InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Hearts of the Lost ❯ The past ( Chapter 9 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

The Hearts of the Lost
By Kytenluvinu


Disclaimer: I do not own any of Rumiko-sama’s creations. But I do own sweet, little Daiki.



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Five years ago...


She fell, for what seemed an eternity, she fell. She was sure she’d die when she finally made it to the ground, but she didn’t. Luckily thick trees slowed the almost fatal plummet to earth. The young girl couldn’t remember much, she remembers a dragon, and she remembers the wind in her face and someone calling out to someone else. Someone called Kagome. The girl lay motionless on the ground as she tried to recount the past events. She was tired but felt as if she had just awoken from a deep sleep. She finally concluded that she was tired because of the strange energy she had just emitted out of fear of waking up to a fearsome dragon carrying her to god knows where. She felt a strange sensation and then the dragon roared out and disappeared into dust, and now she was laying on the ground, in pain, exhausted and with no memories of her past.

She was hungry, she hurt all over. And she had no idea who she was or where she was.

“What a great day.” She thought sarcastically. Slowly she lifted her head and sat back on her knees. The area was dense and strange feelings took over her senses, seconds later she flattened her body to the ground and covered her head with her hands, just in time to avoid the claws of a demon bird. Instantly she stood and fled, with more strength than she expected. The bird turned and went in for another attack, causing the weak girl to fall face first into the ground. She frantically gasped for air and searched for anything she could use as a weapon, the best thing she found was a sturdy baseball bat sized stick which she clutched with a white knuckled grip. The demon attacked again, the young girl felt it’s power, she didn’t know how she did it but she determined that the demon wasn’t that powerful. The demon bird was now seconds away from it’s prize and the girl hadn’t time to waste. She stood her ground and pulled her arms back, preparing to swing her weapon. As the demon and girl’s eyes met, the girl felt strange energy pulse in her hands and the stick began to glow, the bird saw this also and tried to stop, but it was to late. Contact, the bird felt the purifying attack flow through his veins and then nothing, only light.

The girl watched in amazement as the bird disappeared into only dust. Suddenly she felt weak and drained, everything around her was spinning and then she fell.

Ichiro was worried at first when the girl didn’t respond, he found her only moments before while hunting a demon bird that ransacked his village days earlier. He cleared the bushes just in time to see the girl with miko powers kill the bird then black out. He pressed his ear against her heart hoping to have some sign of life, it was faint but it was there. Ichiro lifted the girl in his arms and began the journey back home. Ichiro blushed as he cupped his hand under her bare knees. It was improper to touch her in such a way, but the way she was dressed he didn’t have much of choice. He was surprised at how soft she was. And he couldn’t take his eyes off her sleeping face, the cake on dirt did nothing to take away from her beauty, Ichiro was enraptured with her. He couldn’t wait to find out more about her.

Natsumi didn’t know what to expect when the young Ichiro brought the girl with strange clothing into her hut. She was unconscious in his arms and her breathing was deathly faint. Natsumi knew immediately that the girl was miko, the power coming from her was astronomical.

“What happened to her, Ichiro?” Natsumi asked.

Ichiro gently placed the miko on Natsumi’s futon. “She battled the demon bird and destroyed it. But she fainted moments later, she hadn’t awoken since.”

“She is very young, but very powerful.” Natsumi said as she began to boil water over a fire. “Let us hope that her will is just as strong.” Ichiro stayed in the hut besides the sleeping miko, he tended to the cuts on her body and helped Natsumi administer healing herbs. Ichiro had yet to see her wake up and speak, but he was infatuated with her. And so he remained by her side for three weeks. Then the miko’s eyes fluttered open.

One year later...

“Kagome!” Ichiro called out as he searched for the young miko he found the year before. Kagome always seemed to disappear during the night of the new moon, and he always found her hidden in some tree.

Then a soft voice called out to him. “I’m here, Ichiro.” Kagome responded from above him. Ichiro looked up to see a red and white clad miko sitting in the tree above him. Ichiro smiled and sighed as he sat at the base of the tree.

