InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Kiss for A Prince ❯ The Blessing of the Water God! ( Chapter 13 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Striking Falcon 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.24.2006 | Pages: 11 | Words: 11.3K | Visits: 1.0K | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.24.2006 | Pages: 11 | Words: 11.3K | Visits: 1.0K | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: No, I don’t own it. (sigh)
I watched as she turned around, my six-year-old eyes shining excitedly as flint-gray orbs caught mine and smiled.
“Yes honey?”
“You said Father was coming today,” I started hopefully, but I could tell by her scent that I needn’t continue. My head lowered, the heavy, multicolored feathered headdress I made falling into my face as I struggled not to cry.
Father wasn’t coming . . .
Again . . .
“Oh honey,” my mother whispered and she kneeled beside me, her eyes shimmering wetly as she hugged me. I held onto her, tiny claws piercing the sides of her deerskin tunic, and allowed her to comfort me.
“You know,” she finally said as she looked down at me. “He would be here if he could. There are things that keep him from us, responsibilities that came long before us. You understand, don’t you honey?”
“Yes mother.” But back then I didn’t understand. Was it me? Was it something I had done to anger Father so? Perhaps it would have been better for my mother if-
“Stop that.”
I blinked, looked up and cowered at the dark look on my mother’s face. How-how did she know . . .
“Your father loves you and if he could he would be with us. If you don’t understand anything else then understand that. There will be no more thoughts about what my life would be like without you.”
“Yes mother.” I was subdued and ashamed. I could tell that my thoughts upset her and I wanted to cry all over again. My mother feared nothing, not the arrows of an enemy tribe nor the boom sticks of the foreigners, yet my careless thoughts had somehow wounded her. Were the other villagers right? Would I never prove myself worthy to be my mother’s daughter?
“There is someone waiting to see you,” she said, her eyes still soft as she smiled down at me. She stood up and walked further into our wigwam, and I followed her.
“Who?” I asked earnestly, my excitement from earlier nearly revived as my mother’s aura sparkled with mischief. She lifted my headdress from my head and tousled my hair. I giggled and grabbed her hand.
“Mother please!” I protested and growled when she tugged away my ceremonial tunic. “Surely you don’t expect me to meet this person dressed this way.”
“Of course not!” she replied and tugged another tunic, this one made of a lighter cotton, over my head. “This will do nicely. Now run along-“
“But Mother!” I protested as she pushed me toward the entrance. “Who is this person? Is it Cousin Ken? Is he back from the Frozen Lands to the West?”
“Nay child, not yet,” my mother shook her head. “He won’t be back for a few more summers now. This visitor knows your Great and Terrible Father.”
“Really?!!!” I was out the door before she could utter another word, my feet pounding the soft red earth as my mother called out the directions to my visitor. I ran out of our little village toward the grassy plains nearby, my heartbeat trapped in my oversized ears as I followed the wind and my nose toward a new scent. There were traces of my father still on this newcomer as well as the scents foreign to me. This newcomer smelled of strength, of compassion. . .
Of . . . humans.
I stopped immediately, uprooting the grass in my path as I stood there frozen in fear.
Human.
Those that stank of this had not been exactly . . . kind to me, yet here was someone my father knew who nearly reeked of that foul utterance. It wasn’t the smell of this person that offended me. It was actually quite a nice smell, and despite my feelings for the race I felt almost safe with this newcomer. Nevertheless I changed form, becoming the hybrid the others of my tribe bullied me for and approached the new smell again, this time with caution.
He was on a boulder in the center of the tall grass, his posture proud as he sat there with his eyes closed. He rested much like a dog with his hands palms down against the rock’s jagged surface. His claws glimmered in the sun and I questioned my nose, once so sharp, and wondered how it could miss the scent of this obvious demon. But this was where my nose had led me and here he was, so here I was going to stay.
He shifted back and sat down fully, his legs crossed in front of him and his arms folded over his broad, pale chest. Everything about him was pale, as if he secreted himself away from the sun, and everything about him radiated a warrior’s glory.
His pants were white, not brown like mine, and held the scent of an illusive deer. The wind began to blow, the grasses bent and it was when the wind shifted his hair that I noticed a pair of snow white ears nestled at the crown of his head. I gasped and dropped out of my form in shock, the alarm I felt earlier returning as I regarded this holy creature. Mother had been wrong to think that this creature wanted to see me, not one whose mother had been blessed by the gods. Me, a lowly mixed breed, couldn’t possibly be worthy to be looking at him, no less be in his presence.
I turned to run back, all thoughts of my father and the stranger forgotten unti-
“Oi! Where ya goin’ runt?”
I squeaked in fright as claws pierced my tunic and lifted me off of the warm earth. Piercing golden eyes stared back at me and I began to cry, terrified beyond all reasoning. The eyes softened immediately and he cursed before setting me into his lap.
“Hey, stop that will ya,” he growled uncomfortably. He growled when my sobs only intensified and through my tears I could see how flustered this newcomer was. For what reason? He was a holy creature and I just a lowly servant, a mistake. Why would he care about my tears?
“Come on kid, stop that,” he said as he gently pried my fingers away from my face and dried my cheeks. “Jeez, your dad would skin me alive if he knew I made you cry.”
“You-“
“Yeah,R 21; he said patiently, his eyes once again on me as he waited for me to finish. “Go ‘head. What is it?”
“You know my father, Great Demon?”
“Well yeah. I’ve known him since he was a runt, kinda like you . . . you know. ‘Cept you’re a girl and stuff.”
“Oh.” Alright then, he did know my father. “Could you tell me why he isn’t here? If it pleases you of course,” I quickly said when he began to look irritated.
“Eh, your dad’s protecting something,” he said and looked down at me. “Hey kid, look at me.” I did as he asked, grateful that he hadn’t decided to take my life and paint his nails with my blood.
Jeez, I had a gory mind as a kid.
“Why are you so afraid of me, huh?” he growled testily. “It’s not like I’m gonna eat you or something. What’s the matter, huh?”
“It’s my place,” I answered meekly. “I’m beneath you.”
“Beneath me?” He laughed then, a sharp bark that belied the dog that he truly was. “You’re beneath me?! Who says!”
“The children and the elders of the village.”
“Man, I swear,” he muttered to himself, his golden eyes darkened thoughtfully as he looked out onto the plain. “It’s so different here. I keep forgetting that.”
“Forgive me, but I don’t understand.”
“Forget about it. Listen.” He moved me from his knee to his shoulder, his eyes watchful and intense as he placed me on this honored perch by his side. “You’re full demon and I’m half. One’s no better to be than the other. Just because you’re not fully a falcon doesn’t mean you’re worthless. Anybody who tells you different can kiss my ass.”
I gasped, shocked at his language, and giggled when he winked at me. No adult had used such language around me, no less one of such standing. He stood, his pristine white hair fluttering behind us like a banner, and looked over the lands. “Everything is connected kid. Every tree, every blade of grass, and every bird and animal has to come from the same place. Demons and humans are the same. One isn’t better than the other. There’s those that think different but that’s a lot of crap. Remember kid: All life is sacred. Your life is no better than another’s, and another’s isn’t better than yours.”
I didn’t understand and I didn’t pretend that I did, but I knew that this creature, who in my village would have been revered almost as highly as my Wonderful Mother, thought that I was the same as him. I smiled at him, all traces of my earlier fright disappearing as he jumped down from the boulder and bounced on his feet.
“How ‘bout a run?” he asked and before I could answer he took off, his feet barely making a sound as he skimmed over the high grasses. He ran, his arms out by his sides and the fringes down the sides of his pants fluttering around his swiftly moving legs, and I laughed. I laughed and held on, not in fear that he would drop me, but in fear that he would disappear, that I would awaken and have dreamed of this strange half demon from my father’s lands. We traveled far and went on for hours, my laughter and his light growls the only sounds in the valley.
And there, I think, is where my hero worship began . . .
(I.)
“Yay!”
Kagome bolted out of bed, her eyes blurry and her pulse racing as Nassirudden danced into the room. “Wha . . . ” she groaned and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “What’s going on? What’s wrong?”
“Wrong? Nothing’s wrong!” Nassirudden replied with a smile. “Today’s the day before the Spring Festival!”
“Oh, oh yeah,” Kagome remembered. The castle had been abuzz the past couple of weeks, with colorful streamers hanging from every corner of the castle grounds. Diane and the rest of the kitchen staff were constantly busy and the smells of various new dishes wafted throughout the castle. Nassi and the other generals had decided to give Kagome the weeks before and during the festival off so she could help set up and have the time to enjoy herself. After all, this would be her first festival in almost 500 years, and her first festival with youkai in attendance ever.
“So,” Nassi said as Kagome stumbled from the comforts of her bedding and walked toward her armoire. “Have you decided on whether or not you’re participating?”
“I don’t think I should,” Kagome said as she flipped through her wardrobe.
“And why not?”
“Well,” Kagome sighed, then turned and looked at her while Nassi took a seat at the foot of her bed. “Other than Miroku, I’m the only human here and-“
“And nothing!” Nassi exclaimed. “I think you should! Everyone participates in some way or another. Miroku-the pervert- does palm reading.”
“And what’s so perverted about that?” Kagome asked before draping an emerald green day skirt over her vanity seat. Nassi huffed and rolled her eyes. “You mean, other than the fact that every woman’s fortune is ‘You’ll be strong, beautiful and healthy for the rest of your life. You will have many strong children. By the way-“ At this she grabbed Kagome’s free hand and put on her best beseeching face. “Will you bear my child?” Nassi chuckled as Kagome’s laughter at the beloved houshi’s expense floated down the hallway.
“He’s been here for four years, yet it never fails,” Nassi wheezed as she and Kagome attempted to calm down. “The first year he pulled that stunt InuTaishou-sama had to restrain the mates of the ladies he offended. You should have heard him, screaming about the palace like some banshee. It was hilarious!” She sighed happily and wiped a stray tear from her cheek. “But enough about him,” she said while she brushed the wrinkles from her crimson day skirt. “Come on! Let’s see if we can help Dian-“
“KAGOME!!!!”
&# 8220;My word,” Kagome gasped in shock as the echo abused their ears. “Is that Inuyasha?”
Nassi frowned disapprovingly as the bellow pierced the air again. “Who else could it be?” she grumbled irritably. “Um . . . cover your ears would you? Thanks.” Kagome quickly did as she was told when Nassi took a deep breath, remembering this preparation for when she wanted her voice to carry over a distance. She crouched down at Nassi’s feet seconds before an ear-shattering shriek sounded throughout the castle grounds. Soldiers on the practice field winced in agony and the hanyou in question quickly stopped in his tracks when he stepped into the doorway.
“Jumpin’ Buddas Nassi,” he griped as he rubbed a furry ear. “What was that for? And did you have to be so loud?”
“You’ve got some nerve buster!” Nassi shot back, her fists already planted on her hips as she gave him a scathing glare. “What’s the big deal with hollering for Kagome the way you did?! Couldn’t you just use your nose to find her? That is what it’s for you know!”
“Hey, I’m sorry ok?” Inuyasha quickly apologized. “I wasn’t thinking! There, are ya happy now?!”
“Ecstatic you lumbering . . . grrrrrr!!!” Nassi huffed and flicked aside a stray hair swaying in her line of sight, then crossed her arms and frowned. “Whatever. Anyway, I guess you want some privacy huh?”
“Oh, if you don’t mind,” Inuyasha sarcastically quipped with a bow. “Only if it pleases you your majesty.”
“Don’t be fresh,” Nassirudden mumbled with a subtle wack between his lowered ears. Inuyasha yipped and turned to her only to find her gone, her cinnamon and orange scent fading in the corridor before turning again to Kagome. “Hey Kagome, can I ask for a favor?”
“Sure Inuyasha, what?”
“Um . . . come with me for a sec. It won’t take long.”
Kagome nodded and walked to his side, then stopped when he crouched down beside her. “Er . . . what are you doing?” she asked when he gave her an expectant glare.
“Get on,” he growled angrily. “It’ll be faster this way.”
“Um . . . alright.” She climbed on gingerly, shoving back to the farthest reaches of her mind the indecency of her legs wrapped around his waist as she grabbed his shoulders and braced herself. Inuyasha stood up rather easily, his hands reaching to grasp underneath her knees as he rose to his full height. ‘Well, that was easy,’ Kagome thought with a sigh of relief. ‘Maybe this won’t be so-‘ “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!” she screamed when he tore off without a warning, his feet skimming across the marble floor as he practically flew down the hallway toward the main part of the castle.
“Inuyasha slow dowwwwwnnnnnnnnnnn!”
“Quit yellin in my ear damn it!” Inuyasha shouted back as he vaulted a pair of servants and a knocked down vase near the dojos. “You’re starting to give me a headache!”
