InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Jewel of Four Souls ❯ Becoming Legends Lost to Time ( Chapter 13 )

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Disclaimer: Don't own anything but the plot and OC's so don't bother asking.

 

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Chapter 13 “Becoming Legends Lost to Time”

 

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“Miroku? Sango? What brings you here?” called Shippo one morning during his patrol. The two men accompanying him halted a short distance away and idly looked on as the kitsune bounded up eagerly to his two friends. Miroku still adorning his traditional robes, while Sango fancied her usual traveling/everyday outfit.

 

“Ah Shippo!” Sango greeted.

 

“We thought we'd come by for a visit. Catch up on things. We've been so busy trying to rebuild Sango's village.”

 

“Our village now Miroku.” She corrected as Kirara popped out onto her shoulder.

 

“Right.” He admitted with a grin.

 

“Kaede will be so happy to see you!”

 

“Let's pay her a visit then shall we?”

 

“Uh-huh! …oh, right… you two will be ok without me right?”

 

“Sure. Not like anything would dare attack anyway.”

 

“Yeah, thanks to the great Master Shippo!” The other man exclaimed proudly, raising his spear.

 

Miroku and Sango gave a semi-puzzled look as the two men went off to continue the patrol while Shippo beamed happily. They should have known that something good would eventually happen to their friend. Big or small, Shippo has grown and matured tremendously. Sure, he probably still was a kid at heart. But that didn't matter. He still technically is a kid…

 

“Well, seems like you're doing well.”

 

“Yeah! Everyone counts on me to help protect the village from demons. I've already taken down several!” He took a step forward, holding his arm at a right angle, his hand balled up proudly. Posing as though showing he was tough.

 

“Ah, it's been a while since then, huh Sango?”

 

“Slaying demons you mean?”

 

Miroku nodded.

 

“Come on, I'll take you to Kaede!”

 

Shippo bounded off with Miroku, Sango, and Kirara following close behind. The couple and their cat companion took in the surroundings noting whatever changes have been made since their last visit about a month ago. Not much had changed, but that was to be expected. A couple of new huts here and there were about it. Taking a familiar path, Sango was glad to be back in a familiar place. Surrounded by the people she loved. Or at least people in general. It does get pretty lonely in their village being the two of them. Kirara is of course there. Other than that only Kohaku comes and stops by. She couldn't wait till the village was one again repopulated. Though that surreal alone time could be beneficial in several ways. Sango's cheeks tinged red by the “Miroku thoughts” in her head. By that she means perverted of course.

 

“Kaede! Kaede!”

 

“What is it Shippo?” She turned in alert, thinking something's wrong. She noticed the presence of Miroku and Sango and calmed down. “Ah, if it isn't you.”

 

“It's been far too long Kaede. You're looking well.”

 

She groaned as she stood to greet her guests. The unpleasant sound of bones cracking almost made them cringe. “Ahyee…the years haven't been kind on me.” She uttered.

 

“It's still great to see you again lady Kaede.” Miroku said respectfully as everyone took a seat around the small fire.

 

“I can't thank thee enough for all you've done.”

 

“You mean in finally destroying Naraku?”

 

“Naraku has caused so much chaos and calamity over these past several decades. It is a relief to know that he is finally gone from this world. As is the Sacred Shikon no Tama.”

 

“Think nothing of it M'Lady. Naraku was a foe to us all. Lest not forget he cursed my family with the Wind Tunnel.”

 

“And me, my brother… the things he did to us.”

 

“The curse of the jewel may finally be lifted. Lives may yet go back to normality.” Kaede began, stirring the little fire in order to keep them warm. Heating the average sized hut didn't take too much effort. Shippo ensured it was well patched up and ready for winter.

 

“I still miss Kagome.” Sango admitted. “It's been hard to adjust at not having her around anymore.”

 

“Kagome made the decision to go back to her own time. We can't argue as to that's where she belongs.” Miroku said, probably on more than one occasion over the past month.

 

“I may not know if Kagome being able to come to our time is a blessing or a curse.”

 

“For us, a blessing. For herself, a curse.” Miroku stated.

 

“She helped so many. Yet, the only person she couldn't help-”

 

“Was herself,” Sango finished. Yes, that's why Kagome acted the way she did. She had problems that she couldn't solve on her own. And didn't know how to handle them. Which led to her sudden and harsh departure. She was running…running from her problems. Running from him…

 

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“Cheer up Kagome.”

