InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Cinderella Stroy ❯ Enter the Jewel ( Chapter 5 )

Kagome felt her back scream as she straitened from her crouching position over the kitchen fire. She was exhausted, but that was nothing new. She stretched and felt muscles pop. Groaning softly she washed her hands and splashed water on her face before gathering up the breakfast trays. With a smile for Shippou, still asleep beside the fire, she made her way up to her sister's rooms. Ayame was already awake. She gave Kagome a tiny smile and began to eat. Yuka was still snoring, but Kagome knew never to assume she would want to skip a meal in favor of sleep. She shook the girl awake and placated away her morning whining with the tray before gathering up their laundry from last night and leaving them.

She was in the middle of doing the wash when a runner from the village appeared at the door. She frowned at his silent look of urgency and made a placating gesture with her hand. She would come, but she still had things that needed doing if her absence was to seem normal. Tsume took over the laundry as she went and helped her sisters dress before gathering up the trays. As she left them in their own study she bowed.

"The cook informed me that she needs me to run to town. Is there anything you require?"

After listening to their laundry list of items she took her leave and all but sprinted to the village. She slid through Kaede's door and stood panting for a moment before nodding to Sango and Kirara, her neko youkai partner.

"What's the big emergency?"

Kaede handed her her bow and quiver as she spoke. "I can sense some one trying the wards. He feels powerful."

Kagome nodded to Sango and Kirara burst into flames, transforming into a giant cat. They both climbed on and soon they were bounding toward the barrier. When they got there, they found not an enemy, but an old bent youkai. The old woman was leaning against a tree, fighting for breath. Without a second thought or a backward glance Kagome strode through the barrier and knelt at her side.

"Are you all right?"

Green eyes bisected by vertical black slits met hers. This was definitely another neko youkai. "I am tired."

Kagome smiled and touched her arm, sending a small stream of healing magic into the old woman. "How do you feel now?"

"Better. Please, they are hunting me."

"Who?"

"The creatures of shadow, the one called Naraku. They seek this." She pulled out a jewel about the size of a small plum. "You must take it…I am too weak to protect it any longer."

Kagome gestured toward Sango and the woman approached. "We'll get you to the village, then we'll talk. We've dealt with Naraku before. He cannot get past this barrier."

"NO!" They both jumped at her startlingly strong voice. "I cannot endanger others. They will continue to hunt me…but you…you must take it. He has never tried in earnest child. Do not invite him to do so. He is stronger than you think."

Sango's face twisted slightly and she nodded. "She's right Kagome-sama. He was toying with you before. I've seen his real power, don't test him."

"Now you see, please." She pressed the jewel into Kagome's hand.

"What is it?"

"The Shikon no tama. It is a very powerful jewel, a source of great magic. Dark forces seek it. I sensed you…I know you can protect it."

Kagome looked at Sango, the young woman's eyes were sad. "I've heard of it, Kagome-sama. It is powerful and it is a power that evil seeks to possess. If she believes you can protect it, then you must take it."

Kagome took the jewel from the youkai. "See, I took it, now let's get you taken care of."

"No," her voice was softer now, "I will lead them from this place. You will have enough trouble without them knowing that it is you that possesses the jewel. They will be drawn to its power, and will seek you. For now though, I can buy you a few months by leading them away."

Kagome felt tears prick at her eyes. "You will die."

"Death comes to us all, child, and so long as you possess that, I will live." A wrinkled hand cupped her face gently. "You will see in time."

The old youkai stumbled to her feet and began to make her way through the woods, heading south. Sango drew Kagome back through the barrier where they stood watching until she was no longer in sight. Silently they returned to the village. Kagome gathered up the things Kaede had bought for her and headed up to the manor, the jewel suspended from a ribbon and tucked securely between her breasts. Sango stayed to fill Kaede in.