Chapter 1 ~ The Attempt
Inuyasha and his friends were walking around looking for,what else, jewel shards. Miroku, however, was way too busy thinking up ways he could finally touch Sango's bottom without her noticing. Sango continued to look forward while also making sure her weapon covered the one area she knew the perverted monk was gazing.
Kagome trailed the couple with a smirk on her face and Shippo on her shoulder. Taking a moment to look upon the beauitful landscape, she stopped as she gazed off into the distance. It was then she took notice of how late it really was. "We should find a place to camp. It'll be dark soon." Inuyasha quickly stopped to look at her. "Keh, we still have plenty of time to travel before it gets dark. Quit complaining and let's go!"
"Kagome's right." Sango agreed with her best friend. "We need to make camp somewhere soon. I'm really tired myself." Kagome smiled at her friend. They had been traveling, non stop, all day. "Keh." Was Inuyasha's only response before plopping down near a tree. He closed his eyes in order to contain his anger at having to stop their traveling.
Miroku continued to walk forward, all the while shaking his head at Inuyasha's actions, to gaze at what he knew was a breath taking view. His eyes grew wide as he looked out over the ledge. "Inuyasha! Come here!" Miroku yelled. Never taking his eyes away from the object he spotted. Inuyasha quickly ran toward the monk ready for a fight. "Where's the demon?" He asked while placing a clawed hand on his sword.
With a shake of his head, Miroku hit the half demon in the head with his staff without ever having to glance directly at him. "Hey! What the hell was that for, Monk?" Inuyasha yelled while rubbing the small bump now on his head. "Look ahead." Miroku stated. Pointing his staff out in front of them. "There's a village. Maybe we can ask for shelter there instead of camping in the woods tonight."
Inuyasha crossed his arms with a snort. "Sure, and I bet you can sense a demonic cloud above the village as well, huh?" Miroku's head quickly turned to look the hanyou in his eyes. His eyes shining with mock anger and shock. "Inuyasha, I can't believe you would accuse me of something like that! I am simply looking out for my common man."
"You can't blame him." Shippo chimed in as he hoped from Kagome's shoulder, to Inuyasha's. "You do it every time we come upon a village." Sango added as she came to stand behind the two men. She was as mad with him as anyone else. "You shouldn't take advantage of people, Miroku. If your not careful, it will come back to bite you." Sango almost growled. Miroku sighed and closed his eyes. He wasn't going to win this battle.
Kagome, wanting to defuse the situation, walked forward to take a look at the village down below. She smiled as she saw the many huts with smoke coming from their chimneys. "It looks very well protected. I really don't think Miroku's lie will work this time." Kagome stated with a small giggle. Miroku sighed. "I can't believe that you would think my actions are in vain too, Kagome."
"Whatever, Monk." Inuyasha growled as he stood with his arms crossed across his chest. "We should as least ask if we could spend the night. Maybe they will let us." Kagome said hopefully. Inuyasha glanced toward Kagome. He saw so much hope shining in those eyes, he just couldn't say no to her. "It's worth a try." Inuyasha stated with a sigh as he walked toward the path that lead to the village. "Hey! Wait for us, Inuyasha!" Kagome called as everyone followed after the young half-demon.
The walk toward the village was made in comfortable silence. As they approached the outside of the village wall, a small demon stood in front of the gate, ready to confront them. She wore a light green kimono with wood sandals. Her hair and eyes were as blue as the sky itself. Her hair was held up on her head in a messy bun. "What do you want here? Do you wish to cause trouble?" She asked. She tired not to allow the fear she felt at the new arrivals. She knew by the odd look she recieved from the demon cald in red, that she had failed.
"Please, don't be afraid. We mean no harm to you or this village." Miroku stated calmly. Trying his best not to upset the small demon. "Then what do you want here?" She asked. Her voice becoming a little stronger than it was before. "We came to ask if we could spend the night in your village tonight." Kagome replied softly, with a smile on her face. If anyone could reassure a scared person, it was Kagome. "It's been getting colder and we don't want to freeze to death while camping outside. Also, we know that we would be protected while we sleep." Inuyasha suddenly glared at the young woman. 'What's wrong with me protecting you?' He thought angerly.
