Okay, since I've got over twenty reviews… here's the next entry.
By the way, I've been asked a few times about what, exactly, has happened to Kagome. To answer that question, she is near the brink of death, wallowing in anger, when she realizes, "Hey I don't wanna die!" As you know, in the show, mikos are supposed to represent purity and good. Real priestesses and priests, however, teach us about the ways of balance. And so Kagome realized that accepting the darkness, without letting it consume her, would make her whole. Just like the yin yang, order and chaos work together to create perfection and balance in the world. That is why she becomes more powerful, because only half of a miko's power stems from their light. The other half is rooted in darkness. Together they are balance and completion. If you think about it… nothing can function properly without the good and the bad, it's not possible.
Wow… that took up a big chunk of space. Anyways, I hope that clears up the question on how Kagome gained her power.
Disclaimer: I don't own squat, alrighty people?!
Revelation of Power
Kikyo stared in contempt at the bloodied spot in which she knew her reincarnation had lain only minutes ago. The little bitch had robbed her of everything. Her soul, Inuyasha's affection, and now this… the revenge she so desperately craved. The little whore refused to die!
Calling forth her soul stealers, she flew to the east, knowing the hanyou would follow when he was ready. She was all he had left, after all. His little group of friends would turn their backs on him because of his betrayal to their companion. He still believed her dead. She would let him continue to think so. As long as Kagome remained dead to him, he would stay by her side, because it was his only option.
How was it possible? She looked back at the gorge from her spot in the sky, dazed at just how high the fall had been. Kagome had survived. The slut had survived. Such was not possible, not unless she survived the fall long enough to heal herself.
She shook her head. Could that be it? But how? The girl had barely been able to fire a sacred arrow before, and now she was performing feats that she herself had difficulty handling. She didn't like this… not one bit.
Pausing in his even strides, Sesshomaru tilted his head in the direction of the tantalizing aroma he had picked up. Power; raw, untrained energy mixed with fresh blood. His sensitive nostrils then picked up a slight amount of hostility projecting from the same location.
Brow creasing only slightly, he decided it would be in his best interest to investigate. He would not have some crazed, psychotic demon causing havoc on his lands.
The rough, nasally voice of his retainer penetrated his concentration, grating on his nerves. The small, exasperating toad youkai came hobbling to his side, staff flailing in his tiny, green hands.
Turning his head swiftly to the side, Sesshomaru sent a withering look at his servant, telling him without words that he wished for silence.
Seeing his Lord's penetrating glare, Jaken quickly ceased his yammering, hanging his head low and bowing in respect and apology.
Looking back toward the direction of his newly found discovery, Sesshomaru resumed walking, his steps silent as he fluidly trod toward the unknown.
When he heard the noisy footsteps of his retainer following him as well as the approaching voice of his ward, he murmured in a steady, monotone voice, "Jaken, you will remain here with Rin until I return."
Halting in his tracks, the little toad bowed and saluted, "Aye, milord."
Senses guiding him, the impassive taiyoukai strolled soundlessly to the origin of the smell, soon leading him to a single spot at the base of a gorge. The ground was stained in blood, though no large amount was left behind. He surmised that this being had fallen from the top of the cliff, which looked to be around two hundred or so feet. The aura that he had sensed belonged to a miko, a very powerful one at that.
He scowled. He did not need a bothersome miko slaughtering demons throughout his domain. Seeing small, even footsteps leading into the forest, he was about to follow them when a familiar scent wafted across his nose.
Turning to stare back down at the spot, he inhaled again, trying to identify where, exactly, he had smelt it before.
Separating the base scent from the others, he found the smell of lavender and peaches, an odd but enticing combination. As recognition struck him, he was somewhat shocked, though his features belied any emotion he felt. This was the scent of his half-brother's wench.
It was simply unfathomable. During their last encounter, she had been nothing more than another weak, simpering ningen, one who barely knew how to tap into her miko ability. How was it that such a strong, pure smell of power could have come from such an amateur? How was it that she had not only survived the fall, but recovered so quickly from it as well?
The girl had never before posed a threat to him, with her obvious lack of training and inability to control her emotion. Now, however, her budding abilities made him wary. Though no miko could outmatch him, he certainly was interested in finding out just how her power had spiked in such a short amount of time.