“Kagome, you always do that.” Ichiro said after a short silence.

“What?”
“You always run off and hide away in a tree during the new moon.”
Kagome sighed and stared into the darkened sky. “I know, something about this night makes me think of my past.” She explained. “The moon is dark and hidden, just like me.”

Ichiro looked up at the woman he loved. “You are not dark at all Kagome.”

Kagome smiled, she knew Ichiro loved her and she cared deeply for him. He was tall, strong and handsome, he was also brave, protecting and caring. There was no reason for Kagome to resist him, but she did. “That name may not belong to me. It’s just the last thing I heard before coming to the village.”

Ichiro laughed a little. “It’s yours, because it suits you so.” Ichiro settled back in his place and closed his eyes. “Kagome?” He said with his eyes heavy.

“Yes?”

“What does a person with no memories think about?”

Kagome half smiled. “I tend to make up memories sometimes. I think of a family, and a village of my own.”

Ichiro frowned. “But this is your village, and Natsumi is your Family.”

“I know, but what about the people before you and Natsumi came to my rescue. Was there another miko who helped me with my powers, was I good or a dark miko?”

Ichiro grew angry. “You couldn’t be anything but pure, and as for your powers, I don’t think anyone helped you control them, they are still out of control at times.”

“At times!” Kagome laughed. “I can barely contain a sealing arrow!”

“But you have improved over the months.” Ichiro said softly.

“Thanks, Ichiro.” Kagome smiled as she closed her eyes.

“What else do you think of Kagome?” Ichiro asked.

“Youkai.” Kagome responded faltly.

“Why?”

“I try to think of who could have taken my memories and why. And I always go back to youkai and even hanyous.” Kagome explained.

“You think a hanyou would have power to completely erase your memories?” Ichiro questioned.

“No, but I still think of them.” Kagome responded.

“I will never understand your fascination with those beasts.”

“And I will never understand your intolerance for them.” Kagome began to climb down from the tree and stood before Ichiro. “It’s late we should get back for supper.” Kagome began to turn away then Ichiro grabbed her hand.

“Kagome, I’m sorry.” Ichiro said softly. Kagome didn’t look at him, she only pulled away and continued to the village.

“Kagome, you really shouldn’t be angry at Ichiro.” Natsumi said as she sat in the grass sorting herbs. Kagome was practicing with her bow and arrow besides the older Miko. The morning was beautiful but Kagome was still angry from the night before.

“I’m not angry, Natsumi-sama.” Kagome lied. “I will just never understand why human beings are so intolerant of things they don’t understand.”

“But you are, and some people don’t understand that.” Natsumi sighed.

Kagome lowered her bow and glanced at Natsumi. “What about you, Natsumi-sama?”

Natsumi paused and continued back to her tasks. “Unfortunately my opinion is biased.” Natsumi replied. “My family was killed by a youkai when I was young, yes I know not all youkai killed my family and I don’t hate. But I can not share your feelings for the creatures.”

Kagome lowered her head and shrouded her eyes under the dark cloud of her ebony mess. “I know it was youkai who took my past from me, but I feel like I understand them. I mean they aren’t all bad, they can’t be.”

Natsumi sighed and smiled. “You are a good person, Kagome-chan. Now continue your seals.”

Kagome smiled, “yes of course, Natsumi-sama.” The miko continued her training.

Ichiro thought it would be better to stay away from Kagome, just in case she was still angry. He was happy when Kagome came up to him first.

“Hi, Ichiro-kun.” Kagome said softly as she sat besides him.

“Hey Kagome-sama.” Ichiro smiled.

“I don’t blame you.” Kagome said.

“What do you mean?” Ichiro was confused.

“You have a distaste for youkai, and I can’t blame you.” Kagome clarified.

“You can’t?”

“Natsumi-sama’s family was killed by youkai. And so was half of Japan’s.” Kagome frowned. “So I can’t blame humanity for their hatred.”

Ichiro smiled and placed his hand gently on Kagome’s. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For coming to us, you are a blessing.”

