InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Desert Rose ❯ Desert Rose: Chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )

Desert Rose

Chapter 8

Hiroma watched from the corner as the healer worked on Midoriko’s body. He had sent the children outside to guard the door. Kirara had been taken care of and laid beside her mistress’s head. The miko on the other hand…her condition was a serious matter especially…

“Hiroma-sama…” The healer said as they stood from Midoriko’s side and turned to the inu youkai. “About the miko-sama…she is…”

“I know, is there anything else?” Hiroma asked harshly. The healer flinched and nodded.

“The residue of shadow magic clung to her like a glove. The Shikon-no-Tama was partially tainted, but the miko-sama’s body purified it when it was over flowing with power. She seems to be rejuvenating her powers as of now.” The Healer said.

“Be gone from my sight.” Hiroma said with a growl. The healer scurried out the door, not wanting to incur the Great Demon’s wrath.

Hiroma crossed to room and knelt down beside Midoriko. His clawed hand gently caressed her pale cheek like a parent to a child. If only he was more alert to his guests, perhaps he would have stopped the Pharaoh from doing this to this precious gem of a woman. For his lack of attention, she must now suffer the spite of a wounded boy. He closed his eyes and leaned down kissing Midoriko’s forehead.

The young miko’s eyes snapped open, startling the ruler of the west. “They approach…”

“Who Midoriko?” Hiroma asked quietly moving her hair from her face.

“Naraku…and his army,” Midoriko sat up waving her hand over Kirara. “My friend it is time to go…” She murmured in an eerily calm voice. The neko’s eyes slowly opened and looked at her mistress with a lethargic blink.

“No,” The inu youkai stated powerfully as he looked at Midoriko. “You are not to fight until I say otherwise.”

“But milord, it is all I have left.” The young woman said in a whisper. “Would you deny me this, my only wish, Hiroma-sama?”

An explosion in the distance shook the castle. Hiroma held Midoriko’s gaze even as the door was thrown open to reveal her pupils and his wife. Screams filled the air as Hiroma glanced down the at the young miko’s body before nodding. He stood and strode toward the door with purpose.

“I would deny you this wish Midoriko.” He said with a stern voice. “I will keep you safe this once, as you have done for me for your life time.” He left Midoriko with his wife and the two students.

Midoriko stared after him then looked at Kitani with blank eyes. “Why does he deny me my desire?”

Kitani looked calmly at the broken miko and understood why her husband did what he did. “Because Midoriko, your life is not yours anymore.”

“What do you mean?” The miko stood in confusion. “My life is my own! My destiny shall go down the path my own hands have crafted for me! Why would he deny me!”

The Lady of West stood regally as she watched the young woman shout in confusion. It seems that the trip through the Light Realm has caused more damage than they realized. Her two students raced to her and hugged her around the waist.

“He denies you…because your life is no longer the lonely path you thought it to be. It has branched out,” Kitani spoke. She looked Midoriko straight in the eyes as she said her next words, knowing that the priestess will have to make decision about her life. “With the rash actions you have performed earlier this evening, Hiroma has every right to deny you. He will not have you endanger the life in you for something as ridiculous as protecting a dog demon that can protect himself!”

Midoriko froze her hands falling limp from her students’ shoulders. “You are mistaken…it is too soon to tell even from-”

“You are pregnant Midoriko,” Kitani said. “And it is the young Egyptian’s child. I am sorry…” The Lady of the lands turned from Midoriko to her son, stepped into the room. “Go to your father, I will keep the Lady Miko and her unborn safe.”

Inutaisho glanced at Midoriko, the human woman had collapsed to her knees in surprise. Kagome and Jou were with her trying to get her to respond, but all Midoriko did was put a hand to her stomach. The son nodded to his mother and raced off to join his father.

“It can’t be…” Midoriko murmured to herself.

“Nee-chan?” Kagome asked as she helped Midoriko sit up. “Does this mean Jou-kun and I am the godparents?”

Midoriko looked at the two children and then up at the Lady of the Western lands. The female inu stared seriously at the miko. Midoriko put her hand on her stomach thinking about her child. It was then it hit her.

“Mahado and the other Egyptians must leave! Or else they will fall to Naraku!” She said. Kitani’s eyes widened confirming to the miko that the youkai didn’t think of their guests.

“Yami!” Kagome gasped in fear. “We have to get him to the port!”

“My lady please! Allow me and the children to take them!” Midoriko said. “Please! We’ll go through the forests, I promise you, I will not fight! But please allow me to make sure they leave!”

