Fate, that which determines what happens in a lifetime, and chooses who we become. Their are no accidental meetings in life. Fate plans every move, one step ahead of us, always moving and never changing. For two young children, not yet brought into this world, fate already has much planned for them. This is how the priestess and the outcast came to learn of their intertwined fates.
For a small village, located in the land of Demons, their lived a priestess who was soon expecting her first born child, whom she would pass her responsibilities, and powers onto. She dreaded the day her time on earth would end, and her child would take her place as the young priestess of the village. She did not wish to pass such a responsibility to her unborn child, but fate would have it no other way.
Time passed, and Shion was born. As she grew, so did the bond between her and her mother, Miroku.
They cherished the time they had together. But this time of peace was not meant to last. Mōryō, a great demon, plagued the land. He wished to adsorb Miroku, and gain her priestess powers for his own gain. Miroku feared for her daughters life, and took precaution.
One evening, as the sun set, awaiting a new dawn, Miroku led Shion down a forest path, leading to a cliff over looking the village. Upon reaching their destination, Miroku motioned for Shion to take a seat. Miroku dug in her robe pocket. She found the item in mind, and placed it in her daughters open hand. A clear, transparent bell. Shion was mesmerized by its simple, yet complex beauty.
"Is it a good luck charm?" Asked Shion.
"Yes, it is. As long as you are wearing this bell, you will be protected. I love you so much, my little aster flower," Miroku replied softly, kissing Shion's forehead. Shion yawned, and rested her head in her mothers tender lap. Within minutes, she was soundly sleeping. Miroku stroked Shion's head.
"Sweet dreams, my little angel," and with that, Miroku cradled her young, ever so tender child in her arms. She began the short walk back to the palace where the two priestess's lived.
Miroku tucked Shion into her bed, and before leaving the room, pinned the bell that had remained in the young girls hand, onto her robe.
"Sweet dreams, my young priestess."She left the room, and entered her own, falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
Miroku was awakened abruptly that night by an explosion outside the palace, in the courtyard. She sat up in bed, and knew instantly what danger lurked outside the palace walls. Miroku threw her blankets aside, and ran for the sliding door that led to the hall. She made her way outside, only to be greeted by the demon, Mōryō. Mōryō stood fifteen feet across the court yard, in the form of a man. Mōryō had an appearance and aura about him that sent shivers down Miroku's spine. He radiated with a dark, sinister presence.
"Have you considered my proposition, my naive priestess?" Mōryō asked in a menacing tone.
"I will never help you take this world for your own gain. It goes against everything that is morally right," Miroku said sternly. Mōryō stared into Miroku's deep, piercing violet eyes. She was strong willed and stubborn once she dug her heels where she stood.
"I see. There will be no persuading you. If thats your choice, than so be it." Mōryō's true form broke free from his human host. Floating before Miroku, was a large, twenty foot long, purple dragon with glowing, pupil less red eyes. Mōryō threw his body at Miroku. She was thrown off by this sudden attack. She was thrown backwards into the palaces west wall, Shion's room, now exposed.
"Mother? What's happening?" asked Shion, rubbing her eyes groggily. laughed his body once more in an attack, but a new target in mind. Shion.
Miroku stood up and weaved her last hand signs.
"If I'm going to die, you're going with me," Miroku spoke boldly.
"The sealing jutsu of the priestess's," thought Mōryō to himself. Before he realized, he was caught in Miroku's jutsu. Miroku's body glowed a spectacular white. Marks spread over her face as she continued her hand weaving. She began to feel her self leave the reality she knew. Miroku , upon completing the sealing jutsu, Mōryo and her began to fade.
"Mother, why? I have the bell you gave me. I would have been protected!" Yelled Shion, hugging her mother, tears streaking her face.
"Motherly instinct, I soppose. One day, you will understand when you have a child of your own. You have a duty to tend to, as you follow in my foot steps as the next high priestess of the village," she hesitated,
" I love you, Shion." And with that, Miroku and Mōryō were gone, as if in thin air. Shion knelt on her bed , crying out for her mother, Never to see her again.
_
Shion walked among the villagers, avoiding the glares. They went out of their way to avoid the high priestess, in fear of her visions. The bell Miroku gave Shion held it's place on her finely-sewn silk robe. As the high priestess, she held the ability to foresee the death of those close to her, those who would give there lives in place of hers.
She had one faithful servent however. He cared for Shion, and truly loved her as his own daughter. But for Shion, this was not enough. She only wished to fit in, make friends, and gain acceptance, despite her facade of arrogance.