InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Echo of Destiny ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

Echo of Destiny

Chapter 5

 

Inuyasha and Kagome shaded their eyes as they stepped back into the sun with Miroku and Sango in their wake. The crowd that had gathered around the temple had grown to the point that it clogged the wide streets and the priests were at their limits keeping the people at bay. Almost as soon as they stepped out, however, the noise died, like someone had pressed a giant pillow over the city.

 

Kagome laced her fingers with Inuyasha's as they stood together on the temple steps. It happened like a wave retreating from the shore. En mass the crowd fell to its collective knees and bowed. Kagome blushed and Inuyasha frowned, his free hand moving to rest on Tetsusaiga's hilt as the sword hung from his hip.

 

Unsure what to do next, Inuyasha glanced around at the priest for a sign. Miroku had just cleared his throat and opened his mouth to speak, when a loud scream erupted from the sky.

 

All eyes turned up to see something large streaking to earth like a giant fireball. The loud scream shattered the air again and people scattered. Inuyasha shoved Kagome behind him, and his hand tightened around the hilt of the sword. For an instant he wondered why he was even thinking about using the piece of shit, but as the fireball lit gently on the cobbled street the thought vanished.

 

Standing before them was the biggest horse Inuyasha had ever seen. It was at least twice as tall as the largest draft horse, but built like a thoroughbred. Its mane and tail were as red as fire and billowed in the breeze. Real flames danced around its hooves; blue at the base, then running the spectrum of reds, oranges, and yellows as they licked upwards. Its body was covered in creamy pelt that shone in the sun. Blood red eyes stared at them with black pupils. Inuyasha slid into a fighting position.

 

“I see your steed has not forgotten you, Lord Inuyasha.” Miroku's voice was calm.

 

“What?” Kagome turned to look at him.

 

“Entei. He was a gift from the God Apollo,” Miroku clarified, “His sire and dam both pull Helios's chariot.” The horse gave a happy whinny, rearing up on his hind legs before prancing over to them. Inuyasha instinctively pushed Kagome farther behind him. Entei danced back and forth in front of them, shaking his mane, and whinnied again. The half-demon raised an eyebrow.

 

“Awww, he's cute!” Kagome cooed and reached around Inuyasha. The half-demon tried to protest, but Entei pressed his nose into her palm. “He's like all those foals your mom has around the beginning of the year… just bigger.”

 

“Woman, you are going to be the death of me,” Inuyasha huffed, but relaxed his guard anyway. Entei turned from Kagome to nuzzle his head against Inuyasha's chest, making the demon step back with a muted `oomph.' Inuyasha growled; today was bad enough without an overgrown colt pushing him around. Entei snorted and began to rub his head up and down on Inuyasha's chest, making happy little noises as his ears got scratched in the process.

 

“He likes you,” Kagome giggled.

 

“Lucky me,” Inuyasha growled. He pushed the horse's head away, “That's enough; go find an apple tree or something.” Entei stepped back and looked almost hurt. Then, suddenly, the horse lunged. His head shot between Inuyasha's legs and easily lifted the half-demon up to slide down his neck. Inuyasha barely had time to right himself and grab hold of the fiery-red mane before the horse reared and took off… literally. Hooves thundered across the cobblestone for only a few paces before Entei mounted into the sky.

 

Inuyasha held on for dear life as they climbed higher and the city fell away. He could only watch in wide-eyed shock as Kagome and the priest became nothing more than dots on the ground. Entei kept climbing, flames trailing behind him. The half-demon was not sure where he was being taken, but a jump from this height would kill him without a doubt. Making the best of this unnerving situation, Inuyasha pulled himself into a better riding position, keeping a firm grip on the mane for balance.

 

Entei finally leveled out, just below the thin bubble that separated the underwater world from the ocean above. Inuyasha tilted his head back to watch a school of silvery fish swim past. His hand strayed up, curiosity pulling him to see just what created the barrier, but he paused. Visions of summer bubbles blown for his niece Rin danced before his mind, showing the iridescent bubbles popping at the girl's gentlest touch. Only now he was inside the bubble. He retracted his hand.

