Kagome: Storyteller, Miko, Wife or Mate?
One-Shot #3
Disclaimer: I own nothing...
Three dark crows circled above the large open field, anticipating their next meal. A small group of three humans, a hanyou, and two demons stood tall and proud. Fear, hate, and anticipation thick in the group's tongues. They were ready.
On the other side of the green field, a sole figure stood grotesquely haunched over, coldly analyzing through crimson orbs. His pure white baboon pelt swaying with the gentle breeze. He sniffed once, twice, and stood tall. Relaxing.
His prize was untouched.
"You're not getting away this time Naraku!" the proud hanyou yelled across the clearing, hand tightening on Tetsaiga.
The one called Naraku did not respond, simply stared across the field. Kagome and Sango took an involuntary step towards each other, while Miroku stepped in front of them, one hand fidgeting with the beads restraining his wind tunnel. Crouching low, Inuyasha prepared to draw his sword.
Naraku raised his head, though his eyes were hidden behind his mask, he made it seem he was staring up at the sky, when really, his eyes were trained on the young miko across from his. He could clearly see the confusion in her eyes, the fear in her stiff stance and the determination burning in her clear eyes. He could see the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed, rhythmacly. He could only imagine how she looked like underneath.
He'd always admired her, from afar. His subconscious had wanted her before his conscious had. He'd always know his human heart foolish for desiring the dead miko, Kikyo. He'd know where the true treasure was; within this young miko. She was strong: both physically, spiritually, and mentally. Her power was even greater than those of the dead miko, and with proper training, even greater than that of the one who created the Shikon. Such power was sure to pass down to powerful offspring. His offspring.
The fact that it was mating season, was probably a good omen. After all, mating season for demonds—or hanyous, did not take place ever year. Their specie's mating cycle started every two hundred years. And this spring, just happened to be the two hundredth year. How fortunate. Perhaps it was just destiny.
The feeling of being watched was almost unbearable for Kagome. She knew it must have been Naraku. Who else? She could almost feel his slithering eyes sliding over her body. She felt almost sick thinking about it. Her thoughts were interrupted when the creature before them spoke.
"I heard your story, Miko," Naraku said, drawling on every word.
Kagome's eyes widened. The rest of the group stiffened as well. How long had he been following and spying on them? That had been hours ago, when they had stopped to rest...
Flashback
"Lady Kagome, would you mind asking Inuyasha if we could stop for a while? I think we all need some rest," the monk said, his dark purple robes swishing around his ankles.
Kagome looked over at a tired Sango and the sleeping Shippou cradled in her arms lovingly. She knew that that last demon had taken his toll of her companions. She marched over to where Inuyasha was walking hastily and grabbed his sleeve.
"Inuyasha, I think we should stop a while," Kagome said worried. Inuyasha looked back at her and for a moment simply stared at her, as if seeing her for the very first time.
Kagome caught the fleeting sight of raw desire flash through Inuyasha's eyes, before it quickly disappeared. He nodded at her before turning away without a word and jumped into the nearest tree. He shut his eyes and concentrated on anything other than the intoxicating smell of the two females in the group. He cursed the season, he cursed the year, and he cursed his wanning control.
Kagome sat down next to Sango on the roots of an old tree, Shippou in her lap. Miroku dropped to the floor across from them unceremoniously and sighed, exhaustion slumping his shoulders down.
"Lady Kagome, perhaps you can enlighten us with one of your many tales," Miroku asked the young woman before him. Sango stared at him suspiciously, before agreeing with him. Shippou's thick lashes began to flutter before his bright green eyes peeked out from underneath them. He yawned, revealing tiny white fangs.
"Will you, mommy?" he adoptive pup said, rubbing the sleep out from his eyes.
Kagome smiled down at him warmly, then nodded. She searched her mind for a good story to tell them. She didn't have to search long, with a quick intake of air, she began weaving her tale.
"This story is beautiful but tragic, and one of my favorites. It begins with Orpheus, the best musician that ever lived. One strum of his lyre, one note sung, and beasts would crawl to him, rocks would shift their moss to move to be closer, trees would tear their roots to be closer to him. He had more power than a mortal man ought to for he was the son of the Muse Calliope," at seeing that she'd had their complete and unconditional attention, she continued.