The little demon in front of them sighed softly and smiled. She was somewhat relieved now that she knew their motives. "Of course. We never turn travelers away." Kagome and the other's smiled as they realized they werent' going to be sent away. As the group walked toward the small demon the doors slowly opened wider for them. It was then the group realized there were archers standing on top of the gates gazing down at them. Walking past the doors, the group of friends paused in amazement with how big the village really was.
There were well built hut's everywhere. People were running around getting ready for bed and gathering their children. Off in the distance, they could easily make out a huge building. They were all in a state of awe until the small female demon came to stand before them to gain their attention. She couldn't help but smile as the visitors looked around in wonder and interest. "You will be staying in my lady's house for the night. Please, follow me." She softly stated as she turned to head toward the building. The group could only nod as they followed the small woman down a path that led to the huge house.
As the group finally arrived and walked through the front doors, they were once again in complete awe at their surroundings. "This place is beautiful." Kagome whispered to no one but herself as her mouth was slightly agape. The wood in the home was a light brown. It almost seemed to sparkle with gold. The walls were trimmed in black while the walls were a fresh light gold. Inuyasha took the chance to steal a glance at Kagome to see her reaction to the home. Kagome, however, had noticed quickly and gazed up at him.
Blushing at being caught staring, Inuyasha quickly turned his gaze away from her to look around at the room. He had to find anything to look at besides her. He couldn't believe he had been caught looking at her. Kagome smiled as she walked toward the demon that was currently waiting for them in the dining room. As the smell of food hit their noses, their stomachs growled. The small demon chuckled as they all sat down and had a wonderful dinner together.
Deciding to clear the air, and gain a little knowledge about her surroundings, Kagome decided to ask the little demon a some questions. "You know," She began, "you never did tell us your name." The demon stared at her with surprise written all over her face. "Oh... please forgive me." She answered as she placed her tea cup on the table in front of her. "My name is Leal." Kagome smiled in return.
"You will be sleeping in the two rooms on the right side of this room. One room is for the women while the other will be for the men." Leal informed them. The group all nodded. They were all too tired to insist that they only needed one room. As everyone was about to stand to retire to their rooms for some much needed sleep, until Inuyasha asked a question. "You said that your lady owned this home, right? Why is it that we haven't seen her around?"
Yes, that was indeed an interesting question. Where was this so called, lady of this village? They all turned to gaze upon the small demon sitting in silence. Her head bowed as her eyes slowly closed. The question must have hit a sore spot within her. Leal sighed as she slowly lifted her head to look at them. "She is unable to move at the present moment. You see, she has been sealed in a spell for 45 years."
The group's eyes grew wide in response. That wasn't the response they were expecting at all. "What do you mean she's under a spell?" Inuyasha asked wanting answers. Leal sighed again as she turned to stare at him. "I mean just what I said. I do not want to go into detail as to how she came to be in that state. Not a day goes by that I do not wish for her to be here with me. She was very wise and very strong. I kinda miss her stubborness."
As she finished her sentence, she couldn't help but to smile. Kagome gazed over at Inuyasha after hearing Leal's comment. 'Kind of reminds me of someone too.' She thought with a smirk. "What kind of woman was she?" Kagome asked as she turned her attention toward Leal. She wanted to know more about this woman. "She was very kind and had a big heart." Leal started. "Of course, she would always deny it and put on a 'I don't care about anyone' look everyday. She didn't want to be considered weak."
"You mentioned that she was put under a spell and sealed." Miroku added. "Does that mean she is somewhere near the village?" The monk asked as he patted Shippo's head as he was currently sitting in the his lap. Leal nodded as she smiled at the young monk. "Yes, she is near. In fact, I have been trying to find someone to break the seal, but no one is powerful enough to do so."
Kaogme's face instantly took on a sad look. She could only imagne the many heartbreaks she had taken over the years. "If she was sealed, does that mean she did something bad?" Kagome asked softly. She was hoping that wasn't the case. Leal glanced over at the young priestess and shook her head with a smile to reasssure her. "No. It's nothing like that at all. If the truth be told, it was she whom wished to be sealed away in the first place."
