It was a beautiful day in the demon slaying village. No one ever thought that they would ever need to be protected since the demon slayers, monks, priests and priestesses decided to work together and create such a wonderful village. In fact, it almost seemed like it was nothing more than a dream. Everyone that resided in the village were powerful in their own right, though there was one person who held the most power, but refused to use it to its fullest.
A girl named Kagome.
For as long as she could remember, Kagome had been able to use high amounts of spiritual energy yet she would refuse to use it to kill demons. In fact, she would only try to stun them or scare them off with her sacred abilities yet because of that, many people had refused to teach her how to properly use a boy, or other sacred weapons such as that. Rather, Kagome had to teach herself how to use a bow though was still a bit of a sloppy shot but sometimes, did hit the mark.
She had very few friends, people who wouldn't cast her out just because she was different, because her heart would never want to hurt demons or people unless she deemed the need fit. Though even then, she would never want to kill a demon, not ever. Well, at least as long as she could help it of course.
The only friend's she has in this village are three people. Sango, a demon slayer that she had been friends with since they were little girls. In a way, Sango was like an older sister to Kagome, they would do just about everything together and it made Kagome happy that Sango would also do what she could to protect her from the villager's harsh treatment of her. Though to be honest, she sometimes wished that Sango wouldn't get involved so she wouldn't be cast out as well because of 'the demon lover' so to speak.
Miroku, a monk that would come and go from the village since the demons had started attacking other villages so he would leave with the other monks now and again. Now, a little about Miroku is that as soon as he turned thirteen, he became a bit of a pervert and would grope any pretty girl that he meets or, ask them to bare his child. One time he had asked that of Kagome though Sango beat the life out of him once though even though he is a pervert, Kagome is still friend's with him and sees him as an older brother figure.
Then, there was the mysterious man that moved here a couple years ago. His name is Inuyasha though, not much is known about him. All we know is that he is a traveling swordsman that comes to villages and lives among the villagers from demons until they no longer need him. He's a man that tends to keep to himself and lives far from the other villagers for privacy, though Kagome figures that he's shy and doesn't get along with other people very well. She does what she can to help him out, such as bringing him meals since from what she had seen; he can't cook for himself to save his life. It was a miracle that he had lived as long as he did on his own.
Kagome walks through the village, her long black hair falling down just ending above her waist, her blue eyes sparkling with light and love for those around her even if she wasn't their favourite person. Her fair skin looked like she hadn't seen a zit or even a freckle in her life though it had a slight tan to it from all the time she spends out in the sunlight, though that was as dark as it would ever get. Her clothes were that of a priestess though unlike the other outfits that a priestess should wear, the sleeves were separated from the kimono. Leaving her shoulders bare and the sleeves tightly wrapped around just above her elbows with a red ribbon. The kimono jacket she wore, along with the sleeves were white as freshly fallen snow, with a red cord going through the bottoms of the loose sleeves.
The bottom of her outfit, of course were a bright red that of course were, like her top, held together by a red belt that was tightly around her waist showing how slim her waist was. Next for her outfit, were the usual white socks and of course the rice straw sandals.
Looking around the village, the young woman saw everyone just glaring at her. Their hatred was easy to read even without the proper training, she never understood why but for a long time, she had been able to read people just through the aura that surrounded them, though it was hard to read sometimes as well, at least with some people… 'Just like Inuyasha, he's hard to read as well…' thought Kagome with a mental shrug before she kept on walking. It was lunch and as she promised, she was going to bring him something to eat or he would starve…
Looking at the sky, Kagome wondered if the rumours about demons from the west are true… Are demons attacking human villages searching for something? It was rather odd that they have been attacking people for so long when before, they never attacked the human villages. "I wonder…" she whispered softly before letting out a soft sigh and kept on walking. The villagers that would pass her by just muttered something under their breath, that she knew was 'damn demon lover' or something along those lines. Kagome never really understood why that was the case though, since she only cared about demon's lives. She wouldn't just kill them and ask questions later when she would rather ask them the reason for attacking the villages though that were also assuming that the rumour was true of course.
