InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ You Said You'd Never Leave Me ❯ The Truth of Her Disappearance ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter Two -The Truth of Her Disappearance

 

Kagome lounged in the bathhouse for a good long time, washing herself with some bath oil that smelled of jasmine and a mix of fragrant spices that were just a bit musky. She stared at the ceiling and closed her eyes for a bit. It was rare when she took time like this to relax. Sometimes I feel like more of an adult than I really am. Really, I'm barely eighteen, but sometimes I swear it's more like I'm thirty. I suppose that's how it is in this era. Everyone just grows up to fast. She sighed and opened her eyes again, lifting a hand out of the water and saw that it was beginning to prune. She stood, the steam rising off of her as the chilly night air blew in from a high window that vented the heat. Instinctively she shuddered and wrapped a towel around herself as she climbed from the oversized tub.

 

She wrapped her hair up in another towel and rubbed it vigorously to dry it a bit and then twisted it up into a turban-like style. She let the towel around her body come loose and she dried herself as best she could before slipping on the kimono and tying it loosely. When she was done, she slipped out of the bathhouse quietly, seeing that the rest of the castle was already asleep and she didn't want to disturb anyone. She went to her room and sat down at a small table near her bedside, a match to the one where she kept her paperwork for the household, but this one held a large mirror and different ribbons and things for her to tie up her hair with. She had some makeup, but didn't wear it because, as a miko, she had to promote modesty and virtue.

 

It would be nice to put it on, just once when no one can see me. She reached out and gently picked up a wooden box that sat at the far edge of the table. It was lacquered in a rich black and decorated ornately with gold and silver paint in designs of tiny leaves and floral patterns. She opened it, and carefully removed the contents, setting them in a row in front of her. Then, picking up a small dish, she filled it with water from a pitcher and reached to pick up a fine tipped brush, which she delicately dipped into the dish. She opened a small jar, the lid tinkling quietly as it brushed against the lip, and swirled the brush lightly inside of it. When she brought the brush back out, it was tinted a pinkish-red and she gently brushed it against her lips making them colored a sheer pale red. From there she went to the next item, blush, and swept the large brush light across the apples of her cheeks. Finally, eye shadow, which was a near perfect match to the color that adorned her lords eyes. After that she took a plain purple ribbon and tied her hair back loosely so it was out of her face as it dried.

 

She sat and stared into the mirror, her face barely lit up by the scarce lamplight. Still, she felt beautiful and she smiled warmly at her reflection, but it did little to appease her hurting heart. Why did they have to show up around here? What will Lord Sesshoumaru do if he finds them lurking around in the woods? Surely there will only be death that follows. I have to chase them away before he returns again. She looked down and turned her head away, gazing towards the shoji door that was partly open to let the summer breeze in. She stood, and walked over to it, sliding it open the rest of the way so she could see her little garden she had planted. It was her on respite nowadays. She had all sorts of flowers and at the very front was a beautiful patch of lotus flowers. She smiled sadly and picked one of the blossoms that had just begun to bloom and pinned it delicately up in her hair. As she sat watching her garden, seeing a few of Rin's wistful firefly friends twinkling in the night, she began to think about her life now and how it had come to be that way in the first place.

 

------------------------------Almost A Year Ago------------------------------

 

Kagome stared up at the sky, the stars twinkling brightly against the dark canvas and the moon curved in a waning crescent that reminded her of the mark on her companion's forehead. She bunched her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, laying her head onto her knees and tilting it to look in his direction. “How…how much time is left?”

 

Sesshoumaru stood beside her, still and foreboding like the tall trees around them. He glanced down at her with glassy golden eyes that were a perfect match to his brothers, except for the warmth of emotions, which Sesshoumaru certainly lacked. His response to her question was brief. “Soon.”

 

She sat up straight again and turned away from him, staring down the small hill towards the hut where she knew that her beloved InuYasha was dying. And his death draws nearer and nearer. Oh, I hope I am doing the right thing.

