InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Three Oaths ❯ The Protector Part III ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer: this is a fictional story written only for my personal amusement. I own nothing, Rumiko Takahashi owns all.

 

~The Protector Part III~

 

 

Kagome walked into the large kitchen and took a seat at the dining table. She scowled. “Okay, mom, what do you need help with?” She still hadn't quite gotten over her pissiness yet.

 

Mikoumi smiled gently. “Nothing too serious, dear. The food is cooking nicely so all I need is for you to set the table.” Her eyes turned reflective as she gazed upon her daughter. “…Unless I'm disturbing you from something else, of course.”

 

She sighed, clearing her face of the irate expression. “No, mom, it's fine. I'll do it in a sec.”

 

Her mother nodded swiftly and gave her daughter a quick peck on the cheek. “You shouldn't let yourself get so stressed,” she chided, smoothing her hand over her dark hair. “After all, you've got your whole life ahead of you now that the shards have been collected. You should be happy!” Her sharp gaze took it all in as Kagome's features suddenly became blank and a wearied, dead shroud descended over her face.

 

She spoke more softly this time, concern filling her every word. “Kagome, I'm not trying to say that you shouldn't be upset - I understand that you've lost a lot by leaving that world, more than I can possibly guess.” Kagome swallowed tightly, a large lump forming in her throat. “And I know you had ties there, practically another whole family that you love, and still do. But I want you to understand that you're still very young, and you'll only be hurting yourself more if you let yourself be overcome by the pain.” She tilted her chin upwards so that they were at eye level. “When I lost your father in that accident, Kagome, well- I, he was my world. I didn't think there was any way I could ever survive without him. But I had to, because I had you and Souta to look after, and you both are just as important to me as he was, if not more.” She let out a tired breath. “So, what I'm really asking you Kagome is, please, take care of yourself. For us if not for you. We all love you and we hate to see you looking so depressed all the time. We only want to see you happy, darling. It's the truth.”

 

Kagome blinked rapidly, the tears she tried to hold at bay falling easily down her cheeks. She didn't know what to say. Sure she had known all of this already but to hear her mom say it out loud…

 

She threw her arms around her mother in a gripping hug. “Thank you,” she breathed, ignoring the thick, nasal whine her voice had become. “It means so much to me to hear you say that, and I-I love you too, mom.” It came blurting out, more on instinct than anything else because Kagome suddenly realised that it had been a long time since she'd last said those words to her mother, while actually considering the true meaning behind them.

 

The happiness radiating from her mother's face made it truly worth it. “I love you too sweetheart. Always.” She beamed. “Now,” she straightened and walked over to the countertop where she plucked a few paper towels from the dispenser. “Dry your eyes and then get started with the table. I'm sure you'll feel much better once you've tasted what's for dinner.”

 

“Oh, really?” Kagome blew her nose none too quietly; the sound was vaguely reminiscent of an elephant farting. She sniffed, “So what are we having?”

 

She winked. “A special dish for once. Miso soup with rice and prawn cakes.”

 

Kagome couldn't help looking surprised. “Wow, mom, I didn't know you could make that!” Normally her mother tended to cook non-Japanese dishes like curry and pasta, simply because she was so horrid at anything else. Nearly all the time she ended up burning something in the process (like the chicken, for example) but with foreign food it seemed to happen less. For her to even bother with the soup was startling to say the least, but the fact that she was so confident about its taste-factor was more than a little disconcerting.

 

Mikoumi laughed. “Oh no, dear! I didn't make dinner tonight. Midoriko did. She was preparing it while you were at school.” She turned towards the stove, completely missing the look of utter revulsion that settled upon Kagome's face. “Speaking of which, I suppose I should call her in here. The soup needs tending to and I'm not entirely sure how to handle it…”

 

“I'm right here.” A voice spoke up.

 

Kagome jumped at the presence sitting oh-so-comfortably next to her, whose movements were so silent she hadn't even noticed when she walked in. Midoriko shifted in her chair and grinned at her, as if she hadn't just tried to kill her less than half an hour ago.

 

“Hello, Kagome, how are you? I hope school was fun today…” The dancing amusement in her eyes told her that she was playing a game with her, one she was expected to play along to as well.

 

Knowing she couldn't exactly be rude in front of her mother, Kagome offered a grim smile in return. “Fine thank you, Midoriko-sama. It was in fact a rather pleasant day,” Until you ruined it, she finished in her thoughts.

 

“Well, I'll just leave it all to you then, Midoriko.” Mikoumi gazed down fondly upon the seemingly younger woman, and then patted her head. “And thank you so much for cooking for us these past few days. I know your wounds have only just gotten better and it must be such a chore…”

 

“No thanks are necessary, Mikoumi-san.” Midoriko said brightly, cutting her mom off short. “I do it because I want to, so there's no need to thank me.” Her large blue eyes sparkled like twin sapphires making her appear more innocent than usual.

