Chapter Three
The sun was now rested upon the tall mountains that surrounded the Western Land. The sky was shaded in mixed colours, thus indicating that evening has arrived. As green scenery moved quickly from below, Kagome saw the Western Castle appearing more visible. Kagome had seen many castles throughout history from history class, but she had never seen any as elegant and beautiful as the Western Castle. The Castle was built on a hill with tall brick walls surrounding the Castle in protection. The Castle was designed similar to medieval architecture, yet still seemed to hold Japanese features on the roof tops. Kagome could already tell that the Western Castle was well guarded by its structure and surrounding walls.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Takashi said, breaking her from her thoughts.
"It's magnificent, Takashi. I've never seen a Castle as great as this one" Kagome breathed out in awe.
"I wish I could say the same for my Castle, but I can't. Sesshomaru really did a great job at reconstructing the Castle after his father passed away" He said. Kagome continued to stare at the Castle trying to grasp the idea that Sesshomaru was the one who built such a beautiful castle. He had only left an impression of being deadly and….well, deadly.
Kagome didn't know how he would act upon seeing her enter his Castle. Would he send her away? Maybe attempt to kill her again? Or just ignore her because she was just a "human". Kagome was never one to judge people, but trying to understand Sesshomaru was impossible. She really didn't know what to expect with him.
"You seem nervous, Kagome" Takashi's voice interrupted her thoughts. "I guess being in a Castle filled with demons can make even you nervous?" Takashi shared his thoughts with Kagome.
"No, I'm used to being surrounded by many demons. It's the Lord…of the Castle" Kagome confessed. Takashi dramatically placed his hand on his chest and portrayed a pained expression.
"You have heard about my cousin's reputation and nothing about me? You pain me, Kagome!" Takashi joked. Smiling at Takashi's silliness, Kagome began to relax a bit.
"Sessho-, I mean, Lord Sesshomaru is your cousin?" Kagome asked in slight shock, while beginning to see the resemblance between the two.
"Correct. And I'm guessing you're nervous due to his reputation of hating humans?" Takashi assessed.
"Sort of," Kagome began to explain, "I also know Lord Sesshomaru because his half-brother is a good friend of mine."
Takashi raised an eyebrow at Kagome and said, "The hanyou!?" Kagome rammed her elbow into Takashi's side rib for calling Inuyasha a hanyou.
"You really weren't joking about befriending demons, hanyous and humans. You are truly a rare miko, Kagome" Takashi said wincing while rubbing his bruised side. Not understanding the big deal, Kagome rolled her eyes at Takashi's statement.
"Well, even though you have human blood, you are our ally now. So, Sesshomaru can't kill you or send you away, if that's what you are worried about. I'm pretty sure that he will just ignore you" Takashi said while sounding as if they were words of sincere reassurement.
"Gee, thanks" Kagome voiced with sarcasm. But seeing that the Lord of the Castle was Sesshomaru, she thought that being ignored really was the best outcome. As Kagome turned her head back towards the front scenery, she pondered on the information Takashi told her about Sesshomaru. She couldn't believe that Sesshomaru had other relatives or anyone close. She had always imagined Sesshomaru to be alone.
"Seems like you know Lord Sesshomaru very well" Kagome said trying to dig more information about Sesshomaru.
"Are you kidding me? I grew up with him and still can't understand him sometimes" Takashi scoffed.
"But I'm sure you understand him best?" Kagome inquired, wanting to know if it was possible for anyone to get close to Sesshomaru.
"Ya, I guess" Takashi said after looking to be deep in thought.
"What's Sesshomaru really like?" Kagome questioned.
"What do you mean by 'really like?'" Takashi sent Kagome a strange confused look.
"I mean, he always appears cold and deadly. How is he with people close to him?" Kagome explained.
Takashi raised an eyebrow and answered seriously, "Cold and deadly." Furrowing her eyebrows, Kagome felt disappointed. No, she was being foolish for hoping that there was more to Sesshomaru.
"We have arrived" Takashi informed.
