InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Chou Shoki I: Learning from Yesterday ❯ Chapter 12 ( Chapter 11 )

CHAPTER 12

 

I entered the dinning hall and the door behind me was quickly shut. Only the Daiyoukai, the messenger Ujio and the servant from before, Juro, were present in the huge room. He motioned for me to take a seat next to him. It was more than evident that he was used to people obeying his every whim.

 

Not me. I went to kneel at the other end of the table.

 

He did not argue. He remained motionless looking at me. He narrowed his gaze and leaned a little towards me. “I wish to thank you for your assistance in battle, especially for, er, shielding me against those demons.”

 

I replied in a bored expression. “I am simply keeping my end. Were it not for our pact, I would have sat with much pleasure as they tore you up in pieces.” I smiled innocently at him.

 

“Still on the defensive, huh?”

 

“I will never trust a demon. Particularly a Daiyoukai.”

 

The other two inu youkai almost choked on their saliva at my response.

 

“I'm sorry you find us bothersome,” he said. “But since we seem to be stuck together for a bit, you could try and be a little more sociable. At the very least civil.”

 

Maybe he was right. But the bad thing was, I didn't know how to be sociable, never mind civil. No one had ever wanted or was allowed (thanks to my title) to converse with me either as a woman or as a miko.

 

A rumbling laughter escaped his mouth. “Priestess, I open my home and my service to you and yet you insist on guarding yourself. I have literally put my life in your hands. What more proof do you seek of my allegiance to you?”

 

I took a deep sigh. He was right. “I do not trust. I assure you that I will try. But I promise nothing.”

 

“That is acceptable. Let us eat.”

 

Dinner was quiet, with only a few comments amongst the inu youkai. Through dinner `conversation', I found out that the two young youkai were not servants but rather the Daiyoukai's relatives. It was a surprising turn of events. I immediately tossed it aside. What the hell did I care!' We then moved to his study in the fifth floor to go over the plan of attack with his commanding officers, Lord Fatsu, Daiyoukai of the Southern Lands, Lady Yasu, Daiyoukai of the Northern Lands, Ujio and Juro. The better part of the night was spent going over the attack so as not to miss anything.

 

When the youkai occupying his study left to inform the rest of the army of our plans, the Inu no Taishou and I were left alone. He sat down in his large chair. He did not seem to realize I was still there. And then, as if remembering my presence, he turned to me.

 

“Tell me Lady Kagome. Does the okami (Emperor) know where you are and what you are doing?” I could tell it was more his curiosity than his concern.

 

“Are you jesting?! He would tie me down to a stump before letting me help you!” Somehow I had left my guard down. Between dinner and our strategic talk, I had allowed myself to relax in his presence. “I sent him a message informing him that I was aiding a village with some disease.” I was petting Kirara, who also seemed to relax around the inu youkai.

 

“Do you not fear he will send someone looking for you? If you were my daughter, I would have already sent my entire army to retrieve you.” He glanced at me awaiting my answer.

 

“He knows better than that. I am still upset at his latest attempt to `protect' me. I have been taking care of myself for years. He does not understand that I am quite capable of living without him smothering me.” I looked outside avoiding his questioning gaze.

 

“You are his only daughter. It is only natural that he worries about you. I myself have only one heir and although I know he is also capable of surviving on his own, I cannot help feel for his safety. Do not be so hard on him. It is our duty as parents.”

 

“Your reasons for worry are not the same as my otou-san. His only concern is for the wages I bring home at the end of the day.” Stiffening in my seat, I realized too late that I shouldn't have told him this, but I said it before I could stop myself. “I will now retire. It has been a long day and I need to rest if we are to end this soon. Oyasuminasai (Good night), my lord.” I bowed and exited as fast as possible.

