InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Sage ❯ The Secret of the Higurashi Family Part II ( Chapter 21 )

~*~*~*~*~Edited version~*~*~*~*~*~

 

A/N: Silent_Shadow you asked: `Where do you do all these ideas from?' *tells the people in her head to shut up so she can think* I don't think you really want to try and get into my head. It's already pretty crowded ^_~ JK. Actually my ideas are mostly from my over imaginative mind. I have been writing stories like this for quiet some time. You could probably tell me straw, ball, and lighter and I could write a story involving those three things. If any one who's reading this fic wants some ideas for stories I would love to help in any way that I can. All you have to do is ask.

 

A/N: With all that said here is the next chapter!!! *hands out popcorn while she eats a strawberry Pocky*

 

Chapter Twenty-One

The Secret of the Higurashi Family

Part II

 

Sorano slowly opened her eyes and winced in utter pain. Every part of her hurt. If it was possible she even thought that her hair hurt. Once Sorano's eyes focused she noticed that she was floating in the middle of nowhere but was completely surrounded by light. The only thing that didn't make sense was that even though it was bright it was burning her eyes. Why is the light hurting my eyes? I am a light youkai after all. Light never hurts my eyes. Unless…

 

“Ah I see that you have finally come to. I am truly sorry for the way that you were brought here Sorano-sama but it was also Kagome's fault. She was after all trying to fight the power that is within her. If she had accepted the power you wouldn't have been hurt and we wouldn't have had to take control of her body.”

 

Sorano swung around and came face to face with a young man. He was dressed in ancient looking shrine priest robes and he looked a lot like Kagome. Well at least his eyes and the blue tinged hair did. He was smiling brightly at Sorano as he floated before her.

 

“And you are?” Sorano looked around the area with half closed eyes. The light was really starting to bother her.

 

“I knew you wouldn't remember me but I sure remember you. It has been a long time since we last met.”

 

Sorano cocked at eyebrow at the man, “Met? I don't recall ever meeting you. I would remember. I am very good with faces.”

 

The man chuckled and the sound brought an unexplained warmth to Sorano's heart, “It will all be explained in due course. I am Higurashi Shoichi.”

 

Sorano floated back at hearing his name, “A Higurashi? But how is that possible. The Higurashi family is all but wiped out. The only one remaining is Kagome. Kagome! Where is she?!” Sorano looked around the area trying her hardest to at least sense her.

 

“You need not worry about Kagome. She is just fine. It is you that has the long road ahead.”

 

“What do you mean Shoichi? What is going on?!”

 

Shoichi crossed his arms and looked like he was deep in thought, “Where to begin that would make sense to you… Ah! I know. What happens to a light youkai when they leave the physical plain to return to the light realm?”

 

Sorano was taken back by his odd question, “We need to be killed to start with. Then our true form which, is pure light returns to the light realm with no memory of the life that we once lived.”

 

Shoichi smiled at Sorano, “Well that is what happened to you.”

 

Sorano shook her head, “You didn't let me finish. Though we forget about the life that we once lived others in the light realm inform you of the people and deeds that you did or helped in the physical plain. That way you can still watch over them or to make sure that your deeds that you did are still helping those that you left behind. I was never informed of a past life. This is the only life that I have had in the physical plain. I'm sorry Shoichi but I am not the person that you are looking for.”

 

Shoichi continue to smile even after Sorano was finished speaking. Mental this one is I'm telling you! What the heck is he smiling at? I really wish they would turn down the lights. I think my brain is about to melt. “What if the life you lived was to protect a secret; a secret so important that the other youkai of the light realm were ordered not to tell you of such deeds and acts. Therefore you were never going to remember them.”

 

Sorano opened her mouth and closed it again. Shoichi nodded his head as realization dawn on Sorano. He's talking about the Higurashi Family Secret! “You're talking about the secret of the Higurashi family?”

 

“Hai! I always knew that you were the smart one. Your father ordered your return to the light realm when the darkness figured out that it was my family that was keeping what it desired above all others. So we sealed it away never to return until the day that the chosen Higurashi was born.”

