My Lovely Sin
Taken away from her family at the tender age of two, because her father cheated on her mother, Kagome lives with no memory of the Truesdale family; growing up with Jaden for a few years before her untimely trip down the well. She grows up in the past for about four years before she returns, with more than the majority of Japan thinking she's dead. She goes to Duelist Academy with her close friend, and her past only too willingly returns.
Anime – Yu-Gi-Oh GX/InuYasha
Main Couple – Kagome/Zane
Genre – Romance
Rated – M (Just guess!)
Bishonen'sFoxyMiko: chapter 11^^ And right now, it's Akuma's turn and I hope everyone enjoys. And I also apologize for taking so long in helping get this out sooner. Writer's block for me was harsh for this fic^^;
Akuma Chibi: Woot~ My turn baby! I love starting chapters, it's so much fun! Well, anyways, we will try to keep a consistent speed with our updates, and I will try and get myself back in the habit of perpetual updating once more, I can name one and twenty four stories that need updating on my part... ^-^; Teehee~
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An Ambiguous Path:
Moonlit Trials
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Leading me along,
My shadow goes back home,
From looking at the moon.
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(500 Years in the Past)
~Dreamscape~
"Close your mind, Child~"
Kagome felt her eyes drift shut, in her dream, a heavy fog kept her company while a voice with no real body or physical form gave her instructions.
"Feel yourself let go of all your inner turmoil; feelings of frustration, confusion and anger...let it go."
'My feelings of turmoil...' Images flashed before her eyes, they were blurry at first, but as the moments prolonged, she came to see the images clearly before her. The first, an image of a woman with black hair in the style of a short pixie cut, smiling as she wrapped her arms securely around the small form of a little girl that was none other than herself. Though younger, and smaller in shape and size, it was no doubt herself before she'd found herself where she was now. The second image was of a boy with tri-colored brunette hair in a weird shape, holding her hand as she and he laughed about something she'd long since forgotten.
"Your feelings of turmoil come from those whom you were forced to leave behind so many seasons ago."
"...will I see them again?"
"You may...you may not, the future is as unclear as the thousand ripples of a pond. It's always moving and always changing; never clear..."
Kagome felt a tear line her cheek before plummeting into her foggy surroundings to be lost forever. She felt a small release of pressure from her mind as both images faded.
"Good, now...let go of your love and attachments...you must grow to understand that all things will come to an end, and it will cause pain to your heart, but it is necessary."
"..." She said nothing, her mind and heart was on something entirely different then the words spoken to her by her mentor. The image before, though hazy as it was, had never before been clearer to her than it was now. Teal hair past the broad shoulders of a boy slightly older than herself; her cheeks heated at the piercing look in his eyes as he gazed down upon her, a look of protection in his eyes as he began to fade and her arm and hand extended to catch his own, slightly paler hand. She caught the corner of his shirt before her vanished before her. 'No...come back...' Her heart pulsed painfully against her chest as she was forced to feel the loss of letting go of someone she couldn't even remember. His name was gone, no longer was he on her mind as he slipped out of her reach.
"Kagome...with both mind and heart clear of thought and stress, you can now begin your training. Let's start with controlling energy first. Sit down, lotus style, please."
Kagome, once again, did as she was instructed and sat lotus style on the clear ground in the thick fog.
"Good, good; now, concentrate on gathering your energy into a sphere, in the pit of your stomach you should feel a slight pull and a warmth gather."
"..." Kagome closed her eyes and relaxed, concentrating on a glow, she tried forming a sphere in her mind, a tickle at her stomach caused her to open her eyes suddenly.
"Don't be surprised, Kagome. That is what you are supposed to feel, a little tickle, that will change quickly into a pull."
"Yes ma'am." Again, she closed her eyes and concentrated. This time, she felt the tickle and then almost immediately after a pull. The warmth filled her tummy and she could see in her mind a glowing sphere. Cheerfully, she stored the memory in her mind before opening her eyes. Her eyes widened at the sight before her. There in front of her, was the very sphere she had envisioned in her mind moments ago. "Lady Midoriko!"
"Yes child, I can see it clearly. Just in time too, it's time to awaken, child. You will have a guest today...greet her warmly; she'll take good care of you; until tonight, child."
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~Reality~
Kagome awoke as soon as Ryoushi opened the shoji door that led to the garden. But with the allowance of an abundance of sunlight to enter, forcing the young miko in training to burrow back under the covers to block out the rays of the offending early morning light.
Her action had only caused Ryoushi to laugh amusedly at her charge's actions before she made her way to the bed and started nudging the child to get up, "Time to get up milady. We have a guest that you must meet today, and it would be rude to keep her waiting; she'll meet with you after you've had breakfast."