Following her lightly padded trail, he pondered the fact that Inuyasha was no where to be found. No trace of him lay near the spot where she had obviously fallen, though his distinct odor was present a ways off as well as lingering at the top of the cliff.
Had she and the mutt separated? He highly doubted it, considering the fact that she seemed to follow him around like a love sick pup. Then again, why was her scent laced with bitter ire? Had she been betrayed? It was a possibility. Half-bloods tended to be rather disloyal, their human lineage staining their honor.
Her almost indiscernible tracks lead him next to a village, a small merchandising community that bordered his lands. Her voice carried on the breeze to his sensitive youkai ears, telling him that she was currently in a small shack that stood only twenty feet away.
Kagome smiled down at the lively little tike in her arms, brushing her fingers patiently through his tangled green locks as he bobbed jubilantly in her lap. She could not suppress a giggle when he blessed her with a wide, gap toothed grin, his tiny fangs peaking out at the corners of his mouth. His eyes, wide and blue, stared admiringly up at her.
When she had found the poor boy, he had been kneeling near his mother's dying body at the edge of the town. Another body, the body of who she later found was his father, lay motionless a few meters away. After having inquired what had occurred, she found that the family had been traveling to the village from their home when they were attacked by a large oni. Though the father had managed to slay the beast, he had given his life in doing so.
She and the small water youkai had carried the mother through the village and into a hut, where Kagome saw to her wounds. Though the lacerations were deep and heavily laced with infection, she had managed to cure them all, a wonderful practice session for her new powers. She had quickly discovered, however, that there was still poison in the woman's system, and so she fed the female youkai a mixture of herbal tea and placed a cool cloth on her forehead to lower her fever. After sensing that all toxins had left her patient's body, Kagome informed her that she needed rest. That was why she was here now, with a small, youkai child bobbing up and down in her lap. Offering him some more tea, the boy accepted happily, gulping down the sweetened brew in a few swigs.
As a sudden and potent spike of power permeated the atmosphere, Kagome jerked her head to the side, finding a tall, imposing figure standing silently in the doorway. His cold, amber eyes regarded her fiercely, scrutinizing her.
Sitting rigid with shock, Kagome found she could not tear her gaze away from his honeyed depths, sinking into a bullion sea.
At that moment, the young lad in her lap leapt from his perch and cried out elatedly, "Mother, I'm so glad you're alright!"
Detaching her gaze from Sesshomaru's, Kagome turned to find the young demon's mother standing across from her. Rising slowly, she bowed slightly and asked, "I trust you are feeling better now?"
Nodding once, the jade eyed woman bowed in return. "I thank you priestess. May the gods bless you."
Smiling lopsidedly, the young, hoary eyed girl responded, "No need for thanks, I was only doing my duty."
"But you are a miko," the demoness interjected, "your kind hunt us."
Eyes going wide, Kagome waved her hand, "Nonsense, I would do no such thing. I would never attack an innocent being, human or demon. And please, call me Kagome."
Bowing once more out of respect, the demoness replied, "But of course, Lady Kagome."
Blushing a little at the honorific, Kagome rubbed the back of her neck nervously, eyes wandering down to find a spot on the floor she could stare at.
When a purse full of change was stuffed into her hand, however, she was started and looked back up to find the young boy offering it to her.
Shaking her head, she explained, "I can't take this. I did what I did because I wanted to, not because I expected a reward. Please, keep your gold."
The older woman stepped forward, urging her, "I insist, we have much more at home and you look as though you could use a change of clothing." When a loud growl ensued, she then giggled and added, "It seems you need a good meal as well."
Blushing, Kagome accepted the bag and gave a gracious bow.
Then, the woman did something she would have never expected. In a sudden movement, she launched herself into Kagome's arms, sealing her shoulders in a tight hug. When she looked into the eyes of the demoness, she found gratitude shining back at her through a thick veil of tears.
"Thank you, Lady Kagome. It's nice to find a kind hearted soul amongst us in a time of such grief." The woman's voice was a mere whisper, shaking slightly as a few pent up tears slid down her cheeks.
Kagome watched as the boy and his mother left, waving them off as the exited the hut.
