Chapter One
Fighting To Live
Soft brown eyes watched the forum before her, upon a double patted futon, as it shuttered, his body wracked with fever and pain. Several quilts resting over his tall body in attempt to lessen the chills while she remained at his side. Coaxing down teas to lesson his fever, continuously checking the wounds which normally would send a normal human flying to the great beyond. Rubbing a soothing balm upon the burns of the larger wounds she had, regretfully, to cauterize. Being too large to sew shut along with the blood that just would not cease its flow. Her mind thinking back over ten hours ago when the daughter of Kasane came rushing into the temple face bloodless with fright.
Kikyo had been within a smaller section of the large shrine, seeking solace from the forming large crowd in the main entrance. Time to think and reflect then to pray to the stone Buddha whom sat before her as she might once have years ago when her body drew the breath of life.
What was the point really, she a mere walking corpse cursed by fate. What had she to pray for? Success upon her mission upon Naraku? The redemption of her own soul? Ma! She knew the most possible ending of meeting Naraku, as for her soul one could not ask for redemption for one already damned
So here she sat upon her knees, hands folded in the mock act of prayer meditating the closest thing to sleep she could manage within this body of graveyard soil and dead souls. Resting as she had for the past months sense she came to this place, a desolate village nearly dead. With much nursing and attending, even with the simple lest governing a miko could Kikyo had helped them back upon their feet. Tending to the weak and ailing, burying the dead, soothing the sorrowful and cheering the children.
Once the villagers were stronger she encouraged the mending of the few things they could, even accompanied the village headsmen the long miles near Kyoto to speak to the head daimyo pleading for his aid this dark time. That which surprisingly seemed to be the hardest task perhaps harder then slaying or exercising youkai. The old daimyo was a man with little consideration for his followers. What was the loss of a few peasants to him? However it was the impressive miko, and the thought of what could be gained with trade, that finally one the daimyo over. Several months later here they were.
The village almost looking as it had never suffered those long desolate years. She should leave; there was no one to tend to now. The head man was well enough to guide his people now and there was plenty food and protection from human and youkai so there was no true need of her here.
Yet Kikyo lingered on. Why? Perhaps in the smallest way it gave her the peace she once had before the Shikon No Tama came into her guardianship. That had been a simpler time, even if it had been a lonely one. If she could now she would expect her fate, living out her days as a miko and not longing for something that was beyond her reach. The normal simplicities of a normal human female. Perhaps it was that sin which cursed her fate.
However no longer of the living world she could not remain here forever. The dead and the living could not reside together, that much was true from what the one monk had told her while he lay dying. For now however she allowed herself this one allowance for a short time at least.
So here she kneeled, hands folded resting. The drowning from the few monks and priests whom came to reside within the temple chanting the all familiar Lotus sutra soothing her soul. The all familiar words thrumming through her as if it were a heart beat which her chest missed so much. Driving away negative thoughts allowing her mind to achieve the numbness that any miko and priest sought. Sadly the peace was short was lived.
''KIKYO-SAMA!''
Shinobu's loud terrorized scream easily snapped the miko from her meditative trance. Quick as a blink of an eye Kikyo was upon her feet bow and arrows; she always kept close, now in hand as she rushed from the signal room and down the long hallway to the main corridor. Finding the daughter of Asano Kasane struggling up the man stairs of the temple, blocked m three Buddhist nuns attempting to sooth and coax whatever had upset the child from her lips.
Shinobu stood there shuttering, begging for them to clear the way or go and retrieve Kikyo-sama. Only when the soft echoing of the miko;s footsteps reached the group did the nuns clear, and the distraught child ran forward barring her head into the miko's red hamaka's clinging to her sobbing hard.
''Shinobu-chan.'' The miko whispered as she lay her bow aside and kneeled to the child's level bringing her arms about the small trembling body,' Whatever is the matter?''
It took some time and some comforting and coaxing words from Kikyo before the young girl could speak, her small hand pointing north from the end of the village she had came from. '' Naked...man…near the river…covered in so much blood…okasan told me to get you Kikyo-san…he looks dead…''
Confused Kikyo coaxed part of the brief hesitant story from the child before turning to the head abbot of the temple whom watched with concern from the end of the corridor. ''Musui-san could you please take Shinobu-chan have her to drink some warm tea and place one of the heated blankets and wrap her in it. However do not force anymore from her the poor child had already suffered a great shock. Then have one of the attendants to fetch my full stock of medical supplies.''
''Of course my lady.''
Once she was insured that little Shinbou was safely in Musui's care the miko rushed from the temple grounds with a speed not normal for a living person with a body which never tired. Racing; toward the river spotting Kasane, her little son, and the prone figure easily as she approached. The poor peasant woman sat there, the males head resting in her lap pressing with all her might to staunch the river of blood which flowed from his chest, lips moving in silent prayer as the miko approached before freezing in mid step
Silver…
Strands of long silver hair fluttered in the breeze around Kasane like a soft drifting snow. Causing Kikyo's nonexistent heart to skip a painful beat. For she only knew one person whom possessed that color of hair or was nearly as tall as the forum before her. 'Inuyasha…'
A torrent of mixed emotions filled her with the possibility of her once beloved hanyou possibly hurt or dead before her. Walking stiff and numb, unsure how to react or feel, she neared Kasane's side dreading to meet whomever the woman held. Finally she stood unnoticed as she peered over the mother's shoulder. Looking at a face showered by filthy silver hair. Not even needing to see the forums' face to know it was not Inuyasha. For no dog ears sat upon this man's head.
A sigh of relief escaped Kikyo's lips and she quickly knelt beside Kasane, pushing on the seemingly older female's shoulder unable to voice toe request of the woman moving out of her way. ''Kikyo-sama!'' the woman cried clearly startled, before shaking
pulled away. Allowing the undead miko to take her place at the naked male's side. Ever gently with daft hands which knew the work before them, Kikyo eased the man's head into her lap. Uncaring for the blood which stained her clothing as she tenderly moved back the soiled hoari. Eyes narrowing at the deep wound in the chest, a blade of some kind clearly the cause of it, question was had this male survived it. One glance and he looked dead however one could not always rely on eyes of mortals.