"But... why would she ask to be sealed?" Sango asked with a sleeping Kilala in her lap. Leal turned to look up at the demon slayer and shook her head once more. "The story is far to long to explain." Leal stated softly to the young travelers around her. "You shouldn't worry about her. She is none of your concern and you all should not worry yourselves over it. You all should get some rest for the tonight."
Leal stood from her place at the table. As she turned to head toward the doorway that would cause her to leave the room, Kagome called out to her. "Leal!" The small demon stopped in her tracks as she turned around to face Kagome. "Yes, my lady?" She asked with a kind smile. Kagome dropped her head and sighed softly to herself. She felt sorry for Leal. Her lady must be really important to her if she thought of her so highly.
"Please, take us to see her and tell me the story." Kagome almost begged with tears forming in her brown eyes. "I understand the story is very long and complex, but I want to help you, Leal. Maybe Miroku can break the seal on your lady for you." Kagome glanced over toward Miroku, making sure she didn't just force this turn of events onto the unknowing monk. Kagome smiled brightly as she saw the Miroku give her a slight nod in agreement.
Leal shook her head with a weak smile on her childlike face. "You shouldn't become involved. Please forget what I have told you and get some rest. You all need to regain your energy if you with to continue your journey in the morning." Leal stated as she turned to exit the room. Before she could leave the room completely, she felt a hand lightly grab her shoulder. Turning around, she was surprised to see Kagome with tears in her eyes. "I want to help. Please, just trust me." Leal stared into her saddened eyes with shock.
'Why does she look so sad? She doesn't even know what happened. Nor did she even know her.' Leal, even though she was very confused, sighed. Kagome had finally succeeded in caving her in. "Alright, you win my lady. However, I must tell you that I am not getting my hopes up that she will finally awaken. I will take you to see her and tell you the story as you asked." Kagome smiled as she dried her tears with her sleeve. "Thank you, Leal."
Kagome turned around to face her friends and motioned for them to follow. Leal shook her head as she began to walk down the halls, leading the group of friends behind her back outside. 'I don't want to get my hopes up yet again. As much as I want to believe that she'll help me... I... just can't. I do not wish to be hurt once again.' Leal thought to herself as she lead them to a large temple like building that stood a few feet away from her home.
Both Leal and the group she took in for the night, stood outside of the large temple. Everyone gazed up at the building amazed. Leal couldn't help but shake her head at herself at what she was fixing to do, yet again. 'Why am I doing this? They can't help me. There is no possible way they can bring her back. I just know it. No one else could do it.'
Kagome shot a glance over at the small demon. She saw the depressing body language and not to mention the saddness that came from her arua was overpowering. Kagome sighed, softly. She felt so bad for her. She couldn't begin to understand what Leal was going through. "Are you okay, Leal?" Kagome asked out of concern.
Leal gazed up at Kagome with a fake smile imprinted on her face. "I'll be fine, Kagome. Don't mind or worry about me. Now, are you all ready to go inside?" The group all nodded in agreement. Everyone was egar to see this woman they knew so little about. The small demon nodded as she went to stand in front of the huge, wooden door. She placed her hands on one of the doors. Before pushing them open, Leal turned her head towards them. "Before I open this door, you must know some things before going inside."
"We don't have all night! Just open the damn door!" Inuyasha yelled in frustration. He was ready to get this over with so he could get some sleep. Shippo hid a snicker the best he could behind his small hands as he sat on top Inuyasha's shoulder. He quickly made a mental note to jump off the half demon's shoulder as soon as possible. That is, if Kagome's glare was anything to go by.
"Inuyasha! We really need to work on your manners!" Kagome yelled at him. "I can't believe you! Don't you have any kind of remorse for Leal?! She's going through alot of pain right now!" Kagome paused to take a deep breath. Shippo, seeing the heated look on Kagome's face, quickly jumped off Inuyasha's shoulder and ran toward Miroku. "Sit boy!" Inuyasha crashed to the ground, cursing the entire way down. Leal, having saw the entire fight, was in shock. She had no idea the odd miko in front of her could do such a thing to a half demon.
