InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fate Entwined ❯ A Not So Welcoming Welcome ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

AN: Here is the next chapter I hope you all like it. Warning there is use of mild Language in this chapter, that is of course one of the reason's I rated this story mature. Also I failed to put this in my last chapter so I will put it here.

I do not own Inuyasha or any of the character's but my own. Now that I have gotten the general disclaimer out of the way, enjoy!

Word count(minus authors note): 3,696

Edited on 2/19/11 for minor spelling, sentence structure, grammar and a continuity issue

Chapter 2: A Not So Welcoming Welcome

   She was floating. Why did it feel like she was floating? Opening her eyes she found herself encased in complete darkness. Here in this void of nothing there was no sound. She strained her eyes and ear's  praying that she would hear or see something to let herself know she was not alone. She held back the whimper that was looking to escape and wrapped her arms around herself. She didn't know how long she remained suspended there in the dark but it seemed like forever to her.

    “Kagome,” came a whisper from seemingly all around her. It sounded like multiple voices yet one at the same time. “Kagome,” the voices called for her again.

   “Who are you?” She asked looking around her but seeing nothing, “Where are you?” She was blinded then, by a bright light. Shielding her eyes with her arm's she waited for the light to die down. As the light died down, she was surrounded by a comforting warmth. It was the same feeling she had had just before her change. Opening her eyes a bit she looked out between her folded arms to see what the light brought. Her eyes widened as she beheld a multitude of color's instead of the darkness or even a blinding white, like she thought she might see. Bringing her arms back down to her sides she looked around her, watching as the colors shifted and changed from one to the next.

   “We do not have much time to explain to you,” the voices spoke once more, “Even now our consciousness fades. You are meant for more than the role of “Shard Detector.” You have already set into motion events that shall change and shape the future that you know. The time will come when the hanyou will loose his father, but this day was not that day. There are things to come that must happen and then there are things to come that will change.” All around her the colors continued to shift, they seemed to pulse with a life of their own as the voices spoke.

   “I don't understand.”

   “Just know that thing's will be different”

   The colors began to fade, darkness coming back to swallow her. Confusion ate at her mind as the warmth left her body. What did the voices mean? Was she meant to save Inuyasha's father on this very night? What would this mean for her future? She was left with more questions than answers and she knew that the voices would not return, nor would they give her the answers she sought. This time as the darkness encased her, her mind slowly returned to the blank state of a dreamless sleep.

   What seemed like only moments later she was being gently shaken back into the waking world. Opening bleary eyes she blinked a few times before she was able to focus on the person knelt before her. For a brief moment confusion ruled her thought process as she slowly became more aware of her surroundings. Memories of the previous day flitted across her minds eye as recognition of who was before her came to light.

   “Wha?” Kagome asked, her voice still laden with sleep.

   “It is time to rise Kagome-san,” came the soft voice of the one who woke her, “Touga-sama has already captured and prepared are breakfast.”

   Kagome sat up, rubbing her eyes as she looked towards the rekindled fire to see the great Inu Lord inspecting the cooked meat with one hand while cradling Inuyasha in his other. As Kagome became more awake she turned her attention back to Izayoi.

   “Thank you Izayoi-sama,” she said softly as she stood up.

   Stretching Kagome felt a few of her joints pop in protest before turned to her companions. She smiled lightly trying not to let her dream bother her as she readjusted her tail and then knelt down next to the fire and carefully removed one of the spits from where it was stuck into the ground. Unconsciously she sniffed at the meat before she took a bite, savoring the taste in her mouth. She watched from the corner of her eye as Izayoi took Inuyasha from Touga's arm's and retreated a few paces back to feed him. Turning her full attention to Touga she lowered her arms as she took notice of the golden eye's watching her. She shifted slightly becoming self conscious of herself. Swallowing the meat in her mouth she cleared her throat and voiced one of the many question's she held.

   “When do we leave?”

   “When you have both eaten,” Touga replied, “We will be returning to my home in the Western Fortress. It will also be Izayoi's, my pup's, and yours as well. I will caution you now pup, in private such informality is somewhat acceptable, however in the eye's of the court and for that matter the whole of the fortress you must show the utmost respect to myself and others above you until you have earned your place. Do you understand?” He fixed her then with a stern and critical look, as if he were speaking to a child. Kagome nodded her understanding as she swallowed nervously.