Kikyo, leaned her head to his chest while her blood sleek hand pressed to his mouth, and then to his neck. Trying to detect even the slightest hint of life. First she was met with dead silence. Then ever faintly she heard, felt and saw that a spark of life remained battling against death. Small flutters of wind still rouse from his lips.
''He still lives.''
She answered the unasked question which hung in the air like a thick fog, hearing the deep breath of relief of Kasane from behind her. ''Prays Amida Busu, prays the gods. '' The miko ignored her for the moment as she looked over the man's body fully, tenderly looking within each wound she could. Hissing at what she found, all indicating this poor unfortunate nameless male had been through some sort of hellish battle. His skin shredded, torn, and burned. The feeling of a strange aura only those the most sensitive could feel faintly clinging to him. Yet the miko sensed no youkai iyaki, he seemed perfectly human minus the hair and a few other features.
Pulling out more cloth ordering for Kasne to rip the already ruined hoari she bound the wounds, packing them to slow the bleeding as she waited for assistance. As her hand reached to grab the limp one of the males so she may bind the deep gash along his wrist an electric jolt went through her clay body.
It was a momentarily thing however strong enough to leave the undead miko panting and shaking where she kneeled. Slight steam rising from her garments and from her very body itself. Perhaps it was her temporary fogged mind but for a slight second Kikyo felt the warmth of life fill her. A weight of a pounding heart in her chest, bruised air deprived lungs struggling for life giving air.
Then as quickly as it began the emptiness of death resettled within her, and she remained a walking corpse of clay her body however no longer cold with death but at the moment burning from the energy. Dazed, Kikyo missed the frantic chanting of her name until she felt strong hands grip at her arms, followed by the sudden hiss of pain.
''By Kami!'' cried a gruff voice,'' She is burning up! My lady can you hear me? Kikyo-sama please answer me!''
The miko swallowed, opening her mouth and closing it however mutely as she turned to meet the wide violet black eyes of Takeo the head of the village, watching her with wide terrified eyes. Swallowing hard, feeling her body shaking weakly Kikyo struggled to regain her composure giving a half hearted attempt at an encouraging smile. ''Hai, Takeo-san I am fine.''
Takeo did not looked convinced as turned his gaze, with a suspious glare to the unmoving form he and his few guards, and one small temple attendant surrounded. Kasane had returned to the village to sit beside her recovering daughter,
''What was that?" he gestured to the steam now cooling from Kikyo's body. ''Is he a youkai? Did he harm you? For if he did.''
With one swift motion the nearest guard at his side had a small wakasashi nearly pressed against the pale neck of the injured man only to have delicate hand just as quickly to raise and push it a side, the lovely pale face of the miko Kikyo now stern.'' There is no call for that.'' She spoke in a hard tone causing the bigger man to back up some.'' He is no threat to you, or your villagers Takeo-san. Nay he harmed me not. Whatever that aura was came not from him, perhaps whatever he battled left some sort of mark on him. However this man's life force is too low to summon even the slightest spark of power.'' She looked straight into the leaders eyes.'' He is under my charge, and while so no blade or weapon shall be raised against him am I clear.'' There was not threat verbally mentioned but it could clearly be heard within the miko's words.
Takeo and most of the guards present had been a witness to the miko's spiritual abilities and they feared some sort of curse or perhaps being punished in the next life by being reborn as the lowest animal, human, or youkai and so village master and retainer's all equally bowed low in defeat and expectance.
Upon Kikyo's order a man made stretcher was brought forth with several blankets, the male wrapped tightly within them, covering his nudity, was then gently as a babe lifted upon the portable bed and brought, paraded at both sides with the few guards with the young attendant, into the village Kikyo, and Takeo at his side.
The sick hut had still to be cleaned so Takeo himself offered a room at his large dwelling for Kikyo and her charge to stay. For the next several hours the hard battle for her patient's life began. For not too long after some time of lying as though dead. The fever began to savagely attack his broken body. Making it difficult for the lone miko to tend his serious wounds without the aid of the young attendant and one of Takeo's very strong well built daughters fourteen year old Peony. The cauterizing had been the worst, fearing if she put him farther under that he may never wake Kikyo was forced to do it while her patient still could feel the pain. The numbing medicine she gave him only helping to ease the sharpness of it.
Finally the wounds attended to and bleeding finally slowed Kikyo excused Peony and allowed her young assistant to rest, as nighttime had came, while she took over caring for her weakened charge.
''Lilith…Lilith!''
A hoarse cry brought Kikyo back to the present, her dazed brown eyes looking once more at her distressed patchiest as he tossed his head back and forth crying out in a fevered haze. For a time, stunned, Kikyo could just sit there. For it had been the first time this man had spoke sense bringing him here. Normally in this weak of state, so close to death, one would not have the strength to speak. Moreover half cry out as he was. His voice was strangely beautiful even if the accent was strange, the haunting sorrow behind it striking her life a fiscal attack causing her normal numb unfeeling body to feel the pain of an invisible pain in.
''Lilith…No..LILITH!''
His cries grew louder, his voice hoarse and raw, as his body began to trash. Hands reaching out as if for someone or something and other times swiping as if fighting with an unseen foe. Sobs and low human like growls, ripping from his throat. His movements so wild Kikyo feared he would reopen his ceiled wounds. With great care, so not to startle him, Kikyo moved forward resting her hands upon his broad shoulders to prevent him from moving and reopening his most life threatening wound near his heart. A loud yelp followed her touch, as a fevered large hand gripped at her arm and the man let out a snarl of defense trying to push her away from him, Kikyo struggling to remain all the while at his side as he thrashed.
