Midoriko's Daughter
Chapter two: A new enemy
"Kag…Kagome!" The small kit woke in a heavy sweat. Sango picked him up in her arms, "Shippo, Kagome will come back. You need not to worry." Inuyasha picked him up by the sleeve of hit shirt and sat him back down, "Listen you little runt, you need to stop being such a baby. It's a cold hard world out there and sure she's probably already been eaten by a demon without me there…GAH!" He screamed as Sango's Hiraikotsu came crashing in to his skull. Miroku chuckled in the background, obviously glad that it had been the hanyou and not himself taking the blow. "Don't worry Shippo, we will go get the wench tomorrow." Inuyasha cowered with Sango's vengeful glare bore down on him yet again.
Kagome moaned and yawned as she woke up from a deep sleep. The servant from the night before was there to greet her, "Good morning Lady Kagome." Kagome had to bite her tongue, for all she knew she was a lady. "Good morning …May I ask your name?" The servant gave her a small nod, "Yes of course Milady. I am Rena." She looked to be an armadillo-youkai of some sort. "I'll get dressed and meet you outside the door." Rena nodded and slipped through the plain cherry wood door.
"Well…Last night he had said something about a library…" Kagome thought out loud as she looked through her clothes. She picked out a silky black kimono; White sea foamed waves crashed up from the lowest sections of the kimono to meet with her calves and hips. She slipped a light purple obi around her waist, and combed through her long black hair.
Rena jumped slightly as the door opened behind her. "My Lady, may I say you look lovely this morning." Kagome beamed, "Thank you." Rena bowed slightly, "Are you ready to go to the morning meal?" Kagome nodded before following the servant to the very end of the hall. She opened the door and told Kagome to walk in. Sesshomaru sat on a small cushion at the far end of a very low table. He motioned for her to sit at his right, "This is to be your place as Rin's is to my left." She nodded and sat down next to him. "After our meal we will proceed to the library." A few minutes passed of silence until Rin came running down the hall and slid into her cushion. "Kagome you will love the food Sesshomaru has the chef serve us." Kagome smiled, "I'm sure it is very delicious Rin." Rin beamed as three servants set food in front of each of them. Rin and Kagome were brought chicken and rice as Sesshomaru was served sushi. Kagome's stomach churned as she thought of sushi in the morning. 'She does not like our food…' His inner demon was amused as she turned her head and kept her eyes down. Rin smiled as she gulped down rice, "Will Kagome play with Rin?" Kagome looked up at the child's puppy eyes, "I will if there is time to later." Sesshomaru interrupted with a small growl causing Kagome to flinch in her seat, "Rin, she will play with you tomorrow for today there is no time." Rin groaned slightly and asked to be excused. Sesshomaru nodded and sent a piercing stare at a guard, who in return followed Rin out the door. 'must be her body guard…' Kagome chuckled in her mind.
Sesshomaru watched as Kagome finished her meal with dainty bites and drank her last bit of tea. "Are you ready?" She nodded silently before rising to her feet. She took small proper steps as she followed him down the large hallways. He inwardly grinned at how polite she was being. He opened the massive door to his personal library and study and waited for her to continue through. The room was circular and overlooked the sea on one end and the village on the other. Scrolls lined the walls, leaving space only for candles. The roof was a sheer waterproof silk that allowed the sky to shine through. The floor was made of an elaborate black shag rug with unbending moonflowers. Small and large cushions sat next to large lanterns. Two small cushion and low table sat at the very back of the room with over a dozen scrolls strewn over it. 'She likes it; Does this please you?' 'Of course.'
"Kagome please have a seat near my desk." Kagome did as was told and sat at one end of the table. She smiled, feeling slightly more comfortable, "I wanted to tell you that the room that you have given me is quiet amazing. I appreciate all your hospitality." He nodded, "Now then, have you any questions?" Kagome almost blurted all five million out, but instead decided to think carefully. "I am an Ice demon?" Sesshomaru nodded and waited for her to continue as her eyes lit up. "What am I going to be able to do?" He almost sighed, knowing all to well this would be a long day. "You are part of the four corners, North is where your domain is to reside, South is where the Lions reside, East is alligator, and West…" She nodded knowingly. "Being as you are an Aisu Youkai you will be expected to control water, far more than a water demon that is, although you will be unable to melt it. The power to freeze anything shall be at your hands." She nodded, "But what of my miko abilities?" He shook his head, "I not exactly sure for this has never occurred before."