 

“Yeah! You're practically acing this class. Why so stressed out?”

 

“I'm not stressed out.” She seethed, trying to hide it.

 

`You're not fooling anyone.' Yuka felt.

 

“Good morning class!” Came the teacher of Feudal Era history, Mrs. Yemuzeumi (Ye-mow-zoo-me). She was young looking, yet knowledgeable in many parts of history. Some could say she was more of a historian than a teacher. But teaching is what she did. The easily one hundred ninety centimeter (6 foot 3 inches) tall, red-haired woman took her place behind her hard-wooden desk and gazed out over to the class. Her stature was indeed rather unusual for a woman, but her nature tended to be at ease and kind. No one has seen her angry or upset, though not many dared. She was too nice to anger really.

 

Overall she was a great teacher. Someone you can learn from and actually have fun doing it too. Somehow, she made her lessons enjoyable even if they didn't seem it. It did help to teach some of the more interesting and famous parts of history too. But the lectures and lessons tended to turn into free debates. Students were usually allowed to freely comment or question a certain concept at will. Even provide their own input on most matters.

 

“Today, we'll be discussing the popular legend of the Sacred Shikon no Tama. Some of you may be familiar with some of the tales and stories. But in my class, you'll learn the real story. Or at least what is known of the real story to this point.”

 

Kagome tensed in her seat. She didn't like where this was going. Yet, somehow she had to know eventually the class would cover this part of the Feudal Era's history. After all, it's the most famous part. But her argument would be why so soon after her return? Why not a few more months? Alas, the dismal irony.

 

Mrs. Yemuzeumi pulled out a small object. A little pink orb, strung like a necklace. “This class; is the Shikon no Tama, or Jewel of Four Souls. Of course, this isn't the real one. The real jewel disappeared over five hundred years ago and hasn't been seen since. Many still search for its whereabouts, even today, but have been unable to locate it.”

 

She held out the replica jewel. It shone vibrantly as it semi-sparkled in the light. Sure looked real. Though Kagome's senses could easily confirm the truth. And she wasn't feeling any vibes from the jewel her teacher held.

 

“But this jewel has a long history behind it. A history that dates back nearly seven-hundred years.”

 

Some of the class looked quite stunned by that. True, the legend of the Shikon no Tama was famous. But it wasn't quite well known. At least, not the real story behind it. Nor was how far its history dated back to. Most common knowledge of its history dated back five hundred years.

 

“But we'll leave that for another day. Today, I want to discuss some of its more recent history before it disappeared. Things that were more recently discovered as well.”

 

Now Kagome was really beginning to panic. Her friends shot puzzled looks as Kagome looked as though she was holding onto her desk for dear life. If they knew of Miroku's Wind Tunnel, they'd say she was trying not to get sucked up. Still she paid them no mind as she continued to stare at the teacher and replica jewel.

 

“There is still a bit of mystery behind the legend, as not everything has yet been uncovered.”

 

“Like what?” One student asked.

 

“I'll explain when we get there.”

 

Kagome eased up in her seat a little. Hearing that made her feel a lot better. She just hoped not too much had been found out. Especially about her. And now that she thought about it, InuYasha as well.

 

“This, the sacred jewel, once came back to this world over five hundred years ago. Five hundred and fifty three years on Kagome's birthday to be exact.” She gave her a smile, hoping not to have embarrassed the poor girl by that comment. Surprisingly no one seemed to mind or even bother her about that. “Along with it, a strange young girl also appeared.”

 

Kagome inwardly whimpered. `My life is over…'

 

“Even to this day no one knows where the girl came from. Her origin and even her name have been lost to history. Some say she was a being from the gods. Others say she was just an everyday person.”

 

“She was an alien!”

 

The class, save for Kagome, erupted in a roar of laughter. Even Mrs. Y. was giggling. “She very well could have been. …Anyway class, wherever she came from, this girl was said to be the reincarnation of a priestess who gave her life to rid the world of the jewel fifty years prior. Does anyone know who that priestess was?”

 

No response. Kagome knew of course, but dared not to speak.

 

“Come on now…”

 

“Kikyo.” Came a reply from one student. Kinda the smart guy of the class if one would. Though he was second to Kagome.