"He lived his life simply and carelessly until the day he met Eurydice. She was a Dryad, and when they fell in love it meant everything to them. But the rustic god Aristeus, son of Apollo, saw Eurydice's beauty and desired it, and did not care that she was unwilling and in love with another. She ran from him in terror, without thought to her steps. While she fled, though, she stepped on a poisonous snake. The venom of its bite killed her at once and her spirit went to the Underworld. Orpheus was inconsolable. His grief was bitter, but he did not let it lull him into a stupor, he decided to take action," Kagome paused long enough to glance up at Inuyasha, the only indication the hanyou was listening was his twitching ears. Smiling fondly, she continued.
"Then everything in this world was dark and bitter for the minstrel Orpheus; sleep would not come to him, and for him food had no taste.
Then Orpheus said: 'I will do that which no mortal has ever done before; I will do that which even the immortals might shrink from doing: I will go down into the world of the dead, and I will bring back to the living and to the light my bride Eurydice,'" Kagome heard the incredulous gasps and nodded, enthusiastically. She loved this story because it was sad—yet it proved to her that love can be strong enough to overcome death.
"Then Orpheus went on his way to the valley of Acherusia which goes down, down into the world of the dead. He would never have found his way to that valley if the trees had not shown him the way. For as he went along Orpheus played upon his lyre and sang, and the trees heard his song and they were moved by his grief, and with their arms and their heads they showed him the way to the deep, deep valley of Acherusia.
Down, down by winding paths through that deepest and most shadowy of all valleys Orpheus went. He came at last to the great gate that opens upon the world of the dead. And the silent guards who keep watch there for the rulers of the dead were frightened when they saw a living being, and they would not let Orpheus approach the gate," Kagome paused at Inuyasha's smart remark of wimpy guards, "What kind of beast is frightened by a dumb human?"
"This is a three headed beast who was tormented by a previous human—what are you expecting?" Kagome retorted.
Sango and Miroku shook they heads in agreement. Shippou patted Kagome's arm to continue.
"But the minstrel, knowing the reason for their fear, said: "I am not Heracles come again to drag up from the world of the dead your three-headed dog Cerberus. I am Orpheus, and all that my hands can do is to make music upon my lyre,"
"Whimp," Inuyasha muttered from atop the tree.
"Jerk,"
"Yeah!" Shippou exclaimed rolling his tiny fist.
"And then he took the lyre in his hands and played. As he played, the silent watchers gathered around him, leaving the gate unguarded. And as he played the rulers of the dead came forth, Hades and Persephone, and listened to the words of the living man.
"The cause of my coming through the dark and fearful ways," sang Orpheus, "is to strive to gain a fairer fate for Eurydice, my bride. All that is above must come down to you at last, O rulers of the most lasting world. But before her time has Eurydice been brought here. I have desired strength to endure her loss, but I cannot endure it. And I come before you, Hades and Persephone, brought here by Love."
"That's the dumbest think I've heard so far," Inuyasha retorted, his ear twitching towards the group beneath.
"That's because you're too dumb to know any different," Shippou defended.
Both Sango and Kagome laughed at Inuyasha's solemn expression, surprised he hadn't drop down and scolded the little kitsune.
"When Orpheus said the name of Love, Persephone, the queen of the dead, bowed her young head, and bearded Hades, the king, bowed his head also. Persephone remembered how Demeter, her mother, had sought her all through the world, and she remembered the touch of her mother's tears upon her face. And Hades remembered how his love for Persephone had led him to carry her away from the valley in the upper world where she had been gathering flowers. He and Persephone bowed their heads and stood aside, and Orpheus went through the gate and came amongst the dead.
They let Orpheus through to Eurydice, but warned him very carefully: Eurydice would follow him into the light of the world and once she entered the sunlight she would be changed from a shade back to a woman. But if Orpheus doubted, if he looked back to see her, she would be lost to him forever," Miroku's brows rose a fraction; of course their was always a catch.
Sango grabbed Miroku's hand unconsciously, her attention on Kagome.
"In the throng of the newly come dead Orpheus saw Eurydice. She looked upon her husband, but she had not the power to come near him. But slowly she came when Hades called her. Then with joy Orpheus took her hands.
As he walked he rejoiced that his wife would soon be with him again. He listened closely for her footfall behind him, but a shade makes no noise. The closer to the light he got, the more he began to believe that Hades had tricked him to get him out of the Underworld, that Eurydice was not behind him. Only feet away from the light Orpheus lost faith and turned around. He saw Eurydice. But in that instant she slipped back into the depths of the valley. And all he heard spoken was a single word, 'Farewell!'" Kagome shook her head sadly as she told the story.
