InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Forgotten Memories ❯ Leaving Through the Kingdom ( Chapter 17 )

Chapter Seventeen

Leaving Through the Kingdom

InuYasha ran through the Western Lands in his breakneck speed. His eyes had changed from their previous blood red back to a golden hue. Silver hair blew against the wind, as the moon bestowed its light upon the silver tress. The red haori and hakamas ruffled, as he legs moved relentlessly, bringing them both further and further from the dreaded castle where he'd spent his childhood.

InuYasha turned slightly and caught sight of Kagome staring behind them in a fearful manner. Her blue-gray eyes shimmered with fear and something else. Something the hanyou couldn't quite make out or understand.

Her cheeks were pale and her hair was shrouded in complete darkness. The light of the moon seems to shy away from her, allowing her to stay in the everlasting dark. Her breathing had returned to a normal rate and her viselike grip on his arm had loosened somewhat.

He didn't notice her eyes staring back at his.

"InuYasha?"

"Feh."

Kagome smiled and InuYasha was somehow struck how different a smile it was from the one he remembered. This one was darker, filled with secrets. It seems more like a smile Kikyo would have given him, not his Kagome.

"Something wrong, InuYasha?" Her voice was breathier, darker, and deeper. More seductive. Was Kagome trying to seduce him? Something like purple mist radiated from her person and a different scent wafted to his nose.

A part of his brain screamed danger! Danger!!! However, a bigger part of him told him to relax, to let this just course through...

InuYasha came forth and turned dulled eyes onto her form. "Kagome..."

Kagome laid her raven head onto his haori. Her bangs covered her eyes, as she raised a hand to clutch at the fabric. "Yes, I am Kagome. I know, InuYasha, about you all that I should know. Protect me, InuYasha, like you promised. Sesshoumaru is after me now, is after to kill me. Help me, InuYasha, like you promised."

"Of course...Kagome..."

"Promise?"

"I promised, Kagome, to always protect you...remember...?"

"How could I forget?"

~*~*~*~

Miroku sat in the chambers with all the taiyoukai of the lands. The tension was so thick in the air, so much so that one could practically see it with their eyes. Sweat trickled down his face, as he realized that InuYasha is gone-with, most likely, the enemy they'd be facing.

Kuso...when did things reach this state...? He shouldn't have ever mentioned Kagome to InuYasha. Now, his best friend is with some imposter, who is able to manipulate a whole castle into believing she is their friend.

"I have a question, Lord Sesshoumaru," Miroku stated, seeing that they had quieted somewhat from all the racket from before. "Was there no change in the imposter's scent from Kagome's?"

"No, there was none."

"But that's impossible!" Raion stated, slamming his palm onto the table. His eyes bled fire, as he stared at the Inuyoukai. "Every person on this earth has their own unique scent. There is no way for one to replicate another's scent!!!"

"Well, it seems this imposter has done the impossible," Miroku said with a sigh. His eyebrows knitted together. "If she fooled both Lord Sesshoumaru and InuYasha, then the scent must be the same. The question is, how is she doing it?"

"The wench also seemed to know of Kagome's memories." Sesshoumaru continued in his stoic way. His voice betrayed no emotion and his face was as blank as always. Nevertheless, the keen senses of the youkai in this room showed a slight scent of tension and concern wafting through.

Raion's eyes widened ever so slightly. Sesshoumaru had NEVER before leaked his feelings to ANYONE. Raion knows, better than anyone, that Sesshoumaru had feelings. They'd been friends since before the death of Sesshoumaru's mother. While the Western Prince had changed dramatically after his mother's death, Raion knows that Sesshoumaru still feels under his never changing façade. So, then, HOW much tension and worry must he be feeling for it to actually LEAK through??

"Her memories?" Miroku's eyes frowned. During the brief moment he had with Kagome, he'd gotten the feel that she didn't quite understand what is going on with them. "Really...?"

"What spell, would allow a person to gain access to another's MEMORIES??" Mizu asked, her lavender blue eyes worried.