 

Looking down, Inuyasha was greeted with a circle of green. Fields and forests and meadows stretched out in all directions until they butted against the soft tan of the all encompassing beach. Beyond that was the ocean, or at least what appeared to be the ocean, reaching out until it touched the sky bubble. The only break in the entire landscape was the city proper, standing out with its rings of cobblestone and water.

 

Entei raced past it all, whinnying his elation as he went. Inuyasha wished he could concur with the overgrown foal, but already worry was beginning to well in his chest. He did not like the idea of leaving Kagome alone in such a strange place, even if the locals did believe her to be a goddess; there was no telling what they would do. Yet this horse had him trapped. They were too high for him to attempt a jump, and, with no reins, steering the creature back to the city was nearly impossible.

 

Suddenly Entei changed course, arcing into a smooth dive. Glad to finally be heading back to solid ground, Inuyasha turned to face their destination. His eyes widened; before them lay a sprawling palace. The building was more elegant than any in the city and made of beautiful marble. The palace was built in a large rectangle, surrounding a large garden of brightly colored flowers and with the main villa facing out to sea. The palace was seated in the middle of a clearing, with three sides bordered by forest.

 

On each side there was a much smaller building. On the right was a small rectangular building with large golden gates. With the fancy half door on the side, Inuyasha could only guess that it was a stable. The building on the left was much nicer, even if it was no larger. It was completely enclosed on all sides with solid walls except for a highly ornate wooden door, but decorative pillars went all the way around. Inuyasha could not even hazard a guess as to what the building might be.

 

Entei landed in the clearing and Inuyasha slid off his back. The voices that were shouting for him to rush back to Kagome had fallen silent as he stared at the huge structure before him. The columns were made of black marble, hemmed in gold at the top and bottom. White marble stairs gleamed and invited him forward towards high wooden doors embedded with mother of pearl. His feet carried him, even as his brain began to kick back on.

 

His hand reached out and touched the door; finding that the wood was warm from a day in the sun. He briefly wondered how this world got sunlight in the first place, but them shrugged it off. His nose told him no one had been in this clearing, with the exception of Entei, for a very long time. Yet everything looked perfectly kept - the marble was polished to a high shine, the door looked newly made, and the grass was clipped low and even. He could not fathom how any of this was possible.

 

Suddenly, his brain came completely online and he remembered that Kagome was still alone in the city some untold miles away. He turned around to see that Entei had vanished. If getting the horse to take him was not the fastest way back, he would have shrugged it off. As it was, there was no telling how long it would take him if he had to navigate back to the city on his own.

 

Following his nose, Inuyasha found the horse in one of the smaller buildings. As he had guessed, the building was really a stable - the nicest stable he had ever seen. Like the other building everything looked brand new. On the right was a large stall, set apart from the rest by gates of gold, the floor covered in flaxen straw. To Inuyasha's left was another gate, also made of gold. Beyond that was what made Inuyasha's eyebrows lift.

 

It was a small chariot. It was decorated, like everything else, in gold and jewels and looked far too ornate to be functional. On the walls around the chariot were all the leather straps and ties he would need to hitch a horse. His eyes fell on a bridle trimmed in gold and he smiled. Now if he could just get it on the horse, he would be getting somewhere.

 

Taking the bridle from the hook, Inuyasha crossed to the stall. Entei had his head down, drinking deeply from a small trough. Inuyasha briefly wondered who or how it was filled, before simply filing the question away for later. The horse looked up at him, water dribbling from his mouth, and nickered. Inuyasha flattened his ears as the sound resonated off the walls.

 

“Ok, boy,” Inuyasha said, carefully stepping towards the horse, “I just want to put this on you, no big deal. I just want to get back to my wife.” He edged towards the horse slowly, keeping the bridle at his side in a non-threatening manner. Entei flicked an ear and stepped up to him. Inuyasha half expected to be taken on another wild ride, but the horse merely lowered his head and began using his chest as a rubbing post. An annoyed `oomph' escaped his lips, even as he took advantage of the closeness to slip the bridle over his head. Entei made no protests, and even allowed the bit into his mouth without a fight.