 

Truly, earlier that night she never would have thought it would come to this. She'd run off, completely distraught by the gravity of InuYasha's injuries and the feeling that she had been responsible for it. She just had to find a way, but her thoughts were so jumbled that she couldn't come to any conclusion. So she hid from her friends when they had gone searching for her, wanting to console her, but she knew she was inconsolable. And, it would kill her if she had to bear witness to his untimely death. So she sat there, in the dark dirty woods for hours, until finally her prayers were answered and she was given a miracle. Sesshoumaru had shown up.

 

She watched him slipping in and out of the trees like a majestic apparition. She shirked back, wondering if she would dare to run, but by then the wind had changed and he caught her scent in the air. He was on her in seconds, looming over her pitiful form much like he was doing presently. “Girl, you reek of the blood of my brother and the stench of Naraku. If you value your life, you'll tell me which way the villain and his minions went.”

 

“I…I don't remember.” she rasped out, her voice trapped in her throat. He reached down and picked her up by her shirt and pinned her to the tree by her shoulders, bringing his face perilously close to hers.

 

“I know you have the ability to sense the jewel. Where is it?” His eyes narrowed and his grip on her shoulders tightened, and his claws dug into them.

 

“P…p…please. Just let me mourn.” she had hoped that Sesshoumaru had some sense of decency or would at least grow tired of her lack of answers and leave her be.

 

“So, then my brother is dead.” Sesshoumaru's voice seemed to hold a bit of contentment saying those words.

 

“No!” she screamed and struggled to loosen herself from his grasp.

 

“But he is still dying, isn't he you pathetic human. You're covered in his blood and even a hanyou like him couldn't survive wounds that would have caused that much.” New tears streamed down her face and she kicked her legs wildly. And then she saw Sesshoumaru smirk, but it quickly faded back to a dispassionate expression. Then he simply loosened his grip and dropped her back where she was and walked away.

 

“He let me go?” Kagome whispered to herself as she curled up into herself and rocked lightly. A few minutes later, she heard the rustling of leaves and looked up to see Sesshoumaru's toady vassal leading his two-headed beast, and asleep on it's back was that sweet little girl that had somehow found her place in the taiyoukai's entourage. That's right. I remember now, Sesshoumaru used his Tenseiga...to bring her back to life!

 

With that simple thought in her mind, she jumped to her feet, and blindly began running in the direction where the dog daemon had gone, startling the toad as she burst past him and off into the distance after his lord and master. His young charge was woken by his loud yelp and sat up rubbing her eyes. “What's wrong Master Jaken?”

 

“A…a human girl is chasing after Lord Sesshoumaru!” And all Jaken could do was stare after.

 

Kagome caught up with him though and he turned to face her with that stoic glare, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if questioning her presence there. “Have you changed your mind?”

 

“No.” Kagome clenched her fists and stood her ground, trying to copy his cold demeanor. “However I have a proposition for you.”

 

“And what could a weak mortal like you do for me?” Sesshoumaru was intrigued by this, for only moments before this same girl was nearly voiceless and quivering with fear at his might.

 

“I want you to use your Tenseiga to revive InuYasha after he dies.” The daemon lord's eyes widened a bit, and then settled.

 

“And why would I do such a thing. I want that worthless hanyou dead so I can claim the Tetsusaiga, which is mine by right.” He watched her as she stood unmoving from the place where she had planted herself.

 

“If you do that, I will help you find Naraku. I will do anything you ask of me. Save him, and I'll help you be the one to have the glory of knowing that such a foul creature died by the hands of…of the great Lord Sesshoumaru of the Western Lands.” She held her breath a moment, and let it out as he came to answer.

 

“Anything? I suppose that your `endearing love' for my pathetic brother has driven you to this. Well then girl, are you willing to give up anything and everything you hold dear and serve me without question? Even if it means never seeing your family or your companions for the entirety of your life?” He saw her lip quiver and her eyes glance slightly to the side in thought.