 

“Good! Lady Kikyo was the one who protected the jewel until her death. Many of you know the story of Kikyo's life, at how she was entrusted to protect the jewel. At how she was cursed by a dark priestess named Tsubaki. And how she fell in love with a half-demon, then fell pray to an evil deception by the treacherous and deceptive demon Naraku.” She opened a book and flipped through a few pages. Holding it up, the class saw a beautiful, and quite accurate, painting of the priestess Kikyo. “Here is what she was said to look like.” Mrs. Y. took a good look at the book then to Kagome. Her gaze went back and forth a few times while the rest of the class stared in awe. Some of the boys seemed to really take her in, to put it loosely anyway.

 

Kagome paid her no mind, as she was still slightly panicky. Wondering if anyone was trying to piece together things.

 

“Well I'll be… Kagome, you look remarkably like Kikyo.”

 

“Huh?!” She snapped out of her daze and stared up at Mrs. Y, almost shouting in a panic.

 

“I can't believe I never noticed the resemblance.”

 

“Wow Kagome. To think you look like some famous priestess from way back.” Eri said to her.

 

“Yeah, it's like both freaky yet cool at the same time.”

 

“Maybe you're like some distant relative or something.”

 

Kagome moaned softly as she just wanted to disappear at that moment.

 

“Kikyo wasn't the only victim. Legend has it; she sealed her hanyou love to the Sacred Tree. That very tree still lives today.”

 

“Really, where?” A female student asked. She was still somewhat of a newbie to the area. Even if she's been here for a good fourteen months.

 

“The Sacred Tree is located on the Higurashi grounds. …Kagome, you're family must know a lot of this legend huh? Considering your shrine is at the center of a lot of its history.”

 

“Uhh, I'm not sure.” She lied. “My grandfather may know something…” Kagome wanted to kick herself for continuing on like that. Leave it to him to keep a secret.

 

“I'll be sure to talk with him then.”

 

Kagome had the `just shoot me already' look on her face. Its only been sixteen minutes and she was already stressed to the max.

 

“To this day, no one knows why Kikyo chose to use a sealing arrow instead of a sacred arrow, which would have destroyed the hanyou. And, why did Kikyo seal him to the Sacred Tree? A tree in which has the power to transcend time. There are several theories as to why she did what she did.”

 

`When will it end?' Kagome could only wonder.

 

“Being stuck to the Sacred Tree, the hanyou would forever remain unchanged. His body wouldn't age, wouldn't change in any way, as he slept there.”

 

The class remained tentative, hanging on every word.

 

“Fifty years after Kikyo's death, the jewel returned to this world as did her reincarnation.” `And if I didn't know any better, I'd say Kagome could probably be a reincarnation of both those women.' She guessed, not knowing how close to the truth she actually was. “Soon after, she broke the spell placed on the half-demon Kikyo sealed. Naturally, he was up at arms seeing a woman whom looked exactly like the one who supposedly betrayed him. Now free from his seal, the hanyou was able to do as he pleased. First thing on his to do list was to steal back the sacred jewel in order to become a full-fledged demon.”

 

`Yep…that's InuYasha alright.' Kagome idly thought.

 

Mrs. Yemuzeumi continued on with the tale. This of course was nothing new to Kagome. She was there after all. It was strange as to why both her name and InuYasha's were lost to history. Nothing much could ever be found about either one of them. The only known things seemed to be what they were and what they did. Her, a priestess and reincarnation of Kikyo, he a half-demon… Still, she carefully listened in as Mrs. Y told about some of their major conflicts and battles. Their meeting with Shippo, Miroku, and Sango, even Kohaku, the revival of Kikyo, even the long struggle over the shards. Oddly enough she mentioned a wolf-demon, but his name was also lost to time. Naturally that had to be Kouga.

 

Looking around, much of the class was still hanging on every word. A lot of this was new to many of them. It should, since a lot of the tale Mrs. Y. was telling was recent discoveries and the actual facts. From Naraku, to Kagura and Kanna, to even mentioning of other incarnations. From the infamous Band of Seven, to the collapse of Mt. Hakurei, the near death of Kikyo, it was so true. But no one could truly grasp the situation like Kagome. This was her life the teacher was talking about. Her life beyond the well in the Feudal Era. Some of the bad memories were surfacing. Memories Kagome wanted to put behind her.

 

Her friends were also rather engaged into listening to the legend as Mrs. Y. continued onwards. Kagome tried to listen as to where the story was after calming herself a little.

 

“…Finally, one day, everyone gathered to fight against their greatest foe. The final showdown. Each one had a reason to fight. Each one wanted nothing more than to finally destroy Naraku. But he possessed all but four shards of the shattered Sacred Jewel.”

