InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Purifying the Jewel: The 500 Year Journey ❯ Midoriko ( Chapter 1 )

 

Sayuri knelt beneath the waterfall, and meditated as the water cascaded down her body. The force of the water was strong, and even a year ago, she wouldn't have considered even putting a hand beneath the flow. But she'd grown so much in her last year of childhood, that now, as a woman, Sayuri's own spiritual power was enough to stop the heavy water from crushing her. Hitomi-sensei had told her that she would know she was ready to meet her mistress, when she could counter nature's own force. She now knew she was ready, and was clearing her mind, preparing herself for her journey to find the spirit of Midoriko. `Everything must be balanced,' she told herself as she put her spirit together, `everything must be pure.` This was hard, her soul hadn't been pure for a long time, and now, in the beginnings of womanhood, she'd decided it was time to let old grudges go.

 

Flashback

 

“Hitomi-sensei, it's so late. Why must we continue to practice?” The young girl asked her teacher, as she strung her bow for what seemed like the hundredth time the day.

 

“Because, your soul is not as refined as it should be, Sayuri.” Hitomi said as the girl let her arrow fly, and watched as it hit it's mark, as it had the last time, and the time before that, and the time before that…

 

“What do you mean Hitomi-sensei? I thought only people of pure souls could reach their inner spiritual power.”

 

Her teacher nodded, “that is true, but you would be hard pressed to find someone whose soul is as pure as one would expect of a miko.”

 

Sayuri sighed and unsheathed her sword, and slowly started to practice certain positions and forms, silently inviting her teacher to spar with her.

 

“What about Midoriko-sama? Was her soul pure?”

 

Hitomi drew her weapon as well, “Midoriko-sama's soul was the purest; she did not know want, nor envy, nor hatred. She is the good in the Shikon no Tama, she is what balances the evil.”

 

Sayuri nodded as she blocked Hitomi's attack, “what about my soul sensei? Is it not as pure as it should be?”

 

Hitomi smiled and dodged her student's lunge, “your soul has always been very pure, Sayuri, purer than most, but something haunts it, if you wish to succeed, you must let go of such things.”

 

Hitomi attacked again, and Sayuri jumped out of range, and hurried in to attack again, “how do I let go of such things sensei?”

 

Hitomi parried, and they both stepped away from each other, “you must be wise,” she said as they both began to circle each other.

 

“How do I be wise sensei?” she asked as she jumped forward with great speed, her sword raised high in the air. Hitomi swung her sword sideways, clashing it with Sayuri's weapon in such a way that it went flying out of her hands.

 

“With much training come great wisdom,” she answered as she motioned for her student to retrieve her sword. “Now the proper way to attack in such a fashion….”

 

End Flashback

 

“Sayuri-sama?” Sayuri drew herself out of her thoughts and turned her attention to a young shrine maiden. She closed her eyes and the water ceased to fall, she stood and moved out the waters way, as it crashed down behind her. Her long black hair that reached mid-thigh, acted as a curtain, and she could not see the girl properly. She heard the girl gasp, and moved her hair out the way, to see if there was danger. “Sayuri-sama, I've heard your power is that of legend, but such things I've never expected to hear of, let alone see.”

 

Sayuri remained silent and quickly dressed, when the girl still did not speak she requested an explanation, “you came here for a reason, please enlighten me.” It wasn't so much a question as a command, and the girl bowed deeply to her.

 

“Forgive me Sayuri-sama, it is my unpleasant task to inform you that Hitomi-sama has taken ill and requests your presence.” Sayuri nodded and motioned for the woman child to follow her. They walked in silence, and while silence was usually favored by Sayuri, she found that she wished for something to distract her, and turned to the girl.

 

“Did you enjoy what you just saw?” she asked quietly. The girl's eyes widened, “are you speaking to me, Sayuri-sama?” Sayuri nodded, `who else would I be speaking too?' she thought, wishing that she'd been sent a brighter escort.

 

The girl smiled, “I thought it was amazing Sayuri-sama; the Hitobito army is sure to be successful in all, with you as their leader.”

 

Sayuri shook her head, and smiled slightly at the girl`s misconception, “great power does not mean great wisdom, power you are born with, but wisdom must be acquired.” The girl opened her mouth to say something else, but Sayuri quickly silenced her, and drew her sword.

 

“Such lovely words miko-sama,” said a voice from just behind the trees, on the trail.

 

“Silence demon, this territory is not yours; it belongs to me and my teacher. Leave now, and you will leave unscathed.” A pale hand reached out and parted the branches, and slowly a youkai in humanoid form, stepped onto the path.