With that announcement reminding her of what Midoriko had told her in her dream, Kagome threw off her cover, giving a stretch before she started getting ready with a yawn here and there. Once she was done dressing, with Ryoushi's help in tying her obi, the young miko was escorted to the dining hall where she greeted not only her lord, but also Lord Kógairan, who made a mention of staying a few more days while his castle was under the trusted care of his eldest daughter and his advisor.
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"Lord Sesshoumaru, Lord Kógairan...good morning, I hope you both slept well last night!"
The two nodded their heads in her direction, Sesshoumaru glanced to the Tsubaki who stormed irritably past the dinning room doors, off to who knew where, before he glanced back to his ward. "Kagome, this Sesshoumaru will be taking a leave of absence from the palace, and will not be back for a few dawns."
Kagome frowned, "How many is a few?"
"That is uncertain."
"..." Kagome gave a slow half nod, looking at the food that had been served; eggs, bacon, and something that she didn't know what it was, but it tasted good all the same. However, lately she'd been having a nervous feeling...like something bad would happen...or, something sad...
"Kagome, you shouldn't let it get to you. Sesshoumaru won't be gone too long, and I will be here until he returns." Lord Kógairan smiled, his eyes closed with no reason to keep them open.
Kagome smiled, "I'm very pleased to hear that you'll be staying longer, Lord Kógairan. It still upsets me though that Lord Sesshoumaru has to go away, even if for only a few setting suns."
Sesshoumaru hid a small smile, she was beginning to talk just like him, all apart for referring to herself in third person. Though, he would be the first to admit that it was indeed a bad habit of his, not physically, but educationally.
"Lady Kagome, have you finished your breakfast?" Ryoushi asked as she poked her head inside the dinning room.
"Not yet," Kagome smiled, taking a bite of her food as she hurriedly set to finishing the meal before her so that she could meet this guest that Midoriko and Ryoushi wanted her to meet.
"Ryoushi, you are to watch over her while I am away." Sesshoumaru said as he stood silently.
Kagome watched him make his way past Ryoushi, who bowed respectfully to her Lord, before she stood up and followed after him, her food forgotten on the table. "Lord Sesshoumaru! Lord Sesshoumaru! Wait a second~!" She called as she ran after him. Her Lord was already nearing the front doors of his palace when he turned only to catch her as she ran straight into his chest, well, his waist, her head came just to his chest. "Lord Sesshoumaru, please don't be long! I─"
"Kagome, you will be fine with Ryoushi and Kógairan watching over you, behave while I'm away, make me proud." Sesshoumaru let her wrap her arms around his waist, well aware of the demon maid watching from a fair distance.
Kagome cried, she wasn't sure why it hurt so much this time, he'd gone away many a time, and always returned after a few moons, yet her heart hurt so much this time, like...maybe she wouldn't see him again..."Promise you won't forget me..."
She could see the gauges in his head turning at the oddly placed phrase, something about it set him off and unnerved him, but he shook it off and nodded, placing a clawed hand gently on her head, "I will never forget you," He got on one knee before the child he had grown to love if you will, a feeling he had once frowned upon...yet now found himself enraptured by. He thanked the Kami's almost everyday for leading him to the frail human that had once laid at the bottom of a waterless well, now a strong-minded and willful young girl, with a hidden gift and a pure heart. Yes, he truly loved this girl, a child he may never have, a jewel he'd always protect. "Listen, for as long as this Sesshoumaru lives, I will always be there for you. Watching over you, as you grow stronger and more beautiful then any normal human. You shine brighter than anybody else, Kagome; and no matter where I am, I'll always see that light. I will always find you..." He pulled her into a tight hug, his hair lay beautifully across the floor, curtaining his arms and her shoulders. "You have no idea how much I've come to care for you, my ward..." He whispered, 'My daughter...' Releasing the crying girl with that final thought, he let his hand run gently through her hair, which had grown since her arrival.
"Take care..." She said, wiping her tears away.
Giving a single curt nod, he turned and vanished in a golden light.
"...I don't feel well..." She cried as a pair of arms wrapped tightly around her. Ryoushi held he close as the young mistress cried in her kimono. This turmoil did not sit well with Kagome, and she could only hope it would pass quickly. Sadly, her time for mourning the feeling of nervousness and tummy aching could not be kept for long, as there was a guest awaiting her out in the garden. That however, was not all that awaited the young girl, as two old acquaintances shared a few words and lasting insults...
