InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Desert Rose ❯ Desert Rose: Chapter 7 ( Chapter 7 )

Desert Rose

Chapter 7

Midoriko sighed as she walked down the hall to Hiroma's Den. She knew she couldn't hide scent from the inus, but she tried. She put her hand over her neck where Mahado had left his love mark that morning. She smiled as she thought about the young Egyptian. They began to start over in this morning, when a servant knocked and said that Hiroma wanted to see her immediately. Unfortunately for the two, when Hiroma meant immediately he meant it. But before Midoriko left Mahado took her into his arms, her back to his chest, and gave her his love mark which now rest upon her neck. Midoriko smiled briefly before pulling her hand away and covering the mark up with her collar.

As she got to Hiroma's den, she knocked softly. A curt, "Enter" was spoken through the wood of the door. Midoriko took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She entered the room, making sure the door closed behind her, and saw that all three royalities were there. Gracefully making her way in front of them, in front of Hiroma's desk, she got on her knees and bowed.

"You summoned me, your majesties?" Midoriko voiced spoke as she stayed bowed.

"Maa, maa...you needn't to bow Midoriko-chan." Kitani said with a smile. Midoriko slowly rose and looked at the dog-demons she protected and worked for. "Do you know why you were called here today?"

"I have a hunch," She replied.

"If it is about that damned Egyptian than you are right." Inutaisho said with a glare toward the window. Midoriko frowned as she looked at the young prince.

"To who are you refering to?" Midoriko asked slowly. Hiroma slammed his fist onto the desk. The human's head turned toward him with a raised eyebrow.

Hiroma looked down at Midoriko for the first time with disappointment. "You went outside of your teachings! Not only that you did so without our knowledge!" The human in the room tensed up slightly.

"I did not realize..."

"No you did not!" Inutaisho yelled. He was upset that Midoriko would choose a foreigner over a normal Japanese man. Not only that, she didn't tell him of all people that she was interested in the young man. "Why did you mate with the young Egyptian Priest Midoriko?"

Midoriko closed her eyes and keep her hands folded on her lap. She didn't really want to answer, but they carried for her and wants what is best for her. She understood that...but... "Mahado understands me like no other." She spoke softly her eyes opening slightly as she looked at the floor. "It is the first time that I have felt this way around any man I've gotten to know. And I trust in my heart...that he will not fail it. He is a good man with good intentions." She looked up at them, mostly at Hiroma. "I understand that I have done something forbidden for one such as myself. I will accept any consequences for it. Whether it being stripped of my rank and position or what have you..." Midoriko felt that she need him to know that she was serious about this, so she kept eye contact with Hiroma.

The Taiyoukai closed his eyes and sighed. "If that's how you feel..."

"Hiroma?" Kitani asked uncertainly. She frankly felt proud that Midoriko took a chance with a man. The woman needed to find happiness in her life and she could tell that Mahado gave it to her. Kitani backed Midoriko a hundred percent. She didn't want Midoriko to leave for something as trivial as finding happiness.

Hiroma raised a hand to silence his wife. He opened his eyes and looked at Midoriko with an indifferent look. "Then I have no choice..."

Inutaisho frowned. Was his father going to shun Midoriko? He didn't want that. If anything he wanted his father to kick out the Egyptians.

Midoriko stayed silent as she waited her judgment. Normally she was a patient person, but today she was anxious to hear his answer. If she should have to leave...perhaps Mahado would convince the Pharaoh to allow her to go with them.

"If he hurts you in anyway then I will have to punish him now won't I?" Hiroma said as a smile graced his face.

It took Midoriko a few moments to realize what he was implying. When she did, Hiroma was wrapped in a tight hug.

"Arigato! Arigato!" Midoriko said as she nuzzled his neck. "You don't know how much this means Hiroma-sama!"

"Did you really think I would something that made you happy go by that easily?" Hiroma asked. He hugged her tightly and smiled. "My dear...I wish no harm to you, I just want you to be happy."

"Thank you!" She whispered as she hugged him tightly.

Hiroma just laughed whole heartedly.

---

Kagome felt herself being swept up in a hug and spun around. She heard something that she hasn't heard in years.

Midoriko's laughter.