 

~~~~~~~~~

 

`His only concern is for the wages I bring home at the end of the day.'

 

Her words plagued him all night. They were said with such sadness. She had unwound and relaxed. It was something he was hoping would happen. He worried about her and was surprised to acknowledge that he did see her as a daughter. She had been burdened with such a responsibility at such a young age. Her eyes held much emptiness.

 

It was the same emotion he had seen on her mother when he had last seen her - after she got married. Of course, that had been a different kind of emptiness, but just as strong. He would keep his promise to her. He would keep her daughter safe, even from her father. He owed her at least that much.

 

His thoughts reverted to something he noticed several days ago when he first came in contact with her at the monastery. Not only could he not figure out her transformation, but he could have sworn he saw someone else with them. It was an almost invisible presence. His nose did not lie to him, though. It was a smell quite like none he had ever smelled.

 

While Kagome's scent was a mixture of lilies and kuchinashi (gardenias), a foreign flower he was sure he had smelled on his travels to the mainland, this other scent was different. The actual smell was something he did not like. It was difficult to describe, nonetheless, the spiritual connection between “the presence” and Kagome was strong.

 

He would have to delve about these two things after the war.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“What are you? Mental?” Ujio cursed to himself.

 

The entire time he had spent around the miko had felt an odd impulse to touch her. To see if her skin was as soft as it appeared. It'd been a long time since he had last felt such a desire to reach out to any female. But the miko ―the very HUMAN miko. Idly, he wondered what her blood would taste like, unconsciously, opening his lips and baring his fangs.

 

The need for her was almost overwhelming. But not nearly as demanding as the desire to touch her body.

 

He had left the Crescent Moon to put some good distance between them. He had to.

 

Ujio entered the Kuroi Hoshi (Black Star; Lady Aikiko's castle) that stood on the other side of the western mountains. He'd had only two days of rest since his last message delivery, but that had not stopped him. He was proud that the Inu no Taishou trusted him and treated him like a son. This time, he was taking a message to his prince and brother.

 

Finding him, sparing in the gardens, he marched in his direction. He reached him; he waited for his younger brother to acknowledge him. Even though the youkai prince was only two centuries old, he already demonstrated that he was more than capable of carrying after his father. One thing worried Ujio though. The prince had begun alienating everyone since the death of his mother one hundred and seventy years ago. Gradually, he had begun masking his loneliness with arrogance and disdain.

 

Finally, ending the small fight, the prince faced Ujio. “I believe you carry news from my sire?”

 

“Yes, my friend.” Ujio handed him the message. He opened the scroll and read it.

 

Tossing the scroll, the prince addressed Ujio once more. “So father wants me to stay and lead the armies on this side. From what I read, I see he has a great plan.” He strolled to the entrance of his home and kept talking so Ujio could pursue him inside.

 

“Tell me Ujio... about the miko.”

 

“She's... different.“ Ujio was brought to a stop when he realized he had spoken his opinion and not exactly what his brother had wanted to know.

 

“It's okay, my brother!” he chuckled. Slapping an arm around the older youkai, he led him to the kitchen. “I know what you mean. I also think the miko was a bad idea. Hell, the fact that she had the nerve to deny her aid to my sire, does not speak well of her! But you know my chichi-ue will always have the last word. Besides, there's also the little incident that she caused some years back.” Everyone on the island, both human and youkai, knew about what she had done. He continued. “What you do you know? Is she as insane as she is rumored to be?”

 

Sesshoumaru heard Ujio take a deep breath as he tensed the hand on his shoulder. “She is so far beyond help that none of her kind will aid her.”

 

He had never heard of such a thing before. But then again, humans were despicable, traitorous beings. “Never?”

 

“Sometimes other spiritually endowed beings will go to her while she fights, but they only go so that they can help and lessen the fury of her aura. It is so intense that none of them can stand it for long before they have to leave, too.”

 

“Why is she like this? What fuels her rage?”

 

Ujio was just as puzzled. He had some theories of his own. However, the recent lust of his inner demon for this woman was something to question also. Yet, he refused to even fathom such monstrosity. “What does it matter? he asked. “Father told me she has been marked for death. Every youkai and ronin samurai has tried to kill her.”

 

Why did everyone want Kagome to die? Ujio couldn't understand such animosity toward her, either. No wonder the woman acted the way she did. Did anyone even like her?

 

Sesshoumaru felt a pang of pity for the miko that left as quickly as it came. It wasn't his problem. “A rabid dog cannot be saved, Ujio. It is best for everyone, including the dog, for it to be put down. In the miko's case, it would be.”

 

“I couldn't agree more!” Happy for once someone was on his side, he smiled. Somehow, that girl had managed to get on the good side of all the servants.

 

“Ani (brother),” Ujio added, “there is also something else you should know about her. It seems that she holds more power than we thought. Just the other day when otou-san sent me to her, I found her in a small furusato with a group of children. You won't believe the things she was able to do...”

 