Kagome felt her stomach droop at the sensation of being lowered from the sky towards ground level. Standing before the entrance gate of the Western Castle, Kagome realized how small she was compared to the huge Castle. Tall brick walls that loomed up into the sky blocked the setting sun from her view, thus creating a shadow upon where she stood. A chill ran down her spin as she felt a large aura of demons behind the gate, and from the lack of warmth the shadow caused. The Western Castle gate slowly creaked open, proving the heaviness of the wooden gate. Kagome felt Takashi gently place a hand behind her back to escort her into the Castle. As Kagome walked into the Castle, she immediately saw rows of soldiers lined up with their heads bowed low. Had Takashi's hand not guided her to walk forward, Kagome knew she would have stood frozen at the front of the Castle gate. The surrounding soldiers wore the same silver armor and two different types of uniforms; one was black and violet, the other was blue and gold. Kagome assumed that the line of soldiers were a mix between the South and West military. Kagome allowed her eyes to wander past the soldiers and saw that the inside landscape of the Castle was one huge garden; tall trees, flowers and water flowed through the green field.
"Sesshomaru!" Kagome heard Takashi speak, making her redirect her attention to the front. Kagome saw Sesshomaru standing by the Castle entrance door with the same stoic expression. Sesshomaru appeared the same as she last saw him during the final battle with Naraku. He stood in his white haori and black armor. Seeing Sesshomaru standing before his Castle made Kagome realize that she never recognized Sesshomaru as a Lord or Noble. How ironic that seemed because Sesshomaru would make any Lord or Noble jealous from his perfection. Now seeing him stand before his Castle, Kagome saw how fitting the title and position suited Sesshomaru. Noticing that Sesshomaru had not once looked in her direction, Kagome wondered if he didn't recognize her or if Takashi was assumed correct; that he would ignore her.
Watching Sesshomaru stiffly nod his head in acknowledgement, he replied "Takashi."
"I was informed that you were dead" Sesshomaru stated in a bored tone.
"Well, as you can see I am not" Takashi replied with a smirk on his face. Kagome saw Sesshomaru slightly narrow his eyes at Takashi's response.
"Indeed" Sesshomaru said, as if dissatisfied by the lack of detailed information. Suddenly, Kagome saw Sesshomaru turn his attention towards her.
"Miko," For the first time, Kagome stared straight into his golden eyes. She had never seen Sesshomaru's stoic expression change before, but she saw a flash of emotion when her eyes met his. She did not know what emotion she saw because it was only for a brief moment; a brief moment that made Kagome doubt what she even saw anything.
"How is it that you come with Takashi?" Sesshomaru asked, continuing to stare intently at Kagome. Out of all the scenario's she thought of, she NEVER expected Sesshomaru to be questioning her. So, Kagome stood there shocked and speechless.
"She was the one to save me from the death you were informed about, Sesshomaru" Takashi spoke on behalf of Kagome. Takashi was shocked by his cousin's attention to Kagome as well. Thankfully, he recovered quicker from the shock to answer on behalf of Kagome.
Murmurs spread through the crowd of soldiers that overheard that the Southern Lord was saved by a miko. It was this noise that shook Kagome from her shock. Tearing her eyes away from Sesshomaru, she looked to Takashi in worry that his reputation would be stained because a mere miko saved him.
Takashi, who sensed Kagome's worry, placed his arm around Kagome and said, "She is a strong ally that will help us defeat our enemy. When we encountered the enemy she was able to injure him greatly while I was quickly cut down." Kagome heard gasps coming from the crowd of soldiers along with whispers.
"Takashi!" Kagome whispered, urging him to stop making himself look weak. She knew how dangerous it could be for a Lord to appear weak because other demons would try to steal their position.
"Silence," Kagome heard Sesshomaru voice towards the crowd of soldiers. Immediately, tense silence filled the air.
"Prepare a room in the west wing for the Miko" Sesshomaru said to a maid that had been nearby. Kagome saw Sesshomaru briefly glance at her once again before turning to enter the Castle. A mix of many emotions battled within Kagome's mind. She thought that Sesshomaru would disbelieve that she was able to harm the enemy while Takashi couldn't. At the very least, she expected him to look surprise for a bit. However, Sesshomaru's stoic expression remained with a hint of deep thought. As Sesshomaru left, the crowd of soldiers dispersed leaving Kagome alone with Takashi.
"You are really something, Kagome" Kagome turned to face Takashi confused by his statement.
Takashi wore a silly grin as he said, "Sesshomaru not only graced you with his attention, but he called you by your respectful status, AND gave you a room in the WEST wing!"
