InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Desert Rose ❯ Desert Rose: Chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: HeavenlyAnimeAngel-Amaterasu 
The hunt ends and a challenge is given.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy / Action / Romance | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 08.13.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.3K | Visits: 695 | Status: Completed
The hunt ends and a challenge is given.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy / Action / Romance | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 08.13.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.3K | Visits: 695 | Status: Completed
Desert Rose
Chapter 4
Kagome finished firing her arrows into the crowd of demons and pulled out one of her chakrams. She ducked and twirled around to face the demon as she slashed at it with the heavy weapon. "Jou!" She called as the demons began to over crowd her. She ducked and dodged as she evaded their attacks. "Jou!" Kagome turned, only to see a demon in her face. Her eyes widened, but before she could utter a word something landed on the demon.
Jounouchi ripped his knife out of the demon's head and stood up on it looking at Kagome with molten gold eyes. "This is getting to be too much." He said.
"I know...we got to finish it." Kagome turned and saw Mahado pull a shadow barrier around Yami before attacking another demon and killing it. Isis was a few feet away doing the same.
"I can't change before them..." Jounouchi's voice growled out.
"I know..." Kagome put a hand to her head. "Find Midoriko...we need to stop this now." Jounouchi nodded before running off. Kagome turned and whacked a demon away from her. She raced over to Mahado as she pulled out her other Chakram and flicked her wrists, making the blades spin out half way into fans.
Yami ducked and touched his necklace. He looked up as Mahado used the shadows to protect him while Isis attacked the demons. His eyes moved past his protectors to Kagome. He watched as she danced about with her weapons. Her chakrams opened like fans as she sliced each demon making her way to them. Yami's eyes trailed down her body. Her graceful movements allowed her to weave through the attacks of the demon and land her own.
"Mahado, Isis, Yami are you guys alright?" Kagome asked as she landed near them.
"This is getting tiring..." Isis replied. "Is there no way to end it?" She ducked and raised a hand causing the shadows to attack a demon.
"I don't know..." Kagome said. "The demons seem to be moving away from us though."
Mahado stood up and walked to Yami. "Are you alright sa-nesew?" He asked. Yami looked at the teen and nodded.
"Yes, I'm okay thanks to you Mahado." Yami smiled. Mahado gave a small smile back before turning to Kagome.
"What do you think the demons are after?" Mahado asked.
Kagome put a hand to her chin and thought to herself. What would they be after? It couldn't be Jounouchi...he's too dangerous when he's in this state and none of the guards are that special. She gasped as it came to her.
"Kuso!" Kagome yelled as she quickly turned around and ran where she sent Jou. Isis, Mahado, and Yami quickly chased after her.
"Kagome what's wrong?" Isis called out.
"They're after it!" The miko yelled. "Midoriko-sama's in danger!"
"What!" Mahado asked. His speed immediately increased as he ran beside her. "What do you mean she's in danger?"
Kagome didn't say anything as they got to the other group. They saw the guards and Jou, but no Midoriko. Kagome quickly searched around, killing demons along the way. Mahado was beside her as Isis was protecting Yami behind them.
A loud roar and a bright light attracted everyone's eyes. A demon held Midoriko in a vice grip and raised her to its face. She glared definitely at the demon. She squirmed and managed to get one hand free just as the demon cut her suit to expose the jewel hanging on her breast.
"Shikon!" It roared. Midoriko narrowed her eyes and grabbed the demon's hand. She let loose her miko energy in a mass quantity. The energy surged like lightning into the demon, purifying it. Midoriko was dropped from the air as the hand disappeared. When she hit the ground Midoriko rolled forward and ended up on one knee as her other foot was planted on the ground. "DIE!" She looked up to see the demon let loose an energy attack.
Before Midoriko could even summon her holy powers, a shadow barrier appeared around her shielding her from the attack. She turned to see Mahado racing toward her. "Mahado..." Midoriko said. Mahado put the barrier down and walked to her.
"Are you okay?" He asked. Midoriko stood and held her one arm. "You're hurt..."
"I'm fine." She turned so her arm was hidden by her body. "We need to find the leader..."
"Sensei!" Kagome called as she pointed to a mass of purple and black that was heading toward them. Midoriko's eyes widened. She quickly pulled out a mask and pushed it onto Mahado's face.
"What are you---" Midoriko finished tying the mask onto Mahado's face.
"Keep the mask on, there's a poison mist coming toward us." She said.
"What about you?" The young priest ask reaching up to undo the mask. Midoriko's gentle hands stopped him.
"I have to protect royals and their court before my own life. That means you..." She smiled at him and looked up. "Kagome seems to be doing the same." Mahado turned to see Kagome giving Isis a spare mask as Yami had on hers.
"Don't you have a spare?" Mahado asked turning back toward her. Midoriko shook her head. "Why not?"
"Kagome carries Jounouchi's that's why." She grabbed his hand and ran toward the others. She whistled as they got to the others. Kirara came down from the skies with Mana and Marik on her back.
"We don't have time to run..." Kagome said. Yami was behind her with the mask on.
"Kirara will be able to out race the miasma." Midoriko said as she walked to the creature. Putting a hand on Kirara's fur she looked at the Egyptians. "Kirara will take you back to the castle."
Isis gasped. "You're not going to try to run?"
"We have a duty to uphold," Midoriko replied. She smiled and crossed her arms. "Plus if I return with you guys injured what do you think happens? Now come on..." The miko picked up the small priestess and put her behind her brother. "Remember to hang on tight okay?"
Mahado frowned under the mask as Midoriko put Isis on the cat. She had no regard for her own safety at all. He understood though...he glanced at Yami. She was doing her duty to her country. He looked back at Midoriko to see blood running off her fingertips of her one arm. His eyes widened slightly. She won't be able to fight at full strength injured like that.
"I'm staying..." Yami said. Kagome looked at him with round eyes.
"We can't protect you if you stay, you understand that right?" Midoriko replied. Yami nodded and stared at Midoriko with stern eyes. Kagome was about to protest.
"I'll stay to protect him." Mahado said. Kagome and Midoriko turned their heads to Mahado. "I'm the strongest between Isis and myself. I'm better suited to stay."
"Sensei..." Kagome saw the look in Midoriko's eyes.