Kitani looked at the two desperate mikos. Mikos in love. Her eyes softened as she knew the fate of the two. Priestesses were not meant to fall in love. They were meant to be loners, warriors of purity. She’d give them this last wish for she knew that they would never see their lovers again. Turning to the blonde boy she stared at him.

“Jounouchi, you are to protect them. Should any harm come to them we will make sure your next turning is a painful one.” Kitani threatened softly.

The blonde turned his lupine eyes onto the Lady of the Western lands and bowed to her. He accepted this mission whole heartedly. “As you wish Lady Kitani.”

“Good, now go before I change my mind.”

Midoriko stood with Kagome’s help as Kirara changed into her larger form. Jounouchi lead the way as the four warriors made their way to get their weapons and prepare. Kitani watched with a sad smile.

“Be safe my children,” She whispered. “And may Kami and Ra watch over you.” Turning, she quickly fled the room through the windows in order to aid her husband and son in the war that was raging outside on her home lands.

----

Mahado grabbed onto Yami as the castle shook. “What was that?” All the Egyptians including the Pharaoh and his escorts were in gardens.

“Sounds like a battle…” Marik said as he stepped closer to his sister.

“Look!” Mana pointed the other side of the castle. “It looks like fire.”

“YAMI!” The Egyptians turned to see Kagome riding toward them with a carriage and a few horses. Jounouchi was running along hers as they got closer.

Yami looked to see Kagome was wearing her tight black outfit along with some extra armor across her torso as well as her mask already in place. Jounouchi was wearing a sleeveless tunic and pants. Both of them had extra weapons on their persons visible to the foreigners.
“What’s going on?” Yami asked as Kagome pulled to a stop by him and Mahado.

“Naraku…he’s attacking the castle.” Kagome replied.

“We are to escort you all to the ports and get you on a boat back to Egypt.” Jou said in a low husky voice.

“What of your lands? Do you not need to defend them?” Shimon asked.

“Che, they let their best come defend us.” The Pharaoh snorted. “Surely their lands will fall now.”

“Our masters are quite capable of defending them without us.” An icy female voice said from beside them.

Mahado heard Isis and Mana gasp at the person. Unwilling to give in, but not able to contain his curiosity, Mahado turned his head to look at his Japanese lover. His eyes widened at her.

Instead of her exterminator outfit, Midoriko wore the robes of a traditional Japanese Miko that they had seen on paintings inside the castle. Over the robes she wore chest armor that had panels around her waist and on her shoulders. Her sword was held, sheathed, within her left hand as she walked forward toward them. Mahado then noted the red ties and the mirror that rest on the sash of her armor. It gave a feminine touch to her warrior look. Her expression was cold and blank not giving away anything. Beside her, the neko in its larger form, the flames around its feet burning brighter than ever.

“Now Pharaoh, if you do not mind I would rather not waste time coercing you into the carriage.” The miko’s words were firm and threatening. “I ask you and your escort to go within the carriage.”
“And what of my son?” The Pharaoh asked glaring at Midoriko.

Jounouchi growled at the Pharaoh, but was silenced by his Alpha. Looking up at Kagome, he raised an eyebrow questioning her decision. Kagome shook her head slightly. This was something Midoriko must do.

“The other carriages were burned or damaged within the battle. We were able to get a few horses for them.” Midoriko said. “There is one mare that would be able to seat the young man as well as the young female together and still run with the speed of the wind. Your son and the two eldest, I assume know how to ride.”

“What of your lord and lands?” Shada asked.

Midoriko looked at the shadow user with a raised eyebrow. “My Lord Hiromi does not need me to protect him at the moment.”

“Then why have you at all?” The Pharaoh snorted.

“How dare you…” Jou growled. He saw Midoriko flinch at the implications of the comment. “You have no right to speak to the Priestess of Izanami like that!”

“Izanami?” Isis questioned softly.

“She is our goddess for creation and death. She gives life as well as takes it away.” Kagome answered softly. “Though, if it helps, if sensei was Egyptian she would probably be a Priestess of the Goddess Bast.”

“The goddess, who protects,” Yami said looking at Kagome. “We have her carved into statues to help protect the Pharaoh.”

Kagome nodded and looked at Jou who was growling at the Pharaoh. Her head snapped up when arrows started to fly over the castle. “Sensei!” She panicked as the black arrows headed toward them.

Midoriko’s eyes narrowed. In one smooth motion, she unsheathed her sword arcing it toward the sky as she spun around. An energy crescent flew from her blade toward the arrows. Midoriko turned back to the Egyptians as black projectiles disintegrated under the holy power.

Mahado’s jaw dropped at the display of power. Beside him Marik whistled to himself. “She’s pissed about something because that was overkill.”