It saddened her that sometimes people lost faith and gave up, or simply didn't care enough. That was one of the reasons she loved this story, it was the perfect example of undying love, a love that would exceed every boundary to continue.
Sango noticed her friends solemn eyes, and wondered if she was thinking the same thing she was. Perhaps, this story told more about them than any other. Inuyasha had loved Kikyo, and he was willing to stay with her even though death had already claimed her. Could it be possible that Inuyasha would surpass the boundaries of life and death—to be with her again?
If so, who would be with her dear friend...?
"Orpheus tried again to enter the Underworld and demand her return, but one cannot enter twice the same way—and no other way was open to him. All that was left to him was death. It is said that a savage band slew Orpheus and threw his severed head and his lyre into the River Hebrus," she paused to take in a shaky breath, wanting desperately to shake off the feeling of premonition.
Sango looked down at her hands and noticed she was holding Miroku's hand in a death grip. She didn't feel like letting go though. Could he see the same thing she did? Could he make the connection? Was death and loneliness really the destiny of the storytelling miko? She hoped not, she deserved better.
"And now that he was no longer to be counted with the living, Orpheus went down to the world of the dead, not going now by that steep descent through the valley of Acherusia, but going down straightway. The silent watchers let him pass, and he went amongst the dead and saw his Eurydice in the throng. Again they were together, Orpheus and Eurydice, and as they went through the place that King Hades ruled over, they had no fear of looking back, one upon the other," Kagome concluded, a sad smile in her face.
Shippou's eyes were glazed with tears—of both happiness and sadness. Only in death could they be together again, all because of one man's lack of faith.
End of Flashback
Kagome's head snapped up at the sound of rustling bushes behind them. As she turned, she was met by crimson eyes once more. They were surrounded. Again.
Inuyasha drew Tetsaiga, and launched at the Miroku before him, aiming to severe the head. Out of the forest rushed demons and beasts alike. Some resembling their creator, others simply there for the bloodshed.
Kagome rushed to cover Shippou when the first wave of attack came at them from behind. Everyone was covering her from Naraku, leaving her behind—where the attack was initializing from.
Sango turned in time to dodge an attack from a snake demon, before it bit down on her shoulder. Miroku launched his staff into the air, creating a small shield around them, while they reorganized themselves.
The crows overhead dipped under one at a time and aimed towards Kagome. They hadn't been ordinary crows—but demons. They large black body casting menacing shadows cross the field, taking the group's attention from the enemy at hand.
Strong callused hands grabbed Kagome from behind, slamming one filthy hand over her mouth.
"Be still koi, and we might let them live," the filthy hanyou whispered into her ear. His foul, rotting breath threatening to gag Kagome. She knew who it was before she looked at him. Naraku. Or one of his many grotesque abominations.
She tried kicking, punching and cursing, but the beast holding her wouldn't budge. He simply tightened his grip on her, pinning her arms to her sides.
"Tsk tsk, I don't think so, my little miko," his rotting breath rapped her nose. Naraku dragged her towards the dark forest, all of a sudden it looked menacing and dangerous. She knew deep inside, that if Naraku managed to get her inside, she'd never be able to escape him. An overwhelming feeling of nostalgia and desperation consumed her—threated to drive her mad.
Suddenly, as if on cue, agonizing screams filled the air. Naraku paused, stiffening at the heavy scent of his own blood. Immediately, he seized Kagome by her shoulders and threw her against a tree, pinning him against him. The hit almost knocking her out.
Kagome's head hit the thick bark of the tree, broken branches poking into her back, tearing her shirt. She vision began to blur—the metallic scent of her blood invading her nose.
She hazily felt hard callused hands exploring her body harshly—almost dreamlike. She tried vainly to push them away—the only one she wanted touching her in such an intimate way never would.
Those harsh hands slipped under her white shirt, ripping it from the front with thick claws. Horrified, she felt grotesque lips tracing the top of her breasts. Shivers ran through her—the creature chuckled, pleased. She wasn't shivering with delight—disgust and the cold wind fueled her shivers. Raspy hands traveled the length of her thigh, reaching up to her the junction between her thighs. Kagome could feel her stomach lurch at the harsh touch.
Kagome rolled her eyes upward—trying to clear the painful haze inflicted by the wound in her head. She had to stop this. She was grateful when the creature was thrown off of her and she sprawled to the cool earth.
That vile hanyou had almost taken her by force...that snake!