"Fine...you danger your own lives at your own risk." The older miko closed her eyes. "Kirara, get back to the castle. Keep those tree safe." The neko rubbed its head against Midoriko's injured arm. Midoriko smiled and ran her hand through Kirara's mane. "I'll be okay...go before it's too late." Kirara nodded and raced off before taking flight.
"Jou!" Kagome cried. Midoriko turned just in time to see the young man before he skid into the ground. His body dug into the dirt as he stopped a few feet from them.
"Kagome watch out!" Yami cried as the miasma finally settled over them. Midoriko put a hand over her arm and hissed in pain. Mahado grabbed his prince and pulled a shadow barrier around them.
Midoriko ran forward to Kagome as she pulled Jounouchi from the ground. The young boy grunted in pain as he opened his golden eyes and growled. The fight was getting ridiculous.
"Kagome, Jounouchi...protect me as I concentrate." Midoriko said. The two children nodded and got up. They went to each side of Midoriko a few feet away and fought off the demons that tried to attack.
Mahado and Yami watched as Midoriko knelt down slowly. Her hands were together as in a praying stance as she concentrated. A lavender glow surrounded her body and pulsed around her. Mahado felt the power that Midoriko gave off and was amazed by it. She was stronger than anyone back home...it was stronger than anything he ever felt.
Kagome kicked away a demon as she turned to Midoriko. She frowned as she saw the expression on her teacher's face. She was using the last of her strength for this attack. Kagome ducked and flipped backward over a demon that tried to surprise her and quickly attacked it with her chakrams.
Suddenly, Midoriko's eyes opened with an eerie glow to them. Her body pulsed with energy that purified all the miasma in the area. The guards realized what was happening and quickly made themselves scarce as Midoriko pointed her hands, which were still in the praying position, toward the masses of demons coming toward them. A wave of purifying energy swept through that direction destroying and killing all the demons. Midoriko waited until she felt the aura of which the miasma was admit from was destroy before she let her concentration fall.
Kagome smiled as the last of the demons fell and became ash under the purification in the air. The guards were lucky ones...they had special weapons forged with immunity powers against Midoriko's powers. This secret only belonged to the Western lands.
"Kagome..." Midoriko's soft voice called. Kagome flipped her chakrams closed and put them at her sides as she raced to her teacher. She helped Midoriko to sit down properly and smiled.
"You did it again sensei." She said as Jounouchi walked to them with Mahado and Yami behind him.
"The guards are scouting making sure all the demons were killed." Jounouchi said. Midoriko nodded as she concentrated on breathing calmly.
"Will she be alright?" Mahado asked. Kagome nodded.
"She just used up a bit more energy than she should have." She explained. Yami walked up to Kagome and pulled out a cloth hankerchief. He began to wipe off the blood that was on her face. Kagome stared at him with a frown.
"It's alright, I don't mind." Yami said as he smiled. Kagome smiled slightly and looked back at Midoriko.
The young woman tried to stand but her knees buckled under her. Mahado quickly put his arms around her to hold he up. Midoriko blushed slightly, since his hands were around her waist. This caused Jounouchi to snicker slightly. She stood up straight and nodded slightly to Mahado, showing him she could at least stand.
"Can we go home? I want to bathe!" Kagome said as she looked down at herself. "God, I look like Princess Abi."
"But Princess Abi doesn't have an adorable face Kago-chan." Jounouchi replied. Kagome blushed.
"Well Jounouchi, at least she is adorable in anything she wears." Midoriko responded.
Mahado and Yami smiled to themselves. They supposed this is how the three ease their minds from thinking about the things they did during hunts. It made them wonder if the three hold any kind of guilt, sorrow for what they do?
"Wouldn't be talking Midoriko...you're shirt is practically coming off." Jounouchi smirked as the elder female blushed and put a hand to her cleavage, trying to hide it. She glared and bopped Jou in the head as the guards came back.
"Miko-sama, we found this in the distance..." The guard held out a broken wooden doll with a long hair wrapped around it. With just a touch, Midoriko watched the doll turn to ash.
Frowning, she put a hand to her chin. Her dark violet eyes looked up from her musings as she looked at the children. Smiling she finally spoke. "Let us return home. The young ones are obviously tired and Kagome and Jou are in dire need of a bath." Kagome cheered and danced around slightly.
"What of our weapons?" Jou said making Kagome stop and groan.
"You have to remind her..." Yami chuckled as Kagome groaned again.
Midoriko shook her head. "I'll clean them tonight. Just make sure you guys get to bed properly."
"Hai!" Both kids nodded as they set off the follow the guards that began to leave. Kagome grabbed Yami's hand and dragged him along.
"You did very well and you were very brave." Midoriko said as she and Mahado brought up the rear.
"As were you..." Mahado replied. He noticed that Midoriko was still shaky but didn't comment. He also noticed the blood on Midoriko's arm did not stop bleeding. He wanted to comment but something held him back. So they walked in silence back to the castle.
----
Midoriko smiled as Yami frowned when Kagome and Jounouchi went into the same bathing room. She explained on how after hunts, the two children needed to comfort each other. She has said, "Don't worry about it, they only consider each other as family, siblings if you are that worried." Yami had only nodded and went off the bed leaving the experienced hunters to their devices and routines.
It was late and the children had been kind enough to leave their weapons in the dojo for Midoriko to clean. She had finished cleaning Jou's knife and Kagome's chakrams. She was putting the finishing touches on her sword. The moonlight shines off the silver blade brilliantly as she put the cloth down. Midoriko walked with silent footsteps to the weapons and placed her sword in its sheath before setting it down again. Her job was finished for the night...it was time to relax.
Turning, Midoriko went to her room. In her room, she laid out a yukata for herself on her bedding. She stood and walked to her full length mirror. Slowly kneeling before it, she lit the candles that surrounded it. She looked down at the water in the basin before her. Midoriko touched the small round jewel on her neck before touching the water, chanting.
Dark eyes peered through the cracked of the door. Mahado frowned as he watched Midoriko. How could she be so careless to leave the door open? He had wanted to go to the dojo to help her with the weapons, but it seems that her experience allowed her to deal with the task swiftly. He was wandering by her room when he heard her chanting and decided to watch.
The water in the bowl rose and formed a young male spirit. His being was entirely composed of water as he swirled around Midoriko. The water spirit's body was half fish from the waist and below. He had fins sprouting from the top of his head as his hair was cut below his chin.