 

The look in her mother's eyes was almost sickeningly adoring - Kagome barely resisted the urge to retch - and then she turned and left the room, leaving the two of them alone together again.

 

In the bleak silence, Kagome's thoughts ran haywire, scattering like field-mice in the grass. She realised that she was nervous, still pissed as hell of course, but now the nerves were beginning to overshadow the final vestiges of rage and anger that had been clouding her mind. What am I supposed to say to her?? I mean, gosh, how do I act? This woman tried to freakin' kill me for Pete's sake! They don't really teach you how to deal with that in social studies class…

 

“Problem, Kagome?” Midoriko turned and gave her a sly smile. “You don't look very comfortable - is something the matter?” She opened her hand, flexing out her long fingers slowly before curling them into a tight fist, the small smirk she held turning feral.

 

Kagome gulped and shook her head, trying not to show just how desperately frightened she was. Maybe she will kill me! She panicked. Just because she had promised not to didn't really mean anything. Besides, she never said anything about not hurting her, and Kagome was all too aware of what kind of things a person could live through without actually dying.

 

“Are you sure? You look scared to me, dearest…” From out of nowhere came the broad metal of a carving knife, its shiny surface reflecting the yellowed light of the overhead bulbs. Midoriko swished it to and fro, from hand to hand, while humming an eerie tune under her breath. “Come here, Kagome,” she murmured, her sweet voice belying the threatening aura surrounding her slim frame. “Come here and I'll help put a smile back on your face.”

 

Kagome was frozen; the yell that she had planned on releasing was caught stuck in her throat, no sound escaping her open mouth. As Midoriko edged nearer, her mind whirred through the various stages in her life that had led to this moment and she found herself wishing she could just go back to another time, away from being helpless and unmoving in death, away from the mad woman that wanted to kill her. The dark priestess was emitting a faint glow; the weapon she held turned a menacing blue as she lunged forward, stabbing it towards her flesh.

 

“Eeep!” Kagome squealed, quickly shutting her eyes before she was forced to see the stain of crimson blood coating her school shirt. She braced herself for the unbearable agony that was sure to follow from such an injury. That ever-familiar, blinding feeling that engulfed your body so that all you felt was pure pain… When she continued to feel nothing however, she peeked through carefully shuttered lids at her surroundings. Kagome blinked, surprised. And also very, very confused.

 

I'm not hurt?

 

“Huh?” she questioned and then gasped when Midoriko snarled and flicked the point of the blade to the upper left of her chest, directly where her heart lay. Oh God, Kagome thought. This is it…

 

And then, Midoriko burst into wild laughter.

 

“Oh, Kamis!” she laughed again, wiping her now flushed-with-mirth cheeks. “That was the best joke ever -Your face! You looked like you were about to empty your bowels out on the floor!” She panted and fell from her seat, somehow still able to retain her perfect grace before continuing to chuckle merrily, holding her cramping sides in an effort to keep her laughter in.

 

A joke…

 

Kagome was silently fuming, her face red hot with humiliation. Okay, so we've established that Midoriko's a bitch, she thought, her ears blossoming like ripe cherries. But still…what the fuck?!

 

She supposed she should be relieved that she wasn't about to be randomly murdered in her own home again, but instead all she felt was a cringing, blinding shame, and anger at being made fun of so carelessly. Not that Midoriko would ever give a damn about my feelings, but honestly who does that!?

 

After all, threatening someone with a butcher's knife before announcing to them that it was all a joke, especially when that particular person was only a weak human girl who knew that the knife wielder was in fact a rather unstable personage with a penchant towards bi-polar tendencies close to that of a psychopath…well, that was bound to make anyone either go mad or plain crazy.

 

But, God she was embarrassed.

 

Looking at the breathless woman on her kitchen floor, Kagome was hard pressed not to pick up that stupid knife - which was sitting close enough on the table between them - and run her through with it. Just for fun. Even though the chances that she would actually be able to do the evil deed were like zilch, considering that Midoriko had super-human abilities, was pretty damn strong and could probably make her wet herself if she jumped out and cried “Boo!”

 

“That was by far the most amusing occurrence I've had the fortune of witnessing in an exceedingly long time.” Tears like miniscule pearls of dew flecked her thick dark lashes, and she wiped them away with the back of her hand. “I've only ever seen demons look at me with that level of fear before. Never humans.” She noted the heavy frown adorning Kagome's face, and her own lips pulled upwards briefly. “Come now, don't be upset. Surely you realise that it was all in jest? I would not have hurt you, Kagome, I gave you my word. A miko's word is sacred. I couldn't go back on my oath even if I wished it.” She jumped up from the floor and dusted herself off without help, turning away towards the stove. Her hands deftly tied a brightly coloured apron around her small waist.