 

`No…' Kagome shuttered. This was the most troublesome of memories. She remembered what happened on this day. Naraku was defeated…but she lost her life in the process. It was a hard knowing you actually died. But by the combined efforts of her friends, they actually saved her. A deed Kagome felt that she'd never be able to repay.

 

“…Naraku was finally defeated, but at a great cost. The priestess took down his barrier, which allowed the half-demon and his half-brother's attacks through to finally defeat Naraku. But, she died soon after. Many say she died while in the hanyou's arms. No one, but him, knew what her last words were. But her death would forever mar the lives of those around her.”

 

Much of the class was reduced to tears. Even Miss Y. was having a hard time keeping her composure. Tragic, yes, but it was real. The spot where the battle took place became a famous landmark. Many travel there to pay homage for the fallen priestess and her brave companions.

 

“She gave her life to protect the jewel?” The same girl from earlier asked.

 

“Indeed she did.”

 

`I gave my life not only to protect the jewel, but also to protect everyone. Perhaps even kill Naraku.'

 

“I wish we knew her name so we could honor her.” One of the male students said.

 

“Well, there is still more to the legend. After her death, the hanyou became rather unstable. As mentioned earlier, he was rather protective of the young miko. Cared a lot for her too. He just didn't know what to do knowing that he failed in his promise to protect her. …ah yes, dedicated he was.”

 

“How do we know that's what he promised?”

 

“There were a few entries written by the monk, Miroku, found. Though the parchment was in poor condition, historical experts were able to piece together that promise amongst some of the other parts of their journeys.”

 

“He acts as though he was in love with the priestess.” Another female commented. Kagome perked up and listened intently.

 

“Well, whether he did or didn't, the priestess apparently loved him. Or so it seemed. The priestess' friends were all determined to find a way to perhaps save her. For days they searched and wondered what they could possibly do.”

 

“Why didn't they just use the jewel?”

 

“Ah, they actually did think about that. However there were some problems in using it directly like that. To put it simply, there was no way to use the jewel directly and not have repercussions. But, they did find a way to use it indirectly. By using the jewel in some way, along with the four spirits that make it up, they were able to revive the fallen miko. Does anyone know the four spirits of the Shikon Jewel?”

 

“Courage, Friendship…uhh…” One began.

 

“Knowledge!” Another added in.

 

No one else seemed to know the fourth one.

 

“That's three. Shippo of Courage, Sango of Friendship, Miroku of Knowledge, and the Hanyou of …”

 

“Love.” Kagome said, feeling oddly bad all of a sudden.

 

“Yes! Love! The four spirits of the Shikon no Tama: Love, Friendship, Bravery, and Knowledge.”

 

“So they revived her somehow?”

 

“Yes. Much of the details are still unknown, but they did manage to save her.”

 

Much of the class broke out into a celebratory cheer. Kagome meanwhile stared at her desk, wondering. Something was beginning to bother her nerves greatly. As though she did something horrible. And she knew exactly what it was too.

 

“However, shortly after her revival, the priestess disappeared. All that was found on her location was “back home”, wherever that may be. At the same time, the hanyou had also disappeared, both never to be seen again.”

 

“Where'd he go?”

 

“No one knew.”

 

“I bet they went off together.”

 

“I'm afraid that wasn't the case. According to a recent passage found, the two had actually gone their separate ways. Though the cause hasn't been determined.”

 

“They had to be somewhere.”

 

“You're right, they had to be somewhere. Where is the real question I'm afraid.”

 

`Well, I'm here…' Kagome pointed out to herself.

 

“Researchers are still hard at work trying to unravel the entire story of the nearly three year struggle over the Shikon no Tama since it's return. Although much has been found out, as you've heard today, still much yet remains to be discovered. They feel there's a missing link somewhere. Something that could potentially solve nearly the whole story and finally complete the legend.”

 

Out of breath, but happy that the class hung on every word, Mrs. Yemuzeumi closed all the books she had out and smiled. The class clapped and applauded in the wonderful job she did in telling part of such a lengthy story. This was a part of history they'd surely enjoy. Learning more about those involved. More about the jewel itself. And still more on the whole journey.

 

`I'm still safe…for now…'

 

The bell rung, allowing the students temporary relief before their day continued on a little longer. Kagome inwardly sighed while her friends gathered their things and took off for their next class.

 

`I guess this was to be expected. I hoped that I could put the whole journey behind me…forget everything that happened.'

 

“Kagome dear…”

 

“Hmm? Hai?”