Kagome sighed, “you and Natsumi-sama are the blessing.”

Ichiro remained silent, he sat and enjoyed his beloved miko’s company.

Kagome spent her days training and became Natsumi’s assistant in her miko duties. The village adored Kagome and Kagome felt at home with the villagers. Kagome learned the ways of the miko through Natsumi, Kagome quickly became a healer and a expert in herbs and magic. Natsumi still wondered about Kagome’s shrouded past. Natsumi noticed Kagome distance herself from others at times. Kagome’s disappearances became more frequent, and for longer durations each time. Little did the villagers know, Kagome was traveling to different villages and areas and expanding her training.

Kagome had took another day away from the village again, she promised Natsumi she would return by the third day’s travel, she was on her sixth day away from the village. Kagome knew it was time to return after one more rest. Kagome sat besides her slowly dying fire. Kagome lost interest in keeping it growing, the night was warm and the full moon illuminated the forest. Kagome sat in silence, meditating over paper puppets trying to create shikigama like Natsumi’s. So far it was a no go. Kagome impatiently sighed and rubbed her temples in frustration.

Suddenly there was the feeling of youkai in the area. Kagome stood and focused her senses, scanning the area. Then the wind picked up and the sound of birds were in the area. Kagome looked into the sky to see small birds flying manically in the air. She also heard the shouts of men and she felt the youki of snake youkai. Kagome quickly followed the sounds to a clearing not far from her campsite. There Kagome saw a terrible sight. The men were laughing as some shot arrows in the air, while others allowed their snake companions to launch from the air from the arms of the men and catch a bird. Kagome was relived when she saw the birds turn into only leaves when killed, but it was apparent that there was an original bird the men were after. Kagome saw one man standing still, a snake curled around his arm and shoulder. Both man and snake were larger than the others and had a strange energy coming of them. Kagome determined he was the leader. The leader had his eyes closed and seemed to be concentrating on something, then he pointed in the sky. The snake crawled his way up the man’s arm and before Kagome could react the snake launched itself off his master and into the sky in the direction of a bird. The snake reached it’s target there was a screech coming from the other birds as they began to drop from the sky, turning into leaves.

Kagome frowned and sighed. There was nothing she could do and turned to leave. Then the sound of crying made her stop. Kagome turned to see the snakes trying to catch two other birds that remained. One was plump and matronly while the other was small and seemed to be the child. The smaller bird stayed close to the larger bird. The baby was screaming for her father.

“We must not let them capture you, Sayuri!” The other bird yelled to the smaller bird. “Fly! Do not let your father’s sacrifice be in vain!”

“No! Mama!” The young bird called Sayuri screamed. “Not without you!”

Kagome had heard enough, she drew her bow and arrow and fired in time to catch a snake before it reached the mother bird. The larger bird turned to see Kagome save her and her child.

“Miko!” The bird exclaimed. “Please save her!” And with that the bird plucked a feather from under it’s wing and placed it on her daughter. Kagome watched in amazement as the tiny bird change into the same kind of leaf that was scattered across the ground. The mother bird slowed it’s flapping and the wind began to pick up. Suddenly the leaves on the ground was lifted into the sky and blew around the clearing along with the baby bird. Kagome understood at that point and kept her senses on the baby. The mother was sacrificing herself so her child could escape. Although Kagome was blinded by the rest of the leaves her inner eye saw Sayuri struggling against her mother’s spell. Kagome reached out and grabbed the leaf she knew to be the bird. In the confusion, Kagome slipped away with the bird in her clutches.

Unfortunately the tiny bird changed in Kagome’s hands, which meant that Sayuri was now an orphan. In the palm of Kagome’s hands, she could feel the moisture of tears and the bird’s quivering form. As Kagome ran she held Sayuri to her chest and tried to sooth her.

“I’m sorry about your family.” Kagome said with tears in her eyes. Sayuri looked up at her savior.

“Chichi-ue? Haha-ue?” Sayuri whimpered. “Their gone, aren’t they?”

Kagome’s tears fell harder. “Don’t worry,” Kagome said softly. “I’ll take good care of you.”