 

“Besides,” She flashed her a wide grin. “We have much to talk about, you and I, and as I said before, I can't get the information I want from you if you're dead.” She picked up a long spoon and began stirring the pot, peering inside the murky depths for a moment before nodding in satisfaction. “Would you like me to teach you how to cook, Kagome? Your mother has a fondness for strange foods that aren't really to my liking, and she simply refuses to cook anything else.” She pursed her lips and raised one delicate finger in contemplation. “Perhaps I should serve a dish that would help change her mind. Octopus should do it - or no, maybe squid.”

 

“You're crazy,” Kagome muttered, but she still stood up and came to stand beside the other priestess anyway.

 

Despite her misgivings, Kagome soon found that spending time with a living legend wasn't as much a trial as she'd thought it would be. In fact, when she wasn't acting like a crazed lunatic or spewing out death threats, Midoriko wasn't too bad of a person.

 

For a while they just chatted, not really saying anything important, just skimming from several uninteresting topics of conversation. Eventually they ended up discussing each other's lives, questioning things about the other's personal history and background. Kagome was able to explain to her most of the mechanics of the modern time; indoor plumbing, electricity and all the rest of it. In turn the older miko showed her how to make herself useful in the kitchen, teaching her ways to cook an actual meal that didn't singularly consist of chicken noodles. In record time Kagome realised that she was actually having fun, something she hadn't truly experienced in quite a while.

 

I guess I really do have a thing for making friends out of old enemies…

 

Then, their conversation skittered somewhat, ranging from the marvels of Modern Time to the ever passing memory of the Sengoku Jidai. When that happened, things had been slightly awkward for a moment. Kagome was hesitant to bring up the topic of her time-travelling with the older woman; her wounds had not yet healed and that bruise was far too sore to discuss openly. Midoriko, sensing her distress swiftly changed the subject, and from thereon it wasn't mentioned again.

 

“But I still can't understand how a girl like you could have been mistaken for a priestess!” They were on slightly dangerous ground now that the subject was directly relevant to her time in the past, yet Kagome felt no qualms about continuing.

 

“What do you mean `a girl like me'?” she demanded.

 

“A weak child with little to no holy powers - that's what I mean.”

 

“Hey,” she cried, affronted. “That's pretty harsh don't you think?”

 

Midoriko snorted. “Well it's the truth. I wouldn't have known you were a priestess if not for Kaede, and even then I was hard pressed to believe. Your power isn't exactly significant.”

 

“Huh, like that's my fault,” Kagome crossed her arms over her chest in a childish gesture of offence. “It's not like I have my full abilities, or anything. My soul is still split in half, you know.”

 

“Your soul?” Midoriko sounded curious, and Kagome barely stopped from slapping herself in the forehead. Way to go, Kagome. Bring out all the hidden secrets of your life, why don't you…

 

“Er, yeah, um, you see-” Okay what was she supposed to say now? This was bordering on the stuff she really didn't want to talk about, especially if she had to bring Kikyo into all of this too. Her mind suddenly recalled the way Midoriko had reacted when she'd introduced her to Hojo as her `Aunt Kikyo'. It had been one of pure shock. Which means she knows who Kikyo is as well, she surmised. So maybe there wouldn't be any harm in telling her.

 

Still…she decided. It wouldn't exactly be smart to make any rash decisions. Let's just play it safe first…

 

“Alright. Well…um,” there was no point stalling. She might as well get it over and done with. She sighed. “You know that I'm from the future right? (Duh, Kagome, that's pretty obvious) well basically I was born with the reincarnated soul of a dead priestess from your time, who died around fifty odd years or so before I first went through the well. However two years ago someone found a way to revive her, trying to use her body as a puppet or something. But because I was already alive her corpse couldn't become properly animated without her full soul. Or should I say, my full soul.” She exhaled loudly, her breath fanning out in one large whoosh of air. “So long story short, the sorceress' magic spell removed only part of my soul, but it was enough to bring the priestess back from the dead as a sort of walking, breathing corpse. She tried to kill me several times so that she could get it back but that didn't really work out too well. The annoying thing is though, as long as she continues to live like an undead freak, my soul can never be complete again and I can never get access my full powers.” She sniffed. “So really, it's not that I'm weak. It's just that I'm handicapped at the moment.”

 

There. She'd managed to get most of the story out without even mentioning Kikyo's name, which was pretty awesome if she did say so herself.

 

Midoriko's eyes gleamed as she processed this new information. “And you never once thought of killing the priestess to end the threat to your life?” Heavy disbelief clouded her features, as if she couldn't comprehend the thought of anyone actually being that stupid.