''Easy!'' she cried out in a soft yet stern tone as her one hand grabbed to the one which restrained her in a surprising strong grip, her hand slowly begging to rub at the muscles while the other went to the shoulders pressing lightly. ''You are not in danger young man. You are in a place of safety. No one will harm you while I am here. Come on now easy.'' Her voice seemed to have a slight effect, for the tall silver haired man hesitated hiss large hand trembling. ''Lilith?''
The miko neither confirmed nor denied his question, if it kept him calm let him think she was whomever he called for. Seeing the tears which seemed to now slide down his pale cheeks as he shivered Kikyo softened and hesitantly moved closer. Normally people shrieked away from the coldness of her body, that is why she learned to channel a little of her miko energy to make the cold clay feel more like luke warm human flesh. However with this man's body, burning with fever and her own body which strangely had not yet full cooled from the energy spark she had felt while ago, the undead miko became bolder. Sliding her arm behind his shoulders easing the silvered head to her chest, wrapping her arms, like a mother to a child, as she eased herself slightly under him, before being tender of his wounds, Kikyo began to do a rare thing she only normally did for the ill or injured children she tended within the past.
She began to rock him back and forth humming softly the tune of a song she had long forgotten the words to. First he lay there stiff and wary however as the moments passed the miko felt her charges body began to relax. While she continued to hum and sing taking the advantage of his now calmer nature to soak a rag in a nearby basin of cool water as she wiped at the sweat upon his head. Coaxed a little more of the fevered brew and even got him to swallow the ever bitter tonic used for soothing pain. Before tucking the blankets about his ever shivering body. His whimpers calmer yet still he seemed to struggle, as if something called to him. Preventing him from the rest he so badly needed. This was both good and bad; as long as he had something so important calling it would give him the fighting force needed to live. However if he tried to leave in this condition he would surly die.
Breathing deeply, Kikyo searched through her mind on options of what she could do. There was always the sleeping draft yet in his current state it might do more harm than good. Suddenly a memory arouse of a lifetime before with her younger sister Keade awakened from a nightmare of the death of their parents. Along with the old lullaby passed on to them by their beloved okasan, the very one Kikyo contained to sing the young girl.
'Hush my child
There's no need for tears.
Okasan's hear to drive away your fears.
Hush my child as the nightingales sing to the
Through the night the Gods tend to yea
Even if the icy chills strike the Earth.
I always am with you as when the starting of your birth.
Hush my child let not grief take hold.
Forever in okasan's arms will yea be a fold.
And even when Amida takes my soul
Forever little child, to you I will hold
Close to my heart, for I am never far apart.
For when the winds are caressing you
That is momma's way of showing her love is still true.
Hush my child.'
Kikyo's sweet melodious voice carried through the house like that of the sweet scent of the sakura bloom upon a gentle spring wind. Clear and lovely, soothing even those already asleep or passersby on their way to their thatched huts. As the final few notes of the old song rang within the walls, like a holy bell from the temple, did the great forum within her arms go fully limp. His breathing, though still shallow, eased the thrashing and whimpers ceasing. Even the shivering seemed to lesson.
Still Kikyo did not remove him from her lap, allowing her fingers to comb through the soft silky trendles as her charge slumbered, the miko's mind tumbling over with a rush of thoughts she could not seem to pin point. Questions that remained unanswered, thoughts and emotions that made no sense.
She blamed it upon the strange jolt of energy she had felt hours ago; her body just did not feel the same sense then. Though still made of clay she had some feeling, and as of now she felt for the first time oddly fatigued. A dull ache and weakness shaking her to the very core. As if she was already in the need of replenishing herself with souls, however it had only been a night ago she had sustained her bodies need.
In effort to distract herself Kikyo gently shook her small attendant requesting fresh water, though this time heated, and rice bran soap. Yoshiro, for that was his name, was quick to act despite his sleepiness. Years within the larger Kyoto shrine had made waiting like this instinctive. A blessing indeed for he was able to accomplish his given task without really concentrating. Returning with a fresh basin of warm water, rice-bran, rags, and towels. Neatly placing them at Kikyo's feet before sitting on his haunches awaiting more orders.
Giving one of her rare gentle smiles Kikyo excused him back to his sleeping mat and, Yoshiro did not hesitate in doing so, leavening the miko to prepare the wash herself. Wetting one signal rag and adding the bran as she began to ever so gently cleanse the dirt and blood from her charges body. The warm water seeming to sooth him even more as she worked, careful not to get the bandages wet. Scrubbing down his face, arms, and even his chest moving the blankets ever slightly without causing his poor body to suffer any more chill.
Once his body was cleaned she gently with skilled hands shifted him, resting his head upon one arm as easing his soiled hair into the warm basin as she washed the long tendels until the shined with the faint light of the nearby small fire. Then taking the time also re-cleaned and tended to his wounds.
Freshly washed and buffed dried, she went father as to retreat the wounds and wrap them in a clean bandage before getting her charge to drink bit more tonic and tea while he rested ,without movement, in her arms. His body warmed and soothed, the pain diminishing greatly. Gently as before she rearranged him upon the futon, once more pillowing his head in her lap before letting out a s a sigh of relief allowing her own body to seek the hard wood wall behind her as she closing her eyes meaning just to rest for a while when the strangest thing happened. For the first time sense Kikyo was brought back to the realm of the living the undead miko drifted into a deep slumber.
The bright light shined right within her eyes,
The sound of people rising met her ears
mixed with the sweet melody of birds
, the scent of cooking tickled her nose.
With low moan the miko's eyes lids gave a soft flutter before opening, her dazed doe eyes looking about the small room she rested in with pure confusion. Not knowing for a brief moment where she was, until like a flooding river the memories of yesterday came pouring in. Blinking, Kikyo looked about her slightly frantic when she first noticed her charge no longer rested within her embrace. Finding herself instead upon Yoshiro's own sleeping mat, a warm quilt pulled under her chin.
Rising with difficulty as she fought the quilt which seemed to hold her prisoner Kikyo viewed the room fully, as if expecting some sort of enemy to ambush her at any time. Instead; finding only young Peony kneeling beside a peaceful sleeping silver haired man as she coaxed a bowl of warm broth down his throat.