 

“Your words possess great strength, miko-sama, tell me, do you speak them for the child who accompanies you, or rather for yourself?” Her eyes narrowed, `everything must be balanced,' he continued to walk towards them, “you are however mistaken, as high as you are in ningen society, if you can call it that, this territory you claim as yours, is actually mine.” She raised her sword in a defensive position, `everything must be pure,' she took a step towards him,

 

“Sesshomaru-sama, you will forgive me if we do not do battle today, my sensei is sick, and has requested my presence.”

 

He nodded, “even I am not so cruel as to deny a dying woman her last request; you may pass today.”

 

Before she could stop her, the girl stepped forward, “you know nothing demon, begone before Sayuri-sama ceases to be so merciful.”

 

Sayuri sighed, “Sesshomaru-sama, I pass everyday, and I will continue to do so,” she nodded to him, “until the next time we cross the same path.” He nodded also and walked back into the forest. When she was sure he was gone, she turned to the girl and struck her across the face.

 

“What do you think you were doing? Hitomi-sama is ill, and all you ant to do is fight youkai?”

 

The girl lowered her eyes to the ground, “my apologies, Sayuri-sama, he was so rude to you, I couldn't understand why you would just stand there and accept the things he said to you.” Sayuri sighed and knelt before the young girl, and put a hand to her face where she'd bruised her.

 

“You only accept the things someone says to you, when you believe them, and your honor is only insulted, when you insult it yourself. Today, there are more important things to do, than pick fights with youkai, if I'd have fought him, while Hitomi-sensei was waiting for me, I would have dishonored myself.” With a small amount of energy she healed the girl's face and stood.

 

The girl bowed to her, “I understand, Sayuri-sama.” They started to walk again, “is what he said true, Sayuri-sama?”

 

Sayuri looked at her, “is what true?”

 

She looked towards the ground again, “is it true that Hitomi-sama is dying?”

 

Sayuri smiled, “perhaps, but that's her blessing, isn't it?”

 

The girl looked at her confused, “what do you mean, Sayuri-sama?” Sayuri's smile grew, but she just shook her head, and motioned for the girl to hurry up.

 

“Hitomi-sensei?” Sayuri said as she and the young shrine maiden entered the small hut. She spotted the elderly woman lying on her futon, and hurried to her side, “Hitomi-sensei, tell me what to do.”

 

The woman's eyes opened, and scanned the room; they fell on the few healers sitting by the fire, stewing something that smelled vile. “Leave us,” she said slowly. Sayuri watched the women leave, “Hitomi-sensei, why did you ask them to leave, we both know I'm no healer, what if something happens?”

 

Hitomi shook her head, “I do not need the assistance of a healer Sayuri; we both know this, why pretend?”

 

Sayuri nodded, “I missed you today, at the waterfall sensei, I always wished you'd be there when I learned to counter nature, I'm ready to seek Midoriko-touji, Hitomi-sensei.”

 

Hitomi nodded, “I know, it's why I called you here, I wanted to give you something.”

 

Sayuri shook her head, “I don't need anything, Hitomi-sensei, save your strength and stay with me a while longer.”

 

Hitomi sighed, “It really is very important Sayuri, it should aide you greatly.” Sayuri sighed and nodded, showing submission to her teacher. Hitomi nodded, “pass me that, over there.” Sayuri looked to where her teacher was pointing, and saw an ornate sheath lying by the hearth. She hurried over and grabbed it, and went quickly back to her sensei's side. She passed it to her, but Hitomi didn't take it, and instead motioned for her to draw the sword. Sayuri complied and found herself holding the most beautiful sword she'd ever seen. `Seisui' was etched in the side. She turned to her teacher, “I had it commissioned for you, the day your aura became stronger than mine. It's to remind you, that you will always be pure. I sense a great peace in you; you've cleansed you soul, take that sword and go to the shrine of Midoriko. I will not be here when you return.”

 

Sayuri nodded, “I understand, sensei.” She rose and walked to the door, she was about to leave, when she paused and turned to her teacher, “arigatou, Hitomi-sensei, I will see you, when I cross the bridge where life and death meet water.”

 

Hitomi smiled, “don't meet me there too soon, Sayuri, and take care of the men, there is unsettlement in the south, I fear you may have to go to war sooner than I'd hoped.”

 

Sayuri nodded, “I understand, sensei, rest now.” Sayuri followed the path that would lead her from the shrine to the village of the youkai exterminators. When she reached the shrine gates, she turned to see the young girl standing behind. It was the girl who'd come to fetch her from the river.

 

The girl bowed deeply, “Sayuri-sama, allow me to accompany you on your journey, I can be of great aide.”

 

Sayuri turned away from the girl, “I will make this journey alone.” She said softly, “A journey such as this is for reflection, and must be done in solitude.”