“Well slow down and I’ll stop screaming!” Kagome shouted back. “Inuyasha, look out!!!” She screamed again and ducked behind his shoulder just before he swerved around a marble column, barely missing it by a few hairs. She refused to look up after that, her whimpers and cries of distress muffled by his hair as Inuyasha continued his mad dash through the castle to the outside.
Kagome looked up when she felt the wind brush strands of his hair against her cheek and gasped in delight as they blew past other servants and soldiers to the wild territory just outside the training grounds. “Inuyasha, where are we going?” Kagome asked again.
“We’re going to that little clearing you and Miroku made a couple of months ago,” Inuyasha answered before leaping between a set of trees. “You remember that one don’t you?”
“Hai, I do but why can’t you ask me what you want to ask me back at the castle?”
“Because this is how I want to do it,” Inuyasha grumbled irritably. “So stop complaining and-Oh, wait. We’re here.” He slowed to a stop in the center of the empty circle, where the signs of battle from a few months before had either disappeared or been cleared away. He crouched down and waited for Kagome to find her footing before walking toward a nearby tree.
“Alright Inuyasha, what’s going on?” Kagome asked impatiently. “You’ve practically scared me half to death and deafened me. I’d like to know what else I’ll have to face before the end of the day.” She groaned when he ignored her and walked behind the tree, the only part of him left visible were the ends of his white hakamas and the tips of his frosty hair. When he finally reappeared he stood beside the tree with a set of targets in his hands. Kagome stood by while he attached the targets to the trees around the circle and waited for him to acknowledge her.
“I want you to help me with something,” Inuyasha replied before disappearing behind the same tree as earlier. “I’m going to do something for the festival.”
“Really?” Kagome exclaimed excitedly. “What is it? What are you going to do?” She gaped in surprise when he stepped from behind the tree, this time with a bow in his hand and a quiver strapped to his back. “You’re going to do archery?! But I thought-“
“Yeah, I know the whole deal about males not doin’ archery and stuff,” Inuyasha interrupted. “But I don’t wanna do something that everyone else is doin’. I want to do something different.”
“And you want to do this?”
“Hai,” Inuyasha nodded. “And I need your help.”
“I’ll be glad to help,” Kagome readily agreed. “What do you need me to do?”
“You’re in charge of the targets,” Inuyasha responded before tossing her the rest of the targets. “Do you think you can set them up?”
“Hai, I think I can,” Kagome said before a thoughtful look crossed her heart-shaped face. Inuyasha knew this look by now and couldn’t help but take a wary glance at his unusually quiet companion. “What?” Inuyasha asked after a long period of silence. “What are you planning now?”
“Do you think you could shoot at a moving target?”
“Can you?” Inuyasha quipped snidely. Kagome huffed and planted her balled fists onto her hips. “Don’t be rude! I’m only asking a question!”
“Yeah, yeah,” Inuyasha grunted with his hands raised in surrender. “Alright, I give up. Hai, I can shoot at a moving target. Why, do you think I should add it to my exhibition?”
“Definitely!” Inuyasha couldn’t help laughing when she cheered and bounced around him in her excitement. “Hey,” he called as he reached out and grasped her upper arm to get her attention. “Don’t you think we should practice?”
“Why?” Kagome inquired curiously. “The Spring Festival is for a whole two weeks.”
“Yeah, well I get to go first since I’m the prince of the host territory. I get to start off the exhibitions the day after tomorrow.”
“Oh my,” Kagome replied, her excitement deflating to almost instantaneous seriousness. “We don’t have much time do we?”
“No we don’t princess,” Inuyasha quipped and ducked her hand when she moved to swat him. “So can we get to work or what? Oh, and if you’re looking for another bow-“ He raised his left hand, which had been hidden behind his back until then, and handed her a short bow painted a brilliant white. “Now can we get to work? I’m not about to screw up in front of a bunch of youkai that want me to.”
II.
Kagome stood patiently on the training field sidelines and watched as the sets of bleachers set up earlier that morning slowly filled with youkai of various species and sizes. The first day of the Spring Festival had gone off without a hitch, and the castle’s guest wing was filled with the visiting lords and ladies of the different territories of Japan. The first day ended with a grand banquet and Inu-Taisho’s welcoming speech.
Kagome glanced up at the sky and sighed, then mentally called for Inuyasha as the morning sun shone overhead. ‘Inuyasha, where are you?’ she beseeched as the last of the bleacher seats were taken. ‘Everyone’s waiting on you.’ She glanced around, a weak smile gracing her lips when Kilik and the other generals came to stand beside her and gestured for the nearest general to lean toward her.
“What is it Kagome?” Keni’Chi asked quietly. “You’re so nervous. Calm down would you?”
“I can’t help it,” Kagome whispered back. “Where’s Inuyasha? You don’t think he ‘chickened out’ do you?”
‘I’m coming damn it,’ was Inuyasha’s answering growl. Kagome breathed a sigh of relief, then glanced toward the Inner Gate. Inuyasha stood in the center of the open gate, his snowy hair pulled into a tight braid that contrasted sharply with his jet black haori. White hakamas skimmed along his sandaled feet as he approached the exhibition grounds. He adjusted the black quiver strapped to his back, gripped his long bow a little tighter, and set his eyes forward toward Kagome. He ignored the snickers and soft laughter of the foreign youkai in the crowd, a mischievous smirk appearing on his face when he imagined how shocked and surprised they would be in a few moment’s time.
‘They’re laughing at him,’ Nassi growled angrily. ‘How dare they, the assholes! They don’t know what he can do-‘
Kilik reached over and patted her shoulder. ‘Don’t worry about that Nassi. You’ve seen Inuyasha in action. I dare say they won’t be laughing for long.’
‘Yeah, but-‘
‘Let Inuyasha show off,’ InuTaishou’s calm voice fluttered across the minds of the generals. ‘Inuyasha is capable of something that no other youkai can do. Surely this will be a grand lesson for them.’
‘That’s right,’ Kagome agreed with a grin. She glanced back to Inuyasha, who gestured toward the field. The archery grounds were set up so that the audience viewed Inuyasha and the targets on the opposite end from the side, the path the arrows would travel left clear. Kagome walked to the middle of the field while Inuyasha took his place on the far right, leaving Kagome between himself and the first of the targets.
She waited patiently for the crowd to fall silent, her blue eyes scanning the faces of the youkai around her. One small bark from InuTaishou silenced those around them and Kagome gave a respectful bow to the taiyoukai before vacating her spot on the field. Inuyasha nocked his first arrow, aimed and fired. The arrow zipped through the air and pierced the target 20 paces away, the black feathered tip vibrating sharply from its place in the center of the mark. Three more arrows, each one fired at one 25 pace marker, a 30 pace marker and a 40 pace marker proved his deadly accuracy to an astonished crowd.
Kagome stood up and nocked an arrow of her own, this one with a white handkerchief tied to the shaft. She let it loose into the air and smiled when Inuyasha’s arrow speared through the handkerchief and pinned it to a nearby tree. Three more white handkerchiefs were sacrificed before Kagome reached down again, this time tying a black scrap of cloth to the arrow.
‘Ready?’ Kagome asked. Inuyasha closed his eyes, concentrated, and nodded. Kagome released the arrow, watching as the tip of Inuyasha’s arrow began to glow. The crowd gasped when it caught fire, the flaming projectile exploding once it touched the black cloth. Bits of the burning fabric rained down on the field and the ladies of the audience screamed as some of the glowing embers fluttered toward them. Kagome smiled and Inuyasha smirked back before moving to stand beside her. He bowed to her as one would a teacher, then bowed to the crowd before making his way back to the castle. He stopped once to bow to Sesshoumaru, his smirk widening at the jealousy that glowed in his older brother’s eyes.
“My word,” Kilik said as the crowd began to disperse. “It was short but sweet. Who would have guessed that Inuyasha had so much control.”
“Certainly not me,” Nassi growled playfully. “He’s always such a goof. Good job Kagome.”
(II)
Kagome stood on the outskirts if the ballroom, her sapphire eyes wide with wonder as she stared into the massive room. The cream marble floor shimmered happily, contrasting dramatically with the dark wood walls and the heavy burgundy drapes that fell in great pools from the golden curtain rods above. The room was massive and she felt lost in the sea of youkai within. Some nodded and smiled at her, others flashed their teeth in barely veiled hostility.
“Ooooo,” Kagome mumbled to herself as she searched the massive room. “I wish there was someone here that I could talk to. Maybe they’d help me find the others.”
“Maybe I can help.”
Kagome turned in surprise, then smiled when Kouga gave her a subtle bow. “Good evening Kouga-sama. How are you?”
“I’m feelin’ pretty good right about now,” he growled and grasped her hand. “Now that I have my woman by my side.”
“You flatter me,” Kagome mumbled, her eyes downcast and a faint blush staining her cheeks. “But I meant to inquire as to your enjoyment of today’s festivities.”
“Oh, everything was great!” Kouga answered excitedly. “The West always throws a great bash. You should have seen the parties they threw after Inuyasha’s and Sesshoumaru’s Youkai Trials.”
“Youkai Trials?” Kagome repeated to herself. “What are the ‘Youkai Trials’?”
“What?” Kouga bellowed in astonishment. “You’ve never heard of the Youkai Trials?” He laughed and draped an arm over her shoulders, unaware of her discomfort as he pulled her closer and bent to run his nose through her hair. “I’d be more than happy to tell you,” he softly growled in her ear. “I’d be more than happy to tell you anything-“
“Kagome?!”
Kagome looked up and gasped, her sudden relief making her slightly dizzy as Nassirudden’s bouncing form cut through the crowd. “Nassi!” she called out and stepped out of Kouga’s embrace. “Nassi, I’m right here!”
“Kagome! Great,” Nassi grinned and ‘Oomphed!’ in surprise when the young princess threw her arms around her in a fierce hug. She frowned thoughtfully, then turned that frown toward Kouga when his scent wafted off of Kagome’s hair. ‘How dare he, the arrogant perv,’ Nassi growled under her breath. ‘She hasn’t a clue as to what he’s doing and Sesshoumaru would have one hell of a fit if he were to find out.’ “Hey Kagome, what happened to your hair?” Nassi asked as she pulled Kagome away and frowned in disapproval. “Tisk-tisk. You can’t talk to the other taiyoukai looking like this.”
“Huh?” Kagome asked. Nassi merely smiled and rubbed her hands together. She waited until they were warmed before quickly blowing on her palms, then began to ‘straighten out’ Kagome’s updo. Nassi wiped away all traces of Kouga’s scent and grinned back at the taiyoukai’s disapproval. “Kouga-sama, I’m so glad you found her,” Nassi began as she tugged Kagome closer to her side. “InuTaishou-sama has been searching for her.”
“Why?” Kagome asked as Nassirudden directed her away from Kouga and toward the farthest reaches of the room. “What is it they wish to speak to me about?”
“Oh, I’m not about to tell you,” Nassi replied with an impish grin. “It would spoil the surprise.”
“What surprise?”
“Oh just tell her bird-brain,” Kouga griped from behind them. “I don’t see what’s the big idea.”
“My dear Kouga-sama,” Nassi snipped as she stopped to give Kouga a short and respectful bow. “Though I appreciate your concern, InuTaishou-sama requested that I refrain from speaking of what it is he and the other tai wish to speak to her about. And-“
“And the next time you call her bird-brain, dipshit, I’m gonna rip your spine from your poor excuse for a body.”
“Inuyasha,” Kouga growled and glared in the hanyou’s direction. “What an UNPLEASANT surprise. Whatdaya want?”
Inuyasha stepped in between Nassi and Kouga, his stance protective as he crossed his arms over his chest and glanced over his shoulder at her. “Go on Nassi,” he gestured toward the waiting cluster of youkai. “My dad’s waiting.”
“Of course. Thanks Inuyasha-sama,” Nassi replied with a reverent bow. Kagome bowed as well and, before they could run off toward the waiting party, Nassi stood on her tiptoes and gave Inuyasha a quick peck on the cheek. They were off before either youkai could respond and Kagome soon found it forgotten as Nassirudden led her into the center of the foursome and bowed. “My lords,” she said once she had their attention. “Here is Kagome-chan, just as you requested.” Nassi bowed again, then grasped Kagome’s hand and gave her a reassuring squeeze before stepping outside of the circle to observe the partygoers.
“Kagome, what a pleasure it is to see you,” InuTaishou said as he reached toward her. She placed her hand inside of his larger one and curtsied.
“Forgive me,” Kagome replied and remained in her bowed position. “I would have been here much faster if I could have.”
“I know dearest,” InuTaishou replied with a fond smile. “I’m sure the other tai do not mind. Oh yes, I really should introduce them to you.” He grasped her shoulders and turned her toward the other youkai surrounding them. “You know of my son, Sesshoumaru-sama-“
Kagome bowed deeply, a feint blush dusted along her cheeks when he nodded.
