Chapter Two ~ The Story
Everyone sat in the large room reserved for small gatherings. All of them were egar to hear the story that lay behind the mystery woman that currently resided in the shrine next door. Leal slowly made her way to sit in front of the group of people with her head bowed. She sighed softly to herself. She couldn't believe she was telling this story to them. As her head rose back up, she wasn't surprised to see everyone calmly gazing back at her.
"I suppose I can answer some of your questions before we begin." She offered with a small, kind smile. Out of everyone, Kagome was the one to throw her hand up in the air and began to come up with question after question. "Why was she was sealed away to begin with? What was that shiny blue jewel around her neck? Does it have any special powers?" Inuyasha gazed at the young woman in disbelief. Kagome blushed as she realized everyone was staring. "Sorry."
Leal smiled brightly. "It's not a problem. As I said before, she never hesitated to put her life on the line to protect this village from both demons and bandits. She was sealed by choice by her older sister, Yuni. Yuni was a very powerful miko at the time. The jewel Sora wears around her neck does indeed have a special power. It serves as a unit to surpress her demon side."
"I have a question of my own." Miroku spoke up gently. Leal turned her full attention to the monk that sat beside her. "Please, go ahead monk." Leal sat at attention waiting for his question. "What actions did she preform in order for her very own sister to seal her away for 45 years of her life?" Inuyasha snorted, as he crossed his arms he closed his eyes, out of irritation. "Isn't it obvious? Something must have happened to that jewel of hers and she transformed or something."
Leal smiled and nodded toward the half demon. She was quite impressed. "You are correct, Inuyasha. She has more demon blood flowing through her veins than most half-demons. However, there was more to it than that." "Before you explain, could you tell us how you came to be with Sora?" Sango asked with a smile on her face. Leal smiled. "Of course. I do warn you, her story is fairly long and complicated." "It's alright. We have all night." Kagome said with a smile. Inuyasha's eyes widened as he glared at Kagome. "Like hell we do! I don't know about you, but I need some rest!"
Kagome sighed. "That's a first. You? Tired? You'll be fine, Inuyasha." Miroku and Sango laughed. "Inuyasha, Kagome has a point. We need to find out what happened to Mago and see if there is anything that we can do to help her." Miroku told him. "Keh." Was Inuyasha's only response as he leaned back on the wall with his arms crossed. Kagome sighed and rolled her eyes at Inuyasha's behavior. "We need to work on your manners, Inuyasha."
Leal laughed at the young man's turn of attitude. "Are you ready for me to continue?" Kagome smiled as she nodded in Leal's direction. "Yes, please continue. Sorry about the interruption." Kagome stated as she glared at the young half-demon who sat beside her. Leal shook her head with a small smile on her face. "I'm use to it. Sora was the same at times." 'Like Inuyasha? Interesting.' Miroku thought.
"You all want to know how I came to be with her, correct?" Leal asked with what seemed like happiness shining in her eyes. The group nodded in response. "Very well. You see, at one time, I was on my own in this world. One day, I was out on my own looking for food, when a demon began chasing after me. He wanted me as a meal. It was that day that I ran into lady Sora. She saved my life."
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"Little demon, you can not escape me!" The huge ogre demon yelled, chasing after his lunch. "Please! Leave me alone!" Leal yelled as she ran through the woods as fast as she could. Tears of fear running down her face. As Leal used her sleeve to wipe some of the moisture away, she run into something hard in her path. She fell to the ground with a soft grunt. Rubbing her head, she peared up to see what it was she had run into. Her eyes grew as she stared at the demon before her. 'She's beautiful.' Her golden brown, waist length hair and on top of her head, were classic fox ears.
"Hey!" Leal shook her head as she was brought out of her trance by a voice yelling at her. She gazed up to see the fox demon wearing a irritated look on her features."Watch where the hell your going!" Sora growled while glaring at the small demon on the ground. 'Wonder why she's running anyway.' Sora thought as her gaze went the forest from which the small demon had sprinted from.
"I'm truly very sorry." Leal said bowing. Sora sighed before glancing down at the little demon and her eyes grew at the sight before her. This person, without even knowing who she was, was currently bowing before her on the groud. "Please don't do that. Stand up." Sora said as she turned to walk away from the area. Suddenly, the large demon, whom was still chasing his lunch, came busting through the bushes. Leal jumped in response as she ran to Sora. "Please! Don't let him kill me!" Leal begged as she held onto the young womans leg with a death grip. "Get off me!" Sora growled, as she shook her leg away from Leal's grasp.