Her real laugh.

The younger miko felt her feet hit the ground and she spun around to look at her teacher. Midoriko stood before her with her hair out of its normal miko style. Her eyes were bright with happiness as her cheeks were flushed from running. She was in a kimono that brought of the paleness of her skin.

"Midoriko-sama! What got you so happy?"

"They found out! They found out and they allow it!" Midoriko said as she twirled around. Kagome looked on confusedly. Midoriko knelt down to Kagome and smiled brightly. "Mahado and I, Kagome....we were together last night." Kagome eye's widened as she smiled. "The Inus found out and gave approval..."

"Oh Midoriko-nee-chan!" Kagome threw her arms around the miko's neck. "That's great!" Midoriko laughed again and stood up spinning around with Kagome in her arms.

"I know!"

"Hey...what's up?" Jounouchi asked as he walked up with Kirara on his shoulder. Midoriko and Kagome stopped spinning around and looked at him. They smiled and laughed. "What?" He whined wanting to know what was going on.

---

Over the next few weeks it was very different. Midoriko seemed to be happier than she has ever been before. Only the Inus, Kagome, Jounouchi, Kirara, and Yami knew of Mahado's and Midoriko's relationship. At times, Kirara would be walking by herself toward where she knew Midoriko to be. When she would get there, she would see Midoriko happily pulling a smiling Mahado behind her as they ran toward the gates or garden.

As the weeks came to an end, Kitani suggested to have a farewell party for the Egyptians. As to show good will on their agreement and wish them a safe passage home. So for the last week the servants have been readying the party.

What was strange, is that Midoriko seemed to have gotten sick that week. Hiroma has strictly enforced that if Midoriko were to remain on active duty that Kagome or Jounouchi remained with her at all times. As it were, Midoriko and Jounouchi were oftened paired since Kagome would be pulled away by Yami.

Currently, Jounouchi was nursing Midoriko as she disposed of her breakfast.

"Midoriko are you sure this is a normal cold?" Jounouchi asked as he let go of her hair. Midoriko put a small rag to her mouth. It had been soak in cold water for her by a servant.

"The only time I've ever gotten this sick is by a cold Jounouchi." Midoriko replied. Jounouchi helped her stand and guided her to the basin of cold water to wash her mouth.

"But Midoriko, the Egyptians could have brought illness from their lands." The boy suggested as the miko washed up. "Perhaps you caught something from them."

Midoriko shook her head and stood. She swayed slightly, but Jounouchi steadied her. "I sensed no illness from them." She waved Jounouchi off and began to walk toward her room. "Shall we get going. We must get ready for tonight's party."

"Midoriko-sama..."

"I am fine Jou-kun." She turned and smiled. Her dark violet eyes showed him honesty as she spoke. "Come now, we must prepare for tonight."

"Hai!" Jounouchi took Midoriko's hand and escorted back to her room.

---

Kagome twirled around Midoriko as the music played. The older woman was just standing at the side smiling as Kagome and Jounouchi danced around her. What had surprised Midoriko is that Hiroma and Kitani seemed exceptionally protective of her tonight and she didn't know why.

"Are you quite finished?" Midoriko asked the children. Kirara was contently lying on her shoulder as her tail swished side to side.

Jounouchi stopped causing Kagome to twirl into him. "Midoriko-sama, you look beautiful tonight!" Kagome said with a giggle. "Trying to catch someone's eye?"

Midoriko blushed. So what? She had put on a long white cheongsam that had a shine of a light lavender. It had golden threading that made a phoenix design with plum blossoms that wrapped around her body. Her hair was braided down and thrown over her left shoulder. She has lightly applied make-up that only brightened up her natural look. Nope, absolutely not, she was not trying to impress someone.

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Midoriko said as she turned her head to the side.

"Sure Midoriko-sama," Kagome said with a sly look. "And Jounouchi plays fetch..."

"Hey! Don't drag me into your evil conversation about her trying to seduce the Egyptian!" Jounouchi said with a fake pout. Midoriko blushed as she turned away from the two, to make sure all the guards were at their post. She noticed one guard slipping down the hall away from duty. Frowning, Midoriko spoke over her shoulder.