 

The girl nodded, “Sayuri-sama, before you go, can I see your sword.” Sayuri reached for the hilt of her sword, and drew it slowly, staring at is as the sun was reflected in the metal. “It's beautiful Sayuri-sama, and true, you are the purest miko to ever pass the gates of this shrine.”

 

Sayuri raised an eyebrow at her, “and how would you know that?”

 

The girl laughed, “I heard Hanako-sama, and Haruko-sama talking about how they thought you'd succeed Hitomi-sama.” Sayuri nodded, Hanako, and Haruko were both very elderly and wise, twin sisters they'd both possessed powerful spiritual power from a young age and worked as healers in the shrine. She opened her mouth to tell the girl that perhaps she wasn't as pure as people portrayed her, but stopped when she felt stillness in the air, a lacking of an aura. `Hitomi-sensei,' she thought and turned away from the shrine.

 

“I leave now,” she said, “save her remains for me until I get back, she told me where she wants her ashes spread.” The girl bowed to her, but Sayuri didn't see, as she'd already left the shrine and was hurrying through the woods towards the west.

 

~*~

 

She stopped at the outskirts of the village. It had taken her two days and one night to make the journey and she was weary. `I should camp here, and be alert when I face Midoriko-touji.' She moved off the path and found a small clearing, surrounded by dense woods that offered plenty of protection. She knelt down and cleared away the grass and small plants, and then dug, to make a fire pit. She surrounded it with stones, and went to gather dry wood for her fire. When she'd gathered enough she made to return to her camp and found herself face to face with Sesshomaru. “Sesshomaru-sama,” she said nodding to him.

 

“Miko-sama,” he said nodding to her as well, “it seems you've gotten rid of the annoying ningen that followed you, I commend you.”

 

She shook her head, “she did not know better Sesshomaru-sama; I must insist that you do not bear ill will against her. She's been explained the difference.” She waited for him to voice a reaction, she'd always found it unnerving, the way his face showed so little thought, or emotion. He was immune to his enemies' securitization, and while it disturbed her, she couldn't help admire his control.

 

“You make it sound as if this Sesshomaru would waste his time hunting a worthless shrine maiden.” She ignored his words, `so long as the shrine isn't in danger.'

 

She dropped her wood, “may I enquire as to what you're doing here, Sesshomaru-sama?” He brought one pale hand to his head and brushed his silver hair behind his pointed ear,

 

“I believe you've already taken the liberty to do so, however I am here because this Sesshomaru only uses the best and Takeshi-sama has insisted that due to an increase in ningen population, we allow ningens certain… liberties.”

 

She raised an eyebrow at him, “are you telling me that the Tai-youkai, has decided that ningens are underrepresented?”

 

He stared at her, “I thought I was being perfectly clear, and if I thought so, then I must have been.”

 

Sayuri just stared at him, `isn't he feeling exceptionally arrogant today.' She shook her head, “that doesn't explain your presence here,” she pointed out.

 

He nodded, “Sayuri-san, I have come to request that you take the position as miko to my house.”

“I`m sorry Sesshomaru-sama, I don't think I heard you correctly.“

 

He shook his head, “I don't repeat myself, Sayuri-san, however I do request an answer.”

 

She shook her head, “my apologies Sesshomaru-sama, I cannot abandon the duties entrusted to me by my teacher.”

 

He nodded, “ah yes, the wench has passed on then?”

 

Sayuri turned away from him, “what you say is correct.”

 

He nodded, “is that why you've refused me, Sayuri-san, for your dead teacher? Or are you too distraught without her, holding your hand, telling you what to do and when to do it? Do you wish for her to come back so she can tell you what to dress yourself in, in the morning? Or what to serve the mikos of the shrine come evening?” She shook her head, and faced him again.

 

“Death was sensei's blessing, I would never wish to revoke her of that; it is only we that are left in the earthly shell that are cursed.”

 

He nodded, “do you think of all deaths that way, or just Hitomi-san's?”

 

She nodded once, “all death is blessing, while life is but a temporary curse, all living things are relieved of that curse eventually.”

 

He smirked and drew his sword, “then perhaps I should bless you for denying me a powerful miko for my house.” She drew her sword as well and they circled each other.

 

“You are youkai, you don't have the power to bless, a death from you would be a curse worse than life itself.”

 

He swung his sword at her, “you flatter me Sayuri-san, please, allow me to test my ability to curse so profoundly.”

 

She blocked him, “I still have earthly duties to perform, Sesshomaru-sama.”

She sheathed her sword, “death does not belong to us, and it is not ours to give.” She turned her attentions back to her firewood. “Until the next time we meet, Sesshomaru-sama.”

 

He nodded to her, “indeed, perhaps then you will be a little more willing to soil your sword.”