He rummaged through his messy desk, "I do however know for a fact that you did not, at birth, look as you do now." He slipped a small painting of Midoriko, Lord Toshio, and their baby into her hands. She looked at it in awe. Midoriko was in a simple sea foam green kimono and was without her usual armor; To her right was a tall demon lord; His eyes were a bright glowing electric blue and clashed with his baby blonde long hair; He brandished dark armor and a huge sword rested in its hilt beneath his obi; A small light blue water drop rested on his forehead; His muscular body was hidden beneath a dark blue kimono; Her eyes came upon a newborn. "This is me…" Sesshomaru watched as she traced her fingers over the painting, transfixed. She was in awe; she had had pointed ears, small blonde strips of hair rested behind each ear while the rest was the same ebony black, her eyes had been an electric blue just as her fathers had been. A small tear slipped from her eye as she noticed the same water drop on her former self's forehead.
'She is crying…' 'I know.' 'Perhaps she is sad.' 'For what reason?' 'Confusion.' 'I'm not sure.' He watched as she wiped away her tears and handed him back the small portrait. "Thank you.' He nodded. "What about the shard necklace?" He pulled the necklace out from under a scroll. "This is made from both jyaki and miko-ki shards. It will help you balance your power when the time comes." Kagome furrowed her brows, "When will that be?" He took the necklace from her hands, "When you are ready. First you must learn of Aisu Youkai customs and rituals, fighting with a sword," He caught her eye as he put emphasis on the weapon. "You will need to fight for your domain to be returned to you. As you now know Naraku had been ruling there until his death." Kagome shuddered at the mention of his name. It had only been two months since he had been defeated. "How did this happen?" "After your father had died there was no one left to take his place, many wars marred the land and never had a stable lord arose, not until Naraku assumed power thru a monkey youkai named Runi; You met him during the final battle." Kagome nodded. Runi had been fairly weak with out the shikon-shards and she had purified him easily. Sesshomaru watched as she clutched the full jewel on her necklace.
He helped her up from her cushion, "Many enchantments have been placed upon your person to protect you. I have only been permitted to release one at a time as you learn, I will assume you have become of age." He stopped speaking as he saw Kagome shake her head 'no'. "Then why have you been given this task?" Kagome let her eyes fall on the floor, "The mother I had known died, and who I had known to be my grandfather is well into old age. He did not feel it was safe to keep it from me any longer for if he died I would have never known." Sesshomaru nodded in agreement. "How many years do you have?" She blushed slightly, "Only one…" He sighed inwardly, "Then we will have a head start, but I cannot release you of the enchantments at this time."
"So…" She relieved them of silence as she strolled around the room, "I'll assume that I'm to read a lot come the following months?" He nodded, "You must study and learn of the customs of your people." She smiled and put her hands on her hips, "Point me in the right direction?" He was surprised by her swift mood change, but decided not to speak of it; women were supposed to be crazy were they not? He glided over to a huge section near the 'village' balcony. "I'll give you a few to start on." He handed her five large scrolls. "I trust you'll have fun." Was that a hint of sarcasm she detected? She grinned and watched as he turned to leave, "Thank you Sesshomaru-sama." He nodded with his claws on the frame of the door, "I will send a servant to bring you tea and escort you to the evening meal." He slipped through the door before anything more could be said.
Kagome stretched out on one of the longer futons and opened one of the scrolls, "Aisu Coming of Age Ceremonies," Kagome blushed as she read it out loud. She quickly decided on not speaking what she read and began the long and tedious task.