   “I understand Touga-sama.” He smiled then, his features becoming less fierce.

   “There is much that you will need to learn in order to survive in my home, but I believe you will do fine. I can see a fire in your eyes that rival's that of any female I have met. Your will is strong and you seem just as stubborn as this old dog.” He chuckled lightly as he finished, flashing her a wry grin as he stood, and moved past her. Reaching out as he moved forward he gently took Inuyasha from Izayoi's arm's. “Finish eating, when you are both done we shall depart,” he said as he sat against the log in the clearing and cradled the pup in his arm's.

   They finished their food all too quickly for Kagome's liking, but she new that she could not complain. Fetching some water from the stream they doused the fire and scattered the burnt wood and ashes. When they were ready Touga motioned them to his side. Handing Inuyasha back to Izayoi he wrapped one arm around her. Wrapping his other arm around Kagome he began to build his youki.

   “Hold on,” he warned as they took to the air.

   Kagome tightly grasped the hand that held her waist as they soared higher into the air. Her grasp loosened slowly as they finally leveled out. Looking below her she watched as the green's, brown, gray’s, and blues of the ground and water below them blurred past. They traveled quickly, much faster than she was used to, however she relaxed quickly in Touga's arm's. She knew that he would not drop her. She watched as cloud's passed, shivering slightly when they actually passed through one by mistake. The Sun continued its ascent into the sky and by the time it was barely mid-morning, they had already covered many miles. For the most part the trip was silent, with the exception of Inuyasha's gurgling and occasional giggles.

   “We will be reaching the Fortress Soon,” Touga spoke, “you both shall get your first glance within the hour. I will warn you both now it is best to be silent when we land. My First mate will not be happy and will most likely make her displeasure known as soon as we land. I know not if my first born will be present as well, but if so it is best not to raise his ire as well. I will do the speaking. I can only hope that this confrontation will not be lengthy. If I must, I will have someone escort the both of you to better quarter's until I have finished with her.”

   Kagome shivered then, from what she was unsure, but she was not looking forward to what was to happen in the next hour or so. From the corner of her eye she saw Izayoi hug Inuyasha closer to her, worry for his safety plain to see on her features. Looking back to the scenery around them Kagome let her mind go blank, knowing that in just an hours time she would be seeing a face she knew. What would happen? She didn't know, but she knew she would not let Inuyasha be harmed.

    All too quickly the hour sped past. There just on the horizon of their vision an expansive fortress could be seen. As they got closer she noticed that it was almost like a city. Above, settled on the cliff-side was a sprawling traditional Japanese palace, enclosed by a high wall. Stair's led down the cliff-side to a small niche in which sat another building which appeared to be a stable of sorts. Settled at the bottom of the cliff was a gathering of buildings, surrounded again by another high wall to protect the inhabitants. There seemed to be 3 sections to this miniature city. One for the lower class, one of the upper, and the last appeared to be a the barracks for the soldiers. Each section was walled off from the other with shorter walls, but tall enough that it would take effort to climb over them.

   They flew swiftly over the the city, passing over the high wall that enclosed the palace and landed in the courtyard just beyond. Taking a quick glance around Kagome had to guess that this was the main entry for the palace. The grounds were immaculate, white stone pathways cut off in different directions. The grass was neatly trimmed, different flowers blooming in various places, and a few tree's dotted the area. Looking forward the path before them led up to the front steps of the palace. It was lined with sakura tree's which appeared to have already begun blooming. The only thing that ruined the surrounding beauty were the soldier’s stationed in different places. Glancing behind them she took note of the large wooden gate which blocked off access to the palace from those outside. There were soldiers on top of the wall too.

    Looking back to their front he took in the grandeur of the palace. The main building which was directly in front of them was three stories high. The first level had a wooden walkway that was partially hidden by bamboo mats which were rolled up about half way. The wood that the palace was built from was stained a deep brown. Grey tiles covered the sloped roofs and covered walkways could just barely be seen from their position, branching off in other directions. They most likely lead to other sections of the palace.