"Half-breed..." The demon growled in a low voice. 'Half-demon?' Leal thought as she glanced up at the young woman. Sora sighed as she turned to face the demon. The expression on her face shouting irritation. "Give me my dinner before I kill you and end your useless life." Sora gazed down at Leal. "If it isn't him today, it's just someone else tomorrow." She finished with a shrug. Leal grew angry before she responed. "I'd rather die by the hands of a human than by that thing!" She yelled as she pointed at the demon in question.
Sora smirked. "I don't think she wants to go with you." She stated calmly as she took a step forward to protect the small demon behind her. The ogre growled angerly in response to the young half-demons statement. "I'm afraid she doesn't have a choice in the matter! Give her to me!" The demon yelled as he ran toward Sora for an attack. Sora grabbed her sword and sprinted toward the demon, leaving Leal to fend for herself. "Die!" The demon yelled as he slashed as the woman with his club. Sora jumped into the air to easily avoid the blow. "What?" The demon gasped.
"I'm afraid I'm not going anywhere." The young woman stated calmly above the ugly demon. Using her claws, she quickly killed the ogre demon without remorse. With a soft sigh, she replaced her sword by her side. She turned and began to walk toward the little demon whom was hiding behind a rock. Sora didn't give her a second glance as she walked past her. Leal sat stunned as she watched the half-demon walk away from her. 'I must thank her for saving my life.' Leal thought as she picked herself up and ran after her.
She managed to pass her before stopping and bowing in front of the woman. Leal stared at the ground as Sora's shoes came into view. As they stopped, Leal quickly began to plead her case. "My lady, I would like to thank you for saving my life. You didn't have too but you did. I offer my services to you as a repayment." She vowed as she bowed before her. Sora gazed down at the strang demon before her. 'There she goes with the bowing crap again.' "What did I tell you about that?" Leal rose her head up to look at her. "Besides, you just wish for a body guard so you won't become someone else's dinner."
With that statement, Sora moved around the small demon before continuing down the path. After recovering from shock, Leal stood and ran after her. "Please wait! I must repay you somehow. I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you. I wish to travel with you. To be by your side and..." She stopped when Sora quickly spun around to glare at her. She grabbed Leal up by her collar and glared into her eyes with a little growl. "Stop following me." Then, she dropped her to the ground. Leal sat in silence as she watched the young woman walk away form her for a second time.
Leal quickly stood and ran after her once again. "Please!" She ran in front of the young woman, causing her to stop and stare down at her. Leal bowed down. "I will not let you go until you accept my services. I can serve you well. I promise it!" Sora stared down at her before shaking her head in defeat. "Fine." She said with a sigh. "You win. I accept." Leal glanced up at the woman with tears in her eyes. "Thank you my lady."
Sora sighed. 'I guess I have to get use to this.' She then turned and resumed down the path with Leal by her side. "My lady?" Leal asked quietly. "What is it?" "What is your name?" The half-demon smiled. "Mago. What's yours, little demon? I'm sure you don't want me to call you 'little demon' the entire time your with me." Leal giggled. "It's Leal." Sora nodded. "Your name means loyal, right?" Leal nodded her head with excitement. Sora laughed lightly to herself. "I'm honored to have someone with that great of a name by my side." Leal blushed. "Thank you, my lady."
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Kagome was so pleased with the story that by the time Leal had finished, there was a huge smile on her face. "That's how you guys really met?" Her voice filled with excitement. Leal nodded in reply. "Yes, it was. It was an odd meeting I must say, but I'm thankful it happened." By this time, Inuyasha been paying more attention toward the small demon's story. "Sounds like something I would do, but in a different way." He commented with a smirk. Leal chuckled. "Yes, I'm sure you would have." "You said that Sora wasn't born here. So, how did she come to be at this village?" Sango asked curiously. "You see, I don't know the complete the story myself. What I was told by the man who raised her, she was entrusted to him by her mother one night."
"Her mother gave her away?" Inuyasha asked with a almost sad tone in his voice. He could relate to this story... kinda. "You see, her mother was a full blooded demon." Leal explained, "She was on the verge of death, if I'm not mistaken. She wanted to save her daughter from the demons she knew would come after her." "She was being hunted by other demons for having a half-demon child?" Inuyasha asked with anger in his voice. Leal nodded. "Yes. However, demons were not the only ones who were after her." "I see. Humans as well?" Miroku asked. Leal nodded again. "You see, her father was a half-demon. He was also being chased but refused to give in to the hunters so he could raise his daughter in peace."