“This,” InuTaishou said as he gestured toward the strawberry blonde youkai standing beside Sesshoumaru. “Is Tetusyaro, the current-“
“And soon to be reigning lord of the North,” Tetusyaro interrupted and reached toward Kagome for her hand. “I remember you little human. You’re the one who has Kouga-sama’s nose all turned around.”
Kagome blushed furiously, unsure as the how to respond to that, and bowed once he released her. The introductions continued with Hiroshi-sama, who fluttered his dark wings in acknowledgment, before turning to an unknown youkai standing along the group’s edge. “And last but not least, is Ramses-sama from overseas.” Kagome gaped in shock, but quickly recovered and gave the foreign lord a respectful bow.
‘Wow,’ she said to herself when the youkai smiled down at her and bowed in return. ‘He looks so much like Rashidi it’s almost scary.’ The lord and the new guard stationed back in her kingdom greatly resembled each other, but it was their differences that were the most striking. Where Rashidi’s face held whiskers around his cat-like nose, Ramses nose was human shaped and sculpted to a near perfection.. Ramses head was almost completely bald, with a beautiful stream of straight jet black hair cascading from the golden top knot at the top of his head with a gilded goatee. Rashidi’s hair was a thick mass of beautiful, shimmering onyx curls and waves. Their eyes, their smiles, and their auras were almost exactly alike and Kagome immediately felt at ease with this powerful lord.
“There was something we wished to discuss with you Kagome,” InuTaishou said, unknowingly interrupting Kagome’s train of thought. “And there are a few questions we would like to have answered as well.”
“Of course,” Kagome replied with a dutiful nod. “However I may he-“
“Were you really the one who taught the hanyou how to shoot like that?” Tetusyaro interrupted insistently. “Cause I’m having a very hard time believing it.”
“Yes, North-sama, I am,” Kagome replied with another nod. Tetusyaro snorted in disbelief and looked away.
“What is it?” Ramses asked, his lulling tenor calming on Kagome’s insulted nerves. “I do not sense any falsehoods within the young one. Why are you so untrusting?”
“Because it’s in their nature to lie,” Tetusyaro replied with a muted hiss. “In your country, ningen know their place and accept it. Here, they think to challenge us, making our lives as difficult as possible. They are the reason the lands are in turmoil.”
“Only in your lands, Tetusyaro,” InuTaishou interrupted testily. “Here, the west trusts all of it’s treasured subjects and Kagome just so happens to be one of them. I will not stand for you insulting her.”
“My apologies InuTaishou-sama,” Tetusyaro replied solemnly. “It was not my intention to upset you.”
“Yes, just to insult her. Of this I am aware kitten.”
Tetusyaro hissed in offense and InuTaishou growled in return. The other tai looked to see who would step between them and were surprised when the little human in question quickly sprang into action. “Thank you so much for defending me InuTaishou-sama,” Kagome replied with a warm smile and a gentle hand placed on his voluminous sleeve. She turned to Tetusyaro and bowed, the same smile still on her lips when she finally rose to her full height.
“And thank you, Tetusyaro, for looking out for my lord’s best interest,” she said and continued despite his shock at her behavior. “It does my heart good to know that InuTaishou-sama has such loyal allies.”
“Um...of course,” Tetusyaro replied and jumped when thunderous laughter suddenly filled the air. They turned just as Hiroshi straightened himself, his booming amusement a shock to the other tai.
“What?” he said once he calmed down. “I’m not allowed to laugh every now and again? I know I am the more...tranquil of the four lands, but even I can find amusement in something. You have little to worry about Tetusyaro. Just as InuTaishou said, she is an honest one. Are you not the little ningen onna that nursed what few of my soldiers returned from that awful scrimmage with the Dark Army a few moon cycles back?”
“I-“
“She is,” Sesshoumaru replied. InuTaishou blinked in surprise, but nodded when Hiroshi and the other tai turned to him for conformation.
“Then I must thank you,” Hiroshi responded and quickly touched his beak-like nose to the back of her hand. “My soldiers spoke in great length of this Angel of the West, and how gentle and brave you were among the most badly hurt of them. You gave them comfort when they were in sore need of it.”
Kagome blushed heavily, her cheeks and even the tip of her nose blossoming into a rosy pink as she bowed in thanks. “It was my pleasure,” she replied with a soft smile. “How are they if I may ask?”
“Each soldier has recovered nicely,” Hiroshi informed her. “InuTaishou, I am for this now more than ever.”
“Um, for what?” Kagome asked as she turned back to the previously silent taiyoukai. He regarded her with a smile and settled his larger hands on Kagome’s shoulders. He felt the sudden surge of something from Sesshoumaru and he inwardly smirked, wondering to himself if Sesshoumaru even knew he was reacting in such a way. ‘Silly, jealous pup,’ he said to himself. He blinked out of his thoughts when a gentle hand touched his own and looked down into concerned sapphire orbs. He smiled down at her and began the reason for Nassi’s search for her, all the while secretly wondering how in the world Sesshoumaru managed to resist this sweet-faced hime before him.
“The other tai and I were very impressed with Inuyasha’s display the other afternoon,” InuTaishou began. “His skill is something to be admired, even if it is unexpected.”
“Inuyasha-sama worked very hard InuTaishou-sama,” Kagome replied. “I am proud of him.”
‘There it is again,’ InuTaishou said to himself as yet another surge, this one a bit stronger than the last, crashed into him. His entertainment fell short when Kagome shuddered, her eyes slightly distant as the energy crashed into her as well. ‘Poor dear,’ he sympathized. ‘She is not used to feeling such waves from him, nor does she know what it is. I will have to get Nassi to explain this to her in one of their lessons.’ “Kagome-“
“I am fine,” she replied with another pat to his hand. “Please continue my lord.”
“Of course. As I said, the other lords and I were very impressed and even though most of the praise must go to Inuyasha, you deserve a bit of it yourself for your excellent training.”
“I agree fully,” Hiroshi replied with a slight twitch of his wings. “The other tai and I were doubtful-“
“Still are,” was Tetusyaro muttered interruption. He frowned at everyone else’s disapproving stare and decided to keep his opinions to himself...at least for the time being.
“As I was saying,” Hiroshi continued, the hard edge in his steely green eyes fading once he returned to the conversation. “The other tai and I were interested in knowing if you would train a couple of our infantrymen in this forgotten art.”
“Um...well,” Kagome considered with a great deal of surprise. “I would be most honored to assist you if it is my lord’s wish.”
Sesshoumaru looked on while the others talked, a slight frown marring his normally stoic features as he watched their interactions with his young hime. ‘The more she speaks, the more of an asset she makes herself to the western kingdom and the better my father looks in the eyes of the other tai.’ Kagome laughed easily with the powerful and learned youkai around her, her ease and innocence a charm that even the most hardened of youkai found endearing. ‘Even Tetusyaro, the self-proclaimed ‘Hater of Humanity’, cannot resist her gentle smiles and soft laughter. Perhaps it would have been in my best interest to introduce her as my own instead...’
Sesshoumaru considered it a moment, then quickly disagreed with the idea as the others finally settled into an agreement.
“I will speak to her instructors on the matter,” InuTaishou said above the laughter around him. “And I will be sure to send word once everything is settled. In the meantime, be sure to think over how many soldiers you wish to spare for this endeavor. Oh.” He turned at a tug on his sleeve and nodded his head at Nassirudden’s apologetic bow.
“Forgive me, InuTaishou-sama, but would it be alright if Kagome-chan comes with me for a moment? There is something that I wish for her to see.”
“Of course,” InuTaishou replied with a nod of agreement. “Being around so many old ones must be stressful indeed-“
“I could not agree more,” Tetsuyaro ‘agreed’ and looked away in embarrassment at Kagome’s gentle laughter.
“Well,” Hiroshi grumbled before reaching out for Kagome’s hand. “It was a pleasure meeting you, my dear.”
“Mine as well,” Ramses said as he cradled her free hand in his larger ones. “We must speak again.”
“Of course,” Kagome replied with a feint blush. “Whenever you desire.”
“Come on,” Nassi griped and grabbed Kagome’s elbow. “Forgive us for the rush, but we really must be off.”
“Go on then,” was InuTaishou’s reply as Nassi dragged Kagome across the ballroom floor. Kagome struggled to keep up, her thoughts still on the conversation behind her. She blinked when everything around her fell silent and looked up to the empty hallway outside of the massive space.
“Nassi?” she said as she stared at the bouncing kencho youkai. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong,” Nassi replied with a bright grin. “But....I have a surprise for you.”
“What?” Kagome inquired excitedly, her blue eyes sparkling and impatient. “What is it?”
“I want you to dress in something special tomorrow, something that you can easily travel in and still look great.”
“Why?”
“Because ,” Nassi winked. “We’re going on a field trip!”
“A what?”
Nassi laughed at Kagome’s confusion, blue eyes that were previously so wide and happy now narrowed. “A field trip,” Nassi repeated herself and calmed down long enough to explain. “Where I’m from, a field trip is something every student looks forward to. Its like class outside of class.”
“Class...outside...of class? That does not sound very fun Nassi-sempai.”
“Yeah well,” Nassi disagreed. “You’ve never been on one. Now go to bed. We need to be ready to leave in the morning.”
“But-“
“No buts,” Nassi said as she turned Kagome in the direction of the Great Taiyoukai’s chambers. “Decide on what you’re going to wear, then get some rest.”
“Um, alright,” Kagome reluctantly agreed. “But what about-“
“I’ve already told InuTaishou-sama,” Nassi interjected before Kagome could ask. “And he’s in full agreement. Sesshoumaru-dono is as well. There is no getting out of this Kagome.” Nassi laughed when Kagome groaned and listened to her footsteps as she walked down the hallway toward her room. ‘You’ll see,’ Nassi said to herself as she returned to the party. ‘Tomorrow is going to be a day you’ll never forget.’
(III)
Kagome huffed and puffed along the steep mountain path, cobalt orbs narrowed hatefully at the bouncing, cheerful form directly in front of her.
“Faster, pussycat, faster,” Nassi chirped as she continued on without so much as a second glance. Kagome growled lightly but struggled forward, thankful for Nassi’s suggestion to change clothes once they approached the base of the mountainside. The climb up the mountain definitely would have been harder in her five-layer kimono and geta sandals, but that didn’t mean the climb was any easier without them. On top of that, the higher they ventured forth the colder it became and the harder it was to breathe.
“Nassi-“ Kagome huffed out before falling to her knees. Nassi was by her side in an instant, her concern evident on her delicate features as she rubbed Kagome’s shoulders and helped her to calm down.
“I know it’s hard,” she said as Kagome swallowed in great gulps of air. “And I’m really sorry about not warning you about this earlier. I guess I figures that your training would help you handle this. Are you alright now?”
“Yes, I’m fine,” Kagome wheezed and struggled to her feet. She held still so Nassi could brush the dust off of the knees of her white pants of her ao dai. The pants and the burgundy long tunic were made of a fabric that, though beautiful, was heavy and extremely warm. Nassi was dressed in a blue version of Kagome’s outfit, with a pale, robin’s egg blue tunic and cream pants.
“Are you ready to go on?”
“Yes,” Kagome nodded and grasped Nassi’s hand for support. They continued on in silence for a few moments, then Nassi turned to Kagome and asked, “What do you know about this mountain exactly?”
“Well,” Kagome puffed while she struggled not to trip over a loose rock in the pathway. “Not much. Why? Is there something special about it?”
Nassi nodded, a gentle smile on her lips as she stared up into the clouds ahead of them that hid the top of the mountain. “This mountain is a very, very old mountain. As a matter of fact, InuTaishou’s oji-sama was around at about the time something major happened on top of it.”
“Wh-what?” Kagome asked, her eyes finally away from the pathway to watch Nassi tell the story. “What happened?”
“Well,” Nassi began with a sparkle in her normally calm eyes. “Like I said, in InuTaishou’s oji-sama’s time there lived a great miko who’s name has been lost to the sands of time. She protected all of Japan from rouge youkai and oni but the part everyone remembers her for was her mercy and kindness. She helped anyone, youkai or ningen, and did her best to heal the sick and weak of both species.
“That priestess-I mean miko- and a hoard of dark youkai died on the summit of this mountain. The resulting shockwave was felt all the way in Mongolia.”
“Wow...” Kagome breathed, her fingers pressed to her lips and her eyes wide in surprise. “What happened to the miko?”
Nassi shrugged. “No one really knows. As a matter of fact, no one even dared come near this mountain for years afterward. They were too afraid of whatever spirits may have been set loose because of the blast. Fifty or so years afterward though, people started disappearing near the mountain’s base. Ningen kingdoms sent search parties but the search parties would never return. It finally got so bad that InuTaishou-sama, who’d just become tai at the time, sent a search party of his own to see where everyone went.”
“Well?” Kagome asked at Nassi’s pause. “Um, what happened?”
“To whom?”