Looking up, Kagome smiled when she saw the small hut that resided just at the edge of the village. It was small, though it was also perfect for one person to live in. It was built by logs of a tree that was said to be strong as any steel, as was the roof. In a way, she thought that it fit the man that lived here, since he was hard headed. Giggling at her own joke, Kagome smiled as she said "Inuyasha, you home? I brought you your lunch."
"Kagome, you don't have to keep coming to my place just to make sure I eat… I can cook for myself…"
"Oh yeah? What about that time you set your meal on fire."
"… Keh…"
Stepping out of the straw door was a tall man, maybe a few inches taller than she was. He had long black hair with two locks hanging over his shoulders. She found it amazing that his hair was longer than hers though she never did comment on it… His violet eyes just stared at her, and of course he had that permanent scowl on his face… around his neck was a beaded necklace with five black beads between every white bead that was shaped like a fang.
Looking at his attire, it almost resembled a priests or priestesses kimono though unlike hers, Inuyasha's sleeves were attached at the bottom, and he wore a white jacket underneath, and his pants wrapped themselves around his ankles causing some kind of "ballooning effect." Then of course it was all held up together by the red belt that also, held onto his sword. Now that she thought about it… Inuyasha's sword was different compared to other weapons that she had seen before. He had claimed that it was a 'sacred' sword, given to him by his father though she wasn't sure if that was the case, she felt like he was hiding something since he rarely spoke of his past. Maybe even why he always walked barefoot, though she doubted it.
Kagome couldn't help but smile at Inuyasha as she held out the wrapped meal for him as she said "it's chicken. Hope you like it Inuyasha." Inuyasha frowned for a moment before sighing softly and sitting down and held out his hand for the meal. This was usual; he would give up the fight on her bringing him meals and just sit down and eat, even though he does enjoy the meals that she brings for him.
"So, you training yet Kagome or does the villagers still refused because of you being a 'demon lover'?" asked Inuyasha as he took a bite of his lunch.
"Inuyasha don't tell me you think I'm a demon lover too!" whined Kagome before sitting down next to black haired man and curled up in a ball, her chin resting on her raised needs as she let out a soft sigh. "They still won't train me. All because I refuse to kill demons. Is that so wrong that… that I don't just take away a life no matter if it's human or demon?" Whispered Kagome, before burring her eyes into her knees and let out a deep shaking breath. This was also how the day normally went, she would spill some of what she felt to Inuyasha, at least when Sango and Miroku weren't around though she kept the gist of it to herself.
Inuyasha let out a soft sigh before leaning back against the wall and took another bite of his meal. "From what I can see Kagome, everyone should learn something from you instead of the other way around. The world needs more people like you." He calmly said before looking up at the sky, though his words had caused Kagome to blink as she stared at him in shock. It was rather weird for him to speak like that when normally he's gruff and never thinks of anyone's feelings though maybe he thinks of her as a friend because she didn't cast him out just because he was a traveling swordsman.
"When did you get so sensitive Inuyasha?"
"Keh! I have my moments Kagome." Calmly said Inuyasha before finishing off the last bite of his meal. Again, it was amazing just how fast he eats; Kagome couldn't help but wonder if he skips a few meals just so he could enjoy her meal or something… Though, it did make her smile a little that he thought that. Inhaling softly, Kagome looked away from him and gazed at the sky, it was a mystery… well; Inuyasha was a mystery… as was the demons attacks.
Looking back at Inuyasha, Kagome tilted her head at him as she asked "do you have any idea why the demons are attacking the villages?" Though as soon as she had asked him that, he had stiffened, his black bangs hung over his eyes, shadowing them from her view. "You should know right? You have traveled far and through other village's right? So there has to be a reason for demons to be attacking right?" Inuyasha turned his head away before he pushed himself up onto his feet, his hands curling into tight fists as if he was trying to keep his temper in check. "Inuyasha?"
"I wouldn't know anything Kagome. That is something that… I don't really know. Don't bring it up again." He growled before walking back into his home before muttering "thanks for lunch." After that, he disappeared into his hut and didn't come out. Okay, that was rather odd even for him… Sighing, the young woman pushed herself up, dusted herself off and started to walk on back to the village. It was rather odd that Inuyasha would refuse to speak of the demons, all he would do is fight along with everyone with that weird sword of his and then he would disappear back into his hut…
What had always confused her though was how he would know they were there when his home was surrounded by trees and covered everything from view.
