Chapter Twelve – Youkai Camp
"Bold" - Foreign Language
Inuyasha stood in the trenches while British and Japanese soldiers ran across the No Man's Land. With a deafening roar, an endless flood of enemy soldiers appeared from the opposite end.
"Hold your weapons," Inuyasha commanded. The moment the enemies neared their side, he would willingly shoot them down. He doubted any of the soldiers will get past their army, and not today.
Today marked a year since Kagome's disappearance. Holding in a pained sigh, Inuyasha gazed at Sesshomaru's form on the battlefield. The usual stoic expression fooled everyone to think that Sesshomaru had given up on Kagome; that he accepted her death. Inuyasha snorted at the fools who actually believed that.
Amber eyes watched in sick pleasure as his brother slaughtered all who blocked his path. No one but him noticed the slight change to Sesshomaru's fighting style. Giving the enemies a slow and painful death, instead of the usual quick and clean finish. The swing of Bakusaiga that used to appear effortless now struck down with rage.
Like his brother, Inuyasha was keen on ending this war. He knew Kagome was still alive. Without the proof of her dead body, it was possible to assume that the enemies have kept her hostage. What infuriated him was the lack of information about an imprisoned Miko. Every single General they encountered on the battlefield knew nothing. None had heard of her.
The loud roar of victory interrupted his thoughts. Gazing past the enemy lines, Inuyasha saw them retreat. Another victorious battle. Though pride should have swelled within him like the rest of the Generals beside him, he could only think of how many more battles were left. A weary look flickered past his face. Then marching across the bloody No Man's Land, the stench of death suffocated his sense of smell.
Out of the sea of cheering soldiers, Sesshomaru stood stoic. A feral thirst quickly vanished as the battle had ended. Noting Inuyasha make his way towards him, he said, "Austria-Hungary has not sent out youkai soldiers as well."
"I noticed, but who cares. It will make this war end sooner," Inuyasha muttered. Noticing his men steer clear of Sesshomaru, he wondered what had spiked their fear. He finally looked at him and instantly froze. The 'killing perfection' his brother was, now stood with splatters of blood stained across his uniform. A clawed hand smeared off the blood from his cheeks. The haunting image made Sesshomaru look almost unrecognizable.
Inuyasha mumbled quietly for only Sesshomaru to hear, "Your blood?"
"Hn, the General's."
Realization crossed Inuyasha's face. His brother had tried to interrogate the enemy General about Kagome. Scanning the mass of blood on the uniform once again, he knew the General had died a slow and painful death. Perhaps, torture was even involved.
Hesitantly, Inuyasha asked, "Got any information about her?"
A dark warp of silent rage clouded his golden eyes. A thrash of powerful youkai ki smothered his surroundings; an instant reveal of his heart. Then, as if nothing had happened, an expression of indifference veiled his emotions. "No."
Shiver.
For the first time, Inuyasha felt the need to be cautious around his brother. It was as if Sesshomaru could blow up at any moment. He could sort of understand him. A year was long, but the war didn't seem like it would end any time soon. How long will his brother be able to handle this control of his?
##
"Kaiser Wilhelm II would like an update on the Miko," a voice muttered.
Hearing the displeasure in the inspector's voice, Yamamoto asked, "What kind of update?"
"He is not...impressed. You have hidden the Miko away and haven't given him proof that your plan will work."
Yamamoto stood up from his office desk and headed towards the door. Gesturing a hand at the investigator to follow him, he walked on without waiting for the guest.
A fisted hand knocked twice on a wooden door before opening it. "Miko," he alerted her of his entrance. Her lavender pink eyes snapped towards him from the open window she had been gazing out from. The white blouse she wore reflected in the Sun, making her appear almost transparent. Her ankle long skirt was dyed in sky blue and fluttered about in the breeze. Strands of ebony hair tumbled down as she turned to gaze at the intruder of her peace and quiet time.
"Beautiful. What a beautiful creature she is, General," the investigator whispered in awe. Ignoring the comment, Yamamoto noted her eyes grow wary at the sight of the stranger inside her room. He closed the door shut and pulled out his crystal ball; a signal that he would be absorbing her powers.
Her hands gripped the window ledge as tension streamed through her body in preparation.
A blinding light illuminated the room.
The investigator did not bother to shield his eyes for he was too consumed with fascination.
A glow of pink pooled out from her heart as it floated across the room translucently and made it's way into the crystal ball.
The majestic moment was so brief that one would believe it a dream. Yamamoto quickly put away his crystal ball while Kagome struggled to hold her ground. Her skin turned deadly pale as sweat trailed down her forehead.
"This...our Kaiser will be very pleased with this update." With purity still tingling against his skin, he stared at the Miko with worship. "I must repay you for this amazing sight. If there is anything you need, I would be most honored to assist you."
A frown crossed Yamamoto's face, but he kept silent. The investigator held a closer connection with Kaiser than he did. It was not his place to reject the offer. However...he already knew what the Miko was going to request and didn't like it.
"Yes," a weak whisper escaped her lips. "I'd like to see Shin."
"It shall be done!" The investigator replied excitedly. Then glancing at Yamamoto, he urged, "Do as she asked."
He clenched his teeth and seethed forcefully, "Yes, sir."