 

Kagome's reply was somewhat muffled. “Well she was super strong…and I'm kind of fragile if you hadn't noticed…”

 

Midoriko looked amused. “You were too scared of her?” A brief sound of mirth escaped her rouged lips.

 

“No!” She quickly denied. “I wasn't afraid! I was just… it wasn't quite…” Disgruntled, Kagome turned away so that her burning cheeks were out of sight. “Kikyo has always been more powerful than me, even with only a fraction of her soul back. Plus, she's had loads of training. Years of it. And I really didn't feel like risking my life against her when there were other more important things to risk it for.” Like the jewel, her mind supplied for her. Yeah, another internal voice decided to pipe up. And just look how well that turned out.

 

“True enough I suppose,” Midoriko nodded her head in agreement. She pursed her lips. “Although there are still some obvious holes in the story you've told me.” She cocked her head at Kagome, one hand firmly gripping the ladle while the other balanced on her hip. “I assume this priestess you mentioned is Kikyo, am I correct?”

 

Damn it…

 

“Um, yeah.” The piercing blue eyes darkened ever so slightly before turning inwards in thought.

 

“Which means that you are her reincarnate.”

 

“Yes…”

 

“And yet she still lives. Interesting,” Midoriko muttered softly to herself. Then abruptly she fired another question. “What type of spell was it - the one that brought her back from the dead?”

 

Where exactly is she going with this?

 

“I'm not too sure. I was unconscious through pretty much most of it so I didn't get to see what went on.” Not that she would have wanted to.

 

“And were you physically affected when you….” She didn't wait to finish her question. “What am I thinking? Of course you were. I don't even need to ask.” She nodded sagely. “Hmm, I suppose that makes sense. Yes…I think I'm beginning to understand now.”

 

Kagome fidgeted uncertainly, torn between speaking and keeping silent. She really wanted to ask what it was that suddenly made sense but she wasn't sure what kind of response she'd receive. Normally she didn't have any problem with speaking her mind but her internal instincts were warning her that it wouldn't be the best course of action right now.

 

She decided to ask something less controversial instead. “Hey, Midoriko, how come your wounds have healed all of a sudden? When I first found you you were practically a cripple, but now you're okay. I don't get it, was it some kind of spell? Or did you heal yourself?”

 

“Neither,” she replied, drumming her nails upon the countertop. Clearly her focus was still elsewhere.

 

“Then what was it?” Kagome could practically see the annoyance spiking off the other woman's body in waves, but for once the sign of potential danger didn't bother her.

 

Midoriko barely spared her a glance. “The jewel obviously. As its creator the jewel has an ingrained ability to protect me, whether it involves healing my wounds or defending me from attack. It works best if in close proximity to my body, however even at a distance its rays have an effect.” She snorted, turned away. “It owes me that much at least.”

 

Weird… “You talk about it as if it's alive,” she muttered.

 

“It is very nearly sentient so that isn't too surprising,” she sounded bored. “Though I am beginning to wonder if the drawbacks of having an almost living power source increase over time. When I first passed through the well I had already been healed by the Shikon, but somehow its effects wore off, something that has never yet happened in all my years.” A pattern of heavy lines emerged over her lowered brows. “Perhaps it is tired - I have been using it overly frequently these past few months. Some rest should do it good.” She smiled brightly at Kagome, “Congratulations, you've successfully managed to divert my thoughts.”

 

When Kagome flushed she smiled a little disparagingly. “Oh I apologise. Was I not supposed to have noticed?”

 

Um, no… “It doesn't matter,” she scowled, heat rising anew in her cheeks.

 

Her mouth curved into a tiny sardonic smile. “You must be truly pathetic if that was your best efforts at distracting me.”

 

“Yeah, yeah, I'm hopeless I know.” Kagome rolled her eyes, but inwardly she noted that the insult lacked its usual bite. What's eating her? She thought.

 

“Hey, Midoriko?”

 

“Mm?”

 

“What-er, are you thinking about?”

 

She sighed. “Nothing particularly important.”

 

“Really?” There was a pause. “You can tell me you know, I-um, I won't tell anyone.” Inside the safety of her mind she cringed. God, what was she doing? They'd barely just started speaking to each other and she was already trying to rock the boat by putting her nose where it didn't belong.

 

This time the sigh was longer, more drawn out and painful. Midoriko's expression turned dark. “I was thinking about the evil hanyou Naraku.”

 

“Oh.” That hadn't been at all what she was expecting. “You know Naraku?”

 

She could have been imagining it, but Kagome could've sworn that the priestess grimaced. “Yes, I knew him. I was unfortunate enough to cross his path on more than one occasion.”

 

“Hah. Yeah I can sympathise,” she replied. And then a few seconds later, “Wait! You said you `knew' him?” she queried, breathless with sudden hope.