"How horrible." Sango gasped with a hand over her mouth in shock. Leal nodded in agreement. "Sora never spoke of her mother much. I believe she's upset with her leaving her. But there is still a chance she's still alive." As if on cue, a white fox suddenly entered the room. Leal smiled brightly. "Hello, Senzo." The fox jumped into her lap for Leal to pet her softly. "This is Senzo. She is one of Sora's most loyal friends."
"Kinda like Kilala and Sango." Kagome said as she glanced over at Sango. Sango smiled as she petted Kilala. "Yes. She's able to transform and aid in battle. However, I can't help but wonder if she's really her mother." The group gasped in disbelief. "Her mother?!" Inuyasha yelled. The whole thing didn't make sense to him now. "There is a possibility. She was a full demon and able to transform, she and Sora are both fox demons, and Senzo protects her the way any mother would."
Leal smiled as she continued to pet Senzo. The three tailed fox glanced up at her before laying her head down on her leg. Leal smiled. "What about her jewel? Could you tell us about that?" Miroku asked. Leal nodded. "Her jewel was given to her by the priest that lived in this village. After hearing her mother was a full demon and her father a half-demon, he feared her demon blood would consume her if she was to grow extremely angry or frightened. So, he placed a spell on the jewel to surpress her demon side from consuming her soul."
"What would happen if her demon blood was to take her over?" Inuyasha asked. He had an idea of the answer because of what he went through; but he figured he would ask to make sure. Leal sighed and answered with sorrow deep in her voice. "She would become a killing machine. Unable to stop until her anger was resided. Afterall, the blood of a demon flows more strongly in her veins than mortal." Miroku studied her response. "Is that why she was sealed?" Miroku asked gaining everyone's attention. Leal nodded in response. "Please, tell us what happened." Miroku said in a soft tone. Leal gazed at the group with tears shining in her eyes. "I'll start from the beginning. In her childhood. Perhaps then you can understood her meanings and actions that lead up to that day 45 years ago." The friends nodded and waited for the story to begin.
Leal took a deep breath before staring at the group of friends. "In the beginning, both lord Zorro, her father, and the master wanted Sora to grow up like any other girl in the village would. However, they knew it would be hard for her. Seeing that she was a half-demon. In the end, the master decided to train her to become a priestess, like her elder sister. Throughout the years, she trained to become what her father and master wanted her to become. What they thought was best for her life. However, that soon changed."
"One day, when walking around the village, the lord had paused to watch the young men of the village training in a clearing to become warriors. Sora happened to be with him that day. The longer she watched, the more she wanted to go down and train with the men. Days later, Sora had worked up the courage to ask her father if she could try. The lord refused her twice. The third time she had asked, he give in. As he handed her a practice sword, he couldn't help but worry."
"As he and the master watched upon the hill, they were both impressed with how fast she learned and how well she could wield a sword. The lord then took it upon himself to train her himself and give up on her becoming a priestess. She was only 8 summers then. By the age of 12, the young lady had become a master at wielding many different weapons. Her father had taught her well. Everything he knew, she knew. Everyday she would practice with the other men of the village."
"As she grew older, she became wiser and stronger. While she was in training one day, a demon attacked the village. The master and her father tried to restrain her from going after the demon herself. They had told her they did not want to risk her getting hurt or possibly killed. Insisting she let the guards in the village bring it down instead. She had agreed after a moment of being doubtful of the men in the village."
"Now, you must remember, Sora had never forgotten what those same men did to her when she was younger. Laughing, shouting, and hurting her day in and day out. She was still disrespected at her age then. As Sora had thought, it didn't take long for all the guards to be brought down. They all feared their lives were at an end. By all means, Sora had the right to just let them be killed by the demon. After everything they done to her. But she didn't."
"When she saw all the guards on the ground unarmed, she rushed down to the village and proceeded to fight with the demon. Fighting not only for the villagers and fallen guards, but for herself as well. Of course, she brought the demon down in just moments. Replacing her sword to her side, she turned to face the people of the village. Men, women and children alike. Suddenly, to her surprise, the villagers all bowed before her. Her proud and relieved father ran and embraced her."
"The master then announced to the villagers that no one was to speak ill of Mago again. They all were indebted to the young half-demon girl. All of their lives were owed to her that day. From then on, she became the general of the village army. Everyday, she would sit on Kitsune Hill and gaze down at the village. If you go to Kitsune Hill to this day, you would be able to see almost all of Japan. It has such a beautiful view of the land."
"Which may have been why she spent most of her time sitting up there alone. She watched over the village both day and night. Everyday. She was no longer disrespected but in fact, very respected and even loved by every person here. Years go by without incident, and Mago is now 18 summers. She and I were on Kitsune Hill watching the village down below. I was having such a wonderful time being with her that day. However, good things never seem last as long as you want them too."