It held a hand to Midoriko, helping her rise to her feet. It sat in front of her as she stripped out of her slayer outfit and stood before it nude.
Behind the door, Mahado's cheeks turned red as his eyes roamed her backside. What in Ra's name was she doing?
The water spirit swirled around Midoriko's body, touching. It kissed her arm, caressed her stomach, swept past her legs. She let it touch whereever it wished without complaint. Midoriko could feel the wounds that she hide from the children heal under the cool touch of the water spirit. When all was healed and done, the water spirit floated in front of her. She bowed her head in thanks as the water spirit disappeared from her presences leaving nothing but a normal basin full of water. Standing nude in front of her mirror, she sighed as she closed her eyes. Her physical wounds were healed, but there was little the spirit could do for her mental ones.
Midoriko's eyes snapped opened as she jumped when warm arms wrapped around her shoulders and waist.
"I knew your wounds were extensive..." His voice was deep and husky against her ear. "But if I had known there were more, I would have made sure..."
"You are kind Mahado..." She cut him off. She smiled slightly as she stared at their reflection in the mirror. Mahado put a hand over the scar on her left breast, over her heart. She reached up and touched his hand.
"This wound..." His voice was questioning.
"My body is scarred for the jewel." She moved her hand up to her collar and touched the jewel. Midoriko watched his eyes in the mirror as they stared at the reflection of the small jewel. "Would you deny me my duty?"
Mahado was silent as he reached up to touch the jewel. Midoriko frowned. The jewel's power called in a great many to it, whether good or evil. Now it is doing the same for Mahado. "I'm sorry..." She began to say, but stopped when Mahado took her hand and closed it around the jewel.
"I do not desire something that powerful. My soul isn't strong enough to tame it as yours is. But..." He slowly turned Midoriko around and stared at her. "My desire belongs with it's protector." Midoriko's eyes widened as Mahado leaned down and graced his lips on hers. She hesitated before closing her eyes and relishing in the feel of his lips. The young woman wrapped her arms around the young man. But as her mind caught up with the events, Midoriko pulled away slowly and shook her head.
"I can't..." She whispered lowing her head allowing her forehead to rest on his chest. "I can't..." An unknown tear made it's way down her face.
Mahado frowned and put a finger under her chin. Pulling it up, he allowed their eyes to meet. Wiping the tear away, he gently kissed her eyelids. He led her to her bedding and picked up her yukata. Gently wrapping it around her shoulders and covering her nudity, he smiled down at her. "My goddess..." He whispered. "I will have you one day...so I swear." Mahado murmured as he leaned down to kiss her one more time.
Midoriko has briefly closed her eyes but when they were open again, he was gone. She tied her yukata tightly around her body and crawled into her bedding. Turning onto her side, she looked out the window to the moon. "Tsuki-hime...onegai. Set me free..." Midoriko allowed nineteen years of cries fall from her face as the silence of the moonlight drifted her off the sleep.
---
Kirara shook her head as she stepped through the door. She turned and shut the door with her head before looking over to her mistress. Kirara mewed as she saw a spirit hanging over Midoriko. It turned to Kirara and smiled. Kirara watched as the spirit brushed away a few strands of hair. The kitten rushed to Midoriko when she saw the young miko's tear-stained face.
'Tears are words the heart can't express...or so it is said.' The female spirit said as she put her hand over the Shikon Jewel. 'A life of duty. That is what befalls the protector of the Shikon. A life of loneliness...'
Kirara purred and curled up on the pillow beside Midoriko's head. She knew all too well the feeling her mistress was going through. Kirara thought back to when Midoriko and Queen Kitani found Kagome. The young baby had been abandoned and left for the wolves. Midoriko had lifted the baby into her arms and immediately fell in love with her. She begged and pleaded with the King to allow her to take care of Kagome. The King was shocked when he learned that Kagome didn't cry at night. Kirara remembered how happy Midoriko was that Kagome appeared.
'Do not fret Kirara...Midoriko's heart will return to the way it was when Kagome was found.' The spirit said. Kirara looked up at the spirit and nodded once. 'Last night was the first step to renewal...'
Kirara nodded again to the spirit. She knew the soul of love was right. She was after all Sakimitama, one of the four souls in the jewel. Kirara learned a long time again, when the jewel appeared that it was connected deeply with its protector until it is passed on.
Sakimitama was a woman with a delicate face and cherry pink lips. Her beauty was personified with the sine of her dark hair in the sunglish, which was pulled back into a traditional bun. Her ghostly appearance still showed her brilliant green eyes which smiled down at the young miko. Sakimitama wore a royal blue traditional kimono with white and pink cascading cherry blossoms and fans on it.
'May the river that is love flow into her heart and help her over this terrible burden.' Sakimitama wished as she bent down and kissed Midoriko's forehead.
Kirara watched as Sakimitama's ghostly being slowly disappeared in the light that reflected off the jewel. She tilted her head as Midoriko groaned and turned on her side. The human opened one of her eyes and looked at her.
"Kirara..." She groaned. "Can't you go bother Kagome?" Kirara narrowed her eyes and stood up. She bent down in the pouncing pose and swung her tail back and forth. Kirara jumped onto Midoriko's head and nipped at her ear. "Hey!" Kirara continued to jump up and down moving from Midoriko's head to her stomach. "Okay, okay! I'm up." Midoriko sat up and rubbed her face. "Damn I feel tired..." Kirara mewed and looked at Midoriko with a sad expression. When will Midoriko have her break from duty?
---
Inutaisho sighed as he was in the hall with the young Egyptians. He was waiting with Jounouchi for Kagome and Midoriko to come before they went to breakfast. He growled his impatience and glared down the hall.
"Can't those two hurry?" Inutaisho murmured.
"Honestly Inutaisho you are impatient." Midoriko's voice called from down the hall. Kagome came walking down the hall holding Midoriko's hand as she did. Kagome wore a pure silk satin soft pastel pink kimono. It had white flowers and leaves on it. She had her hair back in a neat bun with chop sticks.
Mahado looked up and frowned at the older miko. Though her royal blue kimono with soaring cranes, swirls, and flowers looked absolutely stunning on her, she looked fatigued. Her hair was pulled back into a sloppy bun and her skin looked paler than normal. Her cat, Kirara, sat on her shoulder with a sad expression as it watched it's mistress.