 

Taking the reins in hand, Inuyasha led the horse back outside. With a gentle leap, Inuyasha was once again astride the fire horse. Taking a deep breath and gripping the reins in both hands, Inuyasha gave a click of his tongue and a tap of his heels; he was once again airborn.

 

This time the horse did not make a mad dash, but rose gently over the trees. Feeling a little bit more comfortable and in control, Inuyasha urged the horse faster. Entei picked up his pace and the island below them began to blur. The wind rushed in Inuyasha's ears, and bringing a feeling of freedom he had not felt in some time. Leaning over the horse's neck and giving the fire horse free rein, Inuyasha urged Entei into a gallop. The earth below suddenly melded into a single blur of green rimmed in blue.

 

The air rushed past at blinding speed, screaming in his ears and making his eyes water. Yet it was exhilarating, like nothing he had ever felt before in his life. Far too quickly, the rings of the city came into view and Inuyasha was forced to slow down and make his descent.

 

Entei swooped low, circling the city in smooth, wide circles. Inuyasha leaned close to the horse's neck as they banked and came in for the landing. It occurred to him at that moment that he had no idea how to land a flying horse. A moment of panic leapt into his throat as the ground raced up at them, but it was unnecessary. Entei landed expertly on the cobblestones, skipping a few steps easily to get his footing before slowing to gentle walk.

 

Inuyasha relaxed again and gently steered the horse around towards the gathered crowd still waiting before the temple. The gathered masses split down the middle, allowing him to pass. Kagome jumped off the temple steps, her eyes wide with worry, and hurried to meet him. The crowd split for her as well, and Inuyasha slid from Entei's back. His feet had barely touched the ground before she barreled into him. Wrapping his arms around her in a gentle hug, he kissed the top of her head.

 

“Don't scare me like that!” Kagome weakly hit him in the chest, and he gave a soft chuckle.

 

“I'm sorry, Kag, I won't let an overenthusiastic fire horse kidnap me ever again. I promise,” He kissed her forehead and smiled, “I didn't worry you, did I?”

 

“You're a jerk,” she huffed without any real anger and leaned against his chest.

 

“I know,” he replied softly.

 

“Lord Inuyasha?” Miroku's voice broke into their conversation and they both looked up. The priest and Amazon were making their way through the crowd with some difficulty because the mass of people were less willing to part for mere mortals.

 

Inuyasha growled in annoyance. “Let them through.” The crowd moved apart immediately at his command.

 

“Thank you, my lord,” Miroku said as they both bowed. Inuyasha huffed and Kagome blushed. “Did you enjoy your ride, my lord? Is your palace up to your standards?” Inuyasha lifted an eyebrow and Kagome looked up at him in confusion. He could only guess the bridle had tipped the priest off. Miroku leaned closer so only Inuyasha could hear him. “Perhaps spending some time in your home will help you regain your memories.”

 

Inuyasha shifted uneasily. On one hand, this whole god-worshipping was really starting to grate his nerves and it would be nice to get away from it. On the other, he was not keen on taking Kagome somewhere he was not yet sure was entirely safe. Glancing around at the crowd that was inching its way closer and closer, he made his decision. It was one thing to explore a strange house and keep an eye on just Kagome it was something else to have a city full of people all trying to touch her and him out of some sort of delusion it would bring them great fortune.

 

“Yeah,” Inuyasha agreed, still somewhat reluctantly. Miroku nodded his understanding and stepped back. Inuyasha jumped lightly and landed on Entei's back, with Kagome still in his arms. He took a moment to arrange her on the horse's back, before taking the reins in hand and clicking his tongue.

 

Once again Entei mounted into the sky. Kagome squeaked and grasped his arms for support. Inuyasha checked the horse's speed, forcing him to go slower with Kagome aboard. The horse tossed his head, but made no real protest to the slowed pace. Kagome's fear turned to curiosity and amazement as the land rushed beneath them.