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Hours after the Western Lord's departure and Kagome was able to meet the miko Togéko had brought back to the castle, Kagome resumed her lessons with Tsubaki, but with her second miko teacher, Kaede's supervision. But with the proper miko's presence, Tsubaki had become much more intolerable and impatient with Sesshoumaru's ward; if she did even a tiny little mistake or believed she did something wrong before she could even follow through in the task she was given.
And to say that her attitude wasn't helping with Kagome's annoyance at the dark miko's impatience and nagging was an understatement, even for Lord Kógairan's tastes and he didn't have to have eyes to see how close Kagome was to snapping at the Kuro Miko for all her nagging.
The Golden Leopard Lord of the South could sense that the child was worried about something and became even more worried after Sesshoumaru's departure. And now, although the worry was still there, Tsubaki's impatience and so-called no-tolerance griping wasn't really helping matters and was starting to stress the child, making her feel rushed and like she wasn't even close to getting anything done.
Kaede could also see this. And, although she knew Tsubaki was trained by the same master as her late sister, Kikyo, Kaede could see that the woman had no experience in teaching a child with as much potential as Kagome had.
When she met the child who was the ward of the Western Lord, she could sense a lot of untapped power. So much that she worried about Tsubaki teaching Kagome at all, or worse, converting the girl like the servants of the castle feared for the child. She also sensed something else within Kagome, something strong yet also familiar...
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(With Sesshoumaru)
"Lord Ryuzo,"
The Dragon Lord gave a small smile, not fully reaching his eyes the way it would normally. "Sesshoumaru, honestly, this is childish."
Sesshoumaru walked past the Northern Lord and made his way to the office where he sat and waited patiently for the Dragon Demon to follow him in. He needlessly took his time, and Sesshoumaru narrowed his golden eyes at the Demon who sat down across from him. "Ryuzo...as of today, this Sesshoumaru has chosen to cut ties with the North. Now while that does mean we will cease association, it doesn't mean that this Sesshoumaru will bring war and blood to your lands."
"The miko child has obviously corrupted your mind, stay a few days and take time to think about what your saying, please~!"
Sesshoumaru stared in wonder at the Dragon Demon, he'd never cease to amaze him, truly. The Dragon had, for as long as Sesshoumaru has known him, uttered the word 'please', be that as it may, he was absolute on his decision. He would, however, stay and humor his once friend, for a final farewell. "Fine, I'll stay until the sun rises for a seventh cycle, as the moon sets a sixth cycle...that will be our final day, then I will leave, and cease any and all treaties between the Western and Northern lands."
"...is there no way to change your mind...?"
"Nothing short of begging."
"...I don't beg, but as one friend to another, you are smarter than this..."
Sesshoumaru locked eyes with the demon before him, "Yes, but I will be foolish this once. A threat to my ward was made while on your lands, and although you yourself did not attack, you allowed the attack to go unpunished."
"The attacker was punished by death!" Ryuzo growled out irritably as he stood before Sesshoumaru. "Your 'ward' made sure of that when she purified him!"
Sesshoumaru growled in warning and Ryuzo narrowed his eyes on the dog lord.
"Do not bare your teeth at me pup!"
"You should retract your own talons', hatchling."
"..."
"..."
Ryuzo stepped back and flopped pathetically into his chair, eyes closed as he released an annoyed sighed, "Lovely...who will I pester if not you."
Sesshoumaru would have rolled his eyes had it not been beneath his station. "I'm sure you can find someone worth your wile." He watched the demon before him pout and couldn't help the small smirk, he'd never admit it to the hatchling, as he so called him, but it was always 'fun', if you would, to bug the Northern Lord.
"I suppose, since it is our last chance in an alliance...we'll have to spend as much quality time with one another as we possibly can." Ryuzo gave a playful grin, one which Sesshoumaru immediately stood and removed himself from the room because of.
'Kami, give me the strength not to kill him...yet...'
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(Western Castle, with Kagome)
Once the day was over, and Tsubaki took her leave, Kagome couldn't help but sigh in relief as she fell onto her bed;; feeling mentally too tired to even make her way to the bathing area to clean her self off of the sweat and grim of the day.
Although she didn't do much physical work during training, Kagome was thoroughly frustrated with Tsubaki's so called instruction in having her take control of her powers, even though Kaede's presence eased some of the annoyance and frustration that was formed from the Kuro Miko's impatience.
"Now I'm certain that woman does not know how to teach children...let alone learn patience while growing up as a child herself." Kagome muttered with her face stuffed against the comforter of her bed. Turning her head to the side, she released a sigh before adding, "And with how she's 'trying' to teach me, I doubt that I'll even be able to learn how to properly control my power without hurting anyone in the castle..."
