InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ New Life ❯ Chapter 25 ( Chapter 25 )

Year: 1536
Month: January

It took them far too long in Kagome's opinion when they finally arrived at the Southern Lord's palace. Six months. That was how long it took. Scowling as they paused on the edge of the forest to view the palace, Kagome turned back to look at the lapping waves nearby. They had had to find passage on a ship to get to these smaller islands. The farther they got, the less likely it was to find passage. Not to mention Kagome had had the unpleasant memory of the mermaids come back when they had begun singing. A shiver coursed through her.

Focusing back on the task at hand, she glanced back over her shoulder. Her training had shifted yet again. Oddly enough, Hiroki had begun training her. She had a sneaking suspicion that she had Zia to thank for that instance. In that time frame, she had gained some modicum of respect from him. No longer did he send glares in her direction. He still studied her, but it seemed more of a curious look than anything. At that moment, he was listening to Zia tell of her tribe's infamous capers. This one was against another tribe. Apparently, this other tribe often concocted pranks against her people.

Turning her gaze to the others, a faint smile found its way onto her lips. Sango was staring toward Miroku in irritation while he was holding his cheek. Apparently, he had copped a feel while she had been distracted. Near them was Inuyasha snickering. Kikyo was also attempting to hide her amusement. Rolling her eyes, her gaze landed on Rin. She was standing proudly by Sesshomaru, watching everything with a calculating look. It wasn't too surprising as Chi had taken a vested interest in the girl and had begun her training. For what, Kagome wasn't too sure. Rin had become calm and collected, learning quickly how to defend herself. She was no more than a simple human and yet Rin had shown a promising future as a fighter. Sesshomaru had been teaching Shippo during the training Chi had done with Rin.

Her attention turned to her son and she beamed brightly. She was so proud of him. It had been difficult to watch as he had been pushed beyond his limits and broken down by Sesshomaru, but she hadn't dared to raise her voice or voice her displeasure. She had had to remind herself multiple times a day that Sesshomaru was doing her a favor. It had paid off though. Her son had gained two more tails totaling six. Through his training, he had even managed to use the knowledge Sesshomaru had given him to control the Reiki he housed. In doing so, his golden fur had begun to be streaked with silver blue markings. He was stronger and now he appeared to be about 17. Her gaze then found Kouga and Ayame. The two of them were bickering over something. It had been carrying on for a while. What the whole matter was about, no one knew.

Blinking back tears, she focused back on the gates not 500 feet before her. Taking a breath, she moved forward with the rest of them. As she neared, she began to feel a prickling sensation along the back of her neck. Frowning, she called on Chi. `Yes, Kagome…?' Rolling her eyes, she continued forward, dropping back into the midst of the pack.

`What is that?' Chi rose more fully into the forefront of her mind and began to inspect their surroundings. She remained silent. Kagome was getting frustrated. Before they could pause at the gates, they opened wide and the guards bowed in the vicinity of the walls.

“Welcome to the Southern Palace. Our Lady is expecting you.” This seemed to catch everyone off guard. Kagome was especially taken back by the statement.

It was Kikyo whom moved forward first. The others followed. Hiroki, Zia and Sesshomaru didn't seem to care all that much. Kagome could hear Jaken muttering at the back of the group. Her senses were about on par with that of a low-level youkai. It wasn't as good as a canine, but it was getting better. They followed to the main entrance where a servant took over and led them inside. They were separated and taken in different directions. Thankfully they hadn't separated Kagome and Shippo. In fact, it almost seemed as if they knew that he was her son.

Studying the servants, she saw that all of them were almost completely human. By the feel of their aura's and their scent though, they were indeed youkai. Which meant that each one of these servants were probably more powerful than Sesshomaru which was a scary thought. None seemed to hold any animal traits.

As they reached a door, the servant bowed to her. “There is a spring connected to your room Kagome-dono. A kimono to your liking has been laid out for you and your son. I will return to escort you to My Lady. She has expressed an interest in speaking with you before the others. They have been led to their rooms during their stay here.” Kagome stared in shock as the servant walked away. What the heck had that been?

Shippo tugged on her arm. “Mother, look.” Turning, she closed the door behind her. There on the bed was surprisingly something that resembled a pair of pants and shirt. The shirt was long, perhaps going to her knees. It had an obi next to it as well. The outfit consisted of dark blue and purple. Next to it was a green hakama and hoari with a symbol on it that ironically looked exactly like the marking she had seen on Chi. Now things were starting to get odd.