 

“Yes, I `knew' him. Naraku is no longer in the land of the living.” Midoriko replied stonily.

 

Was that a trace of sadness in her voice? Kagome wondered. No, it couldn't be. That would be just too weird. Midoriko wasn't just a priestess, she was the priestess. Killing evil demons was her job, part of who she was. The thought of her feeling a shred of sympathy towards a demon - Naraku no less - seemed a bit too far-fetched for her mind.

 

And then the reality of it all came crashing down on her. “Oh my gosh Midoriko!” She gushed, words spilling forth with abandon. “You killed Naraku? That's just- wow, that's amazing, completely unbelievable! I can't even, God, I-” She sucked in a whoosh of heavy air, tears pooling in the corner of her eyes. “You don't know what this means to me that he's finally gone. It makes everyone safe - my whole family are safe, thanks to you!” She smiled brilliantly, and then suddenly a thought struck her. “But how? I don't get it. I mean I know you're strong but this was Naraku we're talking about. How did you even-”

 

“I'd rather not discuss it.” She stated coldly. The harshness in her voice stopped Kagome's joyful ramblings in their tracks.

 

“Um, right. Sorry,” she didn't get it but she knew better than to pry at just this moment.

 

Besides, she thought restlessly, he's gone! He's really gone!

 

It had been one of the more painful things about going home, she realised. Every day it had eaten a little bit of her heart knowing that her friends and family from the feudal era were still in danger. Thoughts of Naraku returning stronger than ever, ready to kill and destroy the happiness that her friends were planning on making together had terrorised her for weeks. Then they began featuring in her dreams and she couldn't sleep. The fear had kept her up for many a night. But now…she couldn't contain the gladness she felt. It eased the mountainous stress that had accumulated over time, and now that she knew Naraku had been defeated she had nothing left to worry about.

 

Sango, Miroku, Shippo. They'd be fine now that Miroku's wind tunnel was gone. Kohaku had already been saved - Kaede had organised a spell that kept his body in a comatose state when they'd removed the shard; they had only to wait until Naraku's own magic over him had left before he returned back to himself - and Kaede's village was now safe from demonic attentions. Kaede herself would be much relieved that she wouldn't have to rebuild houses anymore, and she could finally start concentrating on being a priestess again. And Inuyasha-

 

A full body shudder rippled beneath her skin, tingling every nerve from her little pinkie to her toes.

 

Inuyasha.

 

It was pain - the likes of which she hadn't suffered in years and had never since wanted to remember. She felt like her heart was being flayed with a flaming whip, its blaze so fiery as to sear to her very soul. Her stomach churned with rising bile; the urge to vomit heavily was strong.

 

Oh God. She almost cried out, nearly sick with despair. How had she forgotten?

 

He had never loved her; that she had managed to accept. And his heart did not belong to her. The only one who had claim to him had sworn long ago that after Naraku's defeat she would end her miserable life once and for all in the deepest fires of hell.

 

And he had promised to go with her.

 

No! She pushed backed the sob that threatened to spill from her mouth. The muscles of her throat barely worked enough to resist that. It won't happen! It can't - it won't! Denial was the only thing she had left at this point. I refuse to believe it!

 

Her breathing had accelerated, her eyes were wet and she was abruptly aware that she was not alone, that she could not break down now, so suddenly.

 

Come on, she pleaded with herself. Get your act together, it's not hard!

 

She continued to chant, repeatedly saying the same words over and over again. Begging herself to forget.

 

It took only a minute for her charm to work. She cleared her burning throat and blinked back tears. Each miniscule movement of her eyes pushed the wild hysteria at bay. Deep breaths, one, two, three…

 

Finally she exhaled, relieved. She'd regained her composure. Close call, she thought. Way too close. She'd have to be better prepared next time. The thought made her chuckle darkly. It was funny to think that only moments ago she had been ready to cry with joy.

 

“Kagome?”

 

She heard her name and immediately rejected it. I don't want to answer any questions right now.

 

Hastily she clapped her hands together; ignoring the curious glance directed her way. “So, Midoriko, is our food ready yet?”

 

“Yes.” Midoriko replied, curt and clipped. “It has been for a while.”

 

“Oh…” she was momentarily stumped. “Then why didn't you say anything?” She demanded.

 

Midoriko looked down her nose at her - amazing since they were about the same height - and Kagome flushed a bright red. “I tried to tell you several times but you were too…distracted to listen.” Clearly she wasn't used to being ignored. “Just lay out the table mats and I'll begin serving the food.”

 

“Okey-dokey!” She forced a cheerful smile, grateful to have something to do.

 

Midoriko eyed her for a second longer, sniffed and then turned away. “Well don't dawdle. Hurry up about it.”

 

“Roger!”