What interested her the most, was the fact that the girl had only to say two words to sent to hanyou to the ground. 'Amazing.' She thought with wonder. However, seeing the fight was caused by her, she felt the need to keep the peace. "No, he's right, Kagome. All I'm doing is staling for time. However, when I open this door, she will be on a platform on the wall in the far end of the room. I must insist that you do not touch her or get too close. I do not want to take the risk that she may fall down in her state."
The group nodded as Inuyasha took a moment to dust himself off as the spell, finally, wore off. Everyone watched as Leal pushed one large wooden door open, allowing everyone outside to get a look inside. The building inside reminded Kagome of a church. There were a few differences though. Firstly, there were no seats inside. The only things the group could make out clearly were the candles that were lit along the wall.
The only light in the room was just enough light for you not to run into anything that happened to be in the building. If there was anything in the building that they knew of. Dust drifted slowly in the air as everyone walked through the door. Everyone looked around the building but could not find what they were looking for. "Where is she, Leal?" Sango asked as she continued to look around the darkened room. Leal smiled in reply. She knew the question was coming. Leal took the moment to walk ahead of them in order to guide them. "She's right in front of you."
What did she mean she was right in front of them? Everyone instantly looked up. Yet still, they could not see anything. The group frowned at their findings in the dark building. "Maybe it would work better if you were to walk forward a little more." Leal said smiling as she started walking further into the room.
The group all stared at her in confusion before following after the little demon's footsteps. 'I don't get a sense of evil in this room. So, what Leal said about her wanting to sealed on her own must be true.' Miroku thought gazing around. "Miroku, I don't pick up any evil in this room." Sango whispered to him as they walked behind Leal. Miroku glanced down at the little demon. Making sure they had enough distance to chat and not have Leal listen in on the two. "Yes, I was just thinking the same thing."
Sango nodded and glanced behind her. She had to hold in a giggle at the scene taking place. Kagome was currently clinging onto Inuyasha's arm as if for her life. She had a worried look on her face as she kept looking around the dark room. Inuyasha was currently blushing and was trying to keep his gaze away for her. Sango smiled and turned around.
Leal suddenly stopped and tilted her head up. As everyone came to stand next to her, they followed her actions, gazing up for themselves. Not completely sure of what it was that they were looking for. As the group of friends gazed up, they couldn't believe what they were seeing in front of them.
There on the wall, in fact, was a woman. The woman had brownish-golden hair that went midway down her back. Some of it fell upon her shoulders and chest. The woman also held a small, golden star on her forehead. To go along with the star, she had one golden stripe across her eyelids. She wore what appeared to be a warrior outfit, only without her armor.
Inuyasha walked up further to the woman to get a good sniff. Without looking down from her, he simply whispered to no one, "Half-demon." All figures in the room turned to look at him except for Leal. She had a small smile on her face as she gazed up at the woman. "Yes, Inuyasha. She is a half-demon and the Lady of this village." Leal looked back toward the other friends only to see surprised faces directed back at her. "Would you like for me to explain the story to you now or would you like to try and release her from the spell and ask her for yourselves?"
Everyone's attention then went toward the monk. Miroku happily stepped forward with a smile on his face. His gaze locked onto the half-demon above them. "She's quite beautiful. I'll try to awake her first. If that is alright with you, Leal." Leal nodded toward the monk to continue. As Miroku prepared himself for his spell, Sango muttered under her breath, "Figures you would like to awaken her first, pervert."
Inuyasha glanced over at the slightly upset demon slayer as Shippo jumped from Miroku's shoulder to his. "What are you so upset about, Sango? Is it about Miroku helping this woman?" Sango turned and gave him her best death glare. "No... It has nothing to do with that monk." Inuyasha quickly ducked behind Kagome after hearing how scarey her voice sounded as she said that.
Kagome sighed and turned her gaze up toward Miroku. 'I sure hope you know what your doing, Miroku. If she does wake up, I hope she doesn't freak out on us and think we're enemies. But... what if it doesn't work? How will Leal feel? I know she's used to this but... either way, she is still going to get hurt.' Kagome thought as she looked at the small demon with sadness in her eyes.