When a young Aisu female turns the age of twenty-years she is of the age to marry and bear children. For this special occasion the Aisu woman will wear a furisode; if the woman in question is of royal blood she will be expected to wear the mark of her lands on her back and obi to show she is proud of the domain. At this time she will be expected to either introduce her betrothed, or her intended, if there is none she will proceed to meet and dance with all the males at the party. If the woman is betrothed or has an intended she will be expected to dance only with this male; In this case the other males will not ask the lady to dance unless he wishes to challenge the male.
In some cases the Coming of Age Ceremony doubles as a Pre-Mating Ceremony; if this occurs then at this time the betrothed or intended male is to announce this decision. If the mating will not occur directly after the ceremony, the announcement should also not occur.
After dancing the female is to drink her first sake and announce that she has come of age. The mother and father of the new woman will bow and congratulate their daughter with a toast and sometimes a speech.
Kagome felt tears brim her eyelids and rolled up the scroll. She had read enough from that one. "Mating Ceremonies…" She rolled the scroll up and put it to the side, "That one can wait…" A blush tainted her cheeks. Just as she was about to open the next scroll there came a knock at the door. "Come in." The servant Rena came in carrying a tray with a small cup and a tea kettle. "I brought your tea Milady." Kagome nodded and took the cup from her. "Thank you." She lightly blew on the steaming liquid before taking a sip. "Lord Sesshomaru has asked me to stay with you until the evening meal." Kagome smiled, "Would you like to read something?" The servant shook her head, "I do not know how." Kagome was quiet shocked, "Well I could read to you if you would like, but this material is kind of boring." Rena smiled, "I would love to hear it Milady." Kagome gestured toward the seat next to her, "Please, have a seat." Rena nodded and sat down. "Alright," Kagome rolled open the next scroll, "Courting an Aisu Demon…" Kagome blushed, perhaps these would not be as bad as 'Mating Ceremonies.'
"When courting an Aisu Demon a male should be soft on his approach, for it is hard to win a heart of ice. The male should first be subtle, but unique, in showing interest in her and her alone. Aisu females are not kind to adulterers." Kagome held back a small giggle. "Oh I wonder what they do to them?" Rena piped in. Kagome had almost forgotten she was in the room, "I'm not sure…but it doesn't sound to pleasant." Rena shook her head 'no'. "The next step to court an Aisu female is to teach her something no one else has ever tried; She will find this impressive. Thirdly one must have something made for the girl, an original gift handmade, if you have wooed this Aisu woman correctly she will treasure this item for all eternity." Kagome couldn't help but giggle to her hearts desire. The laughter became infectious as Rena now also began to laugh.
Both their heads went up as the door opened to reveal Sesshomaru. Both women lifted themselves off the floor and dusted and straightened their kimonos. "You are late…" Kagome didn't bother looking at the servant, his eyes bore straight into Kagome's. "I'm sorry, we got caught up in the reading." He pushed her aside and picked up the open scroll. "You find courting hilarious?" He asked with an arched eyebrow. "No, just that men would need a guide…" She bit her bottom lip to hold in her giggles. "Rena you may go." Rena quickly left the room. "You do not think it is appropriate to know when a male is courting you?" Kagome let her eyes cast down, "I don't think a woman needs a book to know when someone likes her." He took the scroll and, with his usual stolid face, he ripped it in half. "Then I suppose there is no sense in reading it." She looked up at him with surprise in her eyes. "So Lady Kagome can you please tell me if and when you have been courted?" Kagome bit her lip, "Yes, once it lasted for about two years…I didn't like him like that…" "Would you know if you were being courted right now?" Her eyes went wide, "By who?" He walked away from her and held open the door. "I'm not kidding Sesshomaru, by who?" He ignored her question and allowed her to follow him to the dining area.
The evening meal was almost silent, if you excluded the humming and chatter of a small girl named Rin. "Sesshomaru-same, when is Jaken coming home?" Sesshomaru looked up from what looked to be a rare steak. "He will not be coming home. He has a wife now." Rin beamed, "Good! He was mean to Rin. He hurt my feelings." Kagome smiled at her, "Then you should be glad he is not coming back." Rin nodded, "Lord Sesshomaru, can Lady Kagome read me a story before sleep time?" Sesshomaru glanced at Kagome and waited for her answer; when she gave a curt nod he relayed the message back to Rin. "Oh! This is so exciting!" Rin grinned. Kagome couldn't help but like the girl.