Sensing eyes upon her Peony raised her head, golden honey eyes meeting dazed brown as the younger woman smiled, ''Ohaiyo Kikyo-sama! It's good to see you finally awake. How do you feel?''
Awake?
Kikyo blinked in confusion, looking dumbly at Peony's round plain face as if the young girl had lost it, 'Only the living sleep. My body is not made that way...but..' She blinked, trying to remember what had happened last night. She had sung and soothed her charge, administering the herbal treatments even going as far as to bathe him. Then, feeling as though her body weighed a ton, she had leaned into the hard wood of the wall and mediatate for a time.
After that….there was nothing. Her memory was blank, like a white sheet of paper before the calligrapher sets pin to water and ink stone and begins to write. All Kikyo saw was a black void of emptiness.
''Otousan came in to check upon the both of you last night,'' Peony began to explain as if sensing Kikyo's confusion. ''He found you slumped over in a dead slumber nearly falling over your wounded man here. It scared Otousan rather bad. You looked so pale he was certain ye were dead. Of course you were not, so he had Yoshiro to sleep within the next room upon another futon and lay to rest upon the boys. I volunteered to care for Hanshiro while you rested.''
The miko blinked again, eye brows drawing into a distinct frown. At a loss for words to rationally explain what Peony told her, it just was not possible for a corpse living off of souls to sleep. Kikyo had never done so before, she had tried believe me however the nights passed the same as the day. Even in villages she spent many a lonely night wandering the paths about thatched huts, to staring at the stars or ceiling, closed off from the living world. Perhaps Orasyai had made her more alive than they both realized and Kikyo was just finding it out nearly a year sense the mountain which's death or she had succeeded slipping into a deep trance that took the look of sleep.
Yes, the latter seemed more likely. That's what she let herself belief anyways, for her mind could not expect perhaps there might be more. That maybe there was some change happening within her. Breathing deeply she re focused upon Peony's words electing to forget the strange occurrence as unimportant. Blinking suddenly as Peony's words echoed in her mind. ''Hanshiro?''
Was that the silver haired male's name? How Peony had come to discover it? There was no marking, no letter or belonging that bared such a name for surly someone would have taken notice, moreover Kikyo despite how distracted she had been would have noticed something in that manner. Had the man awakened while she had slipped away and given his name?
A faint blush crossed the young teen's face as she sat the bowl down, her fingers toiling with her simple cotton shift as she lowered her head shyly. '' Sense no one knows his name we decided to give him a temporary title. Calling him simply ''that man.'' Seemed rather rude so…well I settled on Hanshiro, considering the silver hair, his built and….'' Her blush deepened, 'I thought it fit rather well.''
A sudden smile crossed Kikyo's face at the realization, her eyes brightening for a rare moment. Hanshiro of Tosa was a legendary samurai of five hundred years ago whom braved the darkest parts of Japan ,that had yet to be settled then, swamped with the worst of youkai just to save his beloved hime, princess, from a ryu, dragon, youkai whom was entranced by the young woman's beauty. The hero within the tale Hanshiro was the tallest human within Japan's known history with unnatural silver hair and beauty that many believed him to be the son of a heavenly tenshi. Some even claimed to see him sprout wings while battling against the ryu. It was a romantic peasant's tale, one that was still debated upon when it came to the truth of it.
Linking this injured soul with that of the dashing Hanshiro was both amusing moreover slightly close to the truth. Kikyo sighed shaking her head softly, 'Aw the romantic hearts of young girls.' She thought with a mixture of amusement and bitter irony. She remembered a happier, younger and much alive Kikyo fantasizing over the exact same thing even as a miko. Tragically her own love story turned out quite bitter from the beloved fairy tales of the young.
''I think it is fitting.'' She lied as she pushed back the bitter twinge that pressed upon the empty place where her heart had once beat, ''However when he awakes it might be wise to find out his real name. He might not be comfortable with the name…of another.'' She had meant to say something else but did not wish to cause the girl more discomfort, as it was she was blushing even more ,despite Kikyo's attempt, before bowing slightly, ''Of course Kikyo-sama I was not thinking… gomenasai for this unworthy ones thoughtlessness.''
Waving a side Peony's attempt of a humble apology Kikyo slowly arouse from her bed, taking the time to roll it up and fold the blankets before coming to kneel at Peony's side to check her charge.
He slept much the same as when Kikyo had blacked out last night, his face smooth expect for a few lines of pain. Breathing slightly stronger than before and pulse at a more steady beat. Encouraged, Kikyo lifted a signal warm hand to his sleek head pushing back sweat soaked bangs. He was still quite hot however it had lowered greatly from the fires of last night's fever.
A good sign true but it could mean nothing; fevers always lowered and could very easily rise again. Only half satisfied the miko dipped the fresh rag into the equally fresh water before bathing his head, neck, and chest as she had so often yesterday before folding it into a signal compress and laying it upon the pale forehead. Taking two more cloths from the stack of rags, brought by Yoshiro the night before when she had bathed her charge, and did the same thing, placing them upon the chest and back of the neck. The three key points most successful at lowering a fever.
''I have already treated his wounds,' Peony as the miko moved to undue his bandages. ''I even drained a few of the wounds which showed the begging stages of infection if that's alright. I know I should have asked it's just you looked so tired I thought perhaps by doing this humble act that my lady would not be so burdened.''
The miko regarded the younger female's bent head with solemn and serine brown eyes, before ever gently removed one wrapping to view her handy work, once again the foreign act of smiling coming slightly to her face as she nodded her head in approval.' You have great skill of a healer.'' She praised looking at the young teen admiringly,'' You never told me you had knowledge of the medical art?''