 

She smiled, “perhaps, Sesshomaru-sama.” Sayuri watched him leave, and hurried back to her camp. After her fire was lit, she sat in quiet contemplation, `the pure one? I am not that pure, I know anger and doubt, I know distrust, and I've seen things that were never meant for a child's eye.' She stood and went quickly to find a stream, when she found one; she drank and stared at her reflection, one hand behind her head to hold her hair out of the water. She took in her pale complexion, her dark eyes, her high cheekbones, and perfectly aligned features. She knew that if her destiny had not been altered, she would have been married now, and perhaps a mother. She and dipped a hand into the water, making ripples. Slowly the vision changed and she saw a giant white dog charging down her parents and older brother. She was screaming as a child, but as an adult, she just watched as their bodies were broken, the life was extinguished from their eyes. `If I was truly pure, that image would have disturbed me,' she blinked, as her family vanished and her reflection returned. She leaned back and ran a hand through her hair. It had been her mother's pride; she'd spent hours with her mother, just having her hair brushed. Her mother had told her that she'd always wanted a daughter, just so she could brush her hair. After her mother's death, Sayuri had always kept it well groomed, and had managed to learn to fight without it getting in the way of her sight. `Mother,' she thought sadly. She glanced at her reflection again, `I should avenge you, I'm sure I could…but do I want to?'

 

“Miko-sama,” Sayuri was startled out of her reverie, and looked up to see a young boy, “father heard you were coming and sent me to greet you.”

 

She nodded, “you're father is the headman of this village?”

 

The boy nodded, “my name is Kazuki, allow me to guide you to my father's house.”

 

She nodded again and followed the boy to a large hut in the centre of the village. “My father awaits you in there, miko-sama, good luck with whatever you seek.”

 

She thanked him, and entered the hut. “Masuyo-sama,” she called softly.

 

He came to her from the second room, “ah, Sayuri-sama, it has been a long time.” She nodded, “you requested to see me?” He nodded, “yes, I heard you've come to pray at the shrine of Midoriko.”

 

She nodded, “yes, Hitomi-sensei sent me yesterday morning.”

 

He nodded, “and she didn't come with you?”

 

She shook her head, “She sent me on her death bed; Hitomi-sensei is no longer of this world I'm afraid.”

 

He nodded, “my condolences, Sayuri-sama. The loss of a teacher can be difficult.” Sayuri nodded but stayed silent, for she sensed that there was something else he wanted to say. “Sayuri, in light of Hitomi-sama's death, will you be assembling the men?”

 

Sayuri nodded, “I will send for them at sunrise, will you permit me to use your lodgings?”

 

He nodded, “of course Sayuri-sama, you're the general of the Hitobito army, who would be stupid enough to refuse you.”

 

Sayuri shook her head, “I wish for you to allow me use of them, out of kindness not fear.”

 

He nodded, “of course you can use the lodgings; I'll have them stay at a tavern, free of charge.”

She smiled, “arigatou, Masuyo-sama.”

 

With everything in order, Sayuri stood to leave. When she reached the door, he called to her, “Sayuri-sama, I'll have Kazuki guide you to the shrine.” She bowed to him in thanks

and left the hut. She waited by the entrance for the child to return. When he did they both set off in the direction of the shrine. “Miko-sama, is it true that you're the new general of the Hitobito army?”

 

She nodded, “so long as Midoriko-touji, wishes it to be so.”

 

Kazuki nodded, “do you miss Hitomi-sama?”

 

The question startled Sayuri, “how do you know about Hitomi-sama?”

 

He shrugged, “news gets here faster by horse than on foot miko-sama; you should invest in one.”

 

Sayuri shook her head, “you're father had no idea of what happened.” The boy grinned, “Well, father's always been a bit slow, but he's runs the village well, he's trained almost every exterminator in the village.”

 

Sayuri nodded, “I will grow to miss her very much, but as of now, her wisdom is fresh in my mind and heart, until it fades she'll not have left me.”

 

Kazuki smiled at her, “you know miko-sama,” she shook her head, “call me Sayuri,” he nodded, “Sayuri-sama, they called Hitomi-sama the wise one, but you seem pretty wise too. So what do they call you?”

 

Sayuri drew her sword and stared at the word inscribed on it. “The pure one,” she whispered, “but I wish I knew why.”

 

He shrugged, “it's probably because you're so kind and pure of heart.”

 

She stared at him, “how would you-” but he cut her off.

 

“We're here Sayuri-sama, would you like for me to wait for you outside?”

 

Sayuri nodded, “that will be fine,” and entered the cave, passing through the barrier as if it didn't exist. When she reached the body of Midoriko, she fell to her knees and lowered her head in prayer. `Midoriko-touji, I have come to serve you.'

 

She heard a voice, “Sayuri,” and looked up, to see the most wonderful apparition before her eyes.

 

“Midoriko,” she whispered.