“To the people that disappeared!” Kagome shot back in a huff. “Nas, don’t stop the story right ther-“
“Kagome,” Nassi interrupted with a grin. “We’re here.”
Kagome turned around and gasped, her hands flying to her mouth and her eyes wide in surprise.
“See, for years it did nothing but rain up here,” Nassi said while Kagome absorbed everything around her. “And no one else even knew. The people that disappeared here didn’t disappear, they chose to stay here. Can you blame them?”
Kagome shook her head no, her eyes still round in disbelief at the massive body of water that greeted them. The crystal clear water stretched on for miles and miles, with the opposite edge of the lake a faint line on the horizon. In the center of the lake grew a gigantic tree, it’s green leaves and gigantic arms stretching out toward the borders of its’ watery home. Attached to the tree was a series of boats, each one hooked on to another boat or attached to a small plankway that served for streets in this floating village.
“Wow...” Kagome muttered again and looked up when Nassi laughed. “Yeah, that’s what I said when I first saw this place. This is Village in the Lake, and it’s pretty much a merchant haven. Some rare items come through here and, because of that, InuTaishou-sama asks that they pay a tariff instead of sending a third of their crops like he asks of the other villages. Trust me, they don’t even miss the revenue.
“Well,” Nassi said next. “Shall we?”
“Shall we what?”
“Shall we go down?” Nassi laughed and reached for Kagome’s hand. “They have the BEST spring festivals with all kinds of food, games and goods for sale.”
“But I thought you said this was going to be a ‘field trip’,” Kagome said as they made their way down the mountain’s slope toward the ferryboat on the edge of the lake. “And that this is to be a ‘learning experience’?”
“Did I say that?” Nassi said as she turned to her, her fingertip thoughtfully tapping her chin and her silver eyes toward the sky as she feigned innocence. “I don’t remember...”
“Nassi!” Kagome giggled at her friend’s antics and allowed her to pull her the rest of the way down the hill. Nassi paid the ferryman his few coins and helped Kagome onto the boat. The lake below them sparkled in the sunlight, the shallow waves from the boat creating shimmering diamond pathways along the water’s reflective surface.
Stepping off of the boat and onto the large plank leading toward the rest of the ‘village’ was like stepping into a whole new world. People rushed past them, some shouting in Japanese, other shouting in languages foreign to Kagome’s ears. Street performers dressed in brightly colored costumes danced or sang to small crowds, and were rewarded with coins that were tossed inside small tin cups. Street vendors constantly waved their wares, some with rare paintings and fine jewelry, others with expensive fabrics and odd instruments. With Nassirudden by her side Kagome got to experience everything there was to this odd little town. She tasted every little dish Nassi placed in front of her and admired the rare finds of the town.
Sunset finally announced itself with fiery sashes of orange, red and gold and Nassi called out for her student. Kagome came readily, her burgundy and cream footsteps thumping along the wooden planks as she stopped at Nassi’s side. “Nassi, have you seen the dancers in the center of the square?” she asked excitedly. “There was this one woman, wearing-“
“Yes Kagome, I know,” Nassi replied as she waved the ferry toward them. “I saw them too. You really shouldn’t walk away from me you know. This is a big place, though it doesn’t seem like it, and you could have gotten lost.”
“Yes, I know, but Nas that woman, she did this turn-“ Kagome stopped mid sentence and demonstrated, her arms raised above her head as she twirled on her right foot. She kept her left behind her, then out by her side before stopping with a quick hop.
“That’s pretty good Kagome,” Nassi cheered as Kagome continued to dance along the dock. “I see you’re ready for some dance training. Um, Kagome, watch out. You’re getting to close to the-KAGOME!” Kagome lost her balance along the edge and slipped into the lake with a barely audible shriek. Nassi threw down her pack and ran toward the edge, her silver orbs wide in panic as she tried to see her friend below the water’s surface.
“Heya miss,” the ferryman said once he finally brought his boat to dock. “You shouldn’t lean over the edge like that. We’ve have a couple of girls disappear that way.”
“My friend’s down there!” Nassi shouted and the old man rushed to her side in an instant, his oar clenched tightly in his hands as he shoved it into the water.
“How long has she been in there?” he demanded as he swirled the oar around.
“Um, I don’t know. . . Maybe about two or so minutes.”
“That long eh?” The ferryman clucked his tongue and shook his head. “That’s too bad. Maybe the Water God already has her.”
“What?” Nassi hissed, her eyes narrowed dangerously and her head jerked toward the ferryman. “What Water God?!!”
888888
Kagome closed her eyes, her meditation practices with InuTaishou coming in handy as she calmed herself and struggled not to panic. She relaxed, opened her eyes and was stunned at the unexpected beauty she found underneath the lake’s peaceful surface. Beautiful green plants clung to the bottom of the lake and reached out hundreds of feet from their roots toward the surface and the sunlight. In the center of this underwater forest were the roots of the Sacred Tree, its gnarled and twisted masses in a tightly fisted ball. Inside the ball was a small crevice and Kagome could see something shining within. She swam closer to the ball, and to her surprise found a little woman inside of it.
“Are you human?” the little woman asked as she held onto the roots imprisoning her. “You must not stay here if you are! There is a rogue youkai who’s stolen my naginata and-oh no!” the little woman gasped. “You must get out of here! He is coming! You must flee!”
Kagome turned around and mentally gaped at the massive snake charging toward her, the teeny wooden rod in his hand pointed in her direction. She swam up quickly, her little feet propelling her toward the surface with the mammoth snake in hot pursuit. She broke the surface inches from Nassi and the dock, took one deep inhale and managed a quick, “Nas, there’s something he-“ before she was jerked back underneath the surface by a crushing weight against her leg. Her struggles to get free only resulted in exciting the snake youkai. It grinned at her, it’s needle-like teeth glimmering in the sparse light, and snapped its jaws at her.
Kagome grabbed the nearest object (a standby twig) and flung it at the youkai. The snake dodged it with barely an effort and laughed at the little human’s stupidity.
“Little morsel,” it’s voice rumbled along the waves. “Surely you know better than to challenge me in my own domain. I shall make a snack out of you.”
Kagome frowned and swam toward the imprisoned woman, collecting vines and other plantlife along the way. She turned directly in front of the woman and stood her ground, the vines and flora in her hands twisted to create a makeshift rope. She pushed off against the tree roots and shot toward the snake, who grimaced in surprise and reached out for her. She ducked his claws and wrapped the rope around it’s wrist, then swam around and reached for the other before securing the creature’s arms at it’s sides.
“How dare you!” the snake thundered through the water. “You will release me right this instant!”
Kagome huffed in refusal, then turned back to the woman and tugged at the tree roots. Her struggles were in vain however and Kagome tapped the roots with a mental promise to return before swimming back to the surface. She was but a foot from her goal when the snake tore free from it’s confinement and sank it’s teeth into her leg. She mentally screamed, unknowingly sending her anguish toward everyone attached to her mind link, and struggled to stay conscious. The snake pulled her toward the lake bottom, it’s laughter ringing in her ears. The tiny woman’s shrieks for her safety helped Kagome stay conscious and stay focused on the reason why she was down there.
‘I can’t leave her alone,’ Kagome whispered to herself. Her eyes fluttered open and blue as calm as the lake around her began to glow. ‘There’s no telling how long she’s been down here, and no telling what’s going to happen to her if she doesn’t get any help.’
“My dinner is served,” the snake cooed lovingly as it released it’s jaws from her leg and grasped her by the hair. “And what a pretty morsel it is...Huh...” It frowned at Kagome’s blank, glowing stare, and attempted to shake her free of its grasp. Kagome grabbed hold of it’s finger and held on tight, her hands glowing the same blue as her eyes. “No!” the snake shrieked as the glow began to encase it’s slimy, wet form. “You cannot do this! I was so close to being a kami! Nooooo-“
The snake exploded in a mass of light that ripped through the calmness of the lake. The mountain shook with the shockwave and wet ashes rained down onto the unsuspecting village. Kagome was rocketed back, her face one of shocked amazement before the back of her head connected with the tree roots behind her. She lost consciousness immediately, normal orbs secreted away as the roots of the tree untangled themselves and the tiny woman within slipped between them toward the young hime.
“Little hime, thank you so much,” the little woman whispered as she touched Kagome’s shoulder. She reached out and watched as the wooden rod the snake was holding propelled itself through the water, it’s journey coming to a stop in the woman’s hand. “Imagine, a miko so strong in ability in this day and age...what a surprise.” The little woman laughed, then waved her rod through the water. A bubble formed around Kagome and the air she sorely needed quickly filled her lungs.
“Allow me this one gift since you risked your life so valiantly for mine.” She closed her eyes and whispered the words for an incantation, then gently tapped the bubble. It rose toward the surface slowly, the little woman’s mischievous smile reflecting in the bubble’s smooth surface as she waved and swam away.
“How, Honorable Stranger,” he called out, his eyes narrowed slightly as I shrank away from him. “We welcome you into our village. May we remove the unclean one from your hands?”
“Unclean?” he repeated, then lifted me to his face and made a show of sniffing me. I laughed again, a sound foreign to these monsters, and sighed happily when he returned me to his arms. “She smells a little sweaty, and could probably use a bath, but unclean? What makes her unclean?”
“She is a mix,” the chief said as if it were obvious. “Her Gracious Mother protects us, and for that my people are grateful, but she knows the rules of our people. The young one is-“
“The young one is mine,” he growled, no, snarled into the elder’s face. His fangs lengthened dangerously and the shadows of what appeared to be lines slashed on his cheeks. “You, or any others of this puny village, dare touch her again and I’ll destroy everything here!”
The villages gasped, as did I. Never would I have guessed that my strange new friend could be so violent. His claws wrapped around the chief’s neck without warning and he lifted the heavy human into the air like a doll. “So help me,” he growled, his voice guttural and raw with promise. “I will make you sorry. Is that understood? Her mother may not wish to punish you, but I am not as forgiving.”
“Y-yes, Honorable One,” the chief stammered, he and the rest of the humans floored by my companion’s strength and power. “The Unclean One-“
“NEVER CALL HER THAT AGAIN!”
I shrieked and scurried away from him, the power radiating from his aura stifling and horrifying as I scrambled toward the safety of my mother and our wigwam. I dove inside without a word, my earlier trust for him gone as I cowered underneath our blankets.
“Dearest,” I could hear my mother whisper from outside of my hiding place. “What is it? What is wrong?”
“It’s my fault,” the newcomer’s voice announced above the rustling of beads. “I scared her, I think. I was only trying to-“
“I know,” I heard my mother say. “I truly appreciate it and she will too someday.”
Golden eyes suddenly stared at me and I screamed as he lifted me out of my hiding place. “Hey,” he called softly as he struggled to keep hold of me. “Be still. It’s alright. See? I’m sorry I scared you. I just wanted to help you, that’s all.”
“Why?” I sobbed as I struggled to get away. “Why do you care? Is it because of Father? He doesn’t care, so why should you?!”
“Now hold on,” he growled as he grabbed hold of the back of my tunic and lifted me to his eyes again. They were angry but they were clear, all traces of the madness gone as he glared at me. “Your father does care. Yeah, it sucks that he can’t be with you but that’s the way things are. What you’re father’s doing is important and he’s doing it so you can have a better life. As for me, I do what I want to ‘cause I can. Like I said out there, you’re mine and I’m not about to let anyone hurt you.”
“But who are you?”
“I’m ...well...” He glanced at my mother then and sighed when she shrugged and glanced away. “I’m...your grandfather.”
“Really? But you don’t-“
“Yeah well, sometimes it happens that way.”
“Grandfather...” I whispered. It was so incredible.
Grandfather...
Oji-san...
I was too little to realize that he smelled nothing of my mother, father, and I, but by the time I was old enough to realize..
I was old enough for it not to matter...at least not to me...
(End Chapter)
SF: Well, that’s the new chapter. What do you guys-
Inu-chan: Hey birdbrain! What’s the big idea puttin’ Kagome in danger like that? She could’ve been killed messin’ around with you!
SF: Aw now. Not to worry Inu-chan. I wouldn’t let anything bad happen to Kagome...not for real. Besides, what doesn’t kill you usually makes you stronger.
Inu-chan: (glaring at Sesshou) Or leaves you with one arm.
Sesshou: -.- Is there something you wish to speak on hanyou?
Inu-chan: Yeah, as a matter of fact I-
SF: Oh no! Not right now. Don’t you guys even get started?! Hey Shippou, get to work on the summary for the next chapter would ya?
Shippou: I’m on it! Here goes!
Summary: Kagome wakes up and finds out exactly what the blessing of a water god (or any god for that matter) entails. Sesshoumaru leaves again, but comes back with something more than just good ties with the Eastern Kingdom.
Next chapter-Chapter Fourteen: An Orphan on the Roadside!
Chapter Thirteen: The Blessing of the Water God!