Instantly the young teen hid her reddened face behind a sleeve of her cranberry colored kimono, ''Okasan was a daughter of a well known traveling doctor before she met Otousan.'' She explained in a soft voice,'' she herself had planned to follow in her outosan's footsteps by honorable grandfather ,as so many men do, did not see it proper for a woman to take on the perfection of a man. Before my beloved okasan died last year from baring my little oneechan she past her gift and dream onto me. The rest of my skill was passed on while I worked at the temple from those kind souls whom took pity on me and passed on their knowledge.'' Sadly Peony looked down to her now folded hands resting neatly in her lap, ''Musui-san himself has recently seen my talent and offered to train me as a miko,'' her eyes traveled shyly to Kikyo's then back to her hands,' 'It is an honorable gift and I mean no offense to Musui-sensei or you Kikyo-sama however this unworthy person is only gifted with the knowledge of herbs and other medical arts. Not with the spiritual powers of a miko. I cannot purify, do an exorcism or fight of a youkai herd like you do. Musi-sensei tells me not all miko have to have this knowledge. But…I just…I dream of..''
Kikyo silenced the rambling teen with one touch upon the shoulder, smiling slightly as she shook her head indicating Peony had no need to explain, before pulling away. ''It is admirable dream Peony one I am sure that the gods will bless you in. I will see what I can do to help you. Until then you may be my apprentice I will teach all I know while I reside here.''
The young girl beamed before prostrating herself before the lovely miko, knocking her head upon the floor in showing of her gratitude and joy. Her throat to constricted to speak as she raised her head, honey colored eyes bright with unshed tears as she looked upon the lovely lone woman she had admired so sense the defeat of the dreaded youkai horde that had long oppressed them. ''Arigato! shisho, Arigato!.'' She finally blurted out addressing Kikyo as her master before the undead miko could comprehend what she had just said.
Then gasping with the sudden movements the girl raised to her knees backing out of the room, as if she was in the presence of a great lord, until she was just outside the entrance. ''I shall prepare your breakfast now, for surly after that long of sleep you must be hungry.'' Then not waiting for her new teacher to object that she did not need to waste her time ,being her body did not require mortal food, slid the shoji closed and rushed off toward the kitchen leavening a stunned Kikyo staring at the closed door in surprise.
The following day after a long discussion, and many pleads from Peony, Takeo granted his daughter leave to spend her days at Kikyo's side in study. ''As long as your other chores are done,'' was his only condition, ''The house and servants still need looking after along with your oneechan and sense Himiko's gone that position falls upon you. I will not be disgraced for having a filthy house and a lazy daughter whom tends to her won desires first.''
So Peony, after promising a thousand times over, moved a few of her belongings and own few medical possessions of her okasan's beside that of her new teacher Kikyo. Spending her the hours ,when she was not tending to the house and her one year old oneechan Sakura, watching and learning each medical skill the older woman had which the younger learned all to quickly over shadowed anything her own okasan had. Besides the skill of herbs and tools that came to the medical field Kikyo also sharpened Peony's poor learning skills as well. Gathering a few scrolls and books from the minuscule library of the temple she had Peony read over them aloud, correcting her when the young teen stumbled over the words.
Also she began classes on calligraphy and counting explaining any proper doctor needs more then the basic skills of medicine to be successful. The two women spent hours over a low writing desk Kinky writing one line and having Peony copy it over and over until she got it right.
While, at the head abbots persistence, Yoshiro tended to their every need, fetching their meals or whatever supplies the young females needed his own sleeping matt posted in a small screened in corner near the entrance of the room.
All the while their silver haired charge slept deep within a coma like sleep. Never stirring but for the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. As the days fell into weeks his color improved along with his breathing. However the ever persistent fever still clang to him. Rising and falling without a moment's notice.
Kikyo administered every known herbal treatment she knew, reducing her into giving her charge full blown cool baths despite his shaking. However it always ended up the same, his fever lowered, sometimes greatly, for a while only to resurface with a vengeance. Now instead of pale skin his face was tainted red.
The male's breathing, which had strengthened from its shallow intakes, becoming heavy burdened pants. His heart rate increasing into an extremely UN healthy clipped rate. The pounding of it seeming to echo throughout the halls of the small upper class home night and day.
What little nourishment they were able to coax down him came bubbling up a tens fold. The poor man's heaving becoming a daily sound as that of the chanting of priests within a shrine. Food and beverage both would come rolling up in steamy piles, while Kikyo and Peony took turns, one rolling the large bulk of a man to his side to so he would not asphyxiate while the other held a large bowl under his chin to collect the contents before whipping his lips clean with a cool damp cloth.
By the end of the second week all of them including a, cretin undead miko, were dead on their feet. Kikyo's body had gone past the allotted time needed for souls and the miko was feeling it heavily. However she selected to wait two more days and nights while the two living humans, being of weaker body, she excused from the room to rest. Asking another attendant to replace Yoshiro within the large temple, while one of the local maiden's named Chiyo temporarily took over Peony's duties about the household while the two re-gathered their strength. Kikyo herself remained posted at the ill man's side, watching her face rendered in a hard frown as he grew worse with the passing day.
Then one evening later Kikyo found herself being awakened from another unusual bought of a deep ''meditative trance'' by a large crash. Imminently, on instinct, jumping to her feet hand resting upon the handle of a large dagger hidden within her hamaka pants as her eye scanned the room looking for any source of danger. Finding to, her alarm, the futon vacant and the large shoji nothing but a pile of wood on the floor. Standing their eyes widened for a mere moment Kikyo quickly raised from the room into the a banded hall way mind raising with ever growing alarm as she looked up and down the long corridor searching.
The sound of harsh breathing accompanied by unstable footsteps leading her on past Peony's own room to the small reception hall where she found her charge clad only in a light cotton sleeping shift clinging with all his life to the nearby wall shaking to keep from collapsing. His shift soaked heavy with sweat sliding slightly down one shoulder reveling his muscled back and the strange old faded tattoo Kiyo had grown accustomed to over the hours of treatment she had administered to his body.
Moving slowly, as to not startle him, the surprised miko entered the main room and slowly eased herself ever slightly to his side to get a glimpse of his face. Finding it strained with effort sweat rolling down profusely clouding his already blank half ware stunning blue eyes as he struggled to move on.