"Wait here...." She started to walk off but stopped and put Kirara down. "You too Kirara..." She quickly crossed the room and exited into the hall. She narrowed her eyes when she didn't see the guard anywhere. 'Was I mistaken? Did my eyes deceive me?' Midoriko asked herself as she walked farther into the corridor.

"My dear, you look delicious." Midoriko spun around to see the Pharaoh of Egypt step out of the shadows.

"Pharaoh Akunumkanon...you are suppose to be at the party. You are after all the guest of honor." She replied to the man.

"But I would rather be here..." Akunumkanon said as he stepped closer to Midoriko. She frowned as his closeness but due to her training she allowed it. "I am...after all a shadow master." He caressed her lower back.

"It would be best if you back away now sire..." Midoriko grinded out.

He smirked at her stubbornness. "Why would I do that? I need to teach you a lesson on how you treat men who are superior to you." Akunumkanon moved faster than Midoriko anticipated and pulled Midoriko into a harsh rough kiss.

Her body was frozen. Eyes widened as she realized who was kissing. Though their scent was similiar, this man was not hers! He didn't have Mahado's distinct scent or taste. With that thought, Midoriko began to struggle against his hold. She didn't see the door open or the man who stood in the doorway, before returning to the party as she roughly pushed the Pharaoh away. Midoriko backed away and put a hand to her mouth glaring at the Pharaoh.

"How dare you--"

"Tell me you little whore," He grabbed her right arm in a bruising grip. Akunumkanon pulled her close as he grinned wickedly at her. "Will you spread your lovely legs for me as you have for my son's priest?"

Midoriko glared intensified. "Don't you dare presume you know me. You have no idea who you are talking to!"

"I'm talking to a woman who was assigned to the High Guard's position by sleeping around with everyone else." He sneered at Midoriko. "Am I not good enough for you? Or are you too good for me?"

"You son of a---"

"Ah!" The Pharaoh growled as a small creme furball latched itself onto his arm.

"Kirara!" Midoriko said in surprise. The Pharaoh's lip pulled back in a sneer. The young miko felt something she hadn't felt in years. The opening of a Realm's Gate. She suddenly became afraid as a dark swirling mass appeared beside the Pharaoh. "No..."

Akunumkanon raised his other arm and grabbed Kirara. She hissed at the Pharaoh and glared at him. He yanked her off and tossed her into the swirling mass before it disappeared.

"NO!" Midoriko cried as the gate closed. She was suddenly clinging to the Pharaoh. "Bring her back! Bring her back to me now!" She said hysterically. "Open the gate and give her back to me!" The Pharaoh roughly pushed Midoriko away causing her to fall to the ground. She stayed there with her head bowed and hand clenched. Her body trembled with surpressed sobs for her best friend.

"Consider that your punishment for your behavior around a superior man!" The Pharaoh said. He turned and left the broken miko on the floor.

Midoriko lifted her head slightly. "I swear to Tsuki-hime I will get you back old friend. Even if I have to break the laws of Akane..." She quickly stood up and summoned her sword to her hand. It sailed through the corridor with a small chain attached to it. She quickly tied the chain, laying the sword at her side. Tears silently fell down her face as she rushed forward.

---

Kagome was talking with Yami when Mahado came to his side looking angry. She wondered what happened. Midoriko shouldn't be gone this long...and she knows the young Priest went to look for her. She glanced at Jounouchi who was looking out for Midoriko, who had yet to return. Had something gone wrong?

Suddenly, the doors to the corridor that Midoriko went down sprang open and slammed against the wall. Jounouchi and Kagome watched with terrified expressions as Midoriko ran through the crowd until she got to the gardens. What scared them the most was the miko's facial expression. She looked as though her world had died.

"Kagome, Jounouchi!" Inutaisho rushed over to them.

"What's going on? Why's Midoriko-chan crying?" Kagome asked. Yami put a hand on her shoulder.

"It will be alright..." He whispered.

"Mother and Father don't know, but from what they can tell...." He left out the part of knowing through her scent. "Midoriko's sorrow is like nothing they've known. This is worse than it seems."

"They fear for her safety?" Yami asked. He glanced back at Mahado to see the young priest. He knew of his affairs with the Miko, so why wasn't the Priest worried now?