   One of the main doors to the palace opened then, a dark haired girl coming from within. She rushed forward to greet them, her eyes filled with worry. She was dressed in a plain looking kimono the color of water, with a light pink obi wrapped around her wait. Her long hair was pulled back in a low tail behind her. As she got closer Kagome noticed that her hair was a dark red, so dark it almost looked black. Her eyes were a striking orange as she leveled her worried gaze on them.

   “My lord!” she all but shouted as she came to a stop before them, “My lord, My lady is on her way and she is not in the best of moods. I thought it best to notify you before she arrived.”

   “Thank you Nabi,” Said Touga. The girl bowed to him then having remembered her place. “Please remain here, I may need you to guide these two woman to some guest quarters.”

   “Yes my lord,” Nabi said as she bowed and moved off to the side, not even sparing them a glance as the door opened again and another woman came out.

    The woman came towards them walking quickly yet elegantly. She was wearing a white and pink kimono with green and yellow butterflies on her left breast and on the lower left portion of it. The under Kimono's were white and blue. Over her kimono she wore a blue outer robe lined at the top and bottom with thick fur. Around her neck rested a necklace of large pearl like marbles, from which hung a deep blue stone set in a pendant of gold. Her silver hair was tied back by into two tails leaving some hair to frame either side of her face. Her bangs were cleanly parted to proudly display the indigo crescent on her forehead. On either cheek she sported a jagged magenta stripe and magenta colored her eye lids. Though her face displayed no emotion her golden eye's displayed her anger and displeasure all too clearly.

    She stopped about 5 feet from them her eyes narrowing slightly. Kagome had noticed her glance at them as she came to a stop. Kagome looked between Touga and this new demon warily, before looking to Izayoi with concern. Izayoi kept her gaze down on Inuyasha, though Kagome new she was paying attention to what was going on. Looking back to the two who stood facing off against the other, she took in the calm that had taken over Touga's face. The tension in the air was so thick she could have cut it with her claws.

   “My lord,” The female spoke in a soft clipped tone, “I see you have returned, and with your new whore in tow.” Touga growled deeply in warning his eyes beginning to bleed red. “Who is the other? Another of your whores you failed to mention?” Kagome bristled in anger, but kept her mouth shut as she felt Touga's energy rise. The air around them beginning to crackle.

   “You will do well to remember your place, Megumi!” he bit out barely restraining his anger.

   “No, you will do well to not disrespect me by bringing your whore and that hanyou trash into this palace!” The female shouted her face no longer emotionless.

   “Silence!” Touga roared, “You will not disrespect me nor mine! You will go to our chamber and I will speak with you there.” Touga's eyes were blazing red now and the air was thick with his youki. The female opened her mouth to speak but was cut off before she could begin. “You will say no more! Do not dis-obey me or the consequence's will be far more dire.”

    The female closed her mouth then. Though anger still showed in her eyes her face was devoid of emotion once more. As she turned Kagome took notice of something else. Though it was almost unnoticeable, there had been pain in the woman's eye's. She gracefully made her way back into the palace as Touga turned towards them, his eyes still blazing red.

   “Nabi,” her called to he young woman who stood off to the side, “Please escort these two to some quarters in the guest wing.”

   “Yes my lord,” Nabi said as she bowed.

   “See to it that any request's that they may have are also fulfilled.” With that Touga turned sharply and all by stormed his way into the palace.

   Nabi turned to them then finally looking at them. Taking a deep breath she smiled a small smile at them.

   “Please follow me,” she said turning and leading them towards the palace doors. Kagome and Izayoi followed her Izayoi's head was still bowed. Kagome's head shot to her left as she slowed in her walk. She watched area to her left for a few moments before she turned and jogged to catch back up with them. For moment she could have sworn she had seen a flash of silver white and red. Shaking her head she focused back on the person guiding them into the palace so that she wouldn't get lost.