Not taking the moment to admire his strange eye color Kikyo moved suddenly with a fast sprint when he stumbled, arms wrapping around his torso taking on his weight as she guided him safely to the cool wood floor with no more damage to his already battered weak body.
Both of them remained there panting for a time, Kikyo's head resting slightly on his shoulder supporting his heavy heated body while his own slightly lolled against hers. Then with ease to keep him up right she gazed up wards to see if he was still conscious. Doe eyes' coming into contact with dull blue hue's that seemed to stare right through as if she was not really there. ''You should not be out of bed.'' She found herself saying in dry yet stern lecturing tone, ''You are fare to weak to attempt moving around to soon. If I had not found you could have ended up with your wounds reopened or worse.''
He only sat there unmoving, unfocused eyes staring blankly at her as if he did not here a signal word she had spoke. Before with a heavy pained breath he closed them gritting his teeth in pain.''G..omen..'' came a dry hoarse whisper the familiar word almost not sounding quite right within his deep accent voice as he slumped more against her,'' It burns…I must feed..''
The words came in a faint mumble almost incoherent causing the still shock muddled miko to frown softly. Thinking over the food and drink they had tried to coax down him before only to have it come wrenching back out. However with this sudden miraculous rise from his near death like state perhaps his body could sustain it better. Eyes softening Kikyo gently eased him to the support of the wood wall behind them adjusting the shift the best she could to provide some warmth and descent before wiping back his sweat soaked bangs. ''Remain here I will return shortly.'' She ordered softly receiving a mere slight nod a few moments later that he understood before she turned and with hurried steps glided with practiced noiseless steps to the kitchen.
Thankfully it seemed one of the servants left a kettle warming over a small flame within the built hearth just inside the shoji of the small kitchen, the dried tea leaves sitting not faraway within a jar. With one sharp quick glance the miko made her selection of mint tea allowing the leaves to soak in the liquid while she reached as if guided by another force for a nearby jar of honey pouring quite a bit in to hide the tang of the medical powder she added into it next. Then with the contents on a signal tray moved with a quick gait back to her charge. Finding him where she had left him, leaning against the wall, head tilted slightly to one side his eyes tightly shut as he panted for breath.
Sitting the tea a side she reached out gently shaking his shoulder until those soft blue eyes once more fluttered open. Straining to look at her within the darkness of the large room. ''Here I brought some tea it should help. Do you think you can drink some?'' she spoke hesitantly again once more grimacing at how sharp her tone came out. Normally she was gentle and attentive with her charges however the sudden bought of alarm had her nerves set on edge. Without another word the silver haired male struggled to sit up with the miko's help. The scent of the sweet tea inviting as she lifted it to his lips and like a moth drawn to a flame he instantly drank from it. Yet seeming to grow even more thirsty with each gulp, greedily draining the cup as fast as he could not even hearing Kikyo's warning to take it easy as he swallowed the last bit before he eased away staring at the empty cup unsatisfied until a sudden stabbing pain sent him collapsing to the ground nearly on top of the very woman whom was giving him aid. A strangled cry of pain as his body began to convulse sparks of electricity spreading from his body of flesh into that of clay that was the miko's.
Wide doe eyes meeting that if blue tinted with red as the energies seemed to link them mind, body and soul.
A deep searing pain bore through her body; she could feel something moving within her searching hungrily for a substance which her body longer held. Eating away at her own blood leavening her weak and the foreign inhibitors unsatisfied. Then it screamed a dark form that entered her mind. A winged beast in humanoid form with crimson eyes long talons clawing at the air mouth wide in agony as its fangs flashed within the red lights that went off within the dark abyss.
'BlOOD!'
It cried out.
'I hunger for blood!'
A burning heat seared through its body, thousands of little voices demanding along with the beast. Without the flow of life which coursed within every living thing they would die. He would die. However it was not just any kind of blood. Not that of animal or human but of.
Methuselah..
The foreign word rang in her mind, a creature either human or youkai with fangs which fed upon the blood of humans. An image which conjured into her own mind a word which she understood rather than the other.
Kyuuketsuki
Vampire..
The tormented creature yelled in desire, the hunger growing with burning flames tearing at the miko's and the creature's skin. Kikyo's mouth opened however no sound admitted out from it as she screamed in silent agony until finally the blessed walls of darkness claimed her and the creature with hair of silver, snuffing out the heated flames
''Shisho! Can you hear me? Kikyo sama!'' A familiar female voice called to her from the dark tunnel she hovered within faint as if the caller were a thousand miles away and yet the feeling of invisible hands gripped at her clothing. 'Kikyo-sama! Peony what in Amida's name happened!'' that a males voice came in much clearer along with it recitation of Takeo as two larger male hands grabbed her shoulders shaking her slightly calling to her as his daughter sobbed at his side explaining in shaky words what she had happed in such away the poor miko could not understand.
After a brief exchange of words the drifting miko felt two large arms gather her up along with several barks of orders from her career ordering two of his strongest guard to gather up the lifeless form of the silver haired man along with more two the terrified Yoshiro as he made his way to a much larger room with a still intact shoji. A sharp dull pain passing through her clay body Kikyo managed to open her eyes a mere second to stare at Takeo's out line, listening to his soft fatherly mumbles as he patted her hand resurging everything would be alright. However even with her mind severely muddled only one thought surfaced. ''My…charge…'' Her voice was thick and raw the echoing remnants of the excoriating pain she had felt echoing within her hollow words causing the older man's face to draw up in a scowl of worry. ''Hush…hush now Kikyo-sama try not to talk. Peony is in the next room with him making sure he is comfortable. You need to rest you have a sever fever the last thing you need to worry about is tending to someone when you are ill yourself.''