"Her sanity..." Jounouchi said with a husky voice.

Kagome's hand flew to her mouth. "They fear she will use the jewel and....oh my god!"

"We have to get to her....but Kirara is no where to be found." Inutaisho said.

Jounouchi nodded and headed out to the gardens. Kagome quickly followed with Yami and Inutaisho behind her. Mahado stayed in the party which made Yami wonder even more.

Outside Yami watched as Jounouchi pulled off his shirt. On the young blonde's back was one of Kagome's chakrams. He untied the weapon and handed it to Kagome who tied it to her lower back. Jounouchi then slipped a dagger out of his shirt and put it to his arm sheath which was already on his left arm.

"I will take Kagome," Inutaisho spoke. "Jounouchi you carry the Egyptian. We'll find Midoriko faster than they." The blonde nodded and grinned at Yami.

"I hope you don't mind being carried on my back." He said as he knelt down for Yami to climb on.

"Not at all," The young prince said as he climb onto the older boy's back. He looked at Kagome to see her being lifted by Inutaisho, cradle to his chest.

"Don't worry..." Jounouchi said with a small smile. "She would prefer if it were you doing that, but at the moment Inutaisho is faster like that."

"Let us go." Inutaisho said as he ran off. Jounouchi held Yami tightly as he dashed after the inu.

---

Midoriko pushed her way through the foliage into a clear area. She was miles away from the castle. She knew, because she could feel Kagome's aura in the distance. Midoriko thought she better start what she needed to do before her students got there to stop her.

She glanced at the moonlight before quickly rushing into the middle of the clearing. Dropping to her knees, she unsheathed her sword and laid it out in front of her. Her hands went in front of her collar as she slowly pulled out the Shikon no Tama. Once it was laid outside of her clothing, Midoriko put her hands together and closed her eyes. She started to concentrate and pray to Tsuki-hime that she will be able to accomplish the feat that she wants to achieve.

The sword and jewel glowed a bright white. The jewel burned against her clothing as Midoriko opened her eyes which glowed with forbidden power. She slowly rose to her feet gracefully, her hands pulling from their praying position. The sword rose into the air in front of the young miko waiting for it to be used. Midoriko reached forward and grabbed the sword and spun it down to her side. Power coursed through the clearing as Midoriko started to step forward.

"Nee-chan..." A weak voice called. Midoriko stopped and turned her head to the side toward the children. She felt Jounouchi, Kagome, and even the young Egyptian Heir...but she did not feel her own prince. She must have been projecting too much pure energy for the youkai to come any closer than he was. "Nee-chan...what are you--"

"I am going to open the gate." Midoriko said cutting Kagome off. She looked straight ahead of her as though there was something there. "I am going to open the gate and you cannot stop me."

"Please...." Kagome said as she tried to go to Midoriko. Jounouchi put a hand on his friend's arm and shook his head. "Don't...last time you were severly weakened."

Midoriko didn't move. "Remember...Kagome..." She paused. "There is a line one must not cross as a miko. Even for her own desires." She took a step forward. "At all costs, mikos are suppose to stay focused on their duties. Protect the humans; serve those who are of good will. To fight for a life time and be lonely for a lifetime. But...I have broken the rules. I have become an outcast of our kind."

"I don't understand!" Kagome shouted as tears filled her eyes.

"You will, when you are older." Midoriko said confidently. "For me, breaking the taboo will be only something else to add to my sins."

Jounouchi's eyes widened. "Taboo?" Yami asked looking at the young boy in front of him.

"Midoriko was set with a taboo by her old teacher." Jounouchi explained. "She had this forbidden power in her body to open what we call, The Realm of Light."

"She's going to use the jewel as a shield because not even Midoriko's soul is pure enough to withstand the purity of the light." Kagome said. "She is going to open the realm and enter it..."

"Why though?" Yami asked.

"Someone..." Midoriko said as she raised her sword. "Took away my precious friend. He threw her into the Realm of Shadows. The only way to get Kirara back is to go through the Realm of Light."

"Someone took Kirara..."