'Do you think she suspects anything?' 'Not a thing.' 'Not that it matters much right now, she's not even of age yet.' 'I know.' 'So far she seems like she's hiding a feisty personality; I like it.' 'Trust me, I know.' Sesshomaru was brought from his silent conversation as Rin stood up, "May Rin and Lady Kagome be excused?" Sesshomaru nodded. Kagome couldn't help but to giddily follow the girl. She had so much pent up energy it was hard not to be excited. Rin lead her to her room and opened the door. The room looked as if it was a garden; the floor was made of grass and flowers flourished throughout the room; the futon had been made the same way as Kagome's but Rin's had many pink flowers rather than simple moonflowers. Rin ran over to a stack of small scrolls and pulled one out for Kagome to read. Kagome tucked her into bed and began to read.
"Once upon a time there was a wolf. This wolf had fur as white as the snow itself. He would brush his fur and use sea shells to primp. One day the sea ran out of shells and the only one he had left was battered from the harsh weather. A monkey found out that the wolf was in need of a comb…" Kagome looked up from the scroll to find Rin fast asleep. She rolled up the story and placed it near the others before slipping through the door.
"Oh Sesshomaru-sama! You scared me!" She had ran straight into his hard chest, happy his armor was not on at the moment. "Is Rin asleep?" She nodded, obviously uncomfortable. "We will be going to the library again tomorrow, so you have no need to wear your training youkata." Kagome nodded, "Good night Sesshomaru-sama." He nodded and watched intently as she entered her room. 'You enjoyed her on our chest.' 'I know.' He walked to his room and closed the door.
The moon was far into the sky as Inuyasha and his group set up camp. "You don't think she made it all the way to Sesshomaru's castle do you?" Sango asked with Shippo listening intently on her shoulder. "Inuyasha I think it is possible, don't you?" Inuyasha nodded in agreement with Miroku. "I just don't get why she'd need to see that bastard." Miroku sat trying to light fire to the wood in the center of camp, "She would have told you if you wouldn't have acted the way you did." Inuyasha growled before jumping into a nearby tree. "He's right you know!" Shippo called after him.
Kagome laid in bed wide awake. She had just gotten into her pajamas after taking a nice hot bath. 'What did he mean by that little comment?' She turned on her stomach, 'Did he mean he is courting me?' A laugh escaped her lips. 'No that's not it…unless…no that's not it either.' She refluffed her what she would call a pillow and gave sleep another shot.
Lightning shot through the sky followed by a loud rumble. Rin's eyes flew open as she stared out her balcony at the gray cloud filled sky. A soft whimper escaped her lips. She lifted her feet over her hammock and scurried across the floor. Opening her door, she looked into the hall; When she was sure no one would see her, she ran to Kagome's door and opened it. "Lady Kagome?" She whispered, when no answer came, she walked on in and shut the door. She shook Kagome's shoulder and jumped back a little when a soft moan escaped the sleeping girl's lips. "Rin?" Kagome asked groggily. Rin nodded and came closer. A loud thunder roll came with a torrent of rain; Rin cringed. "Do you want to sleep in here with me?" Rin nodded. Kagome grinned at how cute the girl was being. "You know there's nothing to be afraid of," Kagome pulled the covers back and let the girl cuddle next to her.
Sesshomaru placed his training katana back on a shelf. Sweat dripping from his chest was quickly wiped up with a damp cloth. A knock at the door caught his attention, "Who dares to disturb this Sesshomaru?" A squeaky voiced servant on the other side of the door answered, "Little miss is not in her room sir." Sesshomaru began to replace his haori and armor. "Have you looked in the gardens?" The servant quivered, "We have searched everywhere Milord, Rin is no where to be found." Sesshomaru growled deep in his throat, "You are dismissed."