"Midoriko are you well?" Yami asked. Midoriko nodded and smiled wearily at them.
"Don't worry, I just woke on the wrong side of the bedding." Midoriko said. "Shall we continue to the dining hall for breakfast?" Kagome frowned as her response as she looked at Yami. She turned and led Midoriko into the dining hall. Jounouchi glanced at Inutaisho who frowned at the young miko. Everyone soon followed the two women for breakfast.
Throughout breakfast Mahado would notice that Midoriko was purposely avoiding or brushing off his stares. Even Mana and Marik seemed to notice the distance that Midoriko put up. He began to noticed the slight droop in the young woman's eyes. Not even when the adults entered did she raise her head. Kagome would often whisper to her teacher, but Midoriko would just smile and sit a little straighter.
Kirara sat on Kagome's lap as Midoriko and the King were talking of security matters. Kitani had suggested that they have the meeting in the dining hall so as the child could get a feel for the policies they will take up on day.
"I still do not trust my life in a woman's hands. Yet you let her be your high guard and priestess." The Pharaoh had said. Both Kagome and Jounouchi looked at the Pharaoh as though he was crazy.
"With all due respects, Pharaoh..." Hiroma said. "Midoriko has kept my castle safe from harm for as long as she's been here. She can beat all my warriors with just her sword."
The Pharaoh just huffed and glared down the table at Midoriko. Kagome and Jou glared back as Midoriko closed her eyes in thought.
"Your majesty, if the Pharaoh is so uneased as my performance as guardian...perhaps I should step down for the remainder of their visit." She suggested.
"What?" Hiroma, Kitani, and Inutaisho were shocked. Midoriko never stepped down not even when the Northern Lands were here making the same arguement.
"No!" Kagome and Jounouchi shouted as they stood. "Midoriko-sensei, you can't possibly think that."
Midoriko looked at the two children. "Manners..."
"Sorry Midoriko-sama..." They both replied and sat back down. Midoriko closed her eyes again as she listened.
Isis and Mana frowned as they glanced at each other. They looked up at Midoriko. She was the woman they aspired to be, but what made her want to back down from her position.
Yami looked at Mahado. He gave an incline of his head against the priest if he knew what was wrong. Mahado shook his head and shrugged. He didn't know either. Both boys looked down to that Pharaoh Akunumkanon's eyes were wide with shock.
"Would you do that woman?" He asked.
"My duty is to protect the royal family and their guests. If I should displease the guests as being the High Guardian, then I will gladly step down." Midoriko said. Yami's father looked pleased, he grinned with victory. "But..." The grin disappeared.
Kagome and Jounouchi grinned. Midoriko never backs down!
"But?" Akunumkanon drawled out.
"If you doubt my ability to protect and fight..." Midoriko opened her eyes and narrowed them on the Pharaoh.
Mahado watched as the Pharaoh recoiled slightly at the look. What was in her eyes that scared him?
"Perhaps we can settle this arguement with a duel of sorts." The miko said.
Hiroma raised an eyebrow and looked at his wife. They smelt the weariness that was coming off of her. They also were told my the servants that she had Kagome help her walk to the dining room.
"Midoriko are you sure a duel would be wise?" Inutaisho asked.
Midoriko smiled at the young prince. "Inutaisho-sama, do you doubt me?"
"No..." Inutaisho frowned as Midoriko twisted his words around.
"Against who though? One of your own. Surely they might decieve me and cower in your presence." The Pharaoh replied.
"Then one of yours then..." Hiroma said knowing Midoriko's intentions. "Chose your warrior."
"My Pharaoh, let me." Shada said glaring at Midoriko. "I wish to test her power."
"Then the players are set. Let the game begin." Akunumkanon said as he stood. Shimon and Shada followed him out.
Inutaisho stood up and threw his napkin on the table. "I will prepare the dojo."
"Inutaisho-kun wait for me!" Kagome said stand up with Kirara in her arms. She raced after the Prince as he left. Jounouchi stood and bowed before following them.
"Yami-kun, could you leave us?" Hiroma asked as he looked at Midoriko. Yami nodded. The others rose and bowed their heads before leaving. Yami got up with Mahado. The young boy was staring at Midoriko as she kept her head down. He frowned. Yami pulled Mahado leaving the miko with her King and Queen.
"Do you realize what you are doing?" Kitani asked her. "We can smell your weariness...your fatigue. You are not well enough to be doing this."
"I realize what I am doing." Midoriko challenged.
The King's fist slammed onto the table. The human girl calmly looked at her King.
"You do not have to prove your worth to those Egyptians." He growled out. "I will not have you harm yourself in such a battle."
"The proclaimation has been made," Midoriko stood. "You cannot retrieve it. I will do what I must."
Kitani touched her husband's hand frowning. "As you wish Midoriko, it would be best if you change before the match."
---
Midoriko sighed as she closed the door to her room. She had a pair of baggy pants on underneath a Canton Long Cheongsam dress. It was black with silver cascading plum blossoms. As she made her way to the dojo, she felt herself grow heavy with each step. Midoriko frowned as she was beginning to doubt herself.
"Shada plays by dirty rules..." A voice said before behind her. She stopped as Mahado stepped out from the shadows. "He will play mind tricks with the darkness he wields."
"I don't need your help." Midoriko replied. Mahado walked to her and touched her arm gentle.
"You don't have to do this..."
"I never back down..."
"What do you gain by doing this?" Mahado asked spinning her around. He slammed her against the wall and glared. "What is so damn important about this?"
Midoriko stared at him and raised a hand to his cheek. "I am a warrior. As a warrior, your Pharaoh's disrespect of my gender bruised my honor and pride. I will redeem myself in front of his eyes." She smiled and leaned her forehead against his. "I will be fine."
Mahado sighed and nodded stepping away from her. "Just don't over do it."
Midoriko smiled. Mahado returned it, but in a small twitch of his lips. She nodded quickly made her way to the dojo with Mahado behind her.
When she entered Mahado went to Yami and stood beside him. Midoriko went to her King and bowed. "Shall we commence this endeavor your majesty?"
"You may..." Hiroma said then he whispered to her. "If things get out of hand, we're stepping in." Midoriko just held his hard gaze with defiance as she turned to Shada, who was ready for battle.
"Let us test your power." Shada said.