It was then she noticed that Sesshomaru was no longer standing in the door. When had he left? She cursed herself for not staying honed in on his unmistakable aura. Yes, it was clear that she would have to practice hard. Though she possessed the power, she lacked discipline, something she knew she sorely needed when it came to training her powers.
Stomach growling once more, Kagome remembered the bag of gold in her hand and decided it was best to get something to eat. Looking down to her current ensemble, she blushed noticing just how filthy it was. She surmised that the back was dyed a gruesome red from the blood she had lost after the fall. Also, she could only imagine how she must have smelled at the moment. She felt somewhat guilty. She didn't want to offend the many sensitive youkai noses in the village.
Scampering out of the hut, she marched down the main road, skimming through the many stands and huts that displayed their goods. Spying a tent that looked promising, Kagome wandered over, poking her head inside and gasping at what she found.
Several foreign items hung scattered across the walls and various tables, all calling out to her in a rather inviting way. Spotting the vendor, she approached him and asked, "Excuse me sir, might I ask where all of these wonderful items are from?"
The crippled old youkai turned to look at her, giving her a once over with skeptical eyes. Huffing, lightly, he shooed her away while scoffing, "I don't dally with the likes of you, urchin, now be gone!"
Shaking her head, Kagome interjected, "No, no sir, I don't plan on loitering. I have money, see?"
Upon spying the purse she held that seemed to be bulging with gold, the old demon smiled and opened his arms to her. "Well then come in my child! You will have to excuse this senile old man but too many young scallywags come in and harass me! I saw your clothing and assumed you were… well… up to no good."
Smiling at his misunderstanding, Kagome ensured him, "No, my clothing was wrecked only recently. I would like to buy some new ones."
"Wonderful, wonderful," the elderly youkai piped up, waving her over to a wall lined with women's clothing.
Staring wide eyed at the odd and eccentric clothes, Kagome skimmed her fingers over an outfit, finding it to be made of some sheer material, probably silk.
"These garments were imported from across the sea, as was everything in my tent. They come from the lands of India, China, and Malaysia. I myself have been there and, let me say, they are very beautiful places."
Kagome was awe stricken. She remembered researching some of Japan's neighboring countries for a school project, but never before had she seen such gorgeous clothing.
"This," the old man stated while pointing to a brilliantly beaded outfit, "is from Malaysia. I believe it is called a Lengha Choli. You, my dear, would look stunning in one, if I do say so myself."
Blushing at his compliment, Kagome averted her gaze and pointed to another beautiful set of garments. "This is from China, correct?"
Glancing appreciatively at her, the demon affirmed, "Why yes it is. Have you been there before?"
Shaking her head, Kagome answered, "No, but I have read of their culture."
"You read?" When the young girl nodded, he asked, "Can you write as well?" She nodded again, and he hummed in respect. "You must be from a very wealthy family if you are given such luxuries."
Kagome decided that perhaps it was best she left that statement uncommented. Searching for a suitable outfit, she thought out her situation, coming to the conclusion that it would be best if she got something that allowed movement.
When her eyes befell something promising, another garb from China, she pointed it out to the old man and questioned, "May I try that on?" When he hobbled over and took it from the rope it hung on, she took it gladly and slid behind the changing screen at the back of the tent.
The one piece that went underneath the kimono reminded her of Sango's taijiya outfit. Instead of the decorative pink trim and flowers, however, it was simply straight black, a form fitting one piece lacking any sleeves. The odd kimono that went over top of it went only to mid thigh, two symmetrical slits up either side, ending at the waist where the obi was tied. The sleeves were short, just passing her shoulders, the neckline high. Two, small buttons joined the cloth together along the neck, another two trailing diagonally over her right breast. The kimono was colored the most beautiful shade of royal purple, the trim and obi a dark gold. The boots were mainly gold, a small stripe of purple embroidered leaves running down the sides. The outfit was, without a doubt, not only the most comfortable thing she had ever worn, but the most beautiful as well.
Walking timidly out from behind the screen, Kagome dug around in her coin purse and asked, "How much is it?"
So there it is, the next segment to my twisted little story. Bwahaha! Don't you Sess/Kag fans get in a huff, the two of them cross paths soon enough; though I doubt it will be what you expect.
Review and I shall reply.