“Now, Pharaoh,” Midoriko hissed. “You will get into the carriage without further delay or else you won’t have to worry about the enemy because I will kill you myself for endangering us all.” She pointed her silver blade toward the Pharaoh proving her point.

Shimon looked at Midoriko, before turning to his Pharaoh. “My lord….we should do as she asks…” He glanced back at the growling blonde. “I fear both will attack us and we would not be able to stop them.”

The Pharaoh snorted. “As you wish Shimon.” The Pharaoh and Shada headed toward the carriage. Shimon bowed to Midoriko before following. The guards shut the door and nodded to Midoriko.

“Jounouchi, it is time.” Kagome called as she led the horses to the Egyptian children. Jounouchi nodded and stalked over to help Marik and Mana onto the mare. Mahado ignored them as he quickly helped his Prince onto his horse, before walking to Midoriko who was petting Kirara.

“Midoriko, I…” He didn’t finish as the woman swung up onto Kirara and looked blankly at the priest. Mahado blinked as Kirara walked past him and leapt into the sky.


“Kagome, you know what to do.” She said as they rose higher.

“Mahado!” Isis called. The Priest turned and walked back to his horse and mounted it. “Are you alright?” She asked looking at the crest fallen face of her comrade.

“Yea…fine.” Mahado answered as he maneuvered his horse beside Yami’s.

“Marik…” Mana said in a small voice. “I’m scared…”

“Me too Mana,” Marik answered as he held onto the reigns tightly from behind her.

“Jounouchi will take the back, I will take the front. Try to stay as close to the carriage as you can.” Kagome dictated. “We are taking an unmarked path, so please try to stick together.”

“We understand Kagome,” Yami answered. “Let us be off before we are delayed any longer.”

Kagome nodded and turned her horse. “HIYAH!” She shouted, her horse sprinting off into the dark night the others following after.

Midoriko frowned an hour after they left the castle. She turned to see a horde of demons coming from the horizon toward them. “I need to warn Kagome and Jou,” She said looking down at Kirara. “My friend, will you enter battle with me?” The nekomata mewed concernedly. “I know, but pregnant or not, I will not let harm befall the children that are in this world now. Please my old friend…” Kirara purred and nodded as she descended down. She flew beside Kagome, who slowed down in order to speak with her sensei.

“Sensei?” Kagome questioned.

“I know you feel it, I will hang back to buy you more time.” Midoriko said not looking at her student.

The young miko became alarmed. “But sensei if…”

“It is a risk I must take. You will not be able to handle them all.” The older woman answered.

Kagome slowly nodded knowing her powers were not up to par with Midoriko’s yet. “Perhaps you should take Jounouchi with you.”

The armored miko shook her head. “Jounouchi is your protector. I have Kirara. The docks are another twenty minutes away. You should be able to make it there and return to aid me.” Midoriko reassured. Just as Kagome was about to interrupt Midoriko spoke. “This is an order from your High Guardian Kagome.”

“Yes miko-sama…” Kagome said. She frowned as Midoriko looked toward her and smiled. It wasn’t her sincere smile or even a fake smile…this smile was different. It was almost as if…Kagome shook her head of those thoughts and nodded again. “Be careful Midori-chan.” She whispered.

“You too Kago-chan,” Midoriko said as Kirara landed on the ground, stopping her motion as Kagome continued. The carriage and Yami raced past her as she began to turn. Marik and Mana passing soon after. When Kirara was full faced the way they came, Midoriko had her warrior face back on just as Mahado and Isis passed her. As Jounouchi came he began to slow, only to speed up when he heard Midoriko’s request.

“Protect her, protect your Lupa.” She whispered as the young boy passed her.

Jounouchi closed his eyes as a few tears slipped out of his golden eyes. He caught up with Mahado and Isis as they slowed.

“What is she doing?” Mahado asked ready to turn his horse around.

“You will continue after your Pharaoh!” Jounouchi growled.

“But Midoriko….” Isis looked at the blonde teen.

Jounouchi glanced behind him out of the corner of his eye. “The enemy has caught up to us. Midoriko is giving us more time. Don’t be stupid and make her effort a waste!”

Mahado looked back to see the fading figure of Midoriko sitting upon her two tailed neko get smaller and smaller. Turning forward again he quickly pushed the horse to get closer to Yami. He would forever remember that image, the last image of his Japanese lover, protecting him from the demons of her lands.

Midoriko smiled as she felt them get farther and farther away. She drew her sword and looked up as the demons crashed through the forest in front of her. Kirara growled at the demons claiming that this land was hers and her mistress’s. They laughed at the two.

“So you think you can stop us?” The demons laughed.

