their arrows simultaneously. The flying arrows blazed through the sky in a trail of holy energy as they pierced through the demons and exploded. Half of the demons disintegrated, halving the force.

Jounouchi stood behind Kagome and growled. Kirara also growled from on top Midoriko's shoulder. Kagome frowned. "Jounouchi smells miasma..."

"As does Kirara..." Midoriko turned to the Egyptians. "I knew I should have left them behind."

"There's nothing we can do about it now. Shall we use the sacred arrows until they finish?"

"No...it would be a waste. I have a feeling the miasma would destroy the arrows before they reached, putting so much into the act that it would be poisonous for even the demons." Midoriko replied.

"We have to wipe out the legion before we return to the castle." Jounouchi said in a deeper voice.

Midoriko pulled out her sword. "Kagome, Jou fall back to the Egyptians. I don't trust the guards to protect them. Send half of them up to me. Kirara go with them and take the younger two into the air."

Kagome nodded and looked at Jounouchi. The young boy picked up Kagome and raced back to the Egyptians. Kirara quickly bound behind them and crashed into Mahado's leg. The young priest knelt down and picked up the kitten as Yami went to Kagome as Jounouchi let her down.

"What's going on?" Yami asked as Jounouchi went to talk to the guards.

"Midoriko wants us to protect you. You guys are shadow users right? You all can fight right?" Kagome asked.

"Isis and I can...." Mahado replied as he scratched Kirara behind the ears. The kitten purred under his fingers despite the current situation.

"Kirara!" Kagome called. Kirara jumped out of Mahado's hands and quickly changed in a burst of flames.

"Ahh!" Mana hid behind Yami looking up at Kirara. Kagome patted Kirara's head and whispered to her. The large neko nodded and looked at the others.

Half the guards ran off as Jounouchi returned to Kagome's side.

"Marik, Mana, and Yami get on Kirara."

"What?" They asked.

"You have no weapons and you can't wield the shadows like Isis and Mahado. You must be safe. Kirara will make sure of that." Kagome turned slightly as she heard fighting. Midoriko and the guards had already begun. The guards that were left were making a wall to give them more time. "There's no time!"

Mahado grabbed Mana and pulled her over to the kitten. "No!" Mana clung to Mahado. "Please! Let me stay I'll be able to learn."

"This is not a time for learning Mana. Listen to Kagome and hang onto the kitten tightly." Mahado said as he lifted the young girl onto the cat.

Isis grabbed Marik and hugged him. "Be safe brother..." The young boy nodded and went to Mahado. The teen helped Marik onto the kitten and looked at the Pharaoh.

"Your Majesty..." Mahado tried, Yami was watching as Kagome and Jounouchi readied themselves. "Yami..."

"I'm staying..." Yami stated. Kagome and Jounouchi looked up from what they were doing at Yami.

"Stubborn..." Kagome said looking at Jou.

"Stupid..." The boy growled out.

"I like brave stupidity," Kagome crossed her arms looking pointedly at Jou. He blushes slightly and scratched his cheek. "Kirara you know what to do."
Kirara mewed and nudged Jou, before licking Kagome's hand. She took off into the sky and went about them. She stayed above them watching. Her keen red eyes straying to her mistress sometimes. She looked at the demons and felt the two children quiver on her back. Kirara mewed, as she prayed everything would be okay.

---

End of Chapter. Yep...that's about it.