It was later that Kagome learned of a finch youkai harvesting. The demon finch has feathers valuable to humans. Those who control the feathers have the power to change any person or object into any thing they chose. A valuable weapon in warfare.

Although the villagers weren’t accustomed to youkai, they all loved Sayuri immediately and Sayuri loved Kagome. They were inseparable, Kagome felt that feeling before. She was sure of it.

Kagome and Sayuri had went into a tree during the new moon one night. Kagome had been contemplating something for weeks now, but she wanted Sayuri’s opinion.

“Sayuri?” Kagome began as she stared into the night sky. “How would you feel about leaving the village?”

Sayuri jerked her head to her hero in sadness and confusion. “You want me to leave, Kagome-sama?” Sayuri cried.

Kagome looked down on the bird resting on her knee and laughed. “No Sayuri, I mean how would you feel about leaving the village with me?” Kagome clarified.

Sayuri breathed a sigh of relief. “Of course I would follow you any where, Kagome-sama. But why would you want to leave?”

“I don’t know, there’s a whole world out there beyond the village. I’m restless I guess. I much rather travel the country and put my skills to good use.” Kagome continued. “There is a resident miko here, so they really don’t need me to stick around. And I’ll visit from time to time. I just feel like there is something out there waiting for me.”

“Like your past?” Sayuri questioned.

“Maybe it’s my past, maybe it’s my destiny.” Kagome smiled softly. “So how about it, Sayuri? Are you prepared for a journey?”

“Yup! Let’s go!”

That wasn’t hard. Sayuri was one thing, but convincing Natsumi and especially Ichiro was an entirely different story.

“WHAT!! You can’t!” Ichiro angrily yelled. He and Natsumi sat in Kagome’s hut and took her news in. Natsumi sat besides Ichiro silently sipping her tea. Ichiro was breathing heavily and Natsumi finally found the time to get a few words in.

“Kagome, I want you to remember that you always have a home here.” Kagome heard the sadness in her mentor’s voice.

Ichiro snapped his head to the older miko. “Your just going to let her go, Natsumi-sama!”

Natsumi glared at Ichiro. “I see no way nor any reason to stop her, Ichiro.”

“No reason!” Ichiro was exasperated. “This is her home, she belongs with me!” Kagome took in a sharp breath. Ichiro turned and took Kagome’s hands in his. His expression softened as he gazed into her eyes. “Kagome, please stay. Be my wife, I would always love you and protect you. Please.”

Kagome averted her gaze and Ichiro’s grasp tightened. “Ichiro-kun, I can’t do that. I wouldn’t make you a good wife, I’m restless, I don’t have a past and that would always be. Soon we would grow apart and I’m would be just as miserable. I will return one day and we could go back to what we are, friends.”

Ichiro let go of the miko and his thick hair shaded his eyes. “You will change your mind, and I will be here for your return.” Before Kagome could respond, Ichiro leaned in and place a soft kiss on her cheek. He paused her a moment before whispering in her ear. “You have no past, let me be your future. I love you.” When Ichiro pulled back he saw Kagome’s tears. Ichiro stood and smiled. “See you, Kagome.”

“See you, Ichiro.” Kagome smiled through tears.”

Natsumi remained silent until Ichiro left the hut. Carefully she refilled her tea and took another sip before speaking. “Where will you go?” She asked.

“Everywhere.” Kagome responded.

“Two years ago, you came to us. It’s hard to see you go.” Natsumi voice threatened to tremble but she held her composure. “You will be successful in everything you do.”

“That means so much coming from you, Natsumi-sama.” Kagome blushed. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

Natsumi smiled. “This isn’t farewell, Kagome-sama.”

Kagome’s tears caught in her throat and she tried not to cry. But she failed miserably.

Morning came and tears flowed. All the villagers loved Kagome deeply. They all made her promise to return. Kagome began to rethink her decision, but Natsumi interjected. Stating that Kagome was restless and she needed to expand her horizons. Although she was supposed to be gone in the morning she didn’t actually leave the village until high noon. Kagome had barely traveled twenty miles before wanting to turn back to her security. Sayuri was enjoying the scenery and was happy to be out of the village. Kagome’s pace was slow, which made the baby bird wonder about her thoughts.