"Yes...let's." Midoriko spoke as she got into position.
Kagome bit her lip and grabbed Jou's hand as she felt the rise in power. This was going to be some power of magic...as well as wills.
----
Chapter End.
Chapter 4
Kagome finished firing her arrows into the crowd of demons and pulled out one of her chakrams. She ducked and twirled around to face the demon as she slashed at it with the heavy weapon. "Jou!" She called as the demons began to over crowd her. She ducked and dodged as she evaded their attacks. "Jou!" Kagome turned, only to see a demon in her face. Her eyes widened, but before she could utter a word something landed on the demon.
Jounouchi ripped his knife out of the demon's head and stood up on it looking at Kagome with molten gold eyes. "This is getting to be too much." He said.
"I know...we got to finish it." Kagome turned and saw Mahado pull a shadow barrier around Yami before attacking another demon and killing it. Isis was a few feet away doing the same.
"I can't change before them..." Jounouchi's voice growled out.
"I know..." Kagome put a hand to her head. "Find Midoriko...we need to stop this now." Jounouchi nodded before running off. Kagome turned and whacked a demon away from her. She raced over to Mahado as she pulled out her other Chakram and flicked her wrists, making the blades spin out half way into fans.
Yami ducked and touched his necklace. He looked up as Mahado used the shadows to protect him while Isis attacked the demons. His eyes moved past his protectors to Kagome. He watched as she danced about with her weapons. Her chakrams opened like fans as she sliced each demon making her way to them. Yami's eyes trailed down her body. Her graceful movements allowed her to weave through the attacks of the demon and land her own.
"Mahado, Isis, Yami are you guys alright?" Kagome asked as she landed near them.
"This is getting tiring..." Isis replied. "Is there no way to end it?" She ducked and raised a hand causing the shadows to attack a demon.
"I don't know..." Kagome said. "The demons seem to be moving away from us though."
Mahado stood up and walked to Yami. "Are you alright sa-nesew?" He asked. Yami looked at the teen and nodded.
"Yes, I'm okay thanks to you Mahado." Yami smiled. Mahado gave a small smile back before turning to Kagome.
"What do you think the demons are after?" Mahado asked.
Kagome put a hand to her chin and thought to herself. What would they be after? It couldn't be Jounouchi...he's too dangerous when he's in this state and none of the guards are that special. She gasped as it came to her.
"Kuso!" Kagome yelled as she quickly turned around and ran where she sent Jou. Isis, Mahado, and Yami quickly chased after her.
"Kagome what's wrong?" Isis called out.
"They're after it!" The miko yelled. "Midoriko-sama's in danger!"
"What!" Mahado asked. His speed immediately increased as he ran beside her. "What do you mean she's in danger?"
Kagome didn't say anything as they got to the other group. They saw the guards and Jou, but no Midoriko. Kagome quickly searched around, killing demons along the way. Mahado was beside her as Isis was protecting Yami behind them.
A loud roar and a bright light attracted everyone's eyes. A demon held Midoriko in a vice grip and raised her to its face. She glared definitely at the demon. She squirmed and managed to get one hand free just as the demon cut her suit to expose the jewel hanging on her breast.
"Shikon!" It roared. Midoriko narrowed her eyes and grabbed the demon's hand. She let loose her miko energy in a mass quantity. The energy surged like lightning into the demon, purifying it. Midoriko was dropped from the air as the hand disappeared. When she hit the ground Midoriko rolled forward and ended up on one knee as her other foot was planted on the ground. "DIE!" She looked up to see the demon let loose an energy attack.
Before Midoriko could even summon her holy powers, a shadow barrier appeared around her shielding her from the attack. She turned to see Mahado racing toward her. "Mahado..." Midoriko said. Mahado put the barrier down and walked to her.
"Are you okay?" He asked. Midoriko stood and held her one arm. "You're hurt..."
"I'm fine." She turned so her arm was hidden by her body. "We need to find the leader..."
"Sensei!" Kagome called as she pointed to a mass of purple and black that was heading toward them. Midoriko's eyes widened. She quickly pulled out a mask and pushed it onto Mahado's face.
"What are you---" Midoriko finished tying the mask onto Mahado's face.
"Keep the mask on, there's a poison mist coming toward us." She said.
"What about you?" The young priest ask reaching up to undo the mask. Midoriko's gentle hands stopped him.
"I have to protect royals and their court before my own life. That means you..." She smiled at him and looked up. "Kagome seems to be doing the same." Mahado turned to see Kagome giving Isis a spare mask as Yami had on hers.
"Don't you have a spare?" Mahado asked turning back toward her. Midoriko shook her head. "Why not?"
"Kagome carries Jounouchi's that's why." She grabbed his hand and ran toward the others. She whistled as they got to the others. Kirara came down from the skies with Mana and Marik on her back.
"We don't have time to run..." Kagome said. Yami was behind her with the mask on.
"Kirara will be able to out race the miasma." Midoriko said as she walked to the creature. Putting a hand on Kirara's fur she looked at the Egyptians. "Kirara will take you back to the castle."
Isis gasped. "You're not going to try to run?"
"We have a duty to uphold," Midoriko replied. She smiled and crossed her arms. "Plus if I return with you guys injured what do you think happens? Now come on..." The miko picked up the small priestess and put her behind her brother. "Remember to hang on tight okay?"
Mahado frowned under the mask as Midoriko put Isis on the cat. She had no regard for her own safety at all. He understood though...he glanced at Yami. She was doing her duty to her country. He looked back at Midoriko to see blood running off her fingertips of her one arm. His eyes widened slightly. She won't be able to fight at full strength injured like that.
"I'm staying..." Yami said. Kagome looked at him with round eyes.
"We can't protect you if you stay, you understand that right?" Midoriko replied. Yami nodded and stared at Midoriko with stern eyes. Kagome was about to protest.
"I'll stay to protect him." Mahado said. Kagome and Midoriko turned their heads to Mahado. "I'm the strongest between Isis and myself. I'm better suited to stay."
"Sensei..." Kagome saw the look in Midoriko's eyes.
"Fine...you danger your own lives at your own risk." The older miko closed her eyes. "Kirara, get back to the castle. Keep those tree safe." The neko rubbed its head against Midoriko's injured arm. Midoriko smiled and ran her hand through Kirara's mane. "I'll be okay...go before it's too late." Kirara nodded and raced off before taking flight.