 

The clearing came into view and Inuyasha reined Entei down. The horse landed lightly on the well-manicured grass and Inuyasha helped Kagome to the ground. Not knowing really what else to do with the animal, Inuyasha reached up and pulled the bridle off his head. Entei took a moment to shake his mane and whinny before trotting off towards the stable. Inuyasha shrugged and slung the bridle over his shoulder. Taking Kagome by the hand he led her towards the marble palace.

 

Dropping the bridle on the steps, Inuyasha led Kagome up to the door. The ornate door was still warm under his fingers, and despite its large size and apparent weight, it gave way easily under his hand and swung open. Kagome gasped.

 

Beyond the doors was a beautiful garden in full bloom. Flowers of every color and kind reached towards the sky. Well-trimmed, stone lined paths cut the garden into four sections and came together to circle a large marble fountain. Water cascaded over the smoothly carved stone, glistening like diamonds in the sunlight. The entire garden was enclosed by a marble walkway, the only breaks in which were the doors at either end.

 

Inuyasha closed the doors behind them, a sound that seemed strangely muted. There was an overwhelming feeling of peace in the garden, as if the rest of the world and all its problems melted away. At his hip, Tetsusaiga pulsed. Kagome hurried past him and knelt in the dirt near the flowers. A bright smile spread across her face as she inhaled the fragrance.

 

“Inuyasha, it's beautiful,” Kagome said as she looked up at him. He nodded and helped her to her feet. Keeping a firm grip on her hand, they made their way across the garden to another set of ornate double doors. Inuyasha pushed Kagome behind him, ignoring the roll of her eyes, before placing his hands on the doors and pushing.

 

Again, the doors gave way easily under his hands and swung inward. Inside was a large, open room. An ornate wooden table stood in the middle of the room with two matching chairs. Like the doors, they were inlaid with gold and pearl and were of the highest quality wood. On the table was a pair of crafted and painted bowls, each covered with a matching lid.

 

There was a doorway on the left wall and a small window on the right. Directly across from them was another pair of double doors. The walls of the room were undecorated.

 

Inuyasha led her to the door on the left and they looked inside. It was an unremarkable kitchen. There was a fire for cooking, hooks hanging from the ceiling to hold meat, and tables for preparing food. Cooking utensils and huge knives hung along the walls. But there was no food of any kind to be seen.

 

Shrugging, the two moved to the only doors they had not been through. This room was large and expansive. The ceiling was two stories high, and the far wall was a series of tall pillars so they could look out over the ocean beyond. The room was furnished with high quality furniture, crafted from rich woods and plushly padded.

 

“Some sort of living area…” Kagome commented idly.

 

“And there's an upstairs.” Inuyasha pointed to a set of stairs carved out of the marble. They led to a landing and an open second floor. He took his bride by the hand and led her up the stairs. To say that what was at the top was a room really was not an adequate description. Two walls had been forgone in place of balcony railings so the room was open to look out over the living room, and the sea beyond, on one side and the garden on the other. The only furniture in the room was a large bed covered in silk sheets of red and gold. Unlike the rest of the house, this room's floors were made of highly polished wood.

 

Kagome moved and sat down on the bed, running her fingers gently over the golden silk sheets. “This place is amazing.”

 

“Yeah,” Inuyasha breathed. “But something's not right.” He crossed his arms and looked around.

 

“What?”

 

“It's too… clean” He gestured around them with a wave of his hand and Kagome looked around. “There's no dust, the grounds and garden are kept, the stable is clean, yet there is no food or any other sign that anyone has been here in a very long time. It's… unnerving.”

 

“Mmm,” Kagome nodded. They were silent for a long time, Inuyasha taking in everything around them and Kagome idly playing with the edge of a sheet. “Inuyasha…” Kagome's voice cracked slightly, “I'm scared.” He was at her side in an instant. Kagome sniffled slightly and leaned against his shoulder. He shushed her and wrapped her in his arms. “Is any of this even real or are we dead on the ocean floor?” She buried her face in his chest.

 

“Don't say that, Kagome.” Inuyasha smoothed her hair gently. “Everything is going to be alright.”