    When they entered the palace they removed their shoes and were each provided a pair of sandal like slippers. Picking up her shoes she followed their guide through a couple of halls already feeling lost as they emerged onto one of the covered walk ways. Kagome didn't really have much time to pay attention to the things around her or the path they took. They walked out towards another two storied building. This one like the main building had a walkway shielded by bamboo shades and it appeared that some of the rooms on the uppers level had balconies. Entering the building they took first hall to their left and after passing a few door's they stopped at one of them.

    “This room will be yours my lady,” Nabi said bowing to Izayoi as she opened the shoji screen. Izayoi nodded and moved forward pausing in the doorway. “Is there something you require?”

   “I would like something to lay my child in if it is not too much trouble,” Izayoi asked softly.

   “Of course,” Nabi said, “I will return shortly with a cradle for the pup.” Nabi bowed again to Izayoi as she walked into the room and then closed the door softly. Turning to Kagome she then motioned her follow. They stopped at the next door. “This will be your room,” she said as she bowed to her, “is there anything you require as well?”

   “No,” Kagome replied, “Thank you for your help.” She bowed to Nabi then a kind smile lighting her face despite all that had happened. Nabi's eye's widened slightly at her actions but she quickly recovered.

   “Very well my lady. If there is anything you need do not hesitate to call for me.” She bowed then motioning for her to enter the room.

    Kagome moved forward and began to cross the thresh-hold of the room. She could feel an energy that she had not noticed before and turned to Nabi then with question in her eyes.

   “The rooms hold enchantment on them,” Nabi said seeing the question's in her eyes, “They are spells for protection and silence. Many of our guests are important and we respect their need for silence from any of their private affairs. Outside these rooms nothing can be heard unless the door's are open. Kagome nodded in understanding. “I will also ask that you stay in this room until My lady has calmed and better quarters can be arranged.”

   “Thank you,” Kagome replied, “I will remain here. What of Izayoi-san?”

   “I will inform her the same when I return with the cradle for her pup.” Nabi bowed again and then closed the door softly leaving Kagome to her own devices.

    Kagome turned back towards the room taking in what there was. Aside from the wood at the entrance to the room the rest of the floor was covered in tatami mats. The room was of a moderate size, it could easily hold half of her house. The room was sectioned off into two  by folding screen's. The front section appearing to be a meeting area, with a low table and cushions positioned around it for entertaining guests. There were a few lanterns positioned on this side to provide light during the night and a chest sat against the wall to her right. Walking to the other side of the screens she took in the more private area of the room. There was a futon for sleeping, currently rolled up, another able with a solitary cushion in front of it. There was also a chest or two on this side, presumably to house the clothes or possessions of whoever stayed in the room at that time. A few more lanterns were positioned on this side of the room as well and another set of screen's blocked off what was likely the changing area. Looking to the wall opposite of the door she took in the shoji screens which at this moment were closed. On closer inspection it looked as though they could be slid all open into compartments for storage during the summer months. Most likely when they did this they hung more bamboo shades for privacy.

   Walking over to the screens she opened one a crack and peeked out seeing the garden just beyond the hanging shades of the walkway. She closed the door then and sighed as she walked to the table and plopped to the ground on the cushion in a not so graceful manner. Leaning over the table she rested her elbow on its surface and then rested her chin in her hand. Her thoughts turning inward as she finally allowed herself to really think about everything that had happened so far. She wondered if Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, Shippo and Kirara were alright. She thought of the voices she heard and her thought’s turned to her dream. Again she wondered what the voices meant and as she pondered this her head began to hurt.

    Turning her thoughts elsewhere the focused on the most recent events of only a minutes ago. She thought of the Female demon whom had confronted them upon their arrival. Was that really Sesshomaru's mother? She was a beauty but even Kagome could see the deadly grace with which she held herself. Kagome thought of her greeting or lack there of and her ire rose once more at how she was treated. She could feel the fur of her tail practically stand on end and she began to try smooth it out. She calmed however as she thought of the pain she had seen in the woman's gaze as she turned from them. She came to an understanding then that she was hurt and as such she was lashing out at those around her. She only hoped that, this was not what Sesshomaru's mother was truly like. With a another sigh she let her mind go blank hoping that she would not be cooped up in this room for too long.

~To be Continued
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