 

“Sorry if I may have embarrassed you. But I do admire your work in this class Kagome. Such detail and craftsmanship… you really know your history.”

 

“Heh, it's hard not to learn when you're at the center of it all, right?”

 

“Indeed your family, or at least your shrine, is at the center of this great legend. I couldn't help myself when I realized how close you looked to Lady Kikyo. Though, I'm sure you knew about that already.”

 

“Yeah.” `Especially since I actually met Kikyo…'

 

“What do you make of the whole thing Kagome?”

 

“The legend? …well, I'm not sure. To me it sounded like a classic case of good versus evil.”

 

Mrs. Y. gave an inward chuckle. “Yes, it does seem like that doesn't it? Still, it makes you wonder though. What would have happened if the priestess never appeared? What if she never freed the half-demon that Kikyo sealed? What if the jewel never broke? What if Naraku got all the shards of the jewel? …So many questions lay in wait. Many of which can't quite be answered by facts. Mostly due to what really did happen. If only the legend was complete then we can possibly answer those questions.”

 

“It may never be complete. Just as the travelers thought they'd never complete the jewel.”

 

Mrs. Y. smiled, “You may be right. But someday perhaps we will…just like they did.”

 

“If you could perhaps find out something, what would you want to discover?” Kagome boldly asked. Her nerves still on edge.

 

“Ah, a difficult question indeed. If I really had to choose, I'd love to find out what happened to both the hanyou and the priestess. What caused them to part ways, much less disappear without a trace? Even if their names, exact-looks, full-personality, or whatever aren't found, it'd still be much progress if I, or someone, could find out what happened. Many people say it's because they were different. That one was human and one was demon, so it was natural for them to part ways. Demons and humans were never meant to be together.”

 

“And you believe that?”

 

“No. I believe demons and humans could have gotten along. …It seems you feel the same way Kagome.”

 

“I suppose so…”

 

“I know for a fact that not all demons were evil. The hanyou from the legend is perfect example of that. At how, if encouraged the right way, could in fact be good; or at least do good deeds.”

 

“Even if he was a selfish jerk?”

 

“Even so. And even if he was, the priestess still seemed to have loved and cared for the hanyou. I bet he even cared for her.”

 

“That creep was in love with Kikyo not m- the priestess.” She barely caught herself from spilling that one.

 

“It's true that he once was… although I can't say what his feelings were after he was freed from the seal, to me, he seemed to care a lot for the priestess. Maybe even love her.”

 

“Yeah right.” She just didn't believe where Mrs. Y. was getting this. How could she say that the hanyou, InuYasha, loved her? She didn't even know the guy. It just seemed utterly ridiculous. Kagome faltered and frowned once that night, two weeks before her death, came to mind. She could just see it. InuYasha embracing Kikyo… InuYasha confessing his true feelings to the undead miko… InuYasha slipping from her grasp…

 

`He doesn't love me… he loves Kikyo…'

 

~`I still love you, Kikyo.'~

 

`…He's…he's happy now. That's all that matters. That's all I really wanted. …was for him to be happy.'

 

“I know this. If he didn't care for the priestess he wouldn't have tried to save her. He saved her because he cared.”

 

`No he didn't…'

 

“I'm hoping one day I can perhaps solve some the mysteries behind it. I think once the two unknown people are uncovered, the pieces will begin to fall into place.”

 

Kagome was quiet as she stared down towards the far edge of the room. Depressing herself wasn't quite what she had in mind. And she couldn't blame Mrs. Y. for triggering the memories. After all, she didn't realize that she was talking to the priestess from the legend. If only she knew, then perhaps people would understand better. People would know the real-real story. And people would know how she felt during the whole journey. Know the real truth as to what kind of person `the hanyou' really was. But no; Kagome was intending to keep everything as it is… a mystery. Enough about her travels were already uncovered; no more was needed.

 

Sighing, Kagome politely said goodbye to her teacher before departing. Mrs. Yemuzeumi closed the door to her classroom behind Kagome. She stood there a moment, pondering.

 

`That girl, she is quite intuitive… so passionate in how she feels. Kagome, you seem to resemble the priestess and Kikyo so much, not just in looks either. I still can't help but believe you're the reincarnation of her and Kikyo.' She shifted and moved over to her desk. Sitting, Mrs. Y gave a small smile. `He loved Kikyo. He loved the priestess. If you were there, I'm sure he'd love you too Kagome.'

 

 

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