The miko opened her mouth to protest, to argue that her health was fine however her tongue felt to dry and cottony. Not only could that she feel the unnatural heat burning from her clay body like the fires within a potter's hearth. Confusing the ever worn out miko for a body long dead could not suffer from illness only the weakness from the lack of souls. A weakness she felt now even worse along with another's. Nay the heat and pains she felt now was that of her charges however she could not tell Takeo that.
Something pressed to her lips aroused her attentions again and she found herself staring at a small cup within a large callused masculine hand, the other supporting her as he pressed the old prosceiln with purpose to her mouth. The cool splash of water echoing from inside. ''Drink Kikyo-sama.'' He urged not waiting for any protest as he poured a little of the coolness into her mouth.
The normal hallow tasteless feeling that foods and beverage now had in these times placed by a strange sensation as if she could actually taste the fresh sweet mountain spring. The coolness a blessed comfort as it slid down her dry parched throat. Taking blessed comfort that it offered, her mind too tired to question the strange feeling that no dead clay body should feel, Kikyo began to slip back into darkness the last sensation she felt was a damp cloth resting upon her heated brow before Takeo whispered his goodnights.
It was late midnight when she once more awakened to a room barely lit with one signal candle. It took her a mere moment to recognize where she was before frowning as the fuzzy memories flooded her mind.
The burning pain
A creature with black wings
An angel with a hunger for inhuman blood
Her mind snapped to the memory of the angelic sleeping face of her charge, going over the memories from the moment she had came across his naked form at the outskirts of the village. He had seemed so human; she never once sensed anything like what she saw within her vision. True there was something off about him but she stocked that up to him being a foreigner upon the Japanese soil.
'That energy though the first time I touched him.' Thought Kikyo as the memory passed her of when she touched her charges hand. What had that been? That aura which for the slightest moment made the illusion of feeling life within this long dead cold body of hers. Had the creature which was her charge cause this?
Her closed as the thrum of questions continued to fill her head muddling her brain ever more until she pushed them from her head for the time being. Unsure of what action she would take. The image of one of Takeo's guards pressing his sword into her charges neck made her tense greatly. He may not be human, but somehow she knew without a shadow or hint of doubt he possessed an evil soul. She had sensed the purity of it the night before during whatever that was which transpired. Tainted perhaps with a sorrow and pain ages old yet not evil. Not for the killing of the humans which resided within this village. For if she had felt even a trace of such a thing she would have dealt with it instantly. It would be best to keep this knowledge to herself and discover what would become of it. For if it was to leak out it would be for certain to cause mass hysteria within the village streets.
Rising with care Kikyo folded her blankets into place looking down at herself with a frown of her eyes; instead of her miko attire she wore a soft dark blue kimono. ''Your other one was soiled my lady.'' Cam a child's voice in front f her nearly startling the miko into another death as she looked p to find young Yoshiro kneeling beside the futon head bowed in respect, ''Peony-sama and this one was awakened last night by the cries of your charge. When we found you both were covered in a layer of blood which seemed to flow from the male's mouth. Takeo-san had Chiyo to remove your miko garments for washing before you could ware them again. They are almost dried now.'' The miko frowned deeper at the child's words, for it was not all she washed. Kikyo's haired shined with evidence of cleaning as did her skin. The thought of having her person touched without permission unnerved and slightly irked her. ''Tell Chiyo-chan and Takeo-san a appreciate their kindness'' She whispered softly before slowly standing, waiting for the room to stop spinning like a child's top before resting her folded quilt at the end of her bed.
''What room is my charge kept in? And why are you not there with him?'' she inquired causing the boy's head to lower more in shame.
''Peony-san sent me here to keep watch over you until yea were well my lady.''
''You did not answer my question Yoshiro-chan.''
At the soft lecturing sound within Kikyo's voice a harsh sigh which carried the taint of tears filled the room as he looked from out his long bangs. ''The silver haired one is dying Kikyo-san. In your sleep this unworthy one and Peony-san were unable to keep his health up. His breathing has weakened his heart rate slowing. Peony-san elected to stay with him until the last and asked me to attend to you until you were well enough to move about.''
So it was as she inwardly feared her face an emotionless cold mask she had Yoshiro lead her to the new sick room before excusing him to return to the room and used the futon to rest. Watching the boy take his leave before pushing aside the partly open shoji. Briefly staring to the sleeping form of Peony before seating herself at the silver haired male's side. Pushing back a veil of white hair from his burning face, her eyes softening as a pang caressed the empty place in his heart. Death clang to him steadily draining what life was left. From the feeling of his pulse and the stent of his breathing she determined it would be midday tomorrow that he would breathe his last. Unless. 'I hunger for blood.' The memory of the creature howled in her mind causing the miko an involuntary shutter. This being fed upon the blood of the Kyuuketsuki a rare creature to find in this day and times however when Kiyo had been alive they were nearly as common as lice. Now days it was their lesser brethren which haunted the lonely trails and pathways traveled by humans. Half-breeds made up between unsuccessful mating between a Kyuuketsuki and a human as a way to preserve their race and rid themselves with the curse of not being able to walk in the day.
These lesser leech youkai, which they had been named, looked like some sort of ugly hairless troll. Small in form with hardly a mind to think by, not once had any half-breed turned out any different as far as Kikyo knew. Moreover they were common within this part of Japan, if she were to catch one surely her charge's heart would continue beating. A wave of hope filled her as she quickly rouse, awaking Yoshiro to fetch her bow and arrows before writing a brief note to Peony stating she remembered an herb that may be an answer to their prayers. To keep her hopes up and not leave her 'Hanshiro's side.
Then with one last glance upon her charge's pale face Kikyo left shrouded by the gown of mistress night as she began her long track through the pathways nearing the village. The only thing lighting her way? Her soul gathers as they brought her the much needed souls to nourish her body as she hunted.
In the early hours before dawn she finally found the lone leech youkai she had been trailing, bent over its own successful kill of a lone monk whom had clearly been traveling on its way perhaps to the very town she inhabited. To interested in its delicious kill to listen to instincts which clearly yelled that a powerful miko was a upon it. The thing missed Kikyo placing signal arrow barley pulsing with her miko power's upon the string of her bow and arching it. It not realizing the desperation of its plight until the arrow caught it within the chest causing the pathetic creature to cry out like a pig at slaughter time.