"Jou!" Kagome cried. Midoriko turned just in time to see the young man before he skid into the ground. His body dug into the dirt as he stopped a few feet from them.
"Kagome watch out!" Yami cried as the miasma finally settled over them. Midoriko put a hand over her arm and hissed in pain. Mahado grabbed his prince and pulled a shadow barrier around them.
Midoriko ran forward to Kagome as she pulled Jounouchi from the ground. The young boy grunted in pain as he opened his golden eyes and growled. The fight was getting ridiculous.
"Kagome, Jounouchi...protect me as I concentrate." Midoriko said. The two children nodded and got up. They went to each side of Midoriko a few feet away and fought off the demons that tried to attack.
Mahado and Yami watched as Midoriko knelt down slowly. Her hands were together as in a praying stance as she concentrated. A lavender glow surrounded her body and pulsed around her. Mahado felt the power that Midoriko gave off and was amazed by it. She was stronger than anyone back home...it was stronger than anything he ever felt.
Kagome kicked away a demon as she turned to Midoriko. She frowned as she saw the expression on her teacher's face. She was using the last of her strength for this attack. Kagome ducked and flipped backward over a demon that tried to surprise her and quickly attacked it with her chakrams.
Suddenly, Midoriko's eyes opened with an eerie glow to them. Her body pulsed with energy that purified all the miasma in the area. The guards realized what was happening and quickly made themselves scarce as Midoriko pointed her hands, which were still in the praying position, toward the masses of demons coming toward them. A wave of purifying energy swept through that direction destroying and killing all the demons. Midoriko waited until she felt the aura of which the miasma was admit from was destroy before she let her concentration fall.
Kagome smiled as the last of the demons fell and became ash under the purification in the air. The guards were lucky ones...they had special weapons forged with immunity powers against Midoriko's powers. This secret only belonged to the Western lands.
"Kagome..." Midoriko's soft voice called. Kagome flipped her chakrams closed and put them at her sides as she raced to her teacher. She helped Midoriko to sit down properly and smiled.
"You did it again sensei." She said as Jounouchi walked to them with Mahado and Yami behind him.
"The guards are scouting making sure all the demons were killed." Jounouchi said. Midoriko nodded as she concentrated on breathing calmly.
"Will she be alright?" Mahado asked. Kagome nodded.
"She just used up a bit more energy than she should have." She explained. Yami walked up to Kagome and pulled out a cloth hankerchief. He began to wipe off the blood that was on her face. Kagome stared at him with a frown.
"It's alright, I don't mind." Yami said as he smiled. Kagome smiled slightly and looked back at Midoriko.
The young woman tried to stand but her knees buckled under her. Mahado quickly put his arms around her to hold he up. Midoriko blushed slightly, since his hands were around her waist. This caused Jounouchi to snicker slightly. She stood up straight and nodded slightly to Mahado, showing him she could at least stand.
"Can we go home? I want to bathe!" Kagome said as she looked down at herself. "God, I look like Princess Abi."
"But Princess Abi doesn't have an adorable face Kago-chan." Jounouchi replied. Kagome blushed.
"Well Jounouchi, at least she is adorable in anything she wears." Midoriko responded.
Mahado and Yami smiled to themselves. They supposed this is how the three ease their minds from thinking about the things they did during hunts. It made them wonder if the three hold any kind of guilt, sorrow for what they do?
"Wouldn't be talking Midoriko...you're shirt is practically coming off." Jounouchi smirked as the elder female blushed and put a hand to her cleavage, trying to hide it. She glared and bopped Jou in the head as the guards came back.
"Miko-sama, we found this in the distance..." The guard held out a broken wooden doll with a long hair wrapped around it. With just a touch, Midoriko watched the doll turn to ash.
Frowning, she put a hand to her chin. Her dark violet eyes looked up from her musings as she looked at the children. Smiling she finally spoke. "Let us return home. The young ones are obviously tired and Kagome and Jou are in dire need of a bath." Kagome cheered and danced around slightly.
"What of our weapons?" Jou said making Kagome stop and groan.
"You have to remind her..." Yami chuckled as Kagome groaned again.
Midoriko shook her head. "I'll clean them tonight. Just make sure you guys get to bed properly."
"Hai!" Both kids nodded as they set off the follow the guards that began to leave. Kagome grabbed Yami's hand and dragged him along.
"You did very well and you were very brave." Midoriko said as she and Mahado brought up the rear.
"As were you..." Mahado replied. He noticed that Midoriko was still shaky but didn't comment. He also noticed the blood on Midoriko's arm did not stop bleeding. He wanted to comment but something held him back. So they walked in silence back to the castle.
----
Midoriko smiled as Yami frowned when Kagome and Jounouchi went into the same bathing room. She explained on how after hunts, the two children needed to comfort each other. She has said, "Don't worry about it, they only consider each other as family, siblings if you are that worried." Yami had only nodded and went off the bed leaving the experienced hunters to their devices and routines.
It was late and the children had been kind enough to leave their weapons in the dojo for Midoriko to clean. She had finished cleaning Jou's knife and Kagome's chakrams. She was putting the finishing touches on her sword. The moonlight shines off the silver blade brilliantly as she put the cloth down. Midoriko walked with silent footsteps to the weapons and placed her sword in its sheath before setting it down again. Her job was finished for the night...it was time to relax.
Turning, Midoriko went to her room. In her room, she laid out a yukata for herself on her bedding. She stood and walked to her full length mirror. Slowly kneeling before it, she lit the candles that surrounded it. She looked down at the water in the basin before her. Midoriko touched the small round jewel on her neck before touching the water, chanting.
Dark eyes peered through the cracked of the door. Mahado frowned as he watched Midoriko. How could she be so careless to leave the door open? He had wanted to go to the dojo to help her with the weapons, but it seems that her experience allowed her to deal with the task swiftly. He was wandering by her room when he heard her chanting and decided to watch.
The water in the bowl rose and formed a young male spirit. His being was entirely composed of water as he swirled around Midoriko. The water spirit's body was half fish from the waist and below. He had fins sprouting from the top of his head as his hair was cut below his chin.
It held a hand to Midoriko, helping her rise to her feet. It sat in front of her as she stripped out of her slayer outfit and stood before it nude.