 

Sorano crossed her arms, “So let me get this straight; I was alive way back in the day and I knew what the secret of the Higurashi family was?! So my father didn't want me present for this all out battle and ordered my return to the light realm? Then he also ordered everyone in the light realm not to tell me about my past so that it would keep me from the secret?”

 

Shoichi shook his head, “Not from the secret but to keep the secret. The darkness that was going to attack knew that it needed to kill you in order for it to get to the Higurashi Shrine.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because you're the sworn protector of the Higurashi family. Didn't it seem kind of odd that you felt that you needed to protect Kagome the minute you saw her all those years ago? Didn't you ever wonder why you thought of her as family? Your self proclaimed title lived within you even though you were no longer apart of our world.”

 

Sorano closed her eyes and tried to remember anything that Shoichi was telling her. It was to no avail. Nothing he said sounded like it had happened. Granted if he was right then there was a reason why she felt that she needed to protect Kagome above all others. But she felt the same way about Sango when they first met. “I want to believe what you are telling me to be true but I can't. I have no memories of what you are saying.”

 

“That is why you were brought here. That same darkness that plagued our family all those years ago as risen once again. They were the ones responsible for the death of Seiko, Hiroko, and Souta. They are coming and they aren't going to be stopped this time. The chosen Higurashi has been born and things have been set in motion that can not be undone.”

 

Sorano knitted her eyebrows, as she looked at Shoichi in sheer bewilderment, “This darkness killed off Kagome's Jii-chan, her mother and Souta? But that was so long ago? Why haven't they come after Kagome if she is this chosen Higurashi?”

 

“They will not come after her because of you. They know how powerful you are and how powerful you can become. That is why they are continuing to lie low so that you will not be aware of their movements. But in order for you to know what to look for you must remember the life that you once lived.”

 

“And how am I to do that?” Sorano rubbed her eyes as the light started to make them water, “and what is up with this light?!”

 

“First off the light is dead light that is why it is hurting your eyes. The light that is in this realm is from the past souls of the ones that you once helped in your past life. We are in the `Between'. This is where the souls of the dead come to when they are being accepted into the light of the after life or the darkness of Hell. They are here to help you remember whom you once were.”

 

Sorano backed up even more from Shoichi. He brought me to a place where the souls of the dead wait in limbo. That is why the light is hurting me so. I can't feed off of it, as it is not really here. But the souls are the ones that are going to help me to remember who I was? Sorano had no sooner thought this then the light in the area started to mould and form into pure souls. Sorano looked around the area and saw that there had to be at least fifty to a hundred souls if not more.

 

“It is time that the Protector of the Higurashi Family remembered whom she was and to remember the greatest secret that was entrusted to her. Souls of the Between come forth. All those who were once touched by the purity of Sorano-sama come forth now and share your memories with her so that she can once again remember!”

 

Sorano was about to yell at Shoichi when the souls started to fly around her in such quick succession that their movement was starting to make her dizzy and a little light headed. The first soul came out of nowhere and shot straight through Sorano's chest. It was the oddest feeling that she had even experienced before. But that feeling was soon to pass and then her mind was invaded by visions of a time long ago when a youkai like her saved a small female ningen from the raging river of the over flowing waters of spring in Japan.

 

Sorano groaned as the next soul came flying at her. The pain was starting to get to her and the visions were happening so fast that Sorano couldn't seem to keep them all straight. But one thing was for certain and that was the fact that the youkai in every one of these visions looked, acted, talked, and felt like she did. Could it really be possible that I once existed in a time that I cannot remember? Is what I am seeing true? Sorano screamed out in pain as the eighth soul came flying at her. She couldn't take much more of this as it was draining her both physically and mentally. Sorano turned her head as she started to double over.