"Yes...so now I will get her back." Midoriko said to her young student. She adjusted the grip on her sword and slashed it downwards. The children watched as a ripple of white light appeared. She sheathed her sword and let her hands fall to her side. "Kagome..."

"Yes?" The girl asked quietly.

"Please...don't hate me...." Those words were all Midoriko said before she jumped through the ripple that led to the Realm of Light.

"What do we do now?" Yami asked. Jounouchi took a deep breath then let it out slowly.

"We wait..."

---

Kitani stared at the Pharaoh as she told her son to get Kagome and Jounouchi to find Midoriko. She literally bristled as the smug look of that man and his scent.

"Calm yourself Kitani..." Hiroma said from beside her in the talk of their ancestors.

"I can't help myself. He did something to Midoriko, I know it! We know it!" Kitani said with a sad look in her. "We can smell her on him...though it wasn't like the young priest's scent that wraps itself around her..."

"I know..." Hiroma said calmly. "But I don't think the young Priest will be courting her anymore."

Kitani's head snapped toward her husband. "What?Why?" The taiyoukai tilted his head toward Mahado's still form beside Isis. "Why didn't he go?" She looked around. "His prince went, but not him?"
"Whatever happened in that hallway I'm sure the priest did not approve of it." Hiroma said. "I did catch the scent of Midoriko coming from the Pharaoh's mouth...."

"Do you think he...."

"Yes."

"Oh dear...how are we going then going to tell Midoriko--" Kitani was cut off by growl.

"I will make sure this adolescent Priest will return her feelings or I shall tear him to pieces myself." Hiroma said as he growled into his mate's ear.

Kitani smiled and patted Hiroma's shoulder. He loved to act like Midoriko's father, even though she was just human. Kitani turned toward the gardens. That's what so special about those two mikos. They attracted people to them and would sacrifice everything to protect their loved ones....even if it meant they would be broken.

---

Inutaisho walked toward Kagome as soon as the sliver of the Realm of Light disappeared. "Where is she?"

"Kirara was taken...she went to go get her back." Jounouchi said as he stood beside Kagome. "We don't know where she could appear..."

"Couldn't Kagome find out?" Yami asked.

Kagome turned to Yami and shook her head carefully. "Midoriko is the only miko in history to open the Gate to the Light Realm. I am nothing compared to the power Midoriko harnesses."

"If she is so powerful, why is it she can't access all the time?" Yami asked thinking back to the hunt.

"Lady Akane...Midoriko's teacher, had tabooed her to access that power. So Akane was asked by Midoriko to seal off that part of her power. In doing so, Midoriko's soul had to be used." Kagome replied.

"Her soul..." The young Pharaoh looked a bit confused, but intrigued.

"Yes...her soul. A piece of it was taken to ensure the sealing." Kagome said. She began to walk as she thought to herself. "Perhaps I could contact Midoriko from this realm."

"You are not that advance..." Jounouhi said. "I don't want to lose you in trying to do that."

"He's right Kagome," Inutaisho said. "You have to trust her."

"I know..." Kagome rubbed her face. "It's just so frustrating waiting!" Yami went to Kagome and smiled.

"Patience is a virtue." He said. Kagome smiled. "Or so I am told..."

"You know...Midoriko said the exact same thing..." Kagome said. She grabbed Yami's hand and smiled. "Thank you..."

"Look..." Jounouchi said as he pointed toward the castle.

Everyone turned to see a bright light in, from what seemed like the castle gardens. It turned to dark lavender and took the form of a Phoenix.

"It's Midoriko!" Kagome said.

"Let's go!" Inutaisho said as he picked up Kagome.

---

Everyone who was near the entrance to the gardens ran to the other side of the room. They didn't want to be touched by the pure light that appeared. They watched as the light changed colors before fading.

Isis held onto Mahado's arm as Mana stayed behind Marik. Shada was near the children as Simon stayed with his Pharaoh to ensure the man's safety. They heard light, yet heavy footfalls. Soon a figured appeared, walking toward the safety of the hall. People gasped and gave whispers of surprise and shock when they saw who it was.

"Oh my god...its Midoriko..." Isis whispered.