Deciding that it would be best to just go with it for the time being, she opened doors until she found the spring. Her eyes lit up when she realized it was a hot spring. Sliding in after stripping, a soft sigh escaped her lips. Shippo deigned to not join her to give her privacy. Closing her eyes, she began to hum. When she felt someone begin to wash her back, considering her breasts were facing toward the edge of the spring, she figured Shippo had joined her. “Your voice brings envy.” Eyes snapping open, Kagome whirled to find a girl that looked to be no more than 15. Her hair was a beautiful black with sapphire eyes. Surprisingly, she looked a lot like herself.

“Where did you come from?” The girl giggled, hiding her mouth with a hand.

“I swam here. Mother said we would be entertaining Chi Ken No Tama and the Lady of Shikon. I wished to meet you and so I swam through the underground tunnels.” The girl's voice seemed to be very beautiful and clear.

Kagome gave a strained smile. “You know whom I am, but I do not know you.”

The girl bowed her head. “Forgive me. I am the youngest Princess, Arie, daughter to Lady Amahiko.”

Kagome nodded. “Now you said you swam here but wouldn't that be difficult?” At this moment, Arie let out a bright laugh revealing sharp teeth, made to tear their victims painfully. Kagome practically surged out of the water. Fear swept through her. In an instant, Shippo was inside the room, dragging his mother out and growling at the girl. A dark blush covered her cheeks.

“Oh dear. Hentai!” The girl covered her chest and it was only then that Kagome realized that her breasts were very much visible.

“Shippo, turn away.” Shippo had proceeded to blush as well and immediately did as asked. Kagome pulled a yukata out and slipped it on before pulling out a spare.

Watching the girl, her gaze widened as the tail was revealed as she pulled herself out of the spring. She was grumbling about hentai foxes. She couldn't help the smile. The girl seemed to act very much like herself. Within seconds, the tail vanished to reveal legs. Watching the girl stand and put the yukata on, she moved gingerly forward. It took but a moment for the girl to bow and beg forgiveness. “Please forgive this Princess. I did not mean to frighten you. Mother warned me that you had met one of our hunting parties. Forgives this one Kagome-Dono.” The girl was trembling, and she could smell the tears. The motherly side couldn't stand it no longer.

“No Arie. Forgive me. I am unaccustomed to your kind around me. Please, come in my room and I'll send for some clothing for you.”

Arie peaked up and smiled. “Oh, thank you Kagome-Dono. I have called for the servants already.” As they reached the room, Kagome was surprised to see a servant already slipping out and a new kimono on the bed. Arie immediately set to work donning it. Once it was on, she spoke towards Shippo, a light blush on her cheeks. “You can turn around now.”

Kagome watched her son bashfully look at the girl. `Interesting. An Amabie…'

Kagome frowned. `A what?'

`Mermaid…' Chi seemed annoyed.

Dressing herself, she gave a sigh of delight. It really did feel as though they were clothes from her time. “So Arie…” She never got to finish. A servant appeared the door bowing.

“Kagome-Dono. My Lady is waiting. Arie-Dono, you are to come as well.”

Kagome glanced at Shippo. “Go find the others and let them know.”

Shippo understood. He bowed to Arie. “It was… a pleasure to meet you Arie-Dono.”

Arie blushed. “No, it was a pleasure to meet you.”

Shippo spoke up as they headed toward the door. “My name is Shippo.” Arie gave a brilliant smile toward him.

They arrived at a large door about ten minutes later. The servant opened it and once they were inside closed it and left. “Ah, Lady Kagome. I am glad that you finally arrived.” Kagome turned to stare at one of the most beautiful women she had ever met. Inside, Chi crooned softly. Apparently, Chi liked her. The woman motioned for her to sit and so she did. “My daughter, I thought I told you to leave our guests be for now.”

Arie shifted. “Forgive me mother. I was excited.”

The woman nodded. “I am Lady Amahiko, leader and ruler over the Southern Lands and the Amabie.” Kagome was in shock. No wonder they looked more human here. They were all mermaids.

After a few minutes of silence, Kagome finally managed to find her voice once more. “So… how is it that you know who I am?”