 

“Yes. Save him. Please.” her voice was pleading and her legs were beginning to feel so heavy.

 

“Hmm. But how will I know that you will not just run off after this? Humans are such deceitful creatures after all.” His eyes narrowed again, watching her viciously.

 

“I…I don't know.” She looked away and turned back slightly startled as Jaken, the beast, and Rin emerged behind her.

 

“Jaken.” At his master's voice, the toad daemon toddled over and bowed at his feet.

 

“Yes, my lord?” The toad looked up at him.

 

“Is there not a way to mask one's scent and appearance?” Jaken put a hand to his mouth and thought for a few moments.

 

“For this girl? Hm?” He paused between his questions and thought deeper for a few moments more.” There may be a…a potion that can do so, and I've also heard of such a technique performed by priests…and the like, but it takes much practice to master.”

 

“Make this potion at once and bring it to me when you've finished. I've things that need attending to.” Jaken bowed again and scurried off, taking the others with him.

 

“So, you'll bring him back?” Kagome stepped closer to the daemon lord, her eyes watering slightly as she looked at him expectantly.

 

“Yes. But you must agree to certain terms.” He answered.

 

“Name them.” She said, lacking any hesitation.

 

“First, you must drink the potion and become a part of my entourage. You will obey any orders you are given, even if they are something you may find objectionable. Secondly, you will not stray from my sight unless ordered to do so and if you decide to run, I will kill you. Lastly, to ensure your obedience, to keep track of you, and to let other daemons know you are untouchable, I will mark you.” She heart jumped at his words, unsure of the intent behind them.

 

“Mark me?” her voice had grown quiet again.

 

“Yes. Mark you. I will leave two scar marks along the back of your neck that will emanate my scent to other daemons, as well as show proof to human scourge that you are more or less the property of a daemon. Do you understand girl?” She nodded and he stepped forward, cracking his claws as he approached her.

 

“But, not until you resurrect him.” she backed away again and he looked at her, but nodded slightly.

 

“Then we've reached an agreement. Come, we have to wait for his death to befall him, only then can I slay the servants of hell and bring the life back to him.” He turned and walked away, and she followed. And that is how we find ourselves now. She sighed and was startled when Sesshoumaru growled lightly to get her attention.

 

“It is done. InuYasha's life has ceased to be.” He spoke as if it were nothing important at all, which to him, it wasn't, but to her it was the hardest thing to have to hear.

 

“So, go, save him now.” she said, motioning her head towards the village.

 

“Not until Jaken returns with the potion.” he chided. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out, and they waited a while more into early hours of the next morning just hours before daybreak, discussing how to go about this. Sesshoumaru was adamant that no one knew he had saved his brother's life, most likely for reasons of pride and to keep them from pursuing him when Kagome disappeared and it was up to Kagome to shoo them away from the hut in order to do so. After that, he would sneak in and resurrect the hanyou and then both would leave. So, when Jaken had come with the potion in hand and gave it to his master. From there, their plan fell into order and Kagome watched as her friends grew frightened and excited at the discovery that their companion had come back from the afterlife.

 

And she shed silent tears as she was led away by her new lord and master, who left his mark on the nape of her neck and then made her down the foul tasting potion that had changed her from Kagome, to who she was now, Kiga-san, Lady Miko, a servant to her beloved's enemy.

 

In the following months she learned the technique Jaken had mentioned and mastered it, and also found herself to be the new keeper of her lord's human follower, which came as welcome relief to Jaken. And whenever she sensed the shikon no tama that Naraku held, she would point the way and he and his vassal would disappear for a time, only to return unsuccessfully and continue their journey. During that time she bonded with the sweet child and both adopted nicknames for one another, mostly due to Rin's constant mispronouncing of her name. She, of course, was Kiga-san, and the girl had become Rii-chan. If not for her current circumstances, she might have thought of Rin as the sister she never had.