He ran with lightning speed up the many levels of mountain and castle until he came upon the very top. He quickly came upon Rin's room and smelled her misty scent in Kagome's room. A heavy sigh escaped his breath and he opened the door to Kagome's room. He watched as she rose from her place next to Rin, "Good morning Sesshomaru-sama." He nodded, "Did you tell Rin she could sleep in here?" Kagome nodded while hiding a yawn, "She was scared of the thunder." A low growl escaped his chest, "You have no authority to allow her to do as such." Fire glimmered in Kagome's eyes, "If she is scared I will allow her to sleep in my room, it's not as if you could understand when she needs comforted." By this time Rin had awoken and stood up, "Lord Sesshomaru-sama! Isn't Lady Kagome so nice. She told Rin that there was no reason to be afraid." She was obviously oblivious to the previous conversation. "Yes of course Rin, please go change for the day." When the child was out the door he let his eyes bleed red, "You have no right." Kagome turned away from him, "Yes I'm sorry, you have taken care of her for a few years. It's a wonder she doesn't have psychological problems." Sesshomaru growled deeply as he grabbed her arms and pushed her against the futon. "Do you underestimate this Sesshomaru?" Kagome refused to look into his red eyes, "She deserves a mother figure Sesshomaru." His eyes began to turn back to their normal amber, "And I am to understand you wish to be this mother figure?" She blushed, still refusing to look into his eyes. "What did you mean by what you said last night?" He closed his eyes and let her get up from the bed, knowing exactly what she was talking about.
"Would you know if you were being courted right now?" Her eyes went wide, "By who?" He walked away from her and held open the door. He figured now would be as good of a time as any, "We are arranged to be mated." She looked at him with wide eyes, "What?" She let herself slip from the futon on to the floor. "You were promised to me when you were born." She glared at him, "I do not have to mate with you Sesshomaru, I have my own free will." He closed his eyes, a head ache was definitely coming on. "I will not force you." She was surprised, "That…That's right, you wont." She walked over to the door and held it open for him, "If you don't mind I would like to be alone for the rest of the day, you can have someone bring a few scrolls for me to read." He nodded and looked at her before he left, "I feel it will make things less constrained if I tell you I was only a child when this occurred." She nodded and let her eyes fall to the floor. He walked from the room in the direction of his study. "Sesshomaru, wait." He stopped in the middle of the hall. "Thank you." Without turning to face her, he answered, "You may act as a mother figure for Rin." A pang of guilt hit her as she thought of Shippo.
Shippo yawned as he woke up from his nap on Inuyasha's head. The rough terrain made their journey slow. Sango soared over head on Kirara, searching for the western castle. "I see a tower near the sea! Do you think that could be it?" Inuyasha Jumped up a few trees, letting Shippo fall into Miroku's hands. "Whoa!" Shippo shivered in the monks arms, "Thanks a lot Inuyasha!" He ignored the kit and continued to climb until he saw the tower. "Yeah that's where the bastard lives!" He jumped down, "It's going to take at least three days to get there so lets get a move on!" Sango, Miroku, and Shippo all groaned; despite the fact that Kagome needed to be saved, they were all very exhausted from the seemingly endless amount of travel; Without Kagome there was no one to stand up against the hanyou, he simply didn't understand the need to rest.
Sango flew with Kirara to some apple trees and picked three; She then threw two to Miroku and Shippo, "Chew and run guys!"
Kagome bit her lip as she packed a tank top and a pair of shorts into a small bag; It was one of the many reasons she loved her backpack so much, it was always so convenient. "Ogon." The white dragon nodded his head, "Do you remember Shippo?" The dragon nodded happily. Kagome beamed, "Could you find his scent and take me to him?" Kagome grinned even wider as she got her answer. She brought Ogon out to the balcony and allowed him to transform. His scales shimmered magnificently in the sun; Kagome couldn't help but be awed every time he showed his true form. "Ogon, you're gorgeous." He nuzzled her hand and pushed her side to hop on his back. "Alright, alright. Lets go!" He roared and blew a bright blue flame into the sky as they took off toward the east.