“Mother?”I watched as she turned around, my six-year-old eyes shining excitedly as flint-gray orbs caught mine and smiled.
“Yes honey?”
“You said Father was coming today,” I started hopefully, but I could tell by her scent that I needn’t continue. My head lowered, the heavy, multicolored feathered headdress I made falling into my face as I struggled not to cry.
Father wasn’t coming . . .
Again . . .
“Oh honey,” my mother whispered and she kneeled beside me, her eyes shimmering wetly as she hugged me. I held onto her, tiny claws piercing the sides of her deerskin tunic, and allowed her to comfort me.
“You know,” she finally said as she looked down at me. “He would be here if he could. There are things that keep him from us, responsibilities that came long before us. You understand, don’t you honey?”
“Yes mother.” But back then I didn’t understand. Was it me? Was it something I had done to anger Father so? Perhaps it would have been better for my mother if-
“Stop that.”
I blinked, looked up and cowered at the dark look on my mother’s face. How-how did she know . . .
“Your father loves you and if he could he would be with us. If you don’t understand anything else then understand that. There will be no more thoughts about what my life would be like without you.”
“Yes mother.” I was subdued and ashamed. I could tell that my thoughts upset her and I wanted to cry all over again. My mother feared nothing, not the arrows of an enemy tribe nor the boom sticks of the foreigners, yet my careless thoughts had somehow wounded her. Were the other villagers right? Would I never prove myself worthy to be my mother’s daughter?
“There is someone waiting to see you,” she said, her eyes still soft as she smiled down at me. She stood up and walked further into our wigwam, and I followed her.
“Who?” I asked earnestly, my excitement from earlier nearly revived as my mother’s aura sparkled with mischief. She lifted my headdress from my head and tousled my hair. I giggled and grabbed her hand.
“Mother please!” I protested and growled when she tugged away my ceremonial tunic. “Surely you don’t expect me to meet this person dressed this way.”
“Of course not!” she replied and tugged another tunic, this one made of a lighter cotton, over my head. “This will do nicely. Now run along-“
“But Mother!” I protested as she pushed me toward the entrance. “Who is this person? Is it Cousin Ken? Is he back from the Frozen Lands to the West?”
“Nay child, not yet,” my mother shook her head. “He won’t be back for a few more summers now. This visitor knows your Great and Terrible Father.”
“Really?!!!” I was out the door before she could utter another word, my feet pounding the soft red earth as my mother called out the directions to my visitor. I ran out of our little village toward the grassy plains nearby, my heartbeat trapped in my oversized ears as I followed the wind and my nose toward a new scent. There were traces of my father still on this newcomer as well as the scents foreign to me. This newcomer smelled of strength, of compassion. . .
Of . . . humans.
I stopped immediately, uprooting the grass in my path as I stood there frozen in fear.
Human.
Those that stank of this had not been exactly . . . kind to me, yet here was someone my father knew who nearly reeked of that foul utterance. It wasn’t the smell of this person that offended me. It was actually quite a nice smell, and despite my feelings for the race I felt almost safe with this newcomer. Nevertheless I changed form, becoming the hybrid the others of my tribe bullied me for and approached the new smell again, this time with caution.
He was on a boulder in the center of the tall grass, his posture proud as he sat there with his eyes closed. He rested much like a dog with his hands palms down against the rock’s jagged surface. His claws glimmered in the sun and I questioned my nose, once so sharp, and wondered how it could miss the scent of this obvious demon. But this was where my nose had led me and here he was, so here I was going to stay.
He shifted back and sat down fully, his legs crossed in front of him and his arms folded over his broad, pale chest. Everything about him was pale, as if he secreted himself away from the sun, and everything about him radiated a warrior’s glory.
His pants were white, not brown like mine, and held the scent of an illusive deer. The wind began to blow, the grasses bent and it was when the wind shifted his hair that I noticed a pair of snow white ears nestled at the crown of his head. I gasped and dropped out of my form in shock, the alarm I felt earlier returning as I regarded this holy creature. Mother had been wrong to think that this creature wanted to see me, not one whose mother had been blessed by the gods. Me, a lowly mixed breed, couldn’t possibly be worthy to be looking at him, no less be in his presence.
I turned to run back, all thoughts of my father and the stranger forgotten unti-
“Oi! Where ya goin’ runt?”
I squeaked in fright as claws pierced my tunic and lifted me off of the warm earth. Piercing golden eyes stared back at me and I began to cry, terrified beyond all reasoning. The eyes softened immediately and he cursed before setting me into his lap.
“Hey, stop that will ya,” he growled uncomfortably. He growled when my sobs only intensified and through my tears I could see how flustered this newcomer was. For what reason? He was a holy creature and I just a lowly servant, a mistake. Why would he care about my tears?
“Come on kid, stop that,” he said as he gently pried my fingers away from my face and dried my cheeks. “Jeez, your dad would skin me alive if he knew I made you cry.”
“You-“
“Yeah,R 21; he said patiently, his eyes once again on me as he waited for me to finish. “Go ‘head. What is it?”
“You know my father, Great Demon?”
“Well yeah. I’ve known him since he was a runt, kinda like you . . . you know. ‘Cept you’re a girl and stuff.”
“Oh.” Alright then, he did know my father. “Could you tell me why he isn’t here? If it pleases you of course,” I quickly said when he began to look irritated.
“Eh, your dad’s protecting something,” he said and looked down at me. “Hey kid, look at me.” I did as he asked, grateful that he hadn’t decided to take my life and paint his nails with my blood.
Jeez, I had a gory mind as a kid.
“Why are you so afraid of me, huh?” he growled testily. “It’s not like I’m gonna eat you or something. What’s the matter, huh?”
“It’s my place,” I answered meekly. “I’m beneath you.”
“Beneath me?” He laughed then, a sharp bark that belied the dog that he truly was. “You’re beneath me?! Who says!”
“The children and the elders of the village.”
“Man, I swear,” he muttered to himself, his golden eyes darkened thoughtfully as he looked out onto the plain. “It’s so different here. I keep forgetting that.”
“Forgive me, but I don’t understand.”
“Forget about it. Listen.” He moved me from his knee to his shoulder, his eyes watchful and intense as he placed me on this honored perch by his side. “You’re full demon and I’m half. One’s no better to be than the other. Just because you’re not fully a falcon doesn’t mean you’re worthless. Anybody who tells you different can kiss my ass.”
I gasped, shocked at his language, and giggled when he winked at me. No adult had used such language around me, no less one of such standing. He stood, his pristine white hair fluttering behind us like a banner, and looked over the lands. “Everything is connected kid. Every tree, every blade of grass, and every bird and animal has to come from the same place. Demons and humans are the same. One isn’t better than the other. There’s those that think different but that’s a lot of crap. Remember kid: All life is sacred. Your life is no better than another’s, and another’s isn’t better than yours.”
I didn’t understand and I didn’t pretend that I did, but I knew that this creature, who in my village would have been revered almost as highly as my Wonderful Mother, thought that I was the same as him. I smiled at him, all traces of my earlier fright disappearing as he jumped down from the boulder and bounced on his feet.
“How ‘bout a run?” he asked and before I could answer he took off, his feet barely making a sound as he skimmed over the high grasses. He ran, his arms out by his sides and the fringes down the sides of his pants fluttering around his swiftly moving legs, and I laughed. I laughed and held on, not in fear that he would drop me, but in fear that he would disappear, that I would awaken and have dreamed of this strange half demon from my father’s lands. We traveled far and went on for hours, my laughter and his light growls the only sounds in the valley.
And there, I think, is where my hero worship began . . .
(I.)
“Yay!”
Kagome bolted out of bed, her eyes blurry and her pulse racing as Nassirudden danced into the room. “Wha . . . ” she groaned and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “What’s going on? What’s wrong?”
“Wrong? Nothing’s wrong!” Nassirudden replied with a smile. “Today’s the day before the Spring Festival!”
“Oh, oh yeah,” Kagome remembered. The castle had been abuzz the past couple of weeks, with colorful streamers hanging from every corner of the castle grounds. Diane and the rest of the kitchen staff were constantly busy and the smells of various new dishes wafted throughout the castle. Nassi and the other generals had decided to give Kagome the weeks before and during the festival off so she could help set up and have the time to enjoy herself. After all, this would be her first festival in almost 500 years, and her first festival with youkai in attendance ever.
“So,” Nassi said as Kagome stumbled from the comforts of her bedding and walked toward her armoire. “Have you decided on whether or not you’re participating?”
“I don’t think I should,” Kagome said as she flipped through her wardrobe.
“And why not?”
“Well,” Kagome sighed, then turned and looked at her while Nassi took a seat at the foot of her bed. “Other than Miroku, I’m the only human here and-“
“And nothing!” Nassi exclaimed. “I think you should! Everyone participates in some way or another. Miroku-the pervert- does palm reading.”
“And what’s so perverted about that?” Kagome asked before draping an emerald green day skirt over her vanity seat. Nassi huffed and rolled her eyes. “You mean, other than the fact that every woman’s fortune is ‘You’ll be strong, beautiful and healthy for the rest of your life. You will have many strong children. By the way-“ At this she grabbed Kagome’s free hand and put on her best beseeching face. “Will you bear my child?” Nassi chuckled as Kagome’s laughter at the beloved houshi’s expense floated down the hallway.
“He’s been here for four years, yet it never fails,” Nassi wheezed as she and Kagome attempted to calm down. “The first year he pulled that stunt InuTaishou-sama had to restrain the mates of the ladies he offended. You should have heard him, screaming about the palace like some banshee. It was hilarious!” She sighed happily and wiped a stray tear from her cheek. “But enough about him,” she said while she brushed the wrinkles from her crimson day skirt. “Come on! Let’s see if we can help Dian-“
“KAGOME!!!!”
&# 8220;My word,” Kagome gasped in shock as the echo abused their ears. “Is that Inuyasha?”
Nassi frowned disapprovingly as the bellow pierced the air again. “Who else could it be?” she grumbled irritably. “Um . . . cover your ears would you? Thanks.” Kagome quickly did as she was told when Nassi took a deep breath, remembering this preparation for when she wanted her voice to carry over a distance. She crouched down at Nassi’s feet seconds before an ear-shattering shriek sounded throughout the castle grounds. Soldiers on the practice field winced in agony and the hanyou in question quickly stopped in his tracks when he stepped into the doorway.
“Jumpin’ Buddas Nassi,” he griped as he rubbed a furry ear. “What was that for? And did you have to be so loud?”
“You’ve got some nerve buster!” Nassi shot back, her fists already planted on her hips as she gave him a scathing glare. “What’s the big deal with hollering for Kagome the way you did?! Couldn’t you just use your nose to find her? That is what it’s for you know!”
“Hey, I’m sorry ok?” Inuyasha quickly apologized. “I wasn’t thinking! There, are ya happy now?!”
“Ecstatic you lumbering . . . grrrrrr!!!” Nassi huffed and flicked aside a stray hair swaying in her line of sight, then crossed her arms and frowned. “Whatever. Anyway, I guess you want some privacy huh?”
“Oh, if you don’t mind,” Inuyasha sarcastically quipped with a bow. “Only if it pleases you your majesty.”
“Don’t be fresh,” Nassirudden mumbled with a subtle wack between his lowered ears. Inuyasha yipped and turned to her only to find her gone, her cinnamon and orange scent fading in the corridor before turning again to Kagome. “Hey Kagome, can I ask for a favor?”
“Sure Inuyasha, what?”
“Um . . . come with me for a sec. It won’t take long.”
Kagome nodded and walked to his side, then stopped when he crouched down beside her. “Er . . . what are you doing?” she asked when he gave her an expectant glare.
“Get on,” he growled angrily. “It’ll be faster this way.”
“Um . . . alright.” She climbed on gingerly, shoving back to the farthest reaches of her mind the indecency of her legs wrapped around his waist as she grabbed his shoulders and braced herself. Inuyasha stood up rather easily, his hands reaching to grasp underneath her knees as he rose to his full height. ‘Well, that was easy,’ Kagome thought with a sigh of relief. ‘Maybe this won’t be so-‘ “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!” she screamed when he tore off without a warning, his feet skimming across the marble floor as he practically flew down the hallway toward the main part of the castle.
“Inuyasha slow dowwwwwnnnnnnnnnnn!”
“Quit yellin in my ear damn it!” Inuyasha shouted back as he vaulted a pair of servants and a knocked down vase near the dojos. “You’re starting to give me a headache!”
“Well slow down and I’ll stop screaming!” Kagome shouted back. “Inuyasha, look out!!!” She screamed again and ducked behind his shoulder just before he swerved around a marble column, barely missing it by a few hairs. She refused to look up after that, her whimpers and cries of distress muffled by his hair as Inuyasha continued his mad dash through the castle to the outside.
Kagome looked up when she felt the wind brush strands of his hair against her cheek and gasped in delight as they blew past other servants and soldiers to the wild territory just outside the training grounds. “Inuyasha, where are we going?” Kagome asked again.