 

“How? How is everything going to be alright?” Kagome turned pleading eyes up at him. “You can't call a lawyer or throw money at this. These people think we are gods for Christ's sake! They say we are in Atlantis! There are fish swimming in the sky, a giant flying horse with fire around its legs, a temple, people bowing right and left, and… and… and this! How are you going to make this `alright,' Inuyasha? How!?”

 

Swallowing hard, Inuyasha tucked her against his chest again. “I don't know… but I promise I'll do whatever I can.” Kagome gave a half-hearted nod between sniffles.

 

Inuyasha held her, letting her regain her composure, all the while stroking her hair and reassuring her. “Come on, Kag, let's go find some food. It will make you feel better.” She nodded as he helped her stand. They made their way back to the small kitchen that had appeared empty earlier. Inuyasha left her sitting at the table as he searched for something to eat. After ten minutes he had confirmed there was indeed no food in the house. With an irritated sigh he returned to his wife.

 

“No food?” She asked as he reentered the dining room. Inuyasha shook his head. “What about these bowls?” She motioned to the two bowls still sitting on the table. “Do you think there is anything in them?”

 

“Probably just salt if there is,” He answered with a careless shrug. Still curious, Kagome lifted the lid on the closest bowl and peered inside. Her eyebrows lifted.

 

“What is it?” Inuyasha asked as he moved to her side.

 

“Looks like honey,” Kagome answered. “only lighter…” Inuyasha looked into the bowl to see a clear, golden liquid. Cautiously he dipped his finger in it. The liquid was thinner than honey, though not thin enough to drink. Inuyasha brought the bit on the tip of his finger to his nose and took a careful sniff; it smelled sort of like honey too, but not quite.

 

Curiosity piqued, Inuyasha popped the finger and honey-like substance into his mouth. It was sweet and tangy, like and unlike honey at the same time. As he pulled the digit from his mouth, he felt an odd tingle at the edge of his senses. The feeling was fleeting and passed quickly. Inuyasha frowned.

 

“Well?” Kagome prompted. Her husband shrugged.

 

“Honey, I guess.”

 

“We can't live on honey,” Kagome sighed.

 

“I'll get the horse. If we want to eat tonight, we'll have to go back into town.”

 

&&&

 

“What the hell are they doing now?” Inuyasha groused as they looked down on the city from Entei's back. The sun, or whatever it was that provided the daylight, had faded into a burning red on the horizon, casting long shadows over everything. Below, at the city edge, bright dots of fire lit up the area, flickering as people moved between them. The smell of cooking meat wafted up to them and made their mouths water.

 

“I'd say they are having a cook-out,” Kagome answered. “I bet if we ask nicely, they'll share with us.”

 

“Kagome, they think we're gods. We don't have to ask, they'll just give it to us.”

 

Kagome frowned at him, “Don't get grouchy just because you're hungry.” She gave his ear a gentle tug.

 

“Keh,” he huffed and reined Entei down. As they approached, people began to look up and quickly made room for them to land. Entei touched down gently in the open area and the two slid from his back. Miroku pushed his way through the crowd, Sango close on his heels.

 

“Lord Inuyasha, Lady Kagome. We were not expecting you to return so soon.” The priest bowed. “Is there something we can do?”

 

Inuyasha opened his mouth to answer, but Kagome beat him to it. “There wasn't any food at the… house. We were just looking for something to eat. Please, don't let us disturb your festivities.” Miroku gave her a strange look before turning to the crowd.

 

“Hurry, bring the Lord and Lady some food,” he called over the crowd. Inuyasha cast him a dour look, but sighed and said nothing. Shortly, they were ushered to a table that had been set up. There were only two chairs, which they were encouraged to take, and the rest of the seats were simple three-legged stools that no one took.

 

The table was laden with food of every kind - roast lamb, cooked fish, chicken, and goat. Dishes neither could name were set before them, as were large goblets of wine. The two looked at each other and the air suddenly seemed thick, as if everyone gathered was holding their breath. Inuyasha took a bite of lamb and the moment passed.