 

“No more… I can't … take any… more…”

 

Shoichi came into Sorano's plain of vision and looked down at her sadly, “I am truly sorry Sorano-sama. You have protected me and saved my life more then once. I wish nothing more then to make this all stop as it is hurting you. But if you let them it will not hurt as much and your mind just might remember the past better then we can show you.”

 

Shoichi suddenly lit up and morphed in a spherical glowing soul. He flew a few times around Sorano before he collided with her chest. She screamed out in pain as her world fell into darkness once again.

 

~~~~~~

 

Shoichi turned and looked over his shoulder. The youkai were still chasing after him. There was no escape. He wasn't going to make it to the shrine for help. He was all alone. I should have listened to Chichiue when he said to wait for someone to go with me. I know that I am to young but I am a Higurashi and we are known for being very powerful. If only I had trained harder. Shoichi glanced over his shoulder just as a worm youkai descended on him. It was getting closer and closer.

 

“NO!!!” Shoichi closed his eyes just as the wind was knocked out of him and he felt his feet leaving the ground. I've died. I know it. I didn't get the chance to honour my family or help protect the secret of our shrine. Suddenly Shoichi felt the wind in his hair and the scent of fresh pine filled his nostrils. “Nani?” Slowly he opened his eyes.

 

“Baka Shoichi! Your father was so worried about you when he couldn't find you in the village. How many times have I told you not to leave the village unprotected until your training is complete?”

 

Shoichi smiled completely for joy. He was saved. The youki of the youkai that were chasing him were nowhere in the area. They had all fled after feeling her aura. “Sorano-sama!”

 

Sorano glanced down at him with a soft smile on her face. Her hair was shimmering in the moonlight as she leapt gracefully from tree branch to tree branch as they made their way back to the village in the providence of Mushin. Shoichi relaxed as he wrapped his arms around Sorano. “Shoichi you promised me that you were never going to leave the village at night. You promised me that.”

 

Shoichi hid his face in Sorano's neck, “I know but Chichiue doesn't think that I am ready to go on expeditions for the alliance. I am ready.”

 

“So that horde of youkai that were chasing you were just seeing you safely home?”

 

Shoichi blushed but did not reply. The rest of the trip back to the village was in complete silence. Sorano was moving faster as the peak of night was getting closer. Even Sorano didn't like to be outside the village at this time of night. Ever since the youkai figured out that the Higurashi Shrine and its family were the keepers of the secret they had attacked almost every night. If it weren't for Sorano-sama and the Taijiya the village would have fallen a long time ago.

 

Shoichi felt the wind lessen on his back as Sorano slowed her pace. Shoichi could feel the auras of miko and houshi that lived within the village. They would be crossing through the kekkai at any moment. Shoichi was still amazed that the purifying kekkai didn't faze Sorano as she leapt through. Most youkai would instantly be purified but Sorano could somehow manage to get through without so much as a burn.

 

“Hang on Shoichi the kekkai is coming up. My body tends to give off a little bit of youki as I pass through.”

 

“Hai!” Shoichi wrapped his arms more securely around Sorano as she leapt from the last tree and straight towards the kekkai. Shoichi closed his eyes as he felt the aura of the miko that surrounded the village. It was getting closer… closer…

 

“Kami-sama!!” Shoichi gasped as he felt Sorano's youki past into him. It was the oddest feeling her had ever felt. It was as if a piece of her had entered him. But his own spiritual energy wasn't trying to purify it. Instead it felt like his aura was absorbing it. Imprinting it to his very soul. Shoichi opened his eyes when he felt Sorano make her light landing.

 

“Shoichi!! Are you okay!” Sorano gently put Shoichi down and before he could fully turn himself around he was pulled into a tight embrace.

 

“Nii-chan! Let go! I'm fine!”

 

Shoichi's sister knelt down in front of him, as she looked him over to see if he was telling the truth. “Shoichi are you sure? No youkai got a hold of you?!”

 

Shoichi pushed against his sister and finally managed to get free. “I told you Nii-chan I'm fine!”

 

She stood up and bowed to Sorano, “Thank-you so much Sorano-sama for going to look for Shoichi. I am glad that you found him before anything could have happened to him.”

 

Sorano bowed in return, “It was nothing Riku. I will always be here to help.”

 

Riku straightened out and smiled at Sorano. Shoichi was about to comment but the aura of a powerful houshi was coming his way. Shoichi flinched as he felt the anger laced throughout the aura. “I am very disappointed in you Shoichi. I told you not to venture out and you did so anyways. You are just lucky that your guardian found you when she did. You would probably be dead if it wasn't for her.”

 