A soft chuckle was heard at her still open door before Kagome heard Kógairan speaking in reply to what she had said, "Do not doubt your self, little one. I'm sure that Kaede-san would be more than willing to teach you what you need to know at your pace...when the Kuro Miko's not around of course."
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(The Next Day)
Kagome ran through the castle and past the guards, smiling, she saw the very person she had been looking for. "Lord Kógairan!" She smiled brightly as she ran into the arms of the elder Lord who had, in good conscience, stayed behind while her own Lord was away from the castle. Lord Kógairan stared down with sightless eyes as he placed a clawed hand upon her head of raven black locks. "Oh, Lord Kógairan! I must tell you of my dream!"
"Was it good?" He inquired curiously.
"Was it ever..." She smiled as he led her to the study across from them, settling himself on the couch, she sat on her knees before him, her hands gently held his.
"Tell me of your dream Kagome."
"Dreams, Lord Kógairan," She said softly, emphasizing the plural word with an intense keenness. "As of late, my dreams have been inhabited by many long hours of meditation and severe mental training."
"...training?"
"Yes, Lord Kógairan, training. With a lovely miko in fine robes that sparkle, armor shielding her body from injury and damage, with a sword that glimmers with the touch of the suns light!" She couldn't help but smile, "She was magnificent, Lord Kógairan! Truly so,"
"I see, tell me more of this magnificent miko, Kagome..."
"She said that her name was Midoriko; she has been training me for a few days, but it was last night that I managed to do something useful!"
"Oh?"
"It was small...but...I did it! Me, not anyone else...she said that Lady Tsubaki will not be able to help me much, since she is no longer a Pure Miko, but instead, a Kuro Miko...she say's...she say's it's bad for her to be around me, but I must wait it out until my time here is up..."
He stared blindly at the girl bowed low before him, "Until your time here is up...?"
"Yes, she say's I am not of this era..."
"I see, Kagome...you must never leave without saying goodbye to Sesshoumaru...promise that."
"...Lady Midoriko said I may return without notice...I don't want to make a promise I may not be able to keep...I love Lord Sesshoumaru, very dearly...and it hurts that I may not be able to ever see him again...but I know, I know he won't forget me and neither will I forget him, you or anyone else who has taken such care in making me feel as if I was family...I'm happy to have met everyone here..." She stood and wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug before turning and vacating the room, leaving Lord Kógairan to his thoughts.
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Later that day, when Tsubaki had returned to the castle, the Kuro Miko's eyes narrowed slightly at the child that sat before her in a lotus position.
Despite that she was brought up to be patient, especially around children while training them, Tsubaki was getting antsy. She did not want to stay in the home of a demon for very long, even though she had been in the presence of many before who had requested her services in performing curses on their enemies. But even then, demons that had come to her were weak compared to the servants and the Lords she met within the walls of this castle.
When that scout had come to her, saying that his lord wanted to train his miko ward to control her powers, Tsubaki assumed that he'd meant his Lord wanted her to convert the child's power to a Kuro Miko, for his own use, only to find out otherwise; the lord really just wanted his ward to harness and control her power so she wouldn't accidentally harm or kill any of the residents with his castle.
It seemed, because of the Scout's assumptions of tainting the child's pure aura, the scout was punished, while the lord Sesshoumaru decided to keep her around to teach his ward the basics, only until he found a more suitable teacher for his young ward.
The Kuro Miko could sense the strong and pure aura within the child meditating before her; so unimaginably strong for one her age. She could also sense something else from her, something very familiar...
But she could do nothing to see if it was what she thought it was, with the girl's retainers, the Southern Lord (who was staying until Lord Sesshoumaru returned from his business in the north), and the younger sister of her old rival, Kaede, present. So until she can find an opportunity to be alone with her pupil, Tsubaki would have to bide her time and continue to be the impatient teacher that she is, to the demon Lord's ward.
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Me: Akuma here, so, it's been a while, but here is the next chapter. We both hope you enjoy it and we will try and update again soon! Please leave us a review to let us know your still reading! Chapter thirteen will be the end of this 'Well' segment! Next up to start the chapter...BISHI~!
Bishi: Hey Everyone, I hope you enjoyed the chapter^^ Akuma and I have everything for the next 2 or 3 chapters planned out. It's just a matter of getting the plans to flow together smoothly^^ Sorry for the long wait but for a while, I myself had been in a standstill with what to write in this singular chapter when it became my turn^^;; All in all, I hope everyone still enjoyed it^^