“Kagome-sama, are you ill?” Sayuri asked from her perch atop Kagome’s shoulder.

“No, it’s just that as soon as I began a new life in the village, I leave to start yet another journey. I wonder if when I lost my memories, if it was forced, or a choice.” Kagome explained.

“I doubt that you would choose to leave your past behind. Besides that’s what makes someone whole. And when you discover the secret of your past, you will be whole again too.” Sayuri said with wisdom far beyond her years. Kagome stopped walking and contemplated what Sayuri had said.

“Sayuri, how did you get so wise?” Kagome smiled sadly.

Sayuri only laughed. “Come on Kagome-sama, we should go.”

After Kagome and Sayuri’s exchange, Kagome became lighter in step. Sure she would miss her village, but there other many others in the country that need her too. Maybe one she once called home. Kagome and Sayuri began they’re way to the north. That way when they head south they can visit Natsumi. And do the same for the west and east. Kagome didn’t know what to expect when they began they’re travels but she knew it would be exciting.

Kagome and Sayuri were chatting amongst themselves when a little boy came crashing out of the woods and onto the traveling road they had taken. Kagome stopped in surprise. They boy was very young and disheveled. He was afraid of something but when he saw Kagome he lit up in a smile.

“Miko-sama!” The young boy exclaimed. “You can help us!”

Kagome blinked in confusion. “I can?” She questioned.

Before the boy could respond a pig youkai came out of the woods and attacked the boy. Kagome grabbed the boy and pulled him out of harms way and nocked a arrow in one fluid movement. The pig stopped and stared at the miko for awhile before speaking.

“Miko, you have no right in Lord Akira’s lands.” The brash pig growled.

“I was merely passing through,” Kagome explained. “But why are you attacking this boy?”

“I’m not a boy!” The child cowering behind Kagome jumped out and crossed his arms. “I’m a soldier and that makes me a man!” The little soldier glared at the pig. “You stole our women! And we want them back!”

“Hoho!” The pig shook his round belly in amusement. “After you poisoned our mates. It is to laugh.”

Kagome had enough. “Okay, quiet the both of you. How can I offer my services?”

“Purify the beasts Miko-sama!” The boy exclaimed.

“Give us the antidote, Miko!” The pig yelled.

“Who is the lord of these lands?” Kagome asked.
“Lord Akira!”

“Lord Osamu!”

“Alright.” Kagome sighed. “The only way to solve this is to meet both youkai and human Lord.” Neither the pig or child was very understanding but after gentle, than angry coaxing the boy was would lead Kagome to the human Osamu first. Than Kagome would meet Akira.

The village was quiet except for the muffled whispers from the men. Who seemed to be the only inhabitants of the destitute village. Kagome held her head high and kept her tanto visible. Kagome knew that her miko attire meant nothing when it came to anxious men. The boy known now as Takumi stopped in front of a run down house. It looked as if it was the head house but now it was a dump.

“Lord Osamu will be happy to see you, Miko-sama.” Takumi smiled.

Kagome stepped into the home and found Osamu sitting in the middle of the floor. He was a middle aged man with dark eyes and graying hair. He wasn’t particularly larger than the other men Kagome passed. So she concluded he must be more intelligent or inherited his position.

Kagome politely bowed. “Hello, My Lord. I was informed that you required assistance.”

The Lord frowned. “And what makes you think we need the help of a woman.” His voice was smooth and seemed out of place from his cold response.

Kagome huffed. “No wonder there aren’t any women here.” She murmured to Sayuri. Then she held her head up proudly. “If you do not wish for my assistance I will take me leave.”

The boy gasped and Kagome could see Osamu’s jaw clench. “Unfortunately, young Takumi’s mother was one of the women taken. Along with his sister. But there doesn’t seem to be anything we can do.”