Shoichi turned around and bowed lowly to his Chichiue. “Gomen nasi Chichiue. I will never do it again. Not until you tell me that I am ready to do so.”

 

“You had better. I will not let you dishonour the name of Higurashi by leaving so carelessly on your own when you are not even trained.”

 

“Sho-sama if I am?”

 

Shoichi chanced a glance and saw that Sorano-sama had stepped forward. “Of course Sorano-sama.”

 

Sorano-sama bowed and smiled as she turned towards Shoichi, “I think that his punishment should be a hardy task that will make him think twice about going out on his own once again.”

 

Sho crossed his arms and smiled, “I agree. He will be put to work. The Shrine's well house needs to be cleaned out. You can start with that. I will come and let you know when you can call it a night. Now go Shoichi.”

 

“Hai Chichiue,” Shoichi bowed and walked off in the direction of the well house that was on the far side of the shrine. Of course Sorano-sama would think of the hardest tasks for me to do. I will never leave the shrine again. Not because I don't want to but because I will still be working off my punishment.

 

*~*~*~

 

Shoichi was almost done cleaning out the well house when he heard voices talking just outside the sliding doors. Shoichi tiptoed across the wooden planked floor and stood just beside the door.

 

“Sorano-sama you do not think that I was to hard on Shoichi do you?”

 

“No Sho-sama I do not. The Higurashi Family is a very important family and he will have to learn that some day. Though he never has to carry the burden of the family he is the one that has to pass it on to his first daughter like the many generations before him.”

 

Shoichi instantly knew what they were talking about. It was the secret of the Higurashi family. His Nii-chan, Riku, was the keeper of the secret and when she died the secret would then be passed on to his first daughter. Only Higurashi women were to keep the secret. It was his duty to take a family and have a least one daughter and one son.

 

“Sorano-sama word has reached my ears that a great darkness has heard about the secret that we hold. They are coming for us as we speak. The other shrines in the alliance speak of a strange youkai lurking in the area and asking a lot of questions.”

 

“What do you wish to do?”

 

“The secret must be sealed away. It is the only way to save it from falling into the hands of evil youkai. If they were to get their hands on something that powerful then the world as we know it will not exist much longer. The Taijiya village to the north is already starting their trek to us. The sealing will take place once the Taijiya are in the providence of Mushin.”

 

“Where will you seal it?”

 

“The secret will be sealed for all eternity in the Realm of Between. It will then wait for a soul so pure and innocent to be created. Once this soul is created the secret will be reborn with that person. They will be the chosen Higurashi.”

 

“If that is the only way. I will leave first thing in the morning for the Western Lands. Inutaisho-sama will help us. After he makes arrangements for the protection of his newly born son that is. I can get to him in about three days time.”

 

“Excellent. The Taijiya sent a massager ahead saying that they will be here in about eight days. If the Inu no Taisho will join our alliance then the future will be set.”

 

“Then I will take my leave. I have a lot of work that needs to be done before I go to the Western Lands.”

 

“Take care.”

 

“As you Sho-sama.”

 

Shoichi quickly leapt away from the door as he heard footsteps climbing the stairs to the well house. Shoichi quickly got back to work as he waited for the door to open. He waited and waited but the door never opened. Shoichi slowly walked towards the door and slid it open. There was his Chichiue staring up at the stars.

 

“Chichiue?”

 

“Shoichi come and stand with me.”

 

Shoichi nodded and walked up to stand by his father. They stood in silence for a time as they watched the heavens. “Shoichi the heavens have been good to our family. But one of us will be leaving very soon.”

 

“Chichiue?”

 

Sho turned and looked at his son, “The Lord of the Light Realm has told me that the darkness that is coming for us will kill Sorano-sama. He wants her to return to the Light Realm.”

 

“Nani,” Shoichi turned and glared at his father, “You can not let her leave us! She is our protector.”

 

“She is also a daughter. If it were Riku that they were after I would do everything in my power to protect her. The Lord of the Light Realm is doing the same thing. You must never tell her this. One day you will hold the key to getting her to remember this time and us. Remember Shoichi. She must remember.”

 

Shoichi held back his tears as he nodded to his Chichiue, “ I will remember!”

 