"None." Kirei stated, her brisk voice curt. "There are NO spells of the like. One's memories are sacred, no spellcaster in the past have EVER been successful in transferring memory from one to the other."

Again, the monk frowned. "Sesshoumaru-sama, what caused you to see the fraud in Kagome tonight?"

Sesshoumaru's face remained blank, but a slight tug of his lips betrayed him, as he frowned a bit. "I do not know. I thought I heard Kagome speaking to me. When I saw that wench, I realized it was not Kagome." Not my Kagome...

"How strange..." Miroku rose from his seat, and started pacing the room. The demon Lords and Ladies all frowned.

"WHAT is so strange, houshi-sama?" Mizu finally asked.

Miroku turned troubled eyes on the beautiful water nymph. "I thought, my Lady Mizu, that I had heard Kagome calling out to me tonight as well."

~*~*~*~

Kagome walked over to the window, and stared out at the scene. The sun had risen not an hour past, leaving the sky in a pretty mix of blue and orange. It was strange how different the sunlight seems to change her splendid prison. At nighttime, it's dark and dangerous, leaving the wanderer with a feel of immense fear and anxiety. During the daytime, it'd be warm and beautiful, enchanting the watcher into lingering on the exquisite sights.

Her messy hair tumbled over her shoulders in waves, as her smoky eyes devoured the sight of the lands before her. Several vines had snaked their way towards the window, curling and tumbling together until they're just a mass of green. A few dots of small, white flowers sprung here and there, their center a golden yellow. Kagome didn't know the name of these plants, as her eyes watched one sway to the breeze blowing through.

A hand reached out to pluck a blossom. The sweet scent of the flower registered in her nose and her eyes closed slightly.

Images of gardens appeared in her mind. Sesshoumaru's garden, where she'd spent so much time in...Her mother's garden, where'd she'd helped coaxed every single plant to life...

Gardens...oh, how she loved gardens...

Sighing, she turned back into the room given to her. Placing the single white blossom gently onto a table, she opened the closet and stared at the variety of kimono awaiting her. Sighing, she reached in, and took out a silk kimono of pure white. The inner layers were all silk, and made of a pure white, while the outermost layer was made of a veil-like silk embroidered with tiny red blossoms blowing randomly at the edges. Her sleeves were decorated with a strand of red silk that moved whenever she moved. Her obi was also white with the same strands on the edges. In the center was a blood-red silk cord held together by rubies and diamonds where her stomach would be. Two strands were released from the gems and billowed gently with her kimono.

Kagome sighed and quickly tied her hair into a low ponytail. It was too simple for her elaborate dress, but she hardly seemed to care. It's not like there's anyone to impress in this castle anyhow.

Quietly, she opened her door and peered into the hallway again. Light illuminated everything, chasing the shadows that had frightened her last night away. She swallowed slightly and walked over to the window opposite to her door. Outside, she caught sight of the garden she'd been in last night. This time though, three gardeners were in there, clipping away at any weeds or shaping a plant.

The tingling feel of youki caught Kagome's attention first. Turning her head towards the left, she caught sight of two servants walking toward her with a basin and towel. Behind them was Yoichi, staring at her with the same emerald eyes.

He grinned, when he caught sight of her watching him. When he came close enough, he bowed gallantly and said, "Ohayoo, Lady Kagome. Did you sleep well?"

Kagome narrowed her eyes at him. He said he's Yoichi, but he seemed to have authority. Perhaps a higher servant or guard? "No." She doesn't care how nice they are, she's not letting her guard down again.

"Is..."

"Listen, you said I get to see this master today. Well? Where is he?"

The servants before Yoichi "eeped" their surprise, before flushing under the youkai's emerald gaze. Bowing hurriedly, they brought the basin and towels into Kagome's room. "The Master will see to you during dinner, Lady Kagome. In the meantime, why don't I show you around the kingdom?"

"I get to leave the castle?" The shock in Kagome's voice was evident, as she turned large eyes onto the youkai.

"As long as you do not try to escape."

Kagome snorted, in a most unladylike way. "I suppose you didn't realize that I've lost my miko powers? How will I be able to escape?"