~~~~~~~

 

The future Western lord listened to his older brother as he narrated the events of the battle on the other side of the mountain. Ujio was older - almost by nine human years. He had been his friend and family whenever the Daiyoukai was gone to battle some other lord. He had also been his safe refuge after the death of his mother. The Inu no Taishou had secluded himself inside the Crescent Moon and had not even bothered taking him. He was left here in the Kuroi Hoshi, with Ujio and Juro as his only friends. After that, he just closed himself from everyone. He repressed his sorrow and replaced it with rebellion... and eventually with women.

 

“....and she lurks around the shadows of the castle!” The youkai excluded the part where their father had announced that the girl be treated as Lady of the Western Lands knowing well that his friend would not take this lightly.

 

“Thank you for your information. Now, join me for dinner before you go and take my reply to my father.” The youkai was more than glad to indulge his friend in this.

 

~~~~~~~~

 

After Ujio had left with his reply for the Inu no Taishou, the prince entered his room to ponder on this information about the miko. It seemed she was keeping her end of the bargain. Until the other priestesses were found, the miko would be a more than a valuable resource.

 

`I just wish this damn war would end soon! I'm growing weary of having to waste my time with simpleton youkai.' He thought.

 

He looked out of his window towards the path that led to the other side of the mountain. The thoughts about the miko plagued him. That was one of the reasons he dreaded sleeping. She had not even presented herself before him and he already felt her. It was a strange feeling to say the least. It was a small pull at his soul.

 

Somehow, he needed to see her. This was much stronger than simple curiosity.

 

He stripped himself from his armor and outer clothing and went to his futon with just his juban (under shirt).

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

I made my way to my appointed quarters in the Crescent Moon. I was too wrapped up on what I had just confessed to the Daiyoukai, that I didn't notice where I ended up. When I finally broke from my stupor, I was before a strange door. Not so much strange, but odd, in that it stood out from all the monotonous shoji doors in the castle.

 

Gliding the door open, I stepped inside careful not to make any noise in case someone was within. The only light inside the heya were the few stray beams of the full moon that entered through the half-closed window. I squeezed my eyes but it was not really necessary. From my childhood years, my sight somehow adapted itself in these situations and in a matter of seconds my entire surroundings became visible.

 

There was also a very pleasant and calming fragrance to this room. It was similar to the scent of the air after the rain. I walked over to the futon and lied on it, compelled by some unknown reason to do so. It felt so good.

 

As I gazed around the room from my position on the bed, a certain object caught my attention. There, hanging from the ceiling, was a circlet. The small amount of lighting gave just enough sparkle to it. I wanted to see it better so I reached my hand for it.

 

“First you accuse me of not trusting you and then you do this. What am I supposed to think when I find you barging into a room that is not yours?” a deep voice called from outside the room.

 

I jumped. I had not heard him. I turned around slowly hoping it was my conscious.

 

Great Kagome! How do you plan on getting out of this one?!

 

“Um...I...I... got lost.” I started removing imaginary dust from my haori.

 

“I am very sure you did.” Raising an eyebrow, “That is why I came looking for you. I knew you were too deep in your thoughts to notice which way you were going.” Stepping aside he suggested with one hand for me to follow him.

 

Blushing, I gave my apologies and left the room. I trailed after him through various corridors, halting at a door where Kirara was growling at Juro. The inu simply ignored my neko friend but kept his distance. Upon catching my scent, Kirara stopped and rubbed at my leg.

 

`Not a moment too soon. I was just about to sharpen my claws on the dog.'

 

I smirked and responded. `I wouldn't if I were you. He's the only one that hasn't been hostile.'

 

“Here is your room. Make sure you are accompanied at all times, so you don't.... get lost.” He grinned and glanced back at Juro who was standing at my door. “Stay outside the door in case Kagome-hime needs your assistance. Don't let her out of your sight. This is a huge castle. Oyasuminasai, my Lady. Breakfast will be served at dawn, so prepare early.” Bowing he left my room and Juro closed the door behind them.

 

I sighed. Well that went well!

 

I sat on my futon and turned my eyes towards the window. It was a clear cool, peaceful night that contrasted greatly with the events of these past days. I removed my clothing and reached for the yukata that lay at the small dressing table by the window. When I stood there looking in the direction of gardens, I saw many lights and thousands of camping tents that belonged to the warriors. The dark figures stood out greatly in the white snow that covered the ground.

 