"I understand the big deal with the attention….and calling me miko instead of human or wrench… but what about the west wing?" Kagome asked.
"You can say that the west wing hold rooms for guests who are highly respected or close to the Lord of the Castle" Takashi explained in awe. He could not even believe his own words. Seeing Kagome's mouth drop in shock, Takashi released a laugh. He knew from the beginning that Kagome was an interesting person, but to be acknowledged by Sesshomaru held Kagome on a totally different scale of 'interesting'.
"So, what did you do to receive such favour from Sesshomaru?" Takashi asked needing to know what Kagome could have possibly done to gain the attention of his cousin he thought was only made up of ice.
"He does not favour me, Takashi. I'm sure it's just because I was present during the final battle with Naraku. Plus, you told him that I saved you on top of being a strong ally" Kagome stressed. Takashi nodded his head in acceptance of Kagome's logical reason, but still felt that there was something more behind it.
Remembering how Takashi made himself look weak in front of the crowd of soldiers, Kagome fisted her hand to punch him. But, being a demon, Takashi sensed the punch and caught Kagome's fist with both his hands.
"Woah there! What's with the violence?" Takashi joked, trying to calm down a really angry looking Kagome.
"You made yourself look weak in front of other demons! Don't you know how dangerous that is!? I'm just a miko! They might want to over throw you now because of what you said!" Kagome yelled at Takashi filled with worry that he could be in danger once again because of her. Tears began to swell in her eyes at the frustration of being so weak. If only she was stronger, she could have prevented this. Suddenly, Kagome felt Takashi ruffle the top of her head. Staring at him with a rim of tears she saw him smile warmly at her.
"Baka, you don't realize how powerful you are do you?" Takashi said gently, "I expect that once the soldiers feel your powers, no one will dare think I am weak." Kagome closed her eyes to blink back the tears that were on the verge of falling. She couldn't rely on Takashi's words yet. She still didn't know how to control her powers. Opening her eyes, Takashi saw them filled with determination.
"I will train hard, Takashi. I will make sure no one dares to challenge you and help you defeat the enemy" Kagome promised.
"Yes, yes, I know you will do your best, Kagome" Takashi said softly with a tender look. Kagome returned him a sweet smile before sensing the aura of a demoness nearby. Turning towards the demoness that entered her view, she and said, "My Lord, my Lady, I shall show you to your rooms."
No words could describe the beautiful details and arrangements as Kagome passed by the hallways inside the Castle. Finally noticing the demoness stopping before a room, she motioned to Kagome to enter. Realizing the room was assigned for her, she stepped inside. Kagome couldn't help but release a gasp at the size and beauty of the room. The room was surely six times bigger than her room in her time. A queen size bed coated with silk covers glistened in the setting sunlight. Kagome knew this room was surely assigned to high class ladies that came to the Western Castle. Turning around, Kagome noticed that the demoness and Takashi had disappeared. She blushed in embarrassment that she had been so immersed by the beauty of the room that she didn't realize their absence. Walking towards the queen sized bed; Kagome fell on top of the silky smooth blankets. It was already evening by the time they approached the Western Castle. Kagome felt her eyelids grow heavy from the long journey. Finally being able to rest on a comfy bed, Kagome immediately fell into a deep slumber.
Dream
Thick fog filled the surrounding garden with its white moist mist. Plants growing within the garden began to hide in between the thick fog. Soon, only fragments of the garden scenery could be seen.
Kagome stood in the center of the fog filled garden. Sensing something off about the scenery, she realized that there was not a single sound made. The rustling of the plants as the mist passes by and howling of the wind were non-existent to the ears; as if the scenery was placed on mute.
Pulse
Pulse
Pulse
Though no sound was heard, Kagome felt a tremor beneath her feet. Kagome sensed a strong pull and unconsciously began to walk towards the direction of the pull. Every step taken, she felt the earth pulsing stronger until it began to beat in sync with her heart. As the thick fog thinned out, the garden revealed a small pond. She saw a ball of light pink mist floating above the pond. Realizing the strong pulse came from the bright light, Kagome hesitantly stepped into the pond to reach it. The closer she neared the bright light, she began to hear whispers.
pulse
"You promised to defeat Neikan" whispered a gentle voice.