Yoichi smirked and Kagome realized that he probably noticed her evasive answer. "If you say so, Lady Kagome."

~*~*~*~

Kagome had a hasty breakfast, before changing into riding gear. Yoichi had told her that they'd be riding through the kingdom on horseback. She quickly went back to her room and changed into a white haori and navy hakamas. She braided her hair into a loose braid, tying it with a navy band, before dashing out into the courtyard, where Yoichi awaited her with a stallion and a mare. The stallion was a pure midnight with silver mane. His muscles rippled, as Yoichi led him closer to Kagome. The mare was a beautiful copper with a mane of golden clouds.

"Oh," Kagome whispered, when the golden mare came forward and gently butted Kagome with her muzzle. Gently, her hands came forth to stroke her nose. "Oh, aren't you a sweetie?"

"I see Sunchaser has taken a liking to you already, Lady Kagome."

"Sunchaser? Her name?"

"Yes, and this is Silver Moon." Yoichi tugged on Silver Moon's rein slightly. The horse snorted, as though annoyed with his rider. Kagome giggled slightly and returned her attention to the beauty before her.

"Well, it's lucky mother had me to learn to ride when I was younger..." Kagome murmured, patting Sunchaser's nose slightly.

"Are you ready, Lady Kagome?"

"Of course." She went over to the side and climbed onto Sunchaser's bridle effortlessly. Turning the mare, she faced Yoichi, who was patiently waiting for her at the end of the road. Smiling happily, she kicked Sunchaser into a gallop.

"Come, Lord Yoichi!" Kagome cried jovially. "We've a kingdom to see!"

~*~*~*~

The marketplace was just as busy as she remembered it. Kagome, in all her time traveling, had never seen a port so busy and filled with life. Children danced in the middle of the streets, chasing one another in their version of tag. Merchants walked from one side of town to the other, attracting customers by their loud voices. Entertainers performed by the sidelines with puppets, acrobats, and other forms of entertainment.

Kagome halted Sunchaser and climbed off her mare. Leading the horse to a booth, she watched a scene depicted by a puppeteer. Two dragons spoke to one another, in the middle of a hill filled with pansies.

"What shall we do, Jisaku?" the red dragon asked the green one.

"We shall ask the Kami for their blessing...and I do hope you have learned your lesson. Stealing and lying is never the answer..." And with that, both dragons bowed to the audience and a plain red piece of paper covered the area...

"Does this interest you, Lady Kagome?" Yoichi asked, eyeing the crude puppets in the box.

The puppeteer is obviously very poor. There was only a plain box for a theatre, with puppets made only of simple rice paper on bamboo sticks. The background was simply painted and he used a large rock for a table.

Once the show was finished, the children all clambered from their seats. "Arigato Suzaki-sama!!! We have to go now!"

A woman of twenty or so stepped from behind the stage. "Kami bless, children!" She waved, until she noticed Kagome and Yoichi standing there. Her eyes widened, when she caught sight of them and she hurried over to bow.

"My lady, my-"

"No need for that!" Kagome said, interrupting her effectively. She dragged the woman from the ground. "I'm no Lady!!! Just that guy at the top of the hill decided he wanted me to be called `Lady' so he dragged me to here." She smiled warmly at the woman. "I noticed that you entertain the children, even though they pay you nothing."

The woman bowed. "Hai, my lady." Whatever the aristocrat before her may say, the way she dressed and the horseflesh clearly defined that she had wealth, not to mention that Yoichi-sama stands beside her. "I like children."

"Your name is Suzaki-san isn't it?"

"Hai, my lady."

Kagome sighed, but didn't say anything. "Well, I thoroughly enjoyed that show." She turned to Yoichi. "Didn't you, Yoichi?"

"Um..." he coughed. That was the first time she'd called him by his name. "Hai, Lady Kagome."

Kagome smiled. "I say we should pay her for the wonderful entertainment. What do you say?"

"Hm." He dug into his belt, and let out a few gold coins. "For entertaining Lady Kagome." He said to Suzaki's wide eyes.