 

And when the finally had come to the castle, the loyal daemon and human vassals had at first been disturbed by her “changing face” as they called it, but they all had come to recognize both as the face of the Lord Sesshoumaru's personal miko and most only knew her as Lady Miko. Her true name, now, was only ever used at her lord's leisure and that of Rin and her lord's toady vassal, Jaken.

 

------------------------------Present Day------------------------------

 

Kagome sighed and tucked a fallen wisp of hair behind her ear. She knew that it was probably best that she get to bed and rest before setting out after her troublesome former companions, but she didn't feel the least bit tired. She closed her eyes, and smiled as InuYasha's face came to mind. I miss him so terribly. I miss them all, but he, I miss the most. I just wish that things hadn't had to be this way. But InuYasha is alive, and for that I am eternally grateful. She got up from where she sat and went over to the large thick futon that had been specially made for her to mimic the mattresses she used to have at home and it was covered with fine silk sheets, beautifully embroidered thicker blankets for the winter months and plus pillows that were incredibly soft. Still, as inviting as the bed was, her thoughts were still too fumbled for her to be able to rest. However, she lay down and snuggled gently with one of the larger pillows, shutting her eyes briefly.

 

She hadn't been lying down long when she heard the shuffling of feet outside her door and Shika's voice quietly broke the silence. “Lady Miko. Our lord and master has returned earlier than planned and is rather unsettled by something of which he refuses to speak of, except to you. I told him you had already gone to bed for the night, but he demanded your presence in his chambers immediately. He said my life was forfeit if I didn't summon you. Please forgive me.”

 

The woman sounded so scared, something that was typical when a servant had received an order from Lord Sesshoumaru. Kagome rose from bed and went over to the door and opened it to see the woman kneeling and shaking fearfully. She knelt down beside the doe youkai and smiled softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Shika, it's all right. I would not let our lord harm you. Please, go ahead and return to bed. I can see to our lord by myself.”

 

The woman nodded and wiped a tear away from her eyes and scurried off back to the servant's quarters. This can't bode well. Lord Sesshoumaru never returns early from anything. He's either upset about his recent trip…or for what he may have found lurking in the woods on his way home. She closed her eyes and stood again, closing the shoji door behind her and made her way through the winding corridors of the castle until she came to the great doors that led into the Lord's Suite, as she had dubbed it. Not far away from there was another set of great doors that had probably been meant for the lady of the castle. That entire section of the castle was empty and had been entered last when they had cleared the bodies out. But everything else that was salvageable remained. Ornate furniture, fine vases, a few baubles that had been deemed unworthy by marauders, and the former lady of the castle's expansive collection of kimonos. Kagome had decided to keep them, at first because of their beauty and later because they could be sold for a good amount of coin should they fall on hard times. Of course, she had longed to try one or two on, but it was something not easily done alone.

 

She turned away again and reached out to knock gently on the door before it slid open and she was less than enthusiastically greeted by a servant who rushed out behind her, mumbling a greeting to her as he left. Kagome watched him go and closed the door, and turned back when she felt the scars at the back of her neck grow warm and was meet by Sesshoumaru's golden eyed glare.

 

“I've been waiting. We have very important matters to discuss.” He said, extending a clawed hand and motioning her foreword. This can not be good.

 

Authors Note: Some little things I want to point out to you that I thought you readers might enjoy and probably wouldn't have caught without my mentioning it. The flowers or scents that have been mentioned each have their own meaning and hint towards the personality or to certain plots in this chapter. Here's all the one's included if you'd like to know:

 

1. Kagome's Bath Oil: The smell of the bath oil is primarily of Jasmine. In Japan, in the meaning of the flowers, the Jasmine flower is perfect for someone who is graceful or friendly. I thought it suited Kagome well.

 

2. The Lotus Flower: Lotus flowers mean “far from a loved one.” In ancient times women used to cultivate them in their yards while their lover was away to let potential suitors know that they were unavailable. Kagome obviously misses her friends and family, and InuYasha especially.