Shaking her head, Kagome knew that he had his reasons for keeping secrets; though it still had her curious as to what was the reason for them. Maybe he was some kind of criminal that wanted to make up for his crimes by helping those around him? Nah, if that was the case, the priests would have sensed that… There had to be something else though she just couldn't figure out what it could be, for now though she was just going to have to trust him and nothing more.
Frowning in deep thought, the young woman wondered what she could do for today. Sango was training, and Miroku was either flirting with the women again or he had gone off. Either way, she would be by herself for a few hours before her mother would need her home for dinner tonight… normally, she was at Inuyasha's a little longer though he looked upset when she asked him about the demons so, for now she would leave him alone until dinner time.
"Maybe I should practice for a little while…" she said to herself before heading over to the archery training field. That was the best thing that she could to teach herself how to hit her target. Looking around, Kagome had to make sure that no one was looking for her, if there was one thing, it was that she didn't want people to see her, for they would… 'Best not to think about it…' thought the young woman as she snuck through the trees, her own personal short cut to the training field.
As she made her way through the trees, Kagome reached into a bush and pulled out a bow and a quiver of arrows and smiled to herself. At least she could do this without anyone bothering her. Giggling to herself, the black haired maiden ran through the trees, knowing that today, she would finally hit the target, or at least hit the center of it.
Kagome breathed heavily as she leaned against the tree that resided in the training field. It was amazing how long she had kept practicing. Looking up at the sky, she saw that the sky had darkened, and the moon had risen into the sky. Smiling softly, the young woman just stared at the moon; it reminded her of her father. Looking down, she took a shaky breath; it had been a long time since she had seen him… Kagome believed that her father would come back… and they would all be a happy family again.
It was the only hope for them…
Looking back up, Kagome tried to think on her father's words… the last time that she had ever seen him when he had to leave her, and her family. "Kagome, I have to go, be a good little girl for your mother and a good older sister for your brother… remember though, your heart is your strength, not your sacred powers." to be honest, she never really understood how her heart was her strength and figured that maybe she never would.
Shaking her head, the young woman just gazed up at the full moon as it shined down onto her. She remembered that as a child, she and her father would gaze at it and star gaze. The moon was always their light, their protector. That was the one thing that her father had taught her… the moon, would protect them… though, now Kagome knew that it wouldn't be possible, the moon, could not protect her or anyone and she knew that… yet, the memory it brought well, it gave her some closure for her… in a way she guessed.
Rubbing her temples, Kagome pushed herself up onto her feet; it was time to head on home before anyone would go out looking for her. Giving a sad smile, Kagome knew that if Sango and Miroku were here, or even Inuyasha, she wouldn't have to worry about being found out, or in her case her training wouldn't be found out.
Stretching her arms above her head, the young woman started to walk through the forest only to freeze mid step. Looking at the sky, the young woman sensed something. There was a demonic aura in the air and it was… "Heading for the village!" shouted Kagome as she ran through the trees. How was this happening?! The demons never came here and now all of a sudden, they were heading here? No! This village had always been safe because demons feared the village, because they were the only ones that could kill demons…
Running up the hill, Kagome looked around the village and saw that the battle had already started. No, she wouldn't allow this to happen. She had to find some way to scare the demons off though she didn't know if it would be enough, for there was a strong demonic aura among the demons. She just couldn't tell which one it belonged too; in fact, it seemed that all the demonic auras had blended together. Narrowing her eyes, Kagome saw the villagers attacking the demons, some of the demons that were hit with sacred arrows disintegrated into dust, the slayers were ripped to pieces by their weapons… the monks that had remained in the village threw sutras at the demons causing them to scream and burst into flames while the priests would mutter chants under their breaths causing the demons to scream in pain.
Soon, Kagome felt someone standing beside her, looking up the person that stood next to her was none other than Inuyasha. "Inuyasha what…?" She didn't know how he found her, though it was strange how he did always know where she was. It must be some kind of spiritual gift he has…
"I had hoped that this wouldn't happen. I had hoped that they wouldn't attack your village Kagome but it seemed that even this village wouldn't be safe from the demons." Calmly said Inuyasha before he grabbed his sword's hilt and pulled it from its sheath. In a burst of golden light, the simple and dull sword had transformed. The blade growing, becoming sharper and forming into the shape of a blade. The guard had changed from steel, into fur, making it seem like it was some kind of dog's fang with the way it looked. "Stay up here Kagome, I'll have these demons leaving with their tails between their legs." With that, Inuyasha ran down the hill, holding the sword over his shoulder like it was the lightest thing in the world.