Before beginning, Miroku turned to look at Leal and asked one last question. "You said she was a Lady, correct? Why does she not wear clothes that would show her position?" Leal smiled at the monk. "That is simple, Miroku. She didn't like them much. She didn't like everyone bowing to her. After all, she didn't consider herself worthy of that kind of position."
"Why is that? If I was offered the position, I would take it. No questions asked." Inuyasha replied. Confusion and sadness clearly shining in his eyes. Kagome glanced over at him from the corner of her eye. 'Inuyasha... He went through so much as a child. More than I can ever imagine.' She then turned her attention to the half-demon woman that was hanging on the wall. 'She must have went through the same things.'
"Well," Leal began, "the man who was asked to rise her was not her birth father. Plus, she was picked on when she was just a child. The only reason they grew to respect her in the end was due to the fact she had saved this village from a demon attack when she was only 12 summers." "I still don't understand." Inuyasha whispered, confused. Leal sighed softly. She was not prepared to answer so many questions. Why were they so intrigued by her? Did they really care about her? "This will be the last question I answer for now." The group nodded their understandment.
Leal took a deep breath before replying to the question at hand. "She didn't want the villagers to fear her. Nor did she want them to only depend on her and her skills. Not to mention the fact that she was still quite upset with those who had teased her when she was younger. Then, all of a sudden, they liked her. She didn't consider it fair." Leal watched as the group nodded their understandment. 'Makes sense. I don't blame her for thinking that way. I suppose I would do the same if I was put in the same situation as she was.' Inuyasha thought as he gazed up at the half-demon. 'I don't know which one of us had it worse.'
"You never did tell us her name." Kagome said to herself more than to Leal. Then, as if something had hit her on the head, Kagome looked toward Leal. "What is her name?" Leal crossed her arms with a stern look across her features at hearing yet another question. "I thought I was finished with questions." Kagome weakly laughed in response as she held up one finger. "Umm... just one more?"
Kagome watched as Leal's stern face quickly turned soft as she smiled. "I suppose I should have told you earlier." Leal looked at the group with an even bigger smile than before. She turned her head to look toward the woman that hung on the wall. "Her name is Sora." Leal then turned to Kagome to see if she was happy. She indeed was very happy, if the smile on her face was anything to go by.
"I'm ready to preform the spell. If you all could step back a little, please. I'm not sure what will happen myself. I would hate for something to go wrong. Let alone, someone getting hurt." Miroku warned as he stood in front of Mago. Everyone backed away from the two, always keeping their gaze on Miroku. Miroku, seeing that everyone was a good distance away, began to chant.
A large, bright blue light began to glow from Mago's body as the monk continued to chant his odd spell. 'Come on, you can do it!' Kagome encouraged in her mind. Hoping that whatever Miroku was doing, was working. The light coming from the half demon began to dull as Miroku finished the spell. Panting from the work, the monk turned to face his friends. They stared back at him with hope in their eyes. Miroku closed his eyes and bowed his head. With sad expressions on their faces, they turned to Leal. She was unfazed with what had happened. "As I told you before, no one has been able to break the spell."
Kagome kneeled downin front of her with saddness shining in her eyes. "We're sorry. If there is anything we can do to help you..." Kagome trailed off. She didn't know what exactly to say to the little demon. Leal smiled at her. "I'm not upset, Kagome. I knew it wouldn't happen. There is no need to be sorry for something that can not be helped."
Kagome could only nod. Content that Leal was not hurting from yet another failed attempt to awaken Mago. "Well, lets hear that story you were going to tell us then." Kagome replied happily, just to change the mood. Inuyasha crossed his arms. He wanted sleep, not story time. "Very well. Come, let's go inside to sit and talk." Leal smiled before leading them all back outside the building.
She waited for Miroku to exit before shutting the large wooden door. Before she completely shut the door, she paused. The group looked at her confused until Leal stood in front of the doors and bowed. "I'm sorry my lady. I will find a way to bring you back. I promise you that." With that, she shut the door. The little demon turned and smiled. "Let's head inside. I'm sure you all are very egar to find out more about Sora and how she came to be here." With that, they all walked back toward the home.
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I promise I'll have the next chapter up soon. Until then! ^ _ ~