~~~~~~

 

***

 

Kagome could feel something wrapping itself around her. It was warm and felt so familiar as if it was an old friend that she hadn't felt in a long time. Kagome slowly opened her eyes and gasped at what was before her. Swirling fuchsia tendrils danced before her eyes like something one would only see in the furthest recesses of space. It was an amazing sight to behold. When Kagome looked down at herself she saw that the tendrils of energy were coming off of her as well as wrapping themselves around her.

 

“Nani…?”

 

“Higurashi Kagome.”

 

Kagome yelped as a bodiless voice flooded the area. “Who's….who's there?”

 

“I am within you. I was reborn when you were born.”

 

“I don't understand.”

 

“I am the Secret of the Higurashi Family. I am within you. A great darkness is once again seeking me out. Thus it has awakened me. We are one and the same Kagome. Our power is greatest when used selflessly. Your pure heart, kind soul, and selfless mind is what brought me to you.”

 

“What are you exactly?” Kagome looked around as if the voice would show up in a body that she could see.

 

“In order to find out what I am you will need to return to both our homes. The home of our ancestors. The Higurashi Shrine.”

 

Kagome paled at the mention of her old home. She still didn't like to go there. Not after everything that had happened. “I… I can't go there.”

 

“Kagome I know that your past is hard to live with but one must embrace their past in order to move forward into the future.”

 

Kagome gasped. Jii-chan once told me that when I told him I didn't want to be a miko. He said that to me because it was what every Higurashi female became. He told me that I had to accept my past to enter my future.

 

“Hai Kagome Seiko once told you those words. They are as true now as they were then.”

 

Kagome wrapped her arms around herself as she closed her eyes, “I have to many bad memories of that place to go back. I can't do it.”

 

“Miko you are not going to be alone. Others will always be by your side. One will love and care for you and protect you as best he can. One will be the shoulder that you can lean on whenever you need one. One will be the laughter and hope that will fill your heart with joy. One will protect you from all harm and will be the light when you are covered in Darkness. You will not be alone. Embrace your past Kagome!”

 

Kagome slowly opened her eyes and smiled. Floating before her was an image of Inuyasha. “Kagome I'll never let you go while you're with me.”

 

Kagome smiled, “Inuyasha.”

 

The image of Inuyasha faded and in his place appeared Sango, “We will always be there for one another. My shoulder for you and your shoulder for me.”

 

Kagome swiped away a tear that sat in the corner of her eye, “Sango.”

 

The image once again faded and was replaced by the image of Rin, “Kagome no matter what happens you should always have a smile on your face. If you find that it starts to wane you can always have some of mine.”

 

Kagome nodded, “Hai Rin.”

 

Rin's smiling face vanished and was replaced by Sorano. She didn't look like a mere image. She was actually standing before her. “Kagome I will always make sure that you are safe. We will always watch over each other. You are my family. And I am the Protector of the Higurashi Family. It is time to finish this. I will lend you my light if you ever feel that you are surrounded by darkness.”

 

Kagome straightened herself and stood tall. “Hai! It is time to finish this!” Kagome closed her eyes and let the power that flowed around her come back to her. This time I will not be alone. My friends and loved ones will always be by my side. Kagome felt the power within her trying to escape. This time Kagome didn't stop the power. She let it out.

 

***