The young miko stood tall as she limped into the room. She had a bloody sword as her side and a wounded and beaten Kirara in her bloody arms. She didn't fair much better. Her hair had fell free from the braid, but looked as though it was hastily put up into a sloppy bun with a chopstick. Her outfit was tattered and bloody from her wounds. As they watched the young miko walk forward, they noticed the trail of blood dripping behind her. Her wounds scared all. There were cuts on her cheeks and blood from her forehead over her eyes and mouth. Her arms were littered with bruises and gashes as where her legs. Her back was the worse of all. It looks as if something burned her then a demon ran his claws across her back leaving four large gashes.

"Midoriko!" Mana shot forward.

"Mana no!" Marik and Isis shouted. They had seen the look in the young miko's face. It was blank, though her eyes glowed faintly with power. They feared if Mana jarred her, Midoriko would attack.

"Riko-sama?" Mana called as she got closer to the miko, calling her by the nickname she heard Mahado call her once. Midoriko looked down at Mana. "What happened?" She asked sincerely.

Midoriko moved Kirara into on arm and then reached out one to put on Mana's head. She froze though when she saw how bloody her hand was. She flinched and moved her hand back. She looked at the young Egyptian child. "I went to get my friend back..." She whispered.

"You must love her very much..." Mana said looking at Kirara.

"Very much..." Midoriko said back as tears started to run down her cheek. "Child...would you get my king and queen out of their stunned states?"

"Sure..." Mana ran off toward Kitani and Hiroma. She grabbed their hands and pulled them toward Midoriko. As soon as she did that they ran forward without her help. Mana stepped back as Hiroma and Kitani went to Midoriko.

Hiroma kneeled in front of the girl. "Midori-chan...What happened?" He brushed her blood bang back.

"She was taken from me." Midoriko said looking into Hiroma's eyes with sorrowful ones. "I had to get her back...she's the only one who has stayed with me." She took a ragged breath. "I broke my taboo."

"Oh Midoriko..." Kitani murmured.

"I opened the Gate to the Light Realm. I traveled to the Shadow Realm to get her back. I couldn't leave her there." More tears fell from Midoriko's face as she began to get hysterical. "Please don't leave me because of that. I am sorry I broke my taboo, but I couldn't leave her. She's my best friend I had to get her. I'm sorry I sinned so many times, I promise I won't do it again! Please don't leave or make me go. Please!"

"Shh...shh..." Hiroma said as he pulled Midoriko toward him into a hug. He didn't care if he got blood on himself, Midoriko needed this. "Don't worry..." He looked at the gardens to see Kagome gasps and turn her head into the young Egyptian Prince's shoulder. Jounouchi frowned deeped as Inutaisho growled. “Its okay…you can stay…” He ran his hand through Midoriko’s hair as a father would to a daughter.

"Hiroma...her wounds are healing..." Kitani said. Hiroma pulled Midoriko away slightly to see the wounds heal slowly.

His eyes widened as he looked at her. "Midoriko, close it! Cut the power off." She looked at him confusedly before nodding. Midoriko opened her eyes soon after and smiled at Hiroma. He smiled briefly, before he caught her as she collapsed. He lifted her up and turned. "Inutaisho!" His son was at his side in an instant. "Go get the healer and tell her to report to Midoriko's room." Inutaisho nodded and ran out. "Kagome, Jounouchi go prepare the room quickly!" The two children disappeared too.

"Will she be alright?" Kitani asked as Hiroma started to move.

"I don't know..." He asked. "Keep an eye on things." Kitani nodded and watched as Hiroma walked towards the door.

Mahado's eyes were attached to Midoriko's face which was drapped over Hiroma's arm. He couldn't believe she could even walk straight. All those wounds could be enough to kill a person, but she survived. He paused in his thoughts as Hiroma disappeared through the door. Why should he care? She was after all with the Pharaoh now...

Yami frowned. Jounouch had said before Midoriko disappeared he has seen the Pharaoh come out of the same corridor. Midoriko also said something about getting the kitten from the Shadow Realm. The only person who she was with that she was with was his father... His eyes widened. Could he father have done something to the young miko? Yami turned his eyes to the older man and watched as the smug and satisfied settled on his father's face. Yami's eyes widened as he realized the truth.

---


Chapter End!

Hope you enjoyed!