It's death was quick, the miko energy silencing it's heart without fully purifying the body. Once the twisted sol had left Kikyo spiked her energy channeling it into the creature to jump start its heart before placing it into a signal large basket. One cloth wrapped around it to staunch he blood so not to alert watchful eyes and to save the much needed blood for her charge.
Upon returning, slipping inside as she had leavening without a signal sound, she went quickly to the sick room. Finding her patient still clinging to his life. Sighing with relief she quickly awakened Peony and after a brief discussion shewed the younger woman from the room with the expiation that this main technique she wished to keep to herself. Though slightly hurt Peony bowed to cirmstance and left her shishio to tend to the pale haired male while she herself went to the kitchen for an early morning's meal and some hot tea.
No sooner was the shoji securely closed and Kikyo had insured no one would come near did she sit to work, lighting first a rare incent which should help wipe away the over powering odor of blood before withdrawing the remains of the leech youkai. Using her signal blade she always had with her she pierced a place near his heart seeking where the blood would be the freshest before draining it into a large bowl before once more staunching the wound.
Then ever gently she kneeled at the male's side, ignoring the twist of slight nausea, as she lifted his head pressing the bowl to his lips as she eased but a little of the blood into his mouth before rubbing his neck to coax him to swallow. The poor thing was too weak to do so on his own and for a painful moment the miko doubted her attempts would be for naught.
For the man's breath caught, his heart ceasing for over three minutes and Kikyo found her nonexistent one twisting with the begging of grief as it always had when she lost one of her charges. However a bitter hope remained and as the next tick of a minute passed so did the eerie sound of a sharpened breath. The male's eyes barely fluttered open revealing red irises. Soft yet weak small wings forming upon his back along with long talons and sharp white fangs. He was not fully in his true form but a mixed of both. A deep yet weak growling rumbling in his throat when Kikyo continued to sit there staring at him in awe.
The solemn mask still in place, hiding her relief, Kikyo held out the bowl while easing the silver haired creature up so he may drink. Refilling it each time the bowl emptied and he growled low for more. Finally as the next two hours past and the last few drops of blood were drained from the leech did the winged beast seemed satisfied. Allowing Kikyo to lay him back on the pallet as it closed its eyes and another shock over came her as the few small scratches began to close upon his face. The thing was regenerating. Wasting no time, yet moving slow as not to startle him, she unwrapped the most serious of wound upon his chest finding to her amazement that it too was ceiling ever slightly. A fresh clot forming which dried into a covering. Gently she reached out with rag soaked in medicated salve and washed at the wound. The salve soothing it and causing the creature to let out a soft rumble like that of a purr once more drawing Kikyo's look. Finding half red, half blue eyes staring back at her in relief.
The red color that tainted his face seeming to subside as she watched, turning into a light pale. Curious Kikyo extended a delicate almost life warmed hand to caress one cheek. Receiving an almost adorable response if it was not for the fact her was a fearsome creature. For a soft 'mur' like sounded from his lips as he leaned into the hand, the reverberating rumbling passing through his body into that of her own causing a soft laugh of surprise and slight joy to pass through the miko's lips. A sound which had became a foreign sound to her in the long years past stunning her even more and causing the creature to stare at her for a heartbeat of a moment before closing his eyes half way pressing into her hand and looking at her expectantly.
''What is it you want?'' she asked softly in confusion and she leaned in slightly, he took an unsteady breath his voice it seemed difficult to use but finally in a deep raspy speech she had never heard before but once mentally it spoke so softly that if she had not been close she would not have heard. ''The…song…'' it panted out his request face drawing in slight pain, ''Please…sing…it…''
The miko blinked again first not understanding until the notes of Keade's old lullaby filled her head. Somehow he remembered her singing to him during one of the many fevered fits. The soothing peace of it washing over the grief which haunted forever his mind. Something he sought now. With a brief nod Kikyo began to hum it at first as she eased her charge back fully upon her pillows repeating the movements she had that night, combing his shining silver-white tresses with her fingers as the ever familiar words drifted from her parted lips
'Hush my child
There's no need for tears.
Okasan's hear to drive away your fears.
Hush my child as the nightingales sing to the
Through the night the Gods tend to yea.'
No sooner had she reached the chorus of the song did he drift into a full natural sleep, and she realized for the first time as her hand swept a bang from his head that his skin no longer burned with fever, but was cool and damp from the sweat of braking. The shoji door slid open at the same time and Peony, not hearing a bark of order to leave, slipped in taking one look at the males to peaceful face and freezing beveling him to finally have departed from this world.
Only to have her shisho beam the most beautiful smile she ever seen caress the miko's face.'' Fear not little Peony.'' She whispered in a voice holding a musical tone of joy and mixed relief, ''Our patient's fever has broke, he will live.'' With an astonished cry of joy the younger girl fell on her knees embracing her teacher nearly spilling out the contents of the misao soup she had made for her as they both looked upon the handsome face of the man whom had somehow seemingly came back to life. Peony folding her hands in a prayer of thanks, and for the first time in so many years Kikyo followed in the action with a full heart.
AN:
Well here is chapter one out earlier then I had planned. Yeah before you say anything I made a few changes to Kikyo's demeanor how I saw her before she died basically and is now slowly becoming that person again. Yes I am a Kikyo fan I am but it does not mean I hate Kagome, I just relate to Kikyo better and feel sorry for how lonely she seems. Anyways I am sure this chapter leaves allot of questions in your mind ones I will gladly hint and the answer, ask them in your reviews, or you can just read if you will and find out. I do apologize for spelling and grammar mistakes I have no beta and sadly not allot of time sometimes but I will try to do better. Anyways I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please leave me a review on what you think so far. Be ready for allot of twists and turns as the story goes.
Arigato mina-samas!
{Shikon No Tama Tenshi}