 

It took very little time to get everything sorted - Midoriko expertly stacked the dirty pots in the dishwasher like she'd been doing it for years - and Kagome set out the finest china bowls and dishes on a neatly arranged table, decorated with a bowl of sweetly scented flowers in its centre. They even used napkins, five pristinely white embroidered cloths lying immediately opposite the standard pairs of chopsticks.

 

“Done,” she cried triumphantly. She swept her eyes over the room in a final once over before leaping up. “I'll go call them to come eat.” She'd barely reached the door when a firm grip on her elbow held her back.

 

“Wait.”

 

Midoriko turned her around so that they faced one another. “I'd like to ask you something, Kagome, if you don't mind.” She said lightly. Her gaze was open and friendly.

 

Kagome stuttered. “Er…”

 

Her nerves were back in full flux, cramming her insides with agitated flittering butterflies. She had a strong feeling that she shouldn't say yes; all her mental warnings were practically screaming at her to say no, but the temptation was too strong to resist. Knowing it was a mistake, she nodded. “Shoot. Go ahead.”

 

Glinting white teeth flashed in what Kagome assumed to be a smile; it disappeared far too quickly for her to tell. “Thank you, Kagome. It's nothing to worry about, I assure you. Merely something to satisfy my old woman's curiosity.” She flipped her long hair back over her shoulder, the youthful vibrancy of her dark locks belying her previous words.

 

She began, “You can understand, I'm sure, why I would resent the person who made it possible for my awakening.” At Kagome's blank look she explained. “Although I was alive these past centuries, I have not truly lived for hundreds of years, Kagome. My soul and body existed, yes, but I was in sleep - stuck in a magical trance that has preserved me all this time.” Her lips quirked upwards but it was too bitter to be a smile. “I thought I'd at last found eternal rest after I finished the jewel, or at least some small illusion of peace in this devilish existence. Clearly I was wrong.” Hard edges that had remained previously undetected in her sculpted visage emerged from their hiding places, lining her eyes and lips. “Nevertheless, I entrusted the fully-fledged Shikon No Tama into the hands of my apprentice, Maka, who swore a binding oath to protect it at all costs, with her life if need be. She did so, and from thereon all the apprentices and mikos of Maka's village followed that routine, each one fulfilling their obligation to their dying days.” Her gaze turned icy. “Until one of them broke the chain.”

 

Well, Kagome felt dazed, this was certainly interesting news. The mystery of Midoriko's never-ageing body had disturbed her for a while, so it was good to know she wasn't as much of a creep as she'd first thought. Admittedly though, it did give her some small, perverse satisfaction to know that Midoriko wasn't happy. That for all her beauty and power, she still hadn't found something to live for. She's like me, she noted, the realisation shocking her a little. We're both just surviving.

 

When Midoriko continued she spoke slowly, each word gradually rising off her tongue. “I awoke one day, around five hundred and fifty years ago according to this present time in the future. I felt an odd throbbing within me, a very painful feeling. I realised eventually that it was a warning from the jewel. It was in danger you see, it needed protecting. But I was never its protector.” She sighed. “I was too late, the jewel burned into ashes amongst the dead remains of its protector priestess. Until now, I never found out her name.”

 

I know where this is going, Kagome thought dazedly, trying to wrap her mind around the concept. She was both horrified and entranced at this retelling of the story she'd thought she knew so well. The puzzle pieces fell into place and the pattern it made was unfailingly clear. Is this possible? Could our lives really be so entwined?

 

She spoke numbly. “Kikyo was the jewel's Guardian.” She knew it. Had known it for years. So why then did it feel so strange?

 

Sparks of anger like azure lightning bolts exploded in Midoriko's eyes. “Yes, but until today I was unaware of this fact. The village where I originally left the jewel was no longer there. Not a single human being had remained. I had no way of discovering what had happened and all my attempts to find out proved ineffective. The villagers were mostly suspicious of me, so they were no help-”

 

“Hey, hey hey! Hold on a sec,” she really hated to interrupt her at such a crucial moment, but this was important, dammit! “So this is the point when I was born with the,” she winced, “fake jewel inside of me?”

 

“That's what I think.” Her confidence clearly said that there was no chance she could be wrong.

 

“So basically, when Kikyo died she took the Shikon No Tama with her, but when I was born, a new one was created to make up for its loss.”

 

Midoriko snorted. “It wasn't much of a replacement. It barely had a tenth of the power the original held.”

 

Kagome ignored this, and tried not to think about the similarities it held with her relationship with Kikyo. “So anyway, how did you get the jewel back in the end if she'd burnt it? I thought it'd be lost forever.”

 

“Supposedly, when Kikyo returned from the dead, so did the Shikon No Tama.” When Kagome opened her mouth to ask how, she quickly finished the sentence. “The details of it are too complex for me to explain in one sitting. We shall remain here all night if I begin now.”