Amahiko gave a calming smile. “My kind has a natural ability to… delve into the mind and see into it. I am a seer as well. You have no need to fear here though. The servants know to call you by the name of Kikyo when around the elder kitsune.” Kagome dropped her head, confusion darting through her rampantly. “I have been awaiting your arrival from the beginning. I must say though, forgive the attack on your body. The hunters had thought you passed away. When you awoke, it made them wary. They did not think you truly alive.” Kagome nodded. “I will tell you now though that I will join in the quest you are on. I myself am unable to leave this place and so my daughter will go with you. She is still learning of her seer abilities but her combat skills rival that of my own.” Arie let out a small gasp of pleasure while Kagome's head came up.

“You must remain here for a week though. Within that time frame we will tie you and my daughter. You will become sisters of a sort. She will be your shadow.” Kagome began to feel dizzy. This was way too much to take in. Apparently, this Lady knew a whole lot more things than she was saying. Suddenly a hand rested on her head. “Breathe little one. You are safe.” Kagome's eyes focused on her. She took a deep breath and felt the tightness in her chest ease away. Amahiko gave a small smile as she rose to her feet. “We shall go to the dining hall. Your friends have been led there for the noon meal.” Kagome nodded.

As they entered the dining hall, her group was tense. Sesshomaru was himself as usual. Hiroki was curious but relaxed. Zia was seated near him happily munching on some type of seaweed. Looking over to Kikyo, she gave her a small nod. `All is well… She can be trusted.' Kikyo nodded. Kagome watched as she placed a hand on Inuyasha's hand and smiled over at him warmly. She wanted to laugh but didn't. Amahiko moved to her place at the head of the table. Arie moved gracefully forward to her seat. Kagome moved and settled herself next to Shippo quietly. The moment she settled, servants filed in, placing dishes of strange and amazing food. Kagome recognized some of it from her time ironically enough. Glancing over at Amahiko, she saw the small smile playing along the edges of her lips as she nodded. Just how much had Amahiko seen. Glancing at the others, she saw their interest in the food. Only Inuyasha glanced over at her in surprise and confusion. She gave a small shrug reaching for some oden and French fries. One by one, the others began to gather food on to their own plates. Kagome motioned for Shippo to grab a couple of the different foods, knowing that he would enjoy them.

The meal passed by mostly in silence except for the small talk between Amahiko, Hiroki and Sesshomaru. Although, Sesshomaru didn't really speak. More often he just let out a “Hn” here and there. Shippo, Rin and Arie were deep in their own conversation talking about who knows what. Miroku was talking with Inuyasha and Kikyo. She figured out they were talking about battle plans on defeating Naraku as she heard the spider half breed's name in there a few times. Kouga and Ayame were bickering about baby names of all things. This caused Kagome to almost giggle aloud at them. The only one that kept to herself was Zia. In fact, Zia was currently looking at her in amusement. Shrugging, her eyes motioning to Kouga, Zia turned her attention to them and joined in their conversation. It was obvious that Zia thought the names they were coming up with were horrible.

Kagome's eyes turned to the window, viewing the sea. A shiver coursed down her spine. Looking back at her plate, she saw that she was done. Slipping out of the room silently, nobody but the Taiyoukai saw her leave. Moving outside, she meandered through the gardens, viewing the strange foliage around her. The plant life here was far different than anything else. Arriving at a hidden path, she glanced around before following it. It moved along a cliff, serpentine. Sometimes it seemed as if it simply dropped off into the sea. After about ten minutes, she found the exit and stepped out onto a small alcove.

Her breath was taken from her. It was beautiful here. The sand was almost white from the purity in the area. This place was indeed sacred. Moving forward, she caught sight of a circle of stones. Entering the circle, she felt as though fresh air washed through her body. Dropping to her knees at the suddenness, she gaped in surprise. It was very sudden that she no longer felt the barriers blocking her own innate power. For that moment in time, she and Chi were one. Looking up, she saw a sort of bowl at the center. Crawling forward, unable to stand at the press of the power around her, she found herself staring into her reflection. In that moment, the gasp that escaped her almost made her loose her breath. Her markings were clearly visible now. That wasn't the only thing though. On her forehead was Midoriko's crest, the same that Chi had. Her ears had formed to where they were elf like. Her hair had grown as well. It was now down to her ankles, pooling around her body like a curtain. Her eyes were still blue with purple coloring in them. Opening her mouth, she saw a pair of dainty fangs. Her body had filled out. She had seemed to gain a few inches as well. Leaning closer, she gasped as two pairs of wings came into view. The top pair was as black as night. The bottom pair was as white as snow. Blinking, she turned her head and looked behind her. There was nothing there. Confused, she looked back into the pool. Everything remained the same as she had seen. Was this pool showing her the true nature of what she was to become. Her true nature?