“We’re going to that little clearing you and Miroku made a couple of months ago,” Inuyasha answered before leaping between a set of trees. “You remember that one don’t you?”
“Hai, I do but why can’t you ask me what you want to ask me back at the castle?”
“Because this is how I want to do it,” Inuyasha grumbled irritably. “So stop complaining and-Oh, wait. We’re here.” He slowed to a stop in the center of the empty circle, where the signs of battle from a few months before had either disappeared or been cleared away. He crouched down and waited for Kagome to find her footing before walking toward a nearby tree.
“Alright Inuyasha, what’s going on?” Kagome asked impatiently. “You’ve practically scared me half to death and deafened me. I’d like to know what else I’ll have to face before the end of the day.” She groaned when he ignored her and walked behind the tree, the only part of him left visible were the ends of his white hakamas and the tips of his frosty hair. When he finally reappeared he stood beside the tree with a set of targets in his hands. Kagome stood by while he attached the targets to the trees around the circle and waited for him to acknowledge her.
“I want you to help me with something,” Inuyasha replied before disappearing behind the same tree as earlier. “I’m going to do something for the festival.”
“Really?” Kagome exclaimed excitedly. “What is it? What are you going to do?” She gaped in surprise when he stepped from behind the tree, this time with a bow in his hand and a quiver strapped to his back. “You’re going to do archery?! But I thought-“
“Yeah, I know the whole deal about males not doin’ archery and stuff,” Inuyasha interrupted. “But I don’t wanna do something that everyone else is doin’. I want to do something different.”
“And you want to do this?”
“Hai,” Inuyasha nodded. “And I need your help.”
“I’ll be glad to help,” Kagome readily agreed. “What do you need me to do?”
“You’re in charge of the targets,” Inuyasha responded before tossing her the rest of the targets. “Do you think you can set them up?”
“Hai, I think I can,” Kagome said before a thoughtful look crossed her heart-shaped face. Inuyasha knew this look by now and couldn’t help but take a wary glance at his unusually quiet companion. “What?” Inuyasha asked after a long period of silence. “What are you planning now?”
“Do you think you could shoot at a moving target?”
“Can you?” Inuyasha quipped snidely. Kagome huffed and planted her balled fists onto her hips. “Don’t be rude! I’m only asking a question!”
“Yeah, yeah,” Inuyasha grunted with his hands raised in surrender. “Alright, I give up. Hai, I can shoot at a moving target. Why, do you think I should add it to my exhibition?”
“Definitely!” Inuyasha couldn’t help laughing when she cheered and bounced around him in her excitement. “Hey,” he called as he reached out and grasped her upper arm to get her attention. “Don’t you think we should practice?”
“Why?” Kagome inquired curiously. “The Spring Festival is for a whole two weeks.”
“Yeah, well I get to go first since I’m the prince of the host territory. I get to start off the exhibitions the day after tomorrow.”
“Oh my,” Kagome replied, her excitement deflating to almost instantaneous seriousness. “We don’t have much time do we?”
“No we don’t princess,” Inuyasha quipped and ducked her hand when she moved to swat him. “So can we get to work or what? Oh, and if you’re looking for another bow-“ He raised his left hand, which had been hidden behind his back until then, and handed her a short bow painted a brilliant white. “Now can we get to work? I’m not about to screw up in front of a bunch of youkai that want me to.”
II.
Kagome stood patiently on the training field sidelines and watched as the sets of bleachers set up earlier that morning slowly filled with youkai of various species and sizes. The first day of the Spring Festival had gone off without a hitch, and the castle’s guest wing was filled with the visiting lords and ladies of the different territories of Japan. The first day ended with a grand banquet and Inu-Taisho’s welcoming speech.
Kagome glanced up at the sky and sighed, then mentally called for Inuyasha as the morning sun shone overhead. ‘Inuyasha, where are you?’ she beseeched as the last of the bleacher seats were taken. ‘Everyone’s waiting on you.’ She glanced around, a weak smile gracing her lips when Kilik and the other generals came to stand beside her and gestured for the nearest general to lean toward her.
“What is it Kagome?” Keni’Chi asked quietly. “You’re so nervous. Calm down would you?”
“I can’t help it,” Kagome whispered back. “Where’s Inuyasha? You don’t think he ‘chickened out’ do you?”
‘I’m coming damn it,’ was Inuyasha’s answering growl. Kagome breathed a sigh of relief, then glanced toward the Inner Gate. Inuyasha stood in the center of the open gate, his snowy hair pulled into a tight braid that contrasted sharply with his jet black haori. White hakamas skimmed along his sandaled feet as he approached the exhibition grounds. He adjusted the black quiver strapped to his back, gripped his long bow a little tighter, and set his eyes forward toward Kagome. He ignored the snickers and soft laughter of the foreign youkai in the crowd, a mischievous smirk appearing on his face when he imagined how shocked and surprised they would be in a few moment’s time.
‘They’re laughing at him,’ Nassi growled angrily. ‘How dare they, the assholes! They don’t know what he can do-‘
Kilik reached over and patted her shoulder. ‘Don’t worry about that Nassi. You’ve seen Inuyasha in action. I dare say they won’t be laughing for long.’
‘Yeah, but-‘
‘Let Inuyasha show off,’ InuTaishou’s calm voice fluttered across the minds of the generals. ‘Inuyasha is capable of something that no other youkai can do. Surely this will be a grand lesson for them.’
‘That’s right,’ Kagome agreed with a grin. She glanced back to Inuyasha, who gestured toward the field. The archery grounds were set up so that the audience viewed Inuyasha and the targets on the opposite end from the side, the path the arrows would travel left clear. Kagome walked to the middle of the field while Inuyasha took his place on the far right, leaving Kagome between himself and the first of the targets.
She waited patiently for the crowd to fall silent, her blue eyes scanning the faces of the youkai around her. One small bark from InuTaishou silenced those around them and Kagome gave a respectful bow to the taiyoukai before vacating her spot on the field. Inuyasha nocked his first arrow, aimed and fired. The arrow zipped through the air and pierced the target 20 paces away, the black feathered tip vibrating sharply from its place in the center of the mark. Three more arrows, each one fired at one 25 pace marker, a 30 pace marker and a 40 pace marker proved his deadly accuracy to an astonished crowd.
Kagome stood up and nocked an arrow of her own, this one with a white handkerchief tied to the shaft. She let it loose into the air and smiled when Inuyasha’s arrow speared through the handkerchief and pinned it to a nearby tree. Three more white handkerchiefs were sacrificed before Kagome reached down again, this time tying a black scrap of cloth to the arrow.
‘Ready?’ Kagome asked. Inuyasha closed his eyes, concentrated, and nodded. Kagome released the arrow, watching as the tip of Inuyasha’s arrow began to glow. The crowd gasped when it caught fire, the flaming projectile exploding once it touched the black cloth. Bits of the burning fabric rained down on the field and the ladies of the audience screamed as some of the glowing embers fluttered toward them. Kagome smiled and Inuyasha smirked back before moving to stand beside her. He bowed to her as one would a teacher, then bowed to the crowd before making his way back to the castle. He stopped once to bow to Sesshoumaru, his smirk widening at the jealousy that glowed in his older brother’s eyes.
“My word,” Kilik said as the crowd began to disperse. “It was short but sweet. Who would have guessed that Inuyasha had so much control.”
“Certainly not me,” Nassi growled playfully. “He’s always such a goof. Good job Kagome.”
(II)
Kagome stood on the outskirts if the ballroom, her sapphire eyes wide with wonder as she stared into the massive room. The cream marble floor shimmered happily, contrasting dramatically with the dark wood walls and the heavy burgundy drapes that fell in great pools from the golden curtain rods above. The room was massive and she felt lost in the sea of youkai within. Some nodded and smiled at her, others flashed their teeth in barely veiled hostility.
“Ooooo,” Kagome mumbled to herself as she searched the massive room. “I wish there was someone here that I could talk to. Maybe they’d help me find the others.”
“Maybe I can help.”
Kagome turned in surprise, then smiled when Kouga gave her a subtle bow. “Good evening Kouga-sama. How are you?”
“I’m feelin’ pretty good right about now,” he growled and grasped her hand. “Now that I have my woman by my side.”
“You flatter me,” Kagome mumbled, her eyes downcast and a faint blush staining her cheeks. “But I meant to inquire as to your enjoyment of today’s festivities.”
“Oh, everything was great!” Kouga answered excitedly. “The West always throws a great bash. You should have seen the parties they threw after Inuyasha’s and Sesshoumaru’s Youkai Trials.”
“Youkai Trials?” Kagome repeated to herself. “What are the ‘Youkai Trials’?”
“What?” Kouga bellowed in astonishment. “You’ve never heard of the Youkai Trials?” He laughed and draped an arm over her shoulders, unaware of her discomfort as he pulled her closer and bent to run his nose through her hair. “I’d be more than happy to tell you,” he softly growled in her ear. “I’d be more than happy to tell you anything-“
“Kagome?!”
Kagome looked up and gasped, her sudden relief making her slightly dizzy as Nassirudden’s bouncing form cut through the crowd. “Nassi!” she called out and stepped out of Kouga’s embrace. “Nassi, I’m right here!”
“Kagome! Great,” Nassi grinned and ‘Oomphed!’ in surprise when the young princess threw her arms around her in a fierce hug. She frowned thoughtfully, then turned that frown toward Kouga when his scent wafted off of Kagome’s hair. ‘How dare he, the arrogant perv,’ Nassi growled under her breath. ‘She hasn’t a clue as to what he’s doing and Sesshoumaru would have one hell of a fit if he were to find out.’ “Hey Kagome, what happened to your hair?” Nassi asked as she pulled Kagome away and frowned in disapproval. “Tisk-tisk. You can’t talk to the other taiyoukai looking like this.”
“Huh?” Kagome asked. Nassi merely smiled and rubbed her hands together. She waited until they were warmed before quickly blowing on her palms, then began to ‘straighten out’ Kagome’s updo. Nassi wiped away all traces of Kouga’s scent and grinned back at the taiyoukai’s disapproval. “Kouga-sama, I’m so glad you found her,” Nassi began as she tugged Kagome closer to her side. “InuTaishou-sama has been searching for her.”
“Why?” Kagome asked as Nassirudden directed her away from Kouga and toward the farthest reaches of the room. “What is it they wish to speak to me about?”
“Oh, I’m not about to tell you,” Nassi replied with an impish grin. “It would spoil the surprise.”
“What surprise?”
“Oh just tell her bird-brain,” Kouga griped from behind them. “I don’t see what’s the big idea.”
“My dear Kouga-sama,” Nassi snipped as she stopped to give Kouga a short and respectful bow. “Though I appreciate your concern, InuTaishou-sama requested that I refrain from speaking of what it is he and the other tai wish to speak to her about. And-“
“And the next time you call her bird-brain, dipshit, I’m gonna rip your spine from your poor excuse for a body.”
“Inuyasha,” Kouga growled and glared in the hanyou’s direction. “What an UNPLEASANT surprise. Whatdaya want?”
Inuyasha stepped in between Nassi and Kouga, his stance protective as he crossed his arms over his chest and glanced over his shoulder at her. “Go on Nassi,” he gestured toward the waiting cluster of youkai. “My dad’s waiting.”
“Of course. Thanks Inuyasha-sama,” Nassi replied with a reverent bow. Kagome bowed as well and, before they could run off toward the waiting party, Nassi stood on her tiptoes and gave Inuyasha a quick peck on the cheek. They were off before either youkai could respond and Kagome soon found it forgotten as Nassirudden led her into the center of the foursome and bowed. “My lords,” she said once she had their attention. “Here is Kagome-chan, just as you requested.” Nassi bowed again, then grasped Kagome’s hand and gave her a reassuring squeeze before stepping outside of the circle to observe the partygoers.
“Kagome, what a pleasure it is to see you,” InuTaishou said as he reached toward her. She placed her hand inside of his larger one and curtsied.
“Forgive me,” Kagome replied and remained in her bowed position. “I would have been here much faster if I could have.”
“I know dearest,” InuTaishou replied with a fond smile. “I’m sure the other tai do not mind. Oh yes, I really should introduce them to you.” He grasped her shoulders and turned her toward the other youkai surrounding them. “You know of my son, Sesshoumaru-sama-“
Kagome bowed deeply, a feint blush dusted along her cheeks when he nodded.
“This,” InuTaishou said as he gestured toward the strawberry blonde youkai standing beside Sesshoumaru. “Is Tetusyaro, the current-“
“And soon to be reigning lord of the North,” Tetusyaro interrupted and reached toward Kagome for her hand. “I remember you little human. You’re the one who has Kouga-sama’s nose all turned around.”