 

She nodded, agreeing. “Later then.” Her gaze turned inquisitive. “You know, you still haven't asked me your question yet.” She reminded her.

 

Like a bulb unexpectedly switching on, Midoriko's entire demeanour changed. Kagome squeaked as Midoriko began to advance steadily forward, her eyes dark, until Kagome's back was pressed firmly against the wall. What the hell-?

 

Her long pale arms fell in on either side of Kagome's head. “My question is this…” She murmured.

 

The space between them was suddenly taut with invisible flames, heating her body in ways she had never felt before. Unbearably close, they stood face to face, hip to hip, mouth to mouth; Kagome held her breath in the hopes that the miniscule pocket of air between them would not also be devoured in the tension, forcing them even closer.

 

She barely resisted the urge to flinch away when Midoriko's red lips descended towards her ear. She whispered softly, “Tell me, dear Kagome,” her breath was as sweet as honey, cool against the flesh. “Where is Kikyo?”

 

Kagome shivered, unintentionally affected by the deadly tone of voice. Another pulse of red hot something shot through her system like a fast acting drug, dulling her senses and forcing her to take a deep, calming breath.

 

“I-I don't know, Midoriko. I have no idea where Kikyo has gone to.”

 

“But you must know.” Midoriko's stance never changed, she seemed unaffected by their sudden closeness. “The kind of bond that binds the two of you together is far stronger than you are aware of. It's impossible for me to believe that you know nothing of her current whereabouts.”

 

She chuckled uneasily. “I know you don't believe me, but it's true. I don't have a clue where she is, honest!”

 

Midoriko cocked her head to the side, her bottom lip protruded in an unconscious pout. “You're lying.” She frowned.

 

Kagome spluttered, indignant. “No, I'm not!”

 

“Yes you are. You must be.” She shifted closer, unaware of the discomfort she was causing. “It's not in your best interests to lie to me, child. Believe you me, I will make you talk.” She glared. “Tell me the truth now.”

 

“But I am!” Kagome insisted, frustrated. “Don't you get it? I. Don't. Know. Where. She. Is. That's all there is to it! Maybe you should go and ask Kaede or something, she would know better than I ever would.”

 

“And why would that be?” She looked sceptical.

 

Kagome huffed impatiently. “Well duh, Kikyo was her sister. Even when she turned into a crazy person Kaede still kept tabs on her just to make sure that she was safe!”

 

Midoriko froze.

 

Her entire body went rigid, her back stiffened mechanically and the darkly burning eyes now flamed with an intense light.

 

“What??” Midoriko hissed. Fury had bled into her voice. “Sisters?!! Is this true?” She at once demanded, her sharp gaze lingering all too threateningly upon the younger woman.

 

Kagome could only nod, as much distressed by this new display of emotion as she had been by the last. Honestly, what was it with this woman? She was starting to think the problem didn't lie so much within the borders of schizophrenia like she'd first imagined, but was angling more towards her being clinically deranged.

 

Midoriko looked devastated. She said nothing. Her hands, curling like claws, caught the edges of Kagome's much abused school shirt. Slowly she drew her hand away, watching the thin material rip.

 

Save for that one action, nothing moved. The very air held still in a moment of undue peace. Kagome's eyes closed in appreciation of the forbidden, knowing it was stolen and as fleeting as a bird's song. Her lungs pushed and a light sigh flowed from her mouth. She was briefly and fiercely reminded of the proverbial calm before the storm.

 

Then the dream-like stillness was interrupted by a high pitched, chilling laugh. Kagome's head whipped up to see Midoriko's face harden; its sharp coldness was at odds with the pink and yellow flower-patterned apron she wore.

 

“Oh I see now.” She said lowly. “Kaede, clever woman. She sent me here to stop me from finding out the truth, so that I would never find know who Kikyo truly was. She knew what I would do to her if we should meet. So she protected her sister, even after all these years.” There was no true mirth in her eyes, only the frustration that came from being thwarted, and a fading glimmer of betrayal and hurt. Mostly though, she was consumed by anger.

 

“I always wondered why she was so unhelpful - so reluctant to divulge what she knew. I never would have thought that she would go so far as to withhold knowledge from me.”

 

Her eyes filled with rage, her nostrils flaring outwards. Then without a word, she stepped back, giving Kagome her much needed personal space.

 

Kagome quickly took advantage of the situation and moved as far away as possible. The back of her arm met with some low cabinets and she stopped in her safe position. She didn't want to be cornered again.