“I know I can.” Midoriko said calmly.

They roared in outrage at her countenance. “We will obliterate you!”

“Come try…” The miko said as her sword light aflame with her power. “Let the battle begin.”

---

Kagome watched as the Pharaoh and his escort went up the ramp. “Damn arrogant son of a…”

“Kagome!” Jounouchi hissed cutting her off.

She looked at Jou before turning to Yami and the others. Their horses were being taken away by a trader that will escort the horses to the Southern Lands until their lands were safe again. Kagome smiled at the Egyptians and immediately went to hug Mana who was crying and Marik.

“Take care of each other okay?” Kagome said.

“Yea…” Marik answered before quickly taking Mana up the ramp. Kagome turned to Marik’s sister Isis and smiled.

“Wish we could have more time.” She said.

“I will pray that Bast protects you.” Isis replied with a smile as she hugged the Japanese girl. Kagome smiled and watched as Isis walked away. She stopped by Jou giving the boy a hug, surprising him.

Kagome turned to the last two Egyptians, Mahado and Yami. Mahado looked at Kagome and bowed her before walking past to the boat to give her and Yami some privacy. Walking up the Prince of Egypt, Kagome held out her hands with a smile. He blinked at her and looked at her hands. Kagome giggled and opened her hands up to reveal to sheathed dagger. Yami reached out and took it from Kagome. Unsheathing the dagger, Yami’s eyes widened as the obsidian blade that glittered in the moonlight. The hilt was a white gold and curved. Inside the hilt it was speckled with small garnets and white jade gemstones.

“It’s beautiful…” Yami whispered.

“I want you to have it for protection.” Kagome said.

The young tri-colored boy smiled and sheathed the dagger and put it away into the sash of his outfit. “Thank you Kagome.” Yami leaned forward and gave Kagome a chaste kiss on the lips.
Kagome blushed as Yami pulled away from the kiss. “H-ha-have a safe trip home Yami.” She stuttered.

Yami smiled and nodded. “I hope we see each other again soon Kagome.” He hugged her briefly before turning and walking toward the ramp. He nodded to Jounouchi, who bowed to him as he ascended the ramp. Once on board the ship, he turned to see Kagome with Jounouchi waving as the boat started to pull away. He turned to see Marik and Mana huddle together with Isis watching over them. His eyes strayed to his Priest and walked over to him.

“Are you alright?” He asked. Mahado didn’t answer as he looked toward the horizon.

Jounouchi turned to look into the forest when the boat got further and further away. He stiffened and whimpered. Kagome froze in her waving and turned also. “Jounouchi…” She whispered in a broken voice. The blonde immediately changed into his werewolf form and picked up Kagome. “Go to Midoriko…” She said holding onto him tightly hoping that this feeling was wrong.

Mahado turned to look at the two Japanese warriors that were on the docks one last time in the distance. He could make out Kagome, but the creature beside her wasn’t Jounouchi. It was furry and looked vaguely like a dog. He saw it pick up Kagome and race back into the forest. Just as the two disappeared into the forest, a brilliant pillar of light rose into the sky, piercing the heavens.

“That must be Midoriko…” Yami said.

“Yeah…” Mahado answered as he turned away from the sight.

As they got further out to sea, Mahado watched the waves as they hit the sides of the boat. He blinked as a ghost-like image of a small child no bigger than a three-year-old appeared in his sight. He stared at the child, for it looked a bit like him, but not. It waved happily before disappearing into the shadows of the sea. Shaking his head, Mahado rubbed his eyes and turned his head toward the horizon. He froze when another vision appeared. But this time this vision was of Midoriko, bloody and ragged with a large hole in her chest. Strands of her hand fell across her face as her face was speckled with blood. Her eyes were closed as though she was sleeping but Mahado knew. No one would be able to survive a hole to the chest like that, not even a shadow user. He closed his eyes to get rid of the image as tears began to spill down his face. The last image of Midoriko on top of Kirara came to his mind as well as the tears Jou had as he spoke to them and how Kagome continued despite constantly looking back. They knew what their sensei was up to. They knew that staying behind would lead to this.

‘Midoriko is giving us more time. Don’t be stupid and make her effort be a waste.’ The blonde had told them.

Mahado bowed his head as tears silently ran down his face. ‘It won’t be a waste…’ He promised. ‘I will get stronger and I will protect my prince just as she protected her Lord and Lands.’ Looking up toward the full moon, Mahado cleared away the tears from his eyes. ‘Thank you Midoriko, I will never forget you.’



Yea long time no see for this fic! Um…details for what happened will be revealed later. Just trust me okay? Hehehe