Suzaki dropped onto the ground and kowtowed once to them both. "I thank you greatly for your kind words, Lady Kagome, and for your generosity. I thank L-"

"Enough." Yoichi said. "Get up."

Suzaki, in legs that trembled, got off the ground. Yoichi's eyes warned her not to speak, so she kept her head bowed. Kagome smiled at the lady. "I hope to see you again, Suzaki-san."

"Please my lady, I am just a commoner. A common puppeteer named Suzaki. Please do not honor this lowly one."

Kagome smiled and got onto Sunchaser again. Yoichi followed the young girl, and mounted his own horse.

~*~*~*~

They'd met a few other commoners after that. Seriously, Yoichi was startled at the fact that this Kagome was so nice to everyone in the area. Her smile had been sincere and genuine throughout the whole day, never wavering, never dimming. Had she not been a fancy of Sesshoumaru, the Taiyoukai of the Western Lands? Why would a cold-hearted demon like Sesshoumaru fall for someone like Kagome?

Really, it's strange...

Yoichi handed the reins of Silver Moon over to a hostler and watched Kagome clamber down from Sunchaser. A strand of hair loosened from her braid and fell forward, covering her eyes. The girl handed over the reins, and brushed off her hair with an annoyed shake.

"When do I meet the amazing `master'?"

Yoichi's eyes narrowed at the way she emphasized in the word "master". It would seem that her generosity and caring nature only pertained to the rest of the kingdom. However...

Yoichi bowed to her, his black hair falling forward slightly. "Soon, Lady Kagome. I would advise a bath and a change, before you greet the Lord." He raised a hand and two maids appeared out of nowhere. "Escort the Lady Kagome to the washing chambers and prepare her for dinner."

"Yes, sir."

Kagome scowled after Yoichi's retreat. He's sure good at giving her completely useless answers. A maid bowed to her and indicated that she was to follow. Sighing, Kagome went along with them.

Author's Corner

^^;; Hello everyone...

I realize that I haven't been in this story for some time now, and I apologize for the delay. To those who's reading this fic, I thank you immensely for not giving up this fic!

We ask you all to please be patient, because I've got some regents that need to be dealt with before I can concentrate on my fanfictions. I need ALL the studying I can get for this, and I really need to pass with a high grade!! My last regents is in June 18, so the moment it's over, my updats WILL be faster!!!

~* Fanfiction *~

Wake-Robin: *pop* My head just popped from the guilt trip your review sent me...I guess I really did keep them off for too long this time...Ah, I'll make it up to people though, so no worries!! ^^-

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IndecisiveFreak: Hey, that's what I kinda was thinking of when I wrote that chapter!!! Coolie!! Great minds think alike!!

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Forgotten Memories Fan: O.o Wow...*blush* Darn...I swear, if I'd read this review sooner, I'd have DEFINITELY updated sooner...THANKS FOR BEING SO SWEET!!! And, gosh...*drool*...the image is just lovely, thanks!!

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~* Mediaminer *~

Aitu: Sorry for not updating for a while!! ^^() Glad to know that you still like the story!! ^^-

Orb: Ooooh boy...I guess it was a pretty long "few weeks," ne?? Sorry for the delay!! ^^() Yuki will update FASTER in the summer (After June 18) to make up for it!!

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Bitch of the Highway Thieves: O.o Oh, wow, I should count my lucky stars that you haven't mobbed me yet...Anyway, thanks for the history, I'll keep that in mind...

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j-chan: Is that the correct form of spelling them? I had a previous viewer who told me the opposite...hm...Well, thanks a bunch for pointing it out. I'll got check up on it in my trusty dictionary this time!! ^^-

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Lil_angel: ^^;; Heh, sorry for the slow update!!! Really!! And thanks for still sticking to this story!!!

~* A Single Spark *~

Thank you to everyone who reviewed by mail. Sorry for not updating faster!! ^^-

~* End *~

Yuki: We thank you all for the reviews!!!

Hachi: And we hope you'll continue to read and review!!

Happy Reading~!

Lots of greets,

Yukisora and Hachigatsu

Edited by: Wake-Robin

Last checked: June 11, 2004