Behind the door, Mahado's cheeks turned red as his eyes roamed her backside. What in Ra's name was she doing?
The water spirit swirled around Midoriko's body, touching. It kissed her arm, caressed her stomach, swept past her legs. She let it touch whereever it wished without complaint. Midoriko could feel the wounds that she hide from the children heal under the cool touch of the water spirit. When all was healed and done, the water spirit floated in front of her. She bowed her head in thanks as the water spirit disappeared from her presences leaving nothing but a normal basin full of water. Standing nude in front of her mirror, she sighed as she closed her eyes. Her physical wounds were healed, but there was little the spirit could do for her mental ones.
Midoriko's eyes snapped opened as she jumped when warm arms wrapped around her shoulders and waist.
"I knew your wounds were extensive..." His voice was deep and husky against her ear. "But if I had known there were more, I would have made sure..."
"You are kind Mahado..." She cut him off. She smiled slightly as she stared at their reflection in the mirror. Mahado put a hand over the scar on her left breast, over her heart. She reached up and touched his hand.
"This wound..." His voice was questioning.
"My body is scarred for the jewel." She moved her hand up to her collar and touched the jewel. Midoriko watched his eyes in the mirror as they stared at the reflection of the small jewel. "Would you deny me my duty?"
Mahado was silent as he reached up to touch the jewel. Midoriko frowned. The jewel's power called in a great many to it, whether good or evil. Now it is doing the same for Mahado. "I'm sorry..." She began to say, but stopped when Mahado took her hand and closed it around the jewel.
"I do not desire something that powerful. My soul isn't strong enough to tame it as yours is. But..." He slowly turned Midoriko around and stared at her. "My desire belongs with it's protector." Midoriko's eyes widened as Mahado leaned down and graced his lips on hers. She hesitated before closing her eyes and relishing in the feel of his lips. The young woman wrapped her arms around the young man. But as her mind caught up with the events, Midoriko pulled away slowly and shook her head.
"I can't..." She whispered lowing her head allowing her forehead to rest on his chest. "I can't..." An unknown tear made it's way down her face.
Mahado frowned and put a finger under her chin. Pulling it up, he allowed their eyes to meet. Wiping the tear away, he gently kissed her eyelids. He led her to her bedding and picked up her yukata. Gently wrapping it around her shoulders and covering her nudity, he smiled down at her. "My goddess..." He whispered. "I will have you one day...so I swear." Mahado murmured as he leaned down to kiss her one more time.
Midoriko has briefly closed her eyes but when they were open again, he was gone. She tied her yukata tightly around her body and crawled into her bedding. Turning onto her side, she looked out the window to the moon. "Tsuki-hime...onegai. Set me free..." Midoriko allowed nineteen years of cries fall from her face as the silence of the moonlight drifted her off the sleep.
---
Kirara shook her head as she stepped through the door. She turned and shut the door with her head before looking over to her mistress. Kirara mewed as she saw a spirit hanging over Midoriko. It turned to Kirara and smiled. Kirara watched as the spirit brushed away a few strands of hair. The kitten rushed to Midoriko when she saw the young miko's tear-stained face.
'Tears are words the heart can't express...or so it is said.' The female spirit said as she put her hand over the Shikon Jewel. 'A life of duty. That is what befalls the protector of the Shikon. A life of loneliness...'
Kirara purred and curled up on the pillow beside Midoriko's head. She knew all too well the feeling her mistress was going through. Kirara thought back to when Midoriko and Queen Kitani found Kagome. The young baby had been abandoned and left for the wolves. Midoriko had lifted the baby into her arms and immediately fell in love with her. She begged and pleaded with the King to allow her to take care of Kagome. The King was shocked when he learned that Kagome didn't cry at night. Kirara remembered how happy Midoriko was that Kagome appeared.
'Do not fret Kirara...Midoriko's heart will return to the way it was when Kagome was found.' The spirit said. Kirara looked up at the spirit and nodded once. 'Last night was the first step to renewal...'
Kirara nodded again to the spirit. She knew the soul of love was right. She was after all Sakimitama, one of the four souls in the jewel. Kirara learned a long time again, when the jewel appeared that it was connected deeply with its protector until it is passed on.
Sakimitama was a woman with a delicate face and cherry pink lips. Her beauty was personified with the sine of her dark hair in the sunglish, which was pulled back into a traditional bun. Her ghostly appearance still showed her brilliant green eyes which smiled down at the young miko. Sakimitama wore a royal blue traditional kimono with white and pink cascading cherry blossoms and fans on it.
'May the river that is love flow into her heart and help her over this terrible burden.' Sakimitama wished as she bent down and kissed Midoriko's forehead.
Kirara watched as Sakimitama's ghostly being slowly disappeared in the light that reflected off the jewel. She tilted her head as Midoriko groaned and turned on her side. The human opened one of her eyes and looked at her.
"Kirara..." She groaned. "Can't you go bother Kagome?" Kirara narrowed her eyes and stood up. She bent down in the pouncing pose and swung her tail back and forth. Kirara jumped onto Midoriko's head and nipped at her ear. "Hey!" Kirara continued to jump up and down moving from Midoriko's head to her stomach. "Okay, okay! I'm up." Midoriko sat up and rubbed her face. "Damn I feel tired..." Kirara mewed and looked at Midoriko with a sad expression. When will Midoriko have her break from duty?
---
Inutaisho sighed as he was in the hall with the young Egyptians. He was waiting with Jounouchi for Kagome and Midoriko to come before they went to breakfast. He growled his impatience and glared down the hall.
"Can't those two hurry?" Inutaisho murmured.
"Honestly Inutaisho you are impatient." Midoriko's voice called from down the hall. Kagome came walking down the hall holding Midoriko's hand as she did. Kagome wore a pure silk satin soft pastel pink kimono. It had white flowers and leaves on it. She had her hair back in a neat bun with chop sticks.
Mahado looked up and frowned at the older miko. Though her royal blue kimono with soaring cranes, swirls, and flowers looked absolutely stunning on her, she looked fatigued. Her hair was pulled back into a sloppy bun and her skin looked paler than normal. Her cat, Kirara, sat on her shoulder with a sad expression as it watched it's mistress.
"Midoriko are you well?" Yami asked. Midoriko nodded and smiled wearily at them.