She could hear agonized and terrified shrieks coming from Naraku. Yet she couldn't see anything, her head on the soft dirt, her belly pressed to the earth. She closed her eyes, willing the pain and nausea to subside. The young miko's eyes flung open as she saw dark boots approach her. She hadn't the strength to look up who it was, she could feel her neck wet with her own sticky blood. She could feel her strength slowly leaving her body—making her cold.
How could a blow to the head take some one's life? Unless it harmed her brain...The pain slowly dulled and the loud shrieks of the wind fainted to the background, all she could hear was a loud ringing in her ears. She didn't feel the strong lean hands that picked her up. Or the soft purring vibrating near her side. Neither did she feel the soft cool hands moving her dark wet bangs from her eyes.
All she knew, was that everything was becoming dull. Like a fogy dream; she couldn't hear anything but the ringing, she couldn't feel—couldn't smell anything. Then, it all turned pitch dark.
Inuyasha was the first to emerge from the trees—followed by Sango and Miroku.
"What have you done you bastard!" Inuyasha snarled, fangs bared—eyes red. He took in Kagome laying on the ground, blood on her neck and shoulders. His half brother kneeling next to her, one hand gently cupping her cheek.
"I've done what you have failed to do once again," Sesshomaru stated calmly, uncontrollable rage simmering underneath the calm facade.
Inuyasha growled again, this time Sango stepped forward, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder.
"Is she okay?" Sango murmured.
Inuyasha hadn't even realized to check the miko. He sniffed the air, heavy with blood. Then he heard it—or rather, the lack of it. Her heartbeat was not there. He ran to her like a madman, wanting to get closer to her, in case his senses were deceiving him. Gently, he fell to his knees next to her, wanting to reach for her. He looked up at his brother—raw pain in his now crimson golden eyes.
He'd let this happened, again. She'd been taken from him once more—once more her life had been in danger—and once more he'd failed her. This time though, she wouldn't walk out of it, she wouldn't smile at him and say it was okay. She never would.
Sesshomaru growled at his half brother, before rising to his full length. "Stand aside, Inuyasha," he said, staring down at the pale form before him. She appeared to be sleeping, her gentle features relaxed and peaceful. Her plum pink lips were slightly parted; the perfect picture of innocence.
Inuyasha warily stepped back, doubt and fear in his eyes. He didn't trust Sesshomaru, but he didn't have any choice. It was his selfishness to distrust him—or the life or his first true friends—Kagome.
Sesshomaru pulled out Tenseiga, and sent out his will through the sword. A flash of white and silver ran through the sword of life—as it transferred it's gift of life to the young miko.
The group stared in awe at the Lord of the West—not believing what he'd just done. He'd challenged death itself to bring the young woman's life back to the light. He'd stolen her bright spirit from the shallow grasp of death. And now, she was slowly fluttering her eyelashes. Her chest rose with the first new breath of life, as her heart picked up a familiar beat underneath her soft breast.
Her light eyes opened—meeting his golden gaze steadily—as if for the first time. Inuyasha ran to her side, as she slowly rose on her elbows. She blinked twice—trying to block out the brightness of the sun. She became painfully aware of the cool breeze licking her warm breasts and belly.
Kagome looked down to find her front exposed, and quickly tied both ends of her shirt together, covering herself. She peeked up from underneath thick dark lashes to find Sesshomaru and Inuyasha staring at her. Inuyasha's eyes were full of wonder and relief—while Sesshomaru's were filled with something else...
Sesshomaru felt the warm rush of relief flood over him. Once more, he'd almost lost the only one his beast had even come close to accepting as his mate. Why this female would trigger the mating cycle within him eluded him. Every two hundred years he'd been able to suppress the mating urges. He'd often wondered if it was because her ability to accept demons for what they were—and not separate from them because they were demon. Yes, the girl was strong: mentally, physically, and spiritually. But she was still only human.
Nonetheless, she was his. She might not know it—but he would and had—faced off death for her. He would not let her die without a fight first. Unlike the pathetic mortal in her story—he wouldn't make the mistake of loosing her to death—or to the filthy serpent that was Naraku.
A/N: I wanna say thanks to Weirdbard for giving me the idea of using Naraku—I'd completely forgotten about him. Thanks to LC Rose too! and all the reviewers that wanted me to use Persephone and Hades—I'll use it, but not with Naraku and Kag...
Hope you like this one too! Also, There's an important poll in my profile regarding the next one-shot for this story. Please vote! I'm letting you guys choose what happens on the next One-Shot!!