Pulse
"You promised to protect your precious people" spoke a voice filled with sorrow
PUlse
"You promised to become stronger" said a voice accusingly
PULSE
Kagome stood paralyzed as she saw the crystal clear pond turn pitch black. Suddenly, Kagome felt a dozen of hands grabbing onto her feet and arms that pulled her into a bottomless pitch black water. Everything occurred so quickly that Kagome didn't have time to let out a scream of surprise. As Kagome was pulled down, a black figure began to approach her. Black cloak drifted around the figure's body, soon revealing the figure's masked face and a wide smirk spread across the face.
Neikan stood in front of Kagome with his red eyes glowing past the mask he wore. Kagome struggled against the hands that seemed to have a firm grasp on her legs and arms. Unable to release herself from the grip, she glared back at Neikan.
"Weak" Kagome heard Neikan whisper with the same smirk. Flinching at the one word that caused her and others so much pain, Kagome felt the strength in her body loosen. Fist slightly unclenched, legs released tension against the hands that held her down, shoulders slumped down, and Kagome lowered her eyes from the vanishing enemy.
A psychotic laugh of victory rang through Kagome's ears, as she remained helpless and hopeless. Neikan was right, she was weak. Why did she make so many promises she couldn't keep. Kagome turned to look up and see she was falling deeper and deeper towards the endless bottom. The bright light appeared smaller and consumed by the dark water. Before the light was completely vanished from sight, she saw a glimmer of silver hair above.
"Foolish," Kagome heard a harsh voice rip through her thoughts. She remembered the voice that accused her with that word. Before the final battle with Naraku, Kagome had done intense study and research to victorious battle strategies. Finally coming up with the perfect strategy for their final battle with Naraku, she presented it to her group members. Yet, from the years of being protected and only getting in the way when interfering, she had not included herself as a significant player in the strategy. Sesshomaru noticed this and pointed it out, branding it as 'foolishness'.
"Though archers remain in the back during a war, their weapons are most powerful in defeating the majority of the opposing enemy" Sesshomaru voiced coldly and began to narrow his eyes at her, "You do not realize this and give up before the war. To compare yourself to a front line soldier wielding a different weapon is foolish."
Sesshomaru's harsh words caused her have the courage in purifying Naraku, but didn't realize the full meaning behind his words till now.
Yes, she was weak. But she was still powerful. Like an archer, she just needed to wisely plan her position and focus on using her weapon strength to help defeat a war. There was no use comparing herself to other people and giving up.
She will find a way to keep all her promises.
Re-clenching her hands into a fist again, Kagome ripped both arms free. Yanking her legs away from the rest of the hands that held her down, Kagome let out a silent warrior cry. Looking upwards, Kagome desperately began swimming towards the top. Determination became her only source of power as she pushed through the weight of the water with weakened legs and arms. Though the pink light grew closer and closer, Kagome suddenly felt the lack of oxygen.
'A little more' Kagome thought as she swam. Grasping onto her throat at the lack of oxygen, her eyes began to blur.
End of Dream
GASP
Kagome woke up with a deep breath of air to refill her lungs with oxygen. Sitting up on the queen sized bed she fell asleep on, she saw that the sun had just risen. Kagome flattened out the wrinkles on her haori she fell asleep with.
Determination,
Anger,
And a heart filled with protectiveness still coursed through Kagome's body.
The dream had helped Kagome realize what she needed to do. Sensing the similar aura of the demoness that showed her to her room, she quickly opened the room door to catch her. Ignoring the surprised demoness, she urgently asked the directions for the dojo. The dream had caused a desperate and urgent need to work on her miko powers. She couldn't just wait around for an attack to occur and test her powers. She was determined to understand her powers and learn how to use them to their best potential.
Finally making her way through the Castle halls, she found the tall doors that lead to the dojo. Opening the door to reveal no one inside, Kagome quickly closed the door behind her and walked to the center of the huge dojo.
As Kagome silently inhaled, she closed her eyes to begin her meditation. Imagining the same pond from her dreams, Kagome found the bright pink light pulsing above the pond. This time, Kagome confidently stepped into the pond making her way closer to the pulse. Doubts and fears stripped away from her heart as it pulsed louder in sync with the bright light.