“Miko.” Rising, she glanced over and saw Sesshomaru standing right outside the stones. “You seem to persist in continuing to grovel on the ground.” Anger flashed in her eyes and in reaction, she bared her teeth. All Sesshomaru saw were blunt teeth. When he had arrived at the alcove, he had watched as the miko had seemed to be fascinated with staring into the sand before her. She was absolutely covered in it, as though she had rolled through the sand. It sent disgust spiraling through him. Why he had chosen to ally himself with a creature such as her he did not know. There was still the fact though, she held power. He wanted that power. If he couldn't have it for himself, then he would ensure no other took her from his presence. Her very presence brought forth the urge to break her spirit and force her compliance to his wishes. As the woman rose, he watched as she fell on to her knees. The creature was truly pathetic. Why or even how this woman gained the loyalty of many youkai, he did not understand. He did not like things that he did not understand.

He watched the woman look up at him, tilting her head as if listening to something. Her eyes seemed distant. He did not like that even more. He would have to once again teach the woman to fear him. Before he could move, Amahiko appeared. “Sesshomaru-Sama, it would be unwise to attack.”

“This Sesshomaru has informed you the cost of delving into his mind Amabie.” He watched Amahiko snort in disgust at the name before crossing her arms over her chest.

“I did not need to. It was obvious through your body language.”

Amahiko eyed Sesshomaru somewhat distastefully. She had never been able to stand this certain offspring of Inu Taisho. Her gaze sliding back toward the miko, she watched her. This one was different from the last one. Midoriko hadn't had the strength to enter the stones as this one did. What was it about this one that made her different? Even she had been unable to see all that was within the Miko's mind. There was something else within this miko that hid her from being completely open. Still, what she had already seen disturbed her far more than anything else. How was it that youkai had completely vanished in the Miko's time? Not too much longer and Hiroki appeared as well as the other two viewed the miko.

Kagome was getting irritated. She could feel the other two watching her and now there was Hiroki there. `Calm yourself Kagome.'

Wanting to roll her eyes, she focused back on the stones. `What is this place?'

`It is a sacred place. The last to come here almost died from the strength of the power within these stones.' Kagome didn't need to ask who it was. She already did from the faint memories of Midoriko.

`What is the purpose of this place?'

`It is a pathway. Go to the water and drink from it.' Kagome turned back toward the pedestal. Forcing herself to crawl forward, she reminded herself why she was doing this. To survive. Reaching the pedestal, she dipped her hand in. The water was warm in her hand. She swallowed a few handfuls, the water sliding down her throat and quenching a thirst that she hadn't known she had possessed. `Enough.' Allowing herself to fall back on her butt, she panted. It was sudden when the pain began. A scream ripped from her throat as she felt as though her entire body was being scalded.

Chi waited until Kagome had passed out from the pain and no longer screamed before taking over. Their body pulsed with pain, but she managed to control her reactions. Kneeling by the water, she reached into her robes, pulling out the jar that used to carry the jewel shards. Dipping it in, she watched it fill before slipping it back into her robes. This would go to her son. Rising unsteadily, she moved outside the stones. When she exited and looked back, it was as though it had never been. Staring at the three, she watched them carefully. Finally, Amahiko moved forward, her eyes wary. “Kagome, you are well?” Chi studied this woman. She trusted her for now. It was then in that instant that her eyes flew to Hiroki. His eyes darkened in anger as he realized he had been made a fool of. She spoke, her voice cracking from the pain.

“Hiroki-Dono, if you had known, you would not have bothered to listen and… I would be dead.” She watched him digest this information before nodding, a smirk playing out on his lips.

“You are correct Miko.”

Chi nodded in relief. Glancing over at Amahiko, she could see the worry in the youkai's eyes. Forcing a smile on her lips, she nodded to her. “I am indeed well Amahiko-Sama.” Glancing to Sesshomaru, she bowed to him warily. He studied her for a moment before turning and walking away.

Amahiko gently took her arm. “Come pup. You look to need rest.” Chi nodded in relief.