I realized that all these youkai were here for the Inu no Taishou. Never in all my previous battles against youkai or ningen, had I seen such loyalty and respect for a leader as these soldiers held for the Daiyoukai. Since the first day of battle, they all had stood up for each other, working as a single unit, raising their swords in defense for the youkai next to them. It hadn't mattered that they were from different clans or lands. All of them had fought and never complained or backed down. Any human would have already fled for their life or simply given up there.

 

Moving back to my futon, I laid down and slowly but surely I fell into a light sleep. A nightmare quickly followed. I was standing immobile while vicious, horrid images tore through my mind. The sight of the village in flames.

 

Of bodies lying scattered all around.

The faint sounds of people screaming.

The fury inside my heart demanded blood...

 

A brown-eyed shadow.

 

Perhaps not more than two hours had passed since I had lied down, when I felt something odd and bolted up from my bed. I ceased my movements and tried to locate what exactly gave me this feeling. It was as if someone was watching me. I turned my head and searched my room. No one was in here with me, but “the presence” I felt was familiar. It took a few more seconds than usual to recognize the ever-present shadow that followed me at home. It seemed that it followed me even to the western lands.

 

For a moment, I thought I could make out brown eyes, but I quickly dismissed the thought. I hadn't slept in four days and my sight was bound to play tricks on me.

 

Juro must have sensed my uneasiness because he knocked and called from the other side. “Lady Kagome, daijoubou desu ka?”

 

“Hai.” I narrowed my eyes. My visitor disappeared at the sound of Juro's voice. .

 

He entered and looked startled. He walked towards the opposite of the room where I lay on the hard floor, his hand outstretched. “How do you feel?” he asked, patting my shoulder as he kneeled next to me.

 

I cringed at the sensation of his warm hands on my flesh. It was gentle. Searing. And it made a foreign part of me ache. But worst of all, it made my hackles rise. I'd never be able to stand anyone touching me.

 

“I'd rather you not do that.”

 

“Do what?” he asked.

 

“Touch me.” He pulled back slowly and blinked methodically.

 

“I just wanted to feel your temperature. Humans don't do very well in this cold weather.”

 

“Yeah, well, we all have problems.” I stood up. I was bare-foot.

 

I opened my mouth but I closed it. It would be useless to ask him if he had felt it too so I just told him something else. “Show me a part of the castle where I can practice? I'd prefer if you escort me to an area that is secluded and no youkai are around.” If at all possible!

 

“There is an unoccupied area on the south garden. I will take you there at first light.”

 

“No.” I frowned.

 

“No?” He almost looked frightened.

 

“Alright. I believe I could - ” I didn't give him time to finish when I pulled him with me out the door. Then I paused.

 

Clutching my yukata closer, I mumbled, “Um... I might need to change. Could you wait outside and then take me there?”

 

Sighing he shook his head and smiled. “Of course, my lady!”

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Juro stopped in the middle of an open field that was blanketed with winter snow. According to Juro, this particular field was usually covered in moon flowers during spring. He signaled to a small hut in the far corner near the wall. “That houses some of the weapons used by my Lord. And taking in mind that he ordered you be treated as the Lady of the West, I see no problem in you using his weapons to practice. However, might I be so bold as to speak my mind?”

 

I hadn't even listened to Juro and only caught his last words. The plain in which I stood took my breath away. Although it was winter, the castle walls and most of the grounds were covered in chrysanthemum. Too absorbed in my thoughts, I nodded my acceptance absentmindedly.

 

“I think you should be in bed getting some rest. If my Lord wants to attack first, he will do so right after breakfast. You're a ningen who needs her rest. Perhaps if we went back?” I took notice of his form. He was worried.

 

“I did rest before dinner. Besides, I couldn't sleep anymore now if my life depended on it. This exercise will aid my ningen body regain its strength in no time. You are excused.”

 

“Otokooya (father) explicitly said I should not leave you.” He stood there with his paws firmly in the ground. For a minute there I thought that a hurricane would not move him.

 

Moving forward, I waved my hand in the air. “Whatever. Just make sure to stay back. I wouldn't want to tell your master I accidentally made demon dust out of you.” Looking back at him I smirked when I saw his face pale.

 