Kagome blushed furiously, unsure as the how to respond to that, and bowed once he released her. The introductions continued with Hiroshi-sama, who fluttered his dark wings in acknowledgment, before turning to an unknown youkai standing along the group’s edge. “And last but not least, is Ramses-sama from overseas.” Kagome gaped in shock, but quickly recovered and gave the foreign lord a respectful bow.
‘Wow,’ she said to herself when the youkai smiled down at her and bowed in return. ‘He looks so much like Rashidi it’s almost scary.’ The lord and the new guard stationed back in her kingdom greatly resembled each other, but it was their differences that were the most striking. Where Rashidi’s face held whiskers around his cat-like nose, Ramses nose was human shaped and sculpted to a near perfection.. Ramses head was almost completely bald, with a beautiful stream of straight jet black hair cascading from the golden top knot at the top of his head with a gilded goatee. Rashidi’s hair was a thick mass of beautiful, shimmering onyx curls and waves. Their eyes, their smiles, and their auras were almost exactly alike and Kagome immediately felt at ease with this powerful lord.
“There was something we wished to discuss with you Kagome,” InuTaishou said, unknowingly interrupting Kagome’s train of thought. “And there are a few questions we would like to have answered as well.”
“Of course,” Kagome replied with a dutiful nod. “However I may he-“
“Were you really the one who taught the hanyou how to shoot like that?” Tetusyaro interrupted insistently. “Cause I’m having a very hard time believing it.”
“Yes, North-sama, I am,” Kagome replied with another nod. Tetusyaro snorted in disbelief and looked away.
“What is it?” Ramses asked, his lulling tenor calming on Kagome’s insulted nerves. “I do not sense any falsehoods within the young one. Why are you so untrusting?”
“Because it’s in their nature to lie,” Tetusyaro replied with a muted hiss. “In your country, ningen know their place and accept it. Here, they think to challenge us, making our lives as difficult as possible. They are the reason the lands are in turmoil.”
“Only in your lands, Tetusyaro,” InuTaishou interrupted testily. “Here, the west trusts all of it’s treasured subjects and Kagome just so happens to be one of them. I will not stand for you insulting her.”
“My apologies InuTaishou-sama,” Tetusyaro replied solemnly. “It was not my intention to upset you.”
“Yes, just to insult her. Of this I am aware kitten.”
Tetusyaro hissed in offense and InuTaishou growled in return. The other tai looked to see who would step between them and were surprised when the little human in question quickly sprang into action. “Thank you so much for defending me InuTaishou-sama,” Kagome replied with a warm smile and a gentle hand placed on his voluminous sleeve. She turned to Tetusyaro and bowed, the same smile still on her lips when she finally rose to her full height.
“And thank you, Tetusyaro, for looking out for my lord’s best interest,” she said and continued despite his shock at her behavior. “It does my heart good to know that InuTaishou-sama has such loyal allies.”
“Um...of course,” Tetusyaro replied and jumped when thunderous laughter suddenly filled the air. They turned just as Hiroshi straightened himself, his booming amusement a shock to the other tai.
“What?” he said once he calmed down. “I’m not allowed to laugh every now and again? I know I am the more...tranquil of the four lands, but even I can find amusement in something. You have little to worry about Tetusyaro. Just as InuTaishou said, she is an honest one. Are you not the little ningen onna that nursed what few of my soldiers returned from that awful scrimmage with the Dark Army a few moon cycles back?”
“I-“
“She is,” Sesshoumaru replied. InuTaishou blinked in surprise, but nodded when Hiroshi and the other tai turned to him for conformation.
“Then I must thank you,” Hiroshi responded and quickly touched his beak-like nose to the back of her hand. “My soldiers spoke in great length of this Angel of the West, and how gentle and brave you were among the most badly hurt of them. You gave them comfort when they were in sore need of it.”
Kagome blushed heavily, her cheeks and even the tip of her nose blossoming into a rosy pink as she bowed in thanks. “It was my pleasure,” she replied with a soft smile. “How are they if I may ask?”
“Each soldier has recovered nicely,” Hiroshi informed her. “InuTaishou, I am for this now more than ever.”
“Um, for what?” Kagome asked as she turned back to the previously silent taiyoukai. He regarded her with a smile and settled his larger hands on Kagome’s shoulders. He felt the sudden surge of something from Sesshoumaru and he inwardly smirked, wondering to himself if Sesshoumaru even knew he was reacting in such a way. ‘Silly, jealous pup,’ he said to himself. He blinked out of his thoughts when a gentle hand touched his own and looked down into concerned sapphire orbs. He smiled down at her and began the reason for Nassi’s search for her, all the while secretly wondering how in the world Sesshoumaru managed to resist this sweet-faced hime before him.
“The other tai and I were very impressed with Inuyasha’s display the other afternoon,” InuTaishou began. “His skill is something to be admired, even if it is unexpected.”
“Inuyasha-sama worked very hard InuTaishou-sama,” Kagome replied. “I am proud of him.”
‘There it is again,’ InuTaishou said to himself as yet another surge, this one a bit stronger than the last, crashed into him. His entertainment fell short when Kagome shuddered, her eyes slightly distant as the energy crashed into her as well. ‘Poor dear,’ he sympathized. ‘She is not used to feeling such waves from him, nor does she know what it is. I will have to get Nassi to explain this to her in one of their lessons.’ “Kagome-“
“I am fine,” she replied with another pat to his hand. “Please continue my lord.”
“Of course. As I said, the other lords and I were very impressed and even though most of the praise must go to Inuyasha, you deserve a bit of it yourself for your excellent training.”
“I agree fully,” Hiroshi replied with a slight twitch of his wings. “The other tai and I were doubtful-“
“Still are,” was Tetusyaro muttered interruption. He frowned at everyone else’s disapproving stare and decided to keep his opinions to himself...at least for the time being.
“As I was saying,” Hiroshi continued, the hard edge in his steely green eyes fading once he returned to the conversation. “The other tai and I were interested in knowing if you would train a couple of our infantrymen in this forgotten art.”
“Um...well,” Kagome considered with a great deal of surprise. “I would be most honored to assist you if it is my lord’s wish.”
Sesshoumaru looked on while the others talked, a slight frown marring his normally stoic features as he watched their interactions with his young hime. ‘The more she speaks, the more of an asset she makes herself to the western kingdom and the better my father looks in the eyes of the other tai.’ Kagome laughed easily with the powerful and learned youkai around her, her ease and innocence a charm that even the most hardened of youkai found endearing. ‘Even Tetusyaro, the self-proclaimed ‘Hater of Humanity’, cannot resist her gentle smiles and soft laughter. Perhaps it would have been in my best interest to introduce her as my own instead...’
Sesshoumaru considered it a moment, then quickly disagreed with the idea as the others finally settled into an agreement.
“I will speak to her instructors on the matter,” InuTaishou said above the laughter around him. “And I will be sure to send word once everything is settled. In the meantime, be sure to think over how many soldiers you wish to spare for this endeavor. Oh.” He turned at a tug on his sleeve and nodded his head at Nassirudden’s apologetic bow.
“Forgive me, InuTaishou-sama, but would it be alright if Kagome-chan comes with me for a moment? There is something that I wish for her to see.”
“Of course,” InuTaishou replied with a nod of agreement. “Being around so many old ones must be stressful indeed-“
“I could not agree more,” Tetsuyaro ‘agreed’ and looked away in embarrassment at Kagome’s gentle laughter.
“Well,” Hiroshi grumbled before reaching out for Kagome’s hand. “It was a pleasure meeting you, my dear.”
“Mine as well,” Ramses said as he cradled her free hand in his larger ones. “We must speak again.”
“Of course,” Kagome replied with a feint blush. “Whenever you desire.”
“Come on,” Nassi griped and grabbed Kagome’s elbow. “Forgive us for the rush, but we really must be off.”
“Go on then,” was InuTaishou’s reply as Nassi dragged Kagome across the ballroom floor. Kagome struggled to keep up, her thoughts still on the conversation behind her. She blinked when everything around her fell silent and looked up to the empty hallway outside of the massive space.
“Nassi?” she said as she stared at the bouncing kencho youkai. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong,” Nassi replied with a bright grin. “But....I have a surprise for you.”
“What?” Kagome inquired excitedly, her blue eyes sparkling and impatient. “What is it?”
“I want you to dress in something special tomorrow, something that you can easily travel in and still look great.”
“Why?”
“Because ,” Nassi winked. “We’re going on a field trip!”
“A what?”
Nassi laughed at Kagome’s confusion, blue eyes that were previously so wide and happy now narrowed. “A field trip,” Nassi repeated herself and calmed down long enough to explain. “Where I’m from, a field trip is something every student looks forward to. Its like class outside of class.”
“Class...outside...of class? That does not sound very fun Nassi-sempai.”
“Yeah well,” Nassi disagreed. “You’ve never been on one. Now go to bed. We need to be ready to leave in the morning.”
“But-“
“No buts,” Nassi said as she turned Kagome in the direction of the Great Taiyoukai’s chambers. “Decide on what you’re going to wear, then get some rest.”
“Um, alright,” Kagome reluctantly agreed. “But what about-“
“I’ve already told InuTaishou-sama,” Nassi interjected before Kagome could ask. “And he’s in full agreement. Sesshoumaru-dono is as well. There is no getting out of this Kagome.” Nassi laughed when Kagome groaned and listened to her footsteps as she walked down the hallway toward her room. ‘You’ll see,’ Nassi said to herself as she returned to the party. ‘Tomorrow is going to be a day you’ll never forget.’
(III)
Kagome huffed and puffed along the steep mountain path, cobalt orbs narrowed hatefully at the bouncing, cheerful form directly in front of her.
“Faster, pussycat, faster,” Nassi chirped as she continued on without so much as a second glance. Kagome growled lightly but struggled forward, thankful for Nassi’s suggestion to change clothes once they approached the base of the mountainside. The climb up the mountain definitely would have been harder in her five-layer kimono and geta sandals, but that didn’t mean the climb was any easier without them. On top of that, the higher they ventured forth the colder it became and the harder it was to breathe.
“Nassi-“ Kagome huffed out before falling to her knees. Nassi was by her side in an instant, her concern evident on her delicate features as she rubbed Kagome’s shoulders and helped her to calm down.
“I know it’s hard,” she said as Kagome swallowed in great gulps of air. “And I’m really sorry about not warning you about this earlier. I guess I figures that your training would help you handle this. Are you alright now?”
“Yes, I’m fine,” Kagome wheezed and struggled to her feet. She held still so Nassi could brush the dust off of the knees of her white pants of her ao dai. The pants and the burgundy long tunic were made of a fabric that, though beautiful, was heavy and extremely warm. Nassi was dressed in a blue version of Kagome’s outfit, with a pale, robin’s egg blue tunic and cream pants.
“Are you ready to go on?”
“Yes,” Kagome nodded and grasped Nassi’s hand for support. They continued on in silence for a few moments, then Nassi turned to Kagome and asked, “What do you know about this mountain exactly?”
“Well,” Kagome puffed while she struggled not to trip over a loose rock in the pathway. “Not much. Why? Is there something special about it?”
Nassi nodded, a gentle smile on her lips as she stared up into the clouds ahead of them that hid the top of the mountain. “This mountain is a very, very old mountain. As a matter of fact, InuTaishou’s oji-sama was around at about the time something major happened on top of it.”
“Wh-what?” Kagome asked, her eyes finally away from the pathway to watch Nassi tell the story. “What happened?”
“Well,” Nassi began with a sparkle in her normally calm eyes. “Like I said, in InuTaishou’s oji-sama’s time there lived a great miko who’s name has been lost to the sands of time. She protected all of Japan from rouge youkai and oni but the part everyone remembers her for was her mercy and kindness. She helped anyone, youkai or ningen, and did her best to heal the sick and weak of both species.
“That priestess-I mean miko- and a hoard of dark youkai died on the summit of this mountain. The resulting shockwave was felt all the way in Mongolia.”
“Wow...” Kagome breathed, her fingers pressed to her lips and her eyes wide in surprise. “What happened to the miko?”
Nassi shrugged. “No one really knows. As a matter of fact, no one even dared come near this mountain for years afterward. They were too afraid of whatever spirits may have been set loose because of the blast. Fifty or so years afterward though, people started disappearing near the mountain’s base. Ningen kingdoms sent search parties but the search parties would never return. It finally got so bad that InuTaishou-sama, who’d just become tai at the time, sent a search party of his own to see where everyone went.”
“Well?” Kagome asked at Nassi’s pause. “Um, what happened?”
“To whom?”
“To the people that disappeared!” Kagome shot back in a huff. “Nas, don’t stop the story right ther-“
“Kagome,” Nassi interrupted with a grin. “We’re here.”
Kagome turned around and gasped, her hands flying to her mouth and her eyes wide in surprise.
“See, for years it did nothing but rain up here,” Nassi said while Kagome absorbed everything around her. “And no one else even knew. The people that disappeared here didn’t disappear, they chose to stay here. Can you blame them?”