Kagome was puzzled. “What exactly happened here.”

Osamu sighed. “The pig youkai blamed us for their females sickness. And so to retaliate, they claimed our women. He have tried storming their castle but we were beaten back.”

“And why would the youkai blame you for the sickness.” Kagome asked.

“Because we sought the help of a monk, to rid ourselves of the youkai menace.” Osamu continued. “We do not know what he did, but soon after the females of their clan grew sick and became barren. And now they cannot continue breeding and will soon die off. They instantly blamed us, and stole our women so that they may mate with them.”
“I see,” Kagome said. “And why haven’t you sought out the monk who caused this?”

“We cannot, he only grants a village one request before moving on. We wouldn’t even know where to find him.” Osamu replied.

“What is this monk’s name?” Kagome figured she might know him.

“The monk did not give us a name to call him.”

Kagome sighed. “I will see what I can do for you. Takumi please lead me to Lord Akira.” The boy nodded sharply and followed Kagome out of the house.

The two had walked in silence for a brief moment before the boy stopped. Kagome was puzzled. “I know where to find the monk.” The boy said softly.

Kagome softened her face. “And you went to see him, without the knowledge of your lord.” It wasn’t a question.

Takumi looked up with surprise at Kagome’s preciseness. “First let us go and see Akira, then you will led me to the monk. Sayuri-chan I need you to do something for me.”

“Hai, Kagome-sama!” She was happy to assist Kagome in any way.

“Go to Natsumi-sama,” as Kagome spoke she reached into her travel sack and pulled out writing material and paper. On it she wrote a list of herbs she knew Natsumi grew. “Give her this list and return quickly with the herbs.”

Takumi watched in amazement as the little bird perched on the miko’s shoulder agreed and touched the parchment, he wondered how such a small bird could posses the power to change on object into a seemingly living creature like itself. Takumi continued to watch until both the tiny bird and the bird originally made of paper disappeared in the sky.

He jumped when he heard the miko’s soft voice. “It’s amazing isn’t it?” Kagome smiled as she watched the sky. “How something so small could contain so much power.” Kagome sighed and looked down on Takumi with warmth he hasn’t experienced since his mother. Takumi took in a sharp breath and just wanted to be a child in the arms of this woman. “Your strong to.” Kagome said, pulling the boy from his wandering thoughts. Kagome smiled and turned to continue in the direction Takumi had pointed out for their journey to Lord Akira.

It turned out that Akira’s den wasn’t far from Takumi’s village. With a river connecting the two cultures. “This is the river that caused the sickness.” Takumi said. “The monk did something that only affected the youkai.”

Kagome and Takumi stopped just outside the den and was met by the pig youkai from earlier. Takumi stayed outside as the youkai led Kagome the his leader. The cave seemed barren expect for the feminine whispers from unseen lips.
“Where are the women?” Kagome asked.

“They are safe, and happy.” The youkai replied without looking at her.

Kagome sighed and continued following the youkai. Finally they were met with a light at the end of the cave. Kagome gasped when she stepped into a secret oasis. It was beautiful with lush greenery and an amazing, clear blue waterfall. Kagome looked down on flowers she never seen before. They must have only grown there.

“This is so lovely.” Kagome smiled. The pig youkai only snorted and bowed. Kagome looked up the see a amazing sight. It was a taiyoukai. He had flowing red hair and bright blue eyes. His skin was tanned, probably due to laying out in the sun of this wonderful place. He wore regal black clothing that really brought out the eyes that shone with curiosity of the miko standing before him. He was the most handsome creature she had ever seen.

“Miko,” the vision began with a deep, smooth voice. “I am Lord Akira, I understand you wish to assist us.”


To be continued...



Thank You for all the great reviews, I take all opinions in consideration and it seems most of you want Inuyasha and Kagome together, well to tell the truth I love Sess/Kag facs but I’m really Inu/Kag in this I’m sorry but I won’t give away the ending but I think you will like it. I have wireless internet and sometimes it’s hard to post but I’ll keep trying. Keep reviewing and I’ll keep writing!!!