~~~~~~~~

 

Juro was the type of demon who'd anyone would call a lover and not a fighter. He did enjoy other youkai company and he would be lying if he said he'd never bedded a demoness. Years ago, especially during his schooling, he'd done some outrageous things with his brothers and he was, dare he say, a pretty good fighter.

 

But after returning from his `awakening', he had settled for a peaceful life. He wanted a mate and some day even pups. He already knew what kind of demoness he wished to mate and he'd already found her, too.

 

Nevertheless, today, for the first time since he'd found his perfect match, he had a momentary lapse in judgment.

 

Juro froze as the woman had appeared outside his father's study.

 

Damn me...

 

She was incredible. Her shiny hair was the color of molasses, and it was held up on a bun by two blue ribbons whose ends fell to her nape. Her skin was pale, with rosy cheeks and lips that had obviously never been kissed. She stood a full head and half shorter than him and wore a black chihaya that hugged rather than hid her womanly attributes. Her eyes were pale, pale lavender. So light that at first glance, they were almost colorless.

 

Kami she was beautiful.

 

The smell of gardenias permeated him and he felt a desperate need to bend down, bury his face against her creamy skin and just inhale her sweet scent. To sink his fangs into her soft, tender neck and sample the life force inside her. If he didn't know any better he'd swear she was turning him on. Unable to move from the force of his fantasy, Juro had stood perfectly still as she cleared her throat.

 

He stepped aside and walked her to her room. It wasn't until he had closed the shoji outside her room that he allowed himself to breathe. Chills had rushed over him. Thankfully he collected himself by the time she requested to be taken outside.

 

The young inu youkai sat amazed. He had battled many fierce youkai, survived many dangers and witnessed some of the most powerful displays of power. Taken, he was not, by any means, a male who enjoyed any kind of fighting.

 

Her every move was precise. Each one of her thrusts seemed to be given with the intent to render her opponent defenseless. Her face showed every bit of concentration and her aura radiated nothing less than fierceness. Juro was sure that the damage he'd heard about her do in the past four days on the battle field and now wasn't even a glimpse of what this small woman could really do.

 

A frown creased his forehead as a thought came to his mind. He was well aware of her reputation. Not one to judge blindly, he didn't listen to the stories he'd heard among the youkai villages. An incredible rush went through him. He felt her darkened aura. That truly scared him. This was a woman capable of anything. One of almost godlike powers.

 

And for her incredible powers she had been alone. He couldn't imagine being banished the way Kagome had been. At the time she had been taken to the monastery, she had been a defenseless pup without the protection of her pack. The reports from Inu no Taishou's messenger had been somewhat detailed.

 

The climate harsh. Inhospitable. Desolate. Bleak. He'd lost his parents at a young age, but at least he had the Lady Aikiko, the Inu no Taishou and his two brothers to help him. Kagome had been denied anyone.

 

While other miko were allowed to train at shrines, Kagome had been forced to endure her childhood in solitude. Alone. He couldn't imagine how she must have suffered over the years as she struggled through her days, knowing she would never have a reprieve of any kind. Especially after the village incident.

 

No wonder she was insane.

 

It seemed that now, the idea of her surname `The Perfect Killer', was rightfully dubbed. As he continued to watch, so entranced was he that he failed to notice the rather large audience she was gathering around her. In fact, were it not for the figure that had just blocked his view, he would have sat there admiring her.

 

He was about to tell them to leave the area when she stopped and opened her eyes. She sheathed her sword and looked around as if looking for someone. It was then that he saw something that almost made his jaw drop.

 

She asked one of the captains to spar with her.