Kagome just watched in horror. Demons would scream and it echoed through the village, making her want to cry out in pain and torment though she didn't. She remained strong. Looking at the sky, she saw one other demon heading toward the village.
A giant white dog with markings on its face, a blue crescent moon on its forehead and two joined and jagged, fierce magenta lines on its cheeks… His sclera is red with blue irises; its tail swayed from side to side, as if it was thinking of something. 'that must be the leader…' thought Kagome before pulling out a bow. If she scared it off, maybe the others would leave as well, that was all she would have to do right?
Notching the bow with her arrow, Kagome watched, the demon dog was flying through the air dodging some of the others attacks. The dog barked, what she assumed to be orders to keep attacking though she couldn't be sure of that for, she didn't speak dog. Closing one eye, Kagome tried to aim the bow, she knew that she would have to be careful; she didn't want to hit him by mistake or put in too much sacred energy in the bow… Inhaling deeply, Kagome turned her gaze from the demon when a burst of golden light appeared, when she looked, she saw Inuyasha fighting some of the lesser demons. The energy from his sword would shoot out in five lines, almost resembling claws…
Just what was that sword in the first place? There was no way that it could be a sacred sword, though she wasn't going to voice that for the time being… she would ask him later, right now she had her own problems to tend to. Turning her gaze to the demon, her blue eyes burning and glowing with her sacred energy. This was going to be the moment of truth; she was going to make sure that she scared off this demon no matter what.
Launching the bow, the demon looked toward it for a moment and moved out of the way. The giant dog growled, its crimson eyes looking around as if trying to find the source, though for some reason, it wouldn't look at her… maybe it couldn't sense her? Maybe… it couldn't see her or there was more to it. She couldn't really be sure though it wasn't enough to get him to run off. She would have to shoot another one.
Breathing deeply, Kagome notched another arrow onto her bow and aimed. Trying to put in all of her focus and strength into this arrow so it wouldn't hit the demon but in fact, get it to run away so it wouldn't come back.
Kagome tightly shut her eyes, praying that this arrow would miss… she had put in a little more spiritual energy than she normally does when it comes to trying to scare off demons. Slowly, she opened her eyes; the light from her arrow was bright, brighter than it normally was though she figured that it would be enough for it to scare the beast off…
When she stared at the demon, Kagome finally noticed something… it was staring at her. As if it knew something about her though didn't dare move from its place high in the sky floating on what she would assume was a cloud of its demonic energy. Closing her eyes, she whispered "I'm sorry… but please move out of the way." With that, she launched the arrow, and watched as it soared through the air. Kagome could only watch as the arrows light glowed brighter and brighter as it went through the air, and Kagome didn't know if the demon was going to dodge out of the way but prayed that it would.
The demon let out a growl as it tried to move out of the way, though it seemed that it was not meant to be, for the arrow hit the beasts skin, or more so, its chest, just past its heart. The demon howled in pain and thrashed about, the arrow mostly just grazed its skin, instead of going right through its flesh though that was enough to get it to run away. Kagome though, felt bad for hitting it… she didn't want to hit the demon, just wanted it to run away… yet that wasn't going to be the case for it…
The demon let out a loud roar, its roar was a mixture of pain, anger, and bloodlust. The beast slashed at anything that came near it, though its moves were slow and sluggish as if the sacred energy was wrapping itself around the demon slowing it down.
Soon, the beast's gaze went to Kagome, and growled before starting to run off deep into the forest. Kagome couldn't believe it… she hit the beast and it still had the energy to run off though… she couldn't help the guilt that wrapped itself around her heart… this wasn't how she wanted the demon to run off, she wanted it to run without getting hurt, maybe stun it a little but… not like this.
Tears started to stream down her face as she watched as the demon's body slowly faded from her line of sight, there had to be something that she could do but for now… there was nothing that she could do until morning… "What have I done…?" whispered Kagome.