"Don't worry, I just woke on the wrong side of the bedding." Midoriko said. "Shall we continue to the dining hall for breakfast?" Kagome frowned as her response as she looked at Yami. She turned and led Midoriko into the dining hall. Jounouchi glanced at Inutaisho who frowned at the young miko. Everyone soon followed the two women for breakfast.
Throughout breakfast Mahado would notice that Midoriko was purposely avoiding or brushing off his stares. Even Mana and Marik seemed to notice the distance that Midoriko put up. He began to noticed the slight droop in the young woman's eyes. Not even when the adults entered did she raise her head. Kagome would often whisper to her teacher, but Midoriko would just smile and sit a little straighter.
Kirara sat on Kagome's lap as Midoriko and the King were talking of security matters. Kitani had suggested that they have the meeting in the dining hall so as the child could get a feel for the policies they will take up on day.
"I still do not trust my life in a woman's hands. Yet you let her be your high guard and priestess." The Pharaoh had said. Both Kagome and Jounouchi looked at the Pharaoh as though he was crazy.
"With all due respects, Pharaoh..." Hiroma said. "Midoriko has kept my castle safe from harm for as long as she's been here. She can beat all my warriors with just her sword."
The Pharaoh just huffed and glared down the table at Midoriko. Kagome and Jou glared back as Midoriko closed her eyes in thought.
"Your majesty, if the Pharaoh is so uneased as my performance as guardian...perhaps I should step down for the remainder of their visit." She suggested.
"What?" Hiroma, Kitani, and Inutaisho were shocked. Midoriko never stepped down not even when the Northern Lands were here making the same arguement.
"No!" Kagome and Jounouchi shouted as they stood. "Midoriko-sensei, you can't possibly think that."
Midoriko looked at the two children. "Manners..."
"Sorry Midoriko-sama..." They both replied and sat back down. Midoriko closed her eyes again as she listened.
Isis and Mana frowned as they glanced at each other. They looked up at Midoriko. She was the woman they aspired to be, but what made her want to back down from her position.
Yami looked at Mahado. He gave an incline of his head against the priest if he knew what was wrong. Mahado shook his head and shrugged. He didn't know either. Both boys looked down to that Pharaoh Akunumkanon's eyes were wide with shock.
"Would you do that woman?" He asked.
"My duty is to protect the royal family and their guests. If I should displease the guests as being the High Guardian, then I will gladly step down." Midoriko said. Yami's father looked pleased, he grinned with victory. "But..." The grin disappeared.
Kagome and Jounouchi grinned. Midoriko never backs down!
"But?" Akunumkanon drawled out.
"If you doubt my ability to protect and fight..." Midoriko opened her eyes and narrowed them on the Pharaoh.
Mahado watched as the Pharaoh recoiled slightly at the look. What was in her eyes that scared him?
"Perhaps we can settle this arguement with a duel of sorts." The miko said.
Hiroma raised an eyebrow and looked at his wife. They smelt the weariness that was coming off of her. They also were told my the servants that she had Kagome help her walk to the dining room.
"Midoriko are you sure a duel would be wise?" Inutaisho asked.
Midoriko smiled at the young prince. "Inutaisho-sama, do you doubt me?"
"No..." Inutaisho frowned as Midoriko twisted his words around.
"Against who though? One of your own. Surely they might decieve me and cower in your presence." The Pharaoh replied.
"Then one of yours then..." Hiroma said knowing Midoriko's intentions. "Chose your warrior."
"My Pharaoh, let me." Shada said glaring at Midoriko. "I wish to test her power."
"Then the players are set. Let the game begin." Akunumkanon said as he stood. Shimon and Shada followed him out.
Inutaisho stood up and threw his napkin on the table. "I will prepare the dojo."
"Inutaisho-kun wait for me!" Kagome said stand up with Kirara in her arms. She raced after the Prince as he left. Jounouchi stood and bowed before following them.
"Yami-kun, could you leave us?" Hiroma asked as he looked at Midoriko. Yami nodded. The others rose and bowed their heads before leaving. Yami got up with Mahado. The young boy was staring at Midoriko as she kept her head down. He frowned. Yami pulled Mahado leaving the miko with her King and Queen.
"Do you realize what you are doing?" Kitani asked her. "We can smell your weariness...your fatigue. You are not well enough to be doing this."
"I realize what I am doing." Midoriko challenged.
The King's fist slammed onto the table. The human girl calmly looked at her King.
"You do not have to prove your worth to those Egyptians." He growled out. "I will not have you harm yourself in such a battle."
"The proclaimation has been made," Midoriko stood. "You cannot retrieve it. I will do what I must."
Kitani touched her husband's hand frowning. "As you wish Midoriko, it would be best if you change before the match."
---
Midoriko sighed as she closed the door to her room. She had a pair of baggy pants on underneath a Canton Long Cheongsam dress. It was black with silver cascading plum blossoms. As she made her way to the dojo, she felt herself grow heavy with each step. Midoriko frowned as she was beginning to doubt herself.
"Shada plays by dirty rules..." A voice said before behind her. She stopped as Mahado stepped out from the shadows. "He will play mind tricks with the darkness he wields."
"I don't need your help." Midoriko replied. Mahado walked to her and touched her arm gentle.
"You don't have to do this..."
"I never back down..."
"What do you gain by doing this?" Mahado asked spinning her around. He slammed her against the wall and glared. "What is so damn important about this?"
Midoriko stared at him and raised a hand to his cheek. "I am a warrior. As a warrior, your Pharaoh's disrespect of my gender bruised my honor and pride. I will redeem myself in front of his eyes." She smiled and leaned her forehead against his. "I will be fine."
Mahado sighed and nodded stepping away from her. "Just don't over do it."
Midoriko smiled. Mahado returned it, but in a small twitch of his lips. She nodded quickly made her way to the dojo with Mahado behind her.
When she entered Mahado went to Yami and stood beside him. Midoriko went to her King and bowed. "Shall we commence this endeavor your majesty?"
"You may..." Hiroma said then he whispered to her. "If things get out of hand, we're stepping in." Midoriko just held his hard gaze with defiance as she turned to Shada, who was ready for battle.
"Let us test your power." Shada said.
"Yes...let's." Midoriko spoke as she got into position.
Kagome bit her lip and grabbed Jou's hand as she felt the rise in power. This was going to be some power of magic...as well as wills.
----
Chapter End.