 

~~~~~~~~

 

The demon Lord was tossing and turning in his bed. He was constantly thinking about his son. He knew that his heir was unharmed and was awaiting his orders on the other castle. Yet, he worried. Kagome's last words still rung in his head.

 

He'd heard of Lord Seiwa, Emperor of Nippon and his dealings. He knew how he had sent Kagome away after sending his first born son to be beheaded. The man was crazy and still was. The Inu no Taishou felt pity for her.

 

“If she were my daughter, I'd made sure she understood how much I cared for her and loved her. I'd make sure that every day she lived, I was there for her. If she were my daughter―” He stopped there. She wasn't his pup.

 

It was then that he heard the clatter of swords outside. His first thought was that the enemy had found out about his plan and attacked. He swiftly snatched his swords and jumped out his balcony running towards the source of the noise. On his way, he noticed that most of this army was not there. That only served to heighten his bad feeling.

 

Running faster he was brought to a halt when he saw what was the basis for the commotion. The missing demons were cheering with their swords and surrounding some one. He inched closer and his army moved aside to let him see what they were gawking at.

 

There, in the center, was the miko sparring with one of his lieutenants. She was holding back, he could tell. His lieutenant wasn't doing the same, however. The young demon was giving it his all, but it seemed that it didn't make the miko shy away. With one light punch of her hand she sent the officer flying several feet away. Instantly, another of his lower officers jumped in ready to fight.

 

One by one, she defeated them without the use of any weapon. By the look on her face, she seemed to be enjoying the spars and encouraged the demons to join in. Soon she was fighting against four and five at a time without the use of powers. It made no difference. Her skills allowed her the freedom to move around easily. Although they were faster, she was using that to her advantage.

 

It was then that he noticed that this `exercise' was her way of preparing them for battle with the kuro miko. Obviously the other priestesses were not even close to her in age; however, the employment of her powers gave them a small glimpse of what they were going against. She even went as far as to correct them when they made a mistake and give them hints on her attacks. To these youkai, she must have seemed undefeatable, but the Inu no Taishou could see some open spaces where she could be brought down. Certainly these would only be apparent to experienced Daiyoukai like himself.

 

After this, he decided it was time he got a piece of the fun. Grabbing his sword by the hilt, he leapt in.

 

~~~~~~~~

 

I reached back to unsheathe my two naginata. I turned them once in my hands before joining them by the hilts and watching their magic fuse them into one. Closing my eyes and blocking out the sounds around me, I twirled my weapon and moved it as if it were an extension of my arm. Little by little I intensified my workout adding spins, kicks and some other training movements.

 

Deep in my concentration, I did not notice I had an audience. As I finished the last of my training, I opened my eyes and saw half the western, northern and southern army gazing at me. Most of the stares were in shock, while others were accompanied by smirks. I separated my blade and sheathed it. Surveying my audience, I motioned for one of them to join me. Eagerly, he stepped in. He was, I could tell, an experienced warrior. I took my fighting stance and beckoned him with my hand to brawl with me.

 

As one was defeated, another jumped in. Soon, they were attacking me in pairs of two or three at a time. It was not hard. Quite the contrary - it was exactly what I needed. If I wanted to return home alive I needed to make sure they won. Some of them were good and went to the degree of landing blows to my body, which were really not bad at all. Speed and strength was on their side, but brains and courage were on mine.

 

Suppressing my urging power that came naturally when a youkai was near, I put out my hand to signal a pause to my opponents. They stopped and looked at me in confusion.

 

“I have been keeping my spiritual powers down. However,” I eyed them all in warning, “I will call upon a fragment of my ability. Do not be concerned for I will do nothing to harm you. This is merely to prepare you for the kuro miko.” Again taking my stance, I motioned for them to continue their attack.

 

In the middle of the `practice', I sensed a great youki come closer. I narrowed my eyes and pushed back my assailants just in time to reach my naginata and guard against the intruder's blade.

 

Cling

 

“I thought I told you to rest!” He looked down on me.

 

“I thought I told you that I didn't need to rest.” With that said, I pushed him back. He was much stronger than all of these demons here so I only managed to make him slide back a few feet.

 

He cased his sword and barked to the soldiers in what I suppose was something like `go back to the camp and wait for orders”. When the last demon was out of sight, he glanced at me and chuckled.

 

“Arigatou. My armies will, in the end, live because of this.” He gave a sincere smile and bowed. And before I could interject with any kind of reply, for he surely saw my eyes roll, he added, “We should head to the dining hall and eat something. We shall part immediately after breakfast.”

 

I nodded and trailed after him noting for the first time that dawn was approaching fast.