She was shocked at how fast Ogon was; neither Inuyasha nor Kirara was in comparison. She rubbed between the dragons two horns, "Ogon you're the best. When we return to the domain remind me to get you two squirrels. He replied with another great roar and flame.
Shippo sat on Sango's Fire-Cat along with a badly beaten Miroku. "You know you shouldn't touch there Miroku.' Shippo scolded. "It's this hand…It can't get enough of Sango's glorious…" She hit him square on the head with her fist. "That's enough Miroku!" He swooned, "Oh Sango, you're so kind to grace my skin with your fist of love."
The group quickly stopped goofing off when a large dragon demon came into view. "Kagome!" Inuyasha yelled when her scent came to his nose. "Follow me!" She yelled for them to follow her dragon to a small clearing.
"Guys!" She hugs all of them and held Shippo in her lap. "Where have you been!?" Each of the adults took their turn to ask the same question. "I have business to attend to with Sesshomaru-sama…" She was cut off, "SAMA!? YOU'RE CALLING HIM SESSHOMARU-SAMA!?" She glared at him, "Sit." "Wha…" His face embraced the hard ground. "Serves you right Inuyasha!" Shippo tsked him. "Well Kagome what else?" Sango asked. "As I was saying…" She glared at the hanyou once again, "I will be staying at Lord Sesshomaru's domain for awhile." Miroku sat criss-crossed, "Might I ask why?" She bit her lip, "I've recently discovered quiet a few things about my lineage, that only he can help me with." "Alright," well you know where to find us." Kagome nodded, "One thing first though before I go, Shippo, would you like to come with me or stay here?" He shivered, "Why would I want to stay with horrible Inuyasha?" She laughed, alright."
Inuyasha rose from his place in the dirt, "You can't lea…" He quickly shut his mouth as Kagome uttered the word 'sit'. "I can do whatever I'd like Inuyasha! The jewel is complete, and right here on my neck! I have no obligations leaving me to travel with you any further! I've only stayed BECAUSE I KIND OF LIKED YOU AS A FRIEND!" When she was done screaming at him heavy pants ran from her lips. "Bye Sango, Miroku…" She hugged each one…and slapped Miroku before she jumped on her Dragon with Shippo.
Kanna walked deep in to the forest. Her mirror shook as souls poured out one by one; the small oval drowned in power. A small smile played on her lips, and why not, no one was there to see. Kikyo's soul stealing shinidamachuu sprung up from the skyline, ready to cling to the souls like bees to nectar. The mirror began to crack at the sides as more and more souls gathered to run from their prison.
Kikyo was surprised by the enormous amount of souls that her snake-like creatures brought her, but that didn't stop her from engulfing each and every one. She felt so alive with so many souls, it was like adrenaline coursing thru her nonexistent veins. Suddenly her eyes went wide as more and more souls sunk beneath her clay skin. "Ahhh!" She screamed out as she tried to purify the souls, but nothing worked. Her body began to crack and heal itself with demonic energy. "No!" She tried to reign over her body, but the attempt was futile.
Kanna walked out from the forest's edge over to the fighting priestess. "Naraku is dead, but the demon souls that had resided within his body are now in you Kikyo. That was his last wish." Kikyo tried to shoot an arrow at the girl, but failed; she was weakened far too much. She felt as Kagome's last piece of soul lifted itself from her body, she had always known the girl wasn't her reincarnation, just a miko strong enough to sustain and bring back her own. She screamed to the heavens to let her return to Hell, but no answer came; her insides were filled with jyaki energy and soon she would no longer recognize her true self. Even with all the pain, she remained strong; no tears pooled from her eyes.
Shippo's eyes went wide as a white orb flew to Kagome's body. She choked, trying to keep her breath. Everything went hazy as she let a few mumbles escape her lips, "Kikyo's gone…my soul…poor Inuya…" She plummeted into the dense forest. Ogon roared to the heavens as he flew in deeply to save her. Shippo began to cry as he held on tightly, "Kagome!"
Thank you for all the reviews! I will be answering ch1's shortly after this post of ch 2! I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as the last!
-Emoragdollx3