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Sora stood near the edge of the cliff with the wind lightly blowing her hair. Leal sat at her side along with Senzo. Leal glanced up to see her lady standing with pride watching over her village. She held such a peaceful expression on her face. She looked so happy during times like this. "This is such a beautiful place, my lady." Leal commented with a happy sigh. "Yes, it really is.." Sora never finished her sentence. Her attention was glued to a black mass in the forest below. "Leal, what's in the forest? Is that what I think it is?"
Leal jumped up and looked in the direction Sora was concerned about. "It looks like an army of demons, my lady. Do you think they will attack the village?" Leal replied. Gazing up at the half-demon. Sora stared down at her. "No." She stated. She glanced back down to the forest below. "Not if I have something to do about it." With that, she sprinted down the hill toward the village. "Warriors! I need your assistance!" Sora shouted into the village. All the warriors sprinted outside and lined up quickly as they waited for their orders. Sora came to stand in front of them. "Listen to me carefully. There's an army of demons headed this direction. Do not attack until told to do so. Is that understood?"
"Hai, lady Sora!" The men shouted as they bowed their heads with respect. Sora nodded, and gave the order to go to the forest. Leal looked on with a worried face. 'Please be careful my lady.' Leal then glance down at Senzo. The little fox was looking to follow Sora until Leal stopped her. "Senzo, you should stay here and protect the village. In case some of those demons get past them." Senzo nodded before transforming into a larger fox and went to guard the entrance to the village.
In the woods, two armies stood glaring at one another. Sora came from behind her army and stood in front, ready for the battle to begin. "Who's the leader of this hellish army?" She demanded. Watching everyone for any sign of movement. "Watch your tongue half-breed!" A voice shouted angerly. Sora glared over toward the voice. She growled as a man stepped forward. His hair was colored blue with a hint of sliver. He wore a black kimono with blue dragon drawings down his sleeves. He wore black pants with black boots to complete his look.
He took hold of his sword and pointed it toward her. "I am the commander of this so called 'Hellish army'. As you have so kindly called us. Not like your one to talk. A half-breed leading a band of useless mortals?" Sora listened as his army laughed at the statement. Growling, the woman took a few step forward as she drew her sword. "Turn back. I will not allow you to attack this village. What's your purpose here?" The demon before her laughed as she questioned him. "We wish to destroy all that is weak. Which, of course, includes the likes you. Half-breed." Sora growled. How could his man be so disrespectful? "My name is Sora! You will call me by my name!"
The demon snorted. As if he took commands from lower beings such as herself. However, he smirked as an idea came to mind. It would be the last thing she would remember hearing. "Make this easier on yourself.. SORA. Stand aside. Your no match for the great and powerful, lord Jono." Jono smiled as his army began cheering him on. Sora chuckled. This guy had no idea who he was dealing with. "You will not pass. The only way you shall is over my dead body." She stated as she held her sword in a defense position. Jono gave an evil laugh. "That can be arranged. ATTACK!" The demons ran forward. Drawing their weapons for the battle. Leaving Jono to stand and watch.
Sora watched as the army drew closer. She raised hand up and waited for the right time to charge. Inside, she smiled. She had already won. Poor souls never really stood a chance. Still, as the demons drew closer, Sora didn't move, but stood with confidence. With the demons were 50 feet in front of her, she put her hand down and charged. Unlike Jono, she charged with her army. She was willing to risk her life for her village. It was the noble thing to do in her mind.
Jono watched with anger burning in his eyes as his army was quickly becoming overwhelmed. 'That woman.' He thought with a growl. 'She fights as well as any man. Let's see just how well.' Jumping down from the rock he stood on, he smoothly walked toward her. Sora had just finished off the last demon when she was hit in the head from behind. She fell to the ground hard. Growling, she gazed up to see Jono standing before her with a smirk on his face. "Now, now. That's not a spot to be in during battle."
Sora smiled as she stood. Grasping her sword in her hands. "As you can see, your army has been defeated. If I were you, I would stop this now." Jono stared at her for a long moment. "Tell you what," He started, "You and I have a duel. One on one. Loser must go with the winner." Sora stared at him as if he had just lost his mind. 'What's this guy up too? Why do something so strange?' She thought. Shaking her head, she replied, "Your on." Jono smiled as he prepared himself for battle. The two danced around each other. Sizing each other up.