 

From across the room she spied Midoriko's restless form. For some reason she felt a little bit bad for the maddened priestess, the woman who had dedicated her life to fighting evil and through it all had lost so much. I pity her…she reflected, thinking how much of a change her emotions had taken in the past twenty-four hours. Yesterday she had been filled with a jealous, unreasonable sort of fear, closeted by anger and self-righteousness. She had hated Midoriko simply because she saw her for what she was, and for what she herself could never be. The news about the `fake' jewel was only part of it. Kagome hadn't understood till this instant just how envious she had been.

 

But now there was a growing understanding. Not too much, but enough for a single thread of trust to develop. Enough that she didn't make a run for her room at this one given opportunity.

 

Instead she relaxed into her chosen spot and remained standing, watching and waiting for Midoriko to make a move. To show that she was alright. Was that a mistake? She wasn't entirely sure. Only time would tell…

 

When Midoriko suddenly spoke again it was unexpected. “I will kill Kikyo,” she announced to the room.

 

The loaded tension in that statement was so heavy it prickled painfully against her skin, like rough burrs rubbing rhythmically along her arms and legs. Kagome felt her mouth drop wide open. Kill Kikyo?! But, b-but why?

 

“I will travel back to the feudal period and destroy the priestess Kikyo.” Midoriko repeated calmly, as if it was every day she swore death upon another being.

 

Maybe she does, Kagome thought, frantically trying to organise the mess that was her mind. Though admittedly it would be much easier to do if I actually understood what in God's name was going on…

 

“I'm coming with you.” she uttered, the words falling like weighted stones into water.

 

It was out before she'd even thought it through. Did I just say that?? Kagome clapped her hands over her mouth, horrified at the betrayal.

 

Midoriko only nodded, unsurprised. “Of course. It would be wrong for me to deny you the right of killing her. As much as I would like to do it myself, I will allow you to make the final deathblow. That is yours alone.” Her smile was superior, like she was bestowing some kind of priceless gift.

 

Kagome couldn't speak. Her stomach rolled. This can't be happening…

 

The older woman seemed unaware of her distress. “We will travel as soon as possible. Be prepared to pack your things on the morrow.”

 

That got her talking. She gaped, her nausea fading into anxiety. “That early?! You've gotta be kidding me! There's no way I'll be ready by then. Besides,” when Midoriko's brows lowered disapprovingly, “I can't fight her! I'm nowhere near strong enough. If I try now, I'll die for sure!”

 

Midoriko thought about this for a moment. “You're right.” Kagome sighed with relief, but became apprehensive again when Midoriko smiled and continued: “It's true that you would die in battle as you are now - but there is still time to for you to improve.” Her grin widened and she looked like she was seriously enjoying herself. “I will teach you.”

 

To Kagome's heartfelt shock, Midoriko got down on one knee before her and lifted her head slowly.

 

“Higurashi Kagome,” She intoned, deadly serious. “I swear to you that in one week, I will make you strong enough to defeat the rogue priestess, Kikyo. Do you accept my offer?” She extended out a hand, palm up, and a bright blue aura swathed her white skin.

 

What?

 

Kagome's eyes flicked over her hand. She hesitated. “I-I ...”

 

Don't take it!!! She yelled at herself. The mental screams were as deafening as any physical ones she could produce. Pull yourself together, Kagome! For God's sake, just try and do the sensible thing for once!!

 

But there was some sort of magnetic pull urging her forward. The same mesmerising, magical draw that she felt from Midoriko every second of every day acted upon her now. She felt dazed, weightless even. The only desire she had left was to reach out and grab the hand that was proffered towards her.

 

It's an allure, she registered, the name coming from one of Kaede's earlier lessons on magical spells and bindings back when she was still whole. Allure; an interwoven chain of forces linking two people together, whether they willed it or no. She was aware of its properties even as she succumbed to its power.

 

Did she even have a choice then? She wondered.

 

No, a voice answered from somewhere far, far away and obediently, her body responded.

 

Her lips moved around the words despite her inner reluctance. “I accept.”

 

The second she spoke, the enchantment lifted off her and she regained her full senses. Kagome's eyes widened as she fully took in what had just occurred.

 

“So we'll begin training tomorrow then. Early morning at dawn.” Midoriko had a satisfied air about her, almost proud of what she'd done. Kagome was too stunned to even feel angry; it felt like her whole body was fixed in immovable stone.

 

Midoriko turned and raised one lone finger in admonition. “Be warned however, I am a much better trainer than Mistress Kaede could ever be. I won't go easy on you.” This time the malicious pleasure that blossomed on her face was clear as day, and Kagome shuddered fearfully.

 

What have I gotten myself into now?

 

She groaned, apprehensive for the upcoming morning. As far as she was concerned, dawn could just take its time in coming.

 

--

 

A/N: I am a liar. I said I would update sooner but I didn't. Unfortunately work caught me and it probably will do so again. Although I did make it a good 3,000 words longer if that's any consolation. For anyone still reading this, you have my apologies.