Kagome shook her head no, her eyes still round in disbelief at the massive body of water that greeted them. The crystal clear water stretched on for miles and miles, with the opposite edge of the lake a faint line on the horizon. In the center of the lake grew a gigantic tree, it’s green leaves and gigantic arms stretching out toward the borders of its’ watery home. Attached to the tree was a series of boats, each one hooked on to another boat or attached to a small plankway that served for streets in this floating village.
“Wow...” Kagome muttered again and looked up when Nassi laughed. “Yeah, that’s what I said when I first saw this place. This is Village in the Lake, and it’s pretty much a merchant haven. Some rare items come through here and, because of that, InuTaishou-sama asks that they pay a tariff instead of sending a third of their crops like he asks of the other villages. Trust me, they don’t even miss the revenue.
“Well,” Nassi said next. “Shall we?”
“Shall we what?”
“Shall we go down?” Nassi laughed and reached for Kagome’s hand. “They have the BEST spring festivals with all kinds of food, games and goods for sale.”
“But I thought you said this was going to be a ‘field trip’,” Kagome said as they made their way down the mountain’s slope toward the ferryboat on the edge of the lake. “And that this is to be a ‘learning experience’?”
“Did I say that?” Nassi said as she turned to her, her fingertip thoughtfully tapping her chin and her silver eyes toward the sky as she feigned innocence. “I don’t remember...”
“Nassi!” Kagome giggled at her friend’s antics and allowed her to pull her the rest of the way down the hill. Nassi paid the ferryman his few coins and helped Kagome onto the boat. The lake below them sparkled in the sunlight, the shallow waves from the boat creating shimmering diamond pathways along the water’s reflective surface.
Stepping off of the boat and onto the large plank leading toward the rest of the ‘village’ was like stepping into a whole new world. People rushed past them, some shouting in Japanese, other shouting in languages foreign to Kagome’s ears. Street performers dressed in brightly colored costumes danced or sang to small crowds, and were rewarded with coins that were tossed inside small tin cups. Street vendors constantly waved their wares, some with rare paintings and fine jewelry, others with expensive fabrics and odd instruments. With Nassirudden by her side Kagome got to experience everything there was to this odd little town. She tasted every little dish Nassi placed in front of her and admired the rare finds of the town.
Sunset finally announced itself with fiery sashes of orange, red and gold and Nassi called out for her student. Kagome came readily, her burgundy and cream footsteps thumping along the wooden planks as she stopped at Nassi’s side. “Nassi, have you seen the dancers in the center of the square?” she asked excitedly. “There was this one woman, wearing-“
“Yes Kagome, I know,” Nassi replied as she waved the ferry toward them. “I saw them too. You really shouldn’t walk away from me you know. This is a big place, though it doesn’t seem like it, and you could have gotten lost.”
“Yes, I know, but Nas that woman, she did this turn-“ Kagome stopped mid sentence and demonstrated, her arms raised above her head as she twirled on her right foot. She kept her left behind her, then out by her side before stopping with a quick hop.
“That’s pretty good Kagome,” Nassi cheered as Kagome continued to dance along the dock. “I see you’re ready for some dance training. Um, Kagome, watch out. You’re getting to close to the-KAGOME!” Kagome lost her balance along the edge and slipped into the lake with a barely audible shriek. Nassi threw down her pack and ran toward the edge, her silver orbs wide in panic as she tried to see her friend below the water’s surface.
“Heya miss,” the ferryman said once he finally brought his boat to dock. “You shouldn’t lean over the edge like that. We’ve have a couple of girls disappear that way.”
“My friend’s down there!” Nassi shouted and the old man rushed to her side in an instant, his oar clenched tightly in his hands as he shoved it into the water.
“How long has she been in there?” he demanded as he swirled the oar around.
“Um, I don’t know. . . Maybe about two or so minutes.”
“That long eh?” The ferryman clucked his tongue and shook his head. “That’s too bad. Maybe the Water God already has her.”
“What?” Nassi hissed, her eyes narrowed dangerously and her head jerked toward the ferryman. “What Water God?!!”
888888
Kagome closed her eyes, her meditation practices with InuTaishou coming in handy as she calmed herself and struggled not to panic. She relaxed, opened her eyes and was stunned at the unexpected beauty she found underneath the lake’s peaceful surface. Beautiful green plants clung to the bottom of the lake and reached out hundreds of feet from their roots toward the surface and the sunlight. In the center of this underwater forest were the roots of the Sacred Tree, its gnarled and twisted masses in a tightly fisted ball. Inside the ball was a small crevice and Kagome could see something shining within. She swam closer to the ball, and to her surprise found a little woman inside of it.
“Are you human?” the little woman asked as she held onto the roots imprisoning her. “You must not stay here if you are! There is a rogue youkai who’s stolen my naginata and-oh no!” the little woman gasped. “You must get out of here! He is coming! You must flee!”
Kagome turned around and mentally gaped at the massive snake charging toward her, the teeny wooden rod in his hand pointed in her direction. She swam up quickly, her little feet propelling her toward the surface with the mammoth snake in hot pursuit. She broke the surface inches from Nassi and the dock, took one deep inhale and managed a quick, “Nas, there’s something he-“ before she was jerked back underneath the surface by a crushing weight against her leg. Her struggles to get free only resulted in exciting the snake youkai. It grinned at her, it’s needle-like teeth glimmering in the sparse light, and snapped its jaws at her.
Kagome grabbed the nearest object (a standby twig) and flung it at the youkai. The snake dodged it with barely an effort and laughed at the little human’s stupidity.
“Little morsel,” it’s voice rumbled along the waves. “Surely you know better than to challenge me in my own domain. I shall make a snack out of you.”
Kagome frowned and swam toward the imprisoned woman, collecting vines and other plantlife along the way. She turned directly in front of the woman and stood her ground, the vines and flora in her hands twisted to create a makeshift rope. She pushed off against the tree roots and shot toward the snake, who grimaced in surprise and reached out for her. She ducked his claws and wrapped the rope around it’s wrist, then swam around and reached for the other before securing the creature’s arms at it’s sides.
“How dare you!” the snake thundered through the water. “You will release me right this instant!”
Kagome huffed in refusal, then turned back to the woman and tugged at the tree roots. Her struggles were in vain however and Kagome tapped the roots with a mental promise to return before swimming back to the surface. She was but a foot from her goal when the snake tore free from it’s confinement and sank it’s teeth into her leg. She mentally screamed, unknowingly sending her anguish toward everyone attached to her mind link, and struggled to stay conscious. The snake pulled her toward the lake bottom, it’s laughter ringing in her ears. The tiny woman’s shrieks for her safety helped Kagome stay conscious and stay focused on the reason why she was down there.
‘I can’t leave her alone,’ Kagome whispered to herself. Her eyes fluttered open and blue as calm as the lake around her began to glow. ‘There’s no telling how long she’s been down here, and no telling what’s going to happen to her if she doesn’t get any help.’
“My dinner is served,” the snake cooed lovingly as it released it’s jaws from her leg and grasped her by the hair. “And what a pretty morsel it is...Huh...” It frowned at Kagome’s blank, glowing stare, and attempted to shake her free of its grasp. Kagome grabbed hold of it’s finger and held on tight, her hands glowing the same blue as her eyes. “No!” the snake shrieked as the glow began to encase it’s slimy, wet form. “You cannot do this! I was so close to being a kami! Nooooo-“
The snake exploded in a mass of light that ripped through the calmness of the lake. The mountain shook with the shockwave and wet ashes rained down onto the unsuspecting village. Kagome was rocketed back, her face one of shocked amazement before the back of her head connected with the tree roots behind her. She lost consciousness immediately, normal orbs secreted away as the roots of the tree untangled themselves and the tiny woman within slipped between them toward the young hime.
“Little hime, thank you so much,” the little woman whispered as she touched Kagome’s shoulder. She reached out and watched as the wooden rod the snake was holding propelled itself through the water, it’s journey coming to a stop in the woman’s hand. “Imagine, a miko so strong in ability in this day and age...what a surprise.” The little woman laughed, then waved her rod through the water. A bubble formed around Kagome and the air she sorely needed quickly filled her lungs.
“Allow me this one gift since you risked your life so valiantly for mine.” She closed her eyes and whispered the words for an incantation, then gently tapped the bubble. It rose toward the surface slowly, the little woman’s mischievous smile reflecting in the bubble’s smooth surface as she waved and swam away.
88888888
By the time we returned home I was spent, my throat sore and my cheeks smarting from smiling. He carried me in his arms to my home, his show of affection astounding to humans of my village as they stared in disbelief and wonder. They dared venture closer and he snarled at them, his eyes pinking at the scent of my fear of them. “Don’t worry kid,” he whispered as they shied away. “They won’t hurt you. Not while I’m around.” He growled again when another, this one the village elder, stepped into our pathway and greeted him.“How, Honorable Stranger,” he called out, his eyes narrowed slightly as I shrank away from him. “We welcome you into our village. May we remove the unclean one from your hands?”
“Unclean?” he repeated, then lifted me to his face and made a show of sniffing me. I laughed again, a sound foreign to these monsters, and sighed happily when he returned me to his arms. “She smells a little sweaty, and could probably use a bath, but unclean? What makes her unclean?”
“She is a mix,” the chief said as if it were obvious. “Her Gracious Mother protects us, and for that my people are grateful, but she knows the rules of our people. The young one is-“
“The young one is mine,” he growled, no, snarled into the elder’s face. His fangs lengthened dangerously and the shadows of what appeared to be lines slashed on his cheeks. “You, or any others of this puny village, dare touch her again and I’ll destroy everything here!”
The villages gasped, as did I. Never would I have guessed that my strange new friend could be so violent. His claws wrapped around the chief’s neck without warning and he lifted the heavy human into the air like a doll. “So help me,” he growled, his voice guttural and raw with promise. “I will make you sorry. Is that understood? Her mother may not wish to punish you, but I am not as forgiving.”
“Y-yes, Honorable One,” the chief stammered, he and the rest of the humans floored by my companion’s strength and power. “The Unclean One-“
“NEVER CALL HER THAT AGAIN!”
I shrieked and scurried away from him, the power radiating from his aura stifling and horrifying as I scrambled toward the safety of my mother and our wigwam. I dove inside without a word, my earlier trust for him gone as I cowered underneath our blankets.
“Dearest,” I could hear my mother whisper from outside of my hiding place. “What is it? What is wrong?”
“It’s my fault,” the newcomer’s voice announced above the rustling of beads. “I scared her, I think. I was only trying to-“
“I know,” I heard my mother say. “I truly appreciate it and she will too someday.”
Golden eyes suddenly stared at me and I screamed as he lifted me out of my hiding place. “Hey,” he called softly as he struggled to keep hold of me. “Be still. It’s alright. See? I’m sorry I scared you. I just wanted to help you, that’s all.”
“Why?” I sobbed as I struggled to get away. “Why do you care? Is it because of Father? He doesn’t care, so why should you?!”
“Now hold on,” he growled as he grabbed hold of the back of my tunic and lifted me to his eyes again. They were angry but they were clear, all traces of the madness gone as he glared at me. “Your father does care. Yeah, it sucks that he can’t be with you but that’s the way things are. What you’re father’s doing is important and he’s doing it so you can have a better life. As for me, I do what I want to ‘cause I can. Like I said out there, you’re mine and I’m not about to let anyone hurt you.”
“But who are you?”
“I’m ...well...” He glanced at my mother then and sighed when she shrugged and glanced away. “I’m...your grandfather.”
“Really? But you don’t-“
“Yeah well, sometimes it happens that way.”
“Grandfather...” I whispered. It was so incredible.
Grandfather...
Oji-san...
I was too little to realize that he smelled nothing of my mother, father, and I, but by the time I was old enough to realize..
I was old enough for it not to matter...at least not to me...
(End Chapter)
SF: Well, that’s the new chapter. What do you guys-
Inu-chan: Hey birdbrain! What’s the big idea puttin’ Kagome in danger like that? She could’ve been killed messin’ around with you!
SF: Aw now. Not to worry Inu-chan. I wouldn’t let anything bad happen to Kagome...not for real. Besides, what doesn’t kill you usually makes you stronger.
Inu-chan: (glaring at Sesshou) Or leaves you with one arm.
Sesshou: -.- Is there something you wish to speak on hanyou?
Inu-chan: Yeah, as a matter of fact I-
SF: Oh no! Not right now. Don’t you guys even get started?! Hey Shippou, get to work on the summary for the next chapter would ya?
Shippou: I’m on it! Here goes!
Summary: Kagome wakes up and finds out exactly what the blessing of a water god (or any god for that matter) entails. Sesshoumaru leaves again, but comes back with something more than just good ties with the Eastern Kingdom.
Next chapter-Chapter Fourteen: An Orphan on the Roadside!