Sora suddenly charged toward him. He quickly blocked her and jumped out of the way. Each strike they threw at each other, it was either blocked or avoided. The battle seemed to go on forever. Finally, Sora saw an opening and went for it. 'Time to end this.' She thought. She charged him yet again and their swords clashed. 'Now!' She twisted her sword around, causing Jono lose his grip on his sword. He watched as it fell to the ground. A good ways away from him. Sora then tripped him. Keeping him from going after the sword. Jono hit the ground faster than he could blink. The half-demon placed the tip of her sword against his throat. Jono stared as her. He was simply amazed she was able to bring him to the ground. He watched as she smiled at him. "Your coming with me.. Lord Jono."
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"After the battle, Jono was taken to a holding area. He was not to be released until Sora gave the order. One day, she went to speak with him. As she went down into the celler, she found that he had not been given food or water for days." The group was shocked. "What did she do?" Kagome asked. "The guards whom were in charge of caring for him were punished. It was then Sora decided she would care of him. She wanted him to be cared for. She wasn't planning on killing him. It wasn't in her nature to do something like that. After that, he had fallen ill. Sora stayed by his side for days."
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Sora was bringing soup to the cellar when Leal called for her. "Lady Sora!" Sora turned to see Leal and smiled. "What is it, Leal?" Leal looked up at her. "Your going to check on Jono again, aren't you?" Sora stared at her for a long time. "You already know the answer to that." She stated. Leal let out a frustrated sigh as she shook her head. "Why do you care for him, my lady? He doesn't deserve it." Sora smiled softly as she bent down to look at her friend.
"You must not feel that way. He was simply following orders. Plus, it was unfair for that man to suffer down there for days without food nor water. No one deserves that, Leal. You know that." Leal nodded in agreement. Sora smiled and stood. She turned and began walking toward the celler which held the man she was caring for. She never looked back as she entered the building. "Yes, your right my lady." Leal whispered. She then turned and returned to the hut to await her lady's return.
Sora slowly made her way down the stairs toward Jono. 'I must be out of my mind doing this. But he has suffered enough. I know I'm doing the right thing. I hope.' She thought as she sat next to Jono. The demon shifted away from her. Mago sighed in disappointment. "Don't be that way. I'm here to help and you know it. Sit up, you need to eat. It will help you regain your strength." Jono sat up from the bedding with a sigh. As he took the soup, he asked, "Why are you doing this?" Sora frowned. "I simply wanted to keep you here to get information. It was never my intentsion to kill you. I had no idea they weren't feeding you. I am truly sorry."
Sora bowed her head in apology. She didn't want to look the man in the eye. Jono smirked at her actions. This woman never stopped surprising him. With a clawed hand, he lifted her chin up to look into his eyes. "I don't blame you. I know what your doing, Sora. I want you to know.. you don't have to do this. It's not your problem." She shook her head. "No, it is my problem. You are under my roof and it is my responsibility to care of you." Jono chuckled. "You didn't have to do this, but thank you." Sora smiled as a little blush rose to her cheeks with the demon's thanks. "You've never been this calm around me. What happened?"
Jono shrugged as he sat back against the wall as he began to eat his meal. "Don't know. I guess spending two weeks with you, things kinda rub off on me." Sora giggled at his explantion. "Well, you should be well by tomorrow, seeing that your full demon. You can return to your village then." Jono finished his soup and placed the bowl on the ground beside him. "I can't go back." Sora gazed at him in question. "Why?" The man remained silent for a moment before answering her question. "I was defeated by you. A half-demon in battle. That's a disgrace in my clan. I would rather let them think I'm dead." Sora sighed sadly. "I understand. Where will you go now?"
Jono gazed at the young woman in front of him in question. 'Why does she ask these questions? She doesn't care what I do.' He moved his gaze to her eyes. He froze as he realized the emotions her eyes contained. 'Worry and sadness? Is she considered about me?' The demon wondered to himself. "Well? What will you do? Where will you go?" Sora asked again. Jono turned his gaze down to the floor. "I don't know. I was wondering if you would find it in your heart to let me stay here. Maybe I can help you."
Sora gazed at him in shock. 'He wants to stay here?!' At her silence, Jono sighed. "If you don't want me to.." "No! It isn't that!" Sora interupted. Jono turned his gaze upon her in surprise. "I just need to know if I can trust you. How do I know this isn't a trap?" She couldn't help the shocked gasp as the man reached out and gently cupped her cheek in his hand. Gazing into her eyes, he stated, "Sora, I owe you my life. I want to repay you for all you've done for me. Will you allow me to do that? Will you let me stay?" Sora searched his violet eyes. She could see care and loyalty that seemed to shine within which wasn't there before. The young woman smiled. "Your welcome here, Jono."