Reaching the bright light, Kagome closed her eyes and reached out her hand to slowly grasp it.
As Kagome's finger tips contacted the bright light, a flash of electricity erupted. But, not removing her hand, she continued to push forward. As the bright light crackled against her hand, Kagome opened her eyes to see electric waves surrounding her hand and the bright light. Finally holding tightly on to the entire bright light, Kagome winced at the painful electric waves crackling against her skin.
She would not give up
Determination fired within Kagome's eyes as she gripped onto the bright light tighter to prove that she would not let go. Suddenly, a burst of power exploded throughout the entire dojo. The explosion sent purification waves across the Western Castle, causing all the demons to cringe at the sensation of raw power. As the dust faded away from the explosion, Kagome stood in the middle of the dojo looking down at her success. The bright light was peacefully floating above her palm. For the first time, Kagome felt that her miko instincts were telling her that this was the power Midoriko was telling her to learn to wield. Her powers had been discovered by protecting Takashi, and now accepted her.
Suddenly, Kagome sensed two strong demon aura's rushing towards the dojo. Looking towards the chipped dojo door, she saw Takashi and Sesshomaru observing the damaged dojo. Takashi walked towards Kagome in long strides. Kagome briefly glanced at Sesshomaru and was surprised to see curiosity break through his stoic expression.
"Kagome! Are you alright? What happened!?" She heard Takashi ask filled with worry.
Turning to him with a huge grin on her face, she said, "I did it! I did it, Takashi!" wanting to share her success with him.
"I got my powers to accept me!" Kagome exclaimed excitedly, while showing him the bright light floating in her palm. Takashi returned a slight smile.
"Miko," Kagome heard Sesshomaru voice dripping with ice. Turning to stare at Sesshomaru, she saw the curiosity gone and replaced with a hardened stoic expression. Kagome felt her smile falter at this.
"Do you think the Castle is a place for your experiments?" Sesshomaru growled. Kagome became confused at his words. Sure she ruined the dojo, but she was sure that it was a minor issue.
"I'm sorry if you are angry about ruining your dojo" Kagome said sincerely for causing such damage. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at Kagome's words. This caused Kagome to feel so disgusted by his stare. She had apologized, yet he was acting as if it didn't matter. Kagome was about to give Sesshomaru a piece of her mind from his rude and cold behavior, until she felt Takashi place a hand on her arm in a motion to silence her. Kagome saw Sesshomaru walk away from the dojo from the corner of her eye as she quickly glancing at Takashi. Directing her anger towards Takashi and confusion that he would side with Sesshomaru, she snapped, "What!?"
"I truly congratulate you on successfully wielding your powers Kagome. But I can tell you that you made the entire Castle tremble at the wave of purification power. Sesshomaru was being harsh with you because you placed both his and my men's lives at risk" Takashi said gently for Kagome to understand the consequences of her action.
Realization dawned upon Kagome at her ignorance. A shiver ran down her spine at the result of what could have happened if her powers really did purify all the demons residing in the Western Castle. She would have been doing Neikan a favour. Kagome lowered her head in shame at the realization.
Seeing Kagome's gloomy mood, Takashi said "By the way," grabbing Kagome's attention he continued, "I told you that no one will challenge me after feeling your powers. You'll see demons fearing you now." Kagome couldn't help but release a laugh after hearing Takashi's comment.
Turning towards the dojo doors where Sesshomaru was last seen, her thoughts attempted at making sense of him. Kagome had only seen him ruthless and cold, even his words towards her had been in the same manner. However, Sesshomaru had only acted that way because he was protecting the lives of his men. Now that she thought about it, Sesshomaru never did anything is their previous encounters without a reason behind them. Kagome realized that there must be more to Sesshomaru and meaning in everything he does.
Curious…
Kagome began to feel a dozen of questions about Sesshomaru flash through her mind. She wanted answers, she wanted to understand him.
'Remember Kagome? Curiosity kills the cat!' she thought back on how her life was threatened by her curiosity that brought her to meet Takashi.
Curious…
Contrary to her thoughts , she unconsciously said out loud, "I want to know..."
Author's Note: A drawing for this story, "Masked Truth" is posted as the story icon. Or you can go to my Dokuga page for a larger look.
Thank you for reading,
Your reviews are cherished.