##
Passing by three metre high barb wired fences and watch towers, Kagome finally stood before a tall gate that read 'Do Not Trespass'. She could see from beyond the gate several rows of worn down warehouses.
'Shin is here,' her heart thought in sorrow. For more than a year, her friend had to endure this kind of setting.
"Hide your aura, Miko," Yamamoto ordered sharply, leaving her no room to ask why. Doing as instructed, none would know she was a Miko now.
The gates creaked open, allowing her to walk in. She stood behind Yamamoto as they entered into the nearest warehouse. No sign of electricity was visible, leaving all who lived here in complete darkness. The warehouse was filled with hundreds of bunk beds that were built on dead soil ground. Kagome gasped at the hundreds of youkai eyes that immediately peered at her entrance. Passing by each bunk bed, she noted the ragged clothes they wore and dirt stuck to their skin. Before her mind could come up with a reason for this injustice act, her eyes spotted the one she was looking for.
"Shin!" She screamed in anguish. Running towards him, she didn't care for his bewildered expression and awkward return of her embrace.
"Mik- Kagome-sama," Shin caught his tongue before revealing to his fellow race what she actually was. "I apologize for being the reason you are stuck here."
Recalling the time Shin had saved her from drowning, she shook her head and replied, "You are the reason I'm still alive."
"5 minutes," Yamamoto snapped. Gripping onto his pistol, she didn't dare complain in fear he would drag her out sooner. She needed to know what this place was. It appeared as a prisoner of war camp, but the entire warehouse was filled with only youkais. Were prisoners designated to different prisoner camps by race in this country? Trusting only Shin, she tried to look for a way to retrieve an answer without Yamamoto knowing. Flashing Shin a serious look, she made sure he understood her request before replacing her expression with a silly smile. "Shin, I think of you every four days. Only on the fourth day."
A silence lingered in the warehouse as all eyes witnessed the scene displayed before them with disbelief. Never had they seen a human and youkai so friendly with each other; not in this country.
"Every four days?" Shin echoed. A scheming look flickered across his face as his pupils shifted in calculation.
"Yes," she replied mischievously. Kagome watched in fascination as Shin's calm expression dissolved into pretence disappointment.
"Not every day? Your words really hurt. Light me in, why? Is this because you're being stubborn about what used to happen before? To say four! You torture me. You act youkai with your indifference."All the while, Shin pretended as if they were lovers. She had to applaud Shin for his acting skills and wisdom to pull this off.
Wanting to know the drama going on, but unable to understand Japanese in which the conversation was spoken in, a youkai yelled out in frustration, "What the hell are you talking about?"
"Silence!" Yamamoto shouted as if trying to hide something. Grabbing the Miko, he stormed out of the warehouse.
A hint of urgency was captured on Yamamoto's face, she observed. Then glancing back at her youkai friend, she took in every detail of him which she had regretfully not done before. He appeared similar to an Inuyoukai, with his short hair, darker shade of silver and metallic teal eyes.
Escorted back to her room, she closed the door and waited for Yamamoto's footsteps to disappear before scrambling towards her desk. Snatching her quill and ink, she hastely wrote down Shin's words from memorization. Then, she underlined every four words.
Not every day? Your words really hurt. Light me in, why? Is this because you're being stubborn about what used to happen before? To say four! You torture me. You act youkai with your indifference.
Slowly setting down the quill, she read the hidden message.
YOUR LIGHT IS BEING USED TO TORTURE YOUKAI.
"Light?" Kagome hushed out in confusion. 'My light...?' She tried to make sense of what the meaning could be.
Suddenly, her breath hitched. She had always wondered what Yamamoto was doing with all the reiki he had absorbed from the many miko and priests and now even her. Staring down at the message once more, her eyes widened with disbelief. A grief-stricken expression tore past as truth crushed her heart.
Her reiki was torturing the youkais in that warehouse.
Tears flowed down her cheeks. Her hands tore the piece of truth into dust.
Rows and rows of warehouses filled with hundreds and thousands of youkais...were being destroyed because of her powers. She should have realized the moment she felt a barrier that locked the youkais in. Enraptured by so many emotions, she screamed out the name of the cause of all this.
"YAMAMOTO!" His name came out at the top of her lungs. She didn't stop until his quick footsteps were heard. He barged into her room looking at her with bewilderment. Before he could step fully into her room, she released the quenched rage of her powers. Unprepared, his body flew across to collide against the hallway wall.
Her body sizzled with lashes of her reiki. She watched mercilessly as Yamamoto coughed up blood. "You will place me in charge of the entire youkai camp."
A knowing look darkened his eyes. The Miko had found out about where her powers were being used for. Pulling out his crystal ball, he spat out, "I think not."
She had never tried to struggle or attack when Yamamoto absorbed her powers. However, she would fight him now and with everything that she had. An immense burst of reiki shot out from her hand and aimed at the abominating creation.
The self-loathing, the betrayal, and the injustice she felt continued to empower her with rage. It was the sight of Yamamoto's fear that showed her she had a chance of winning.
Crack.
His eyes widened in shock as he ordered, "Stop!"
Immediately, her reiki calmed. Both stared at the obvious crack on the crystal ball.
"What makes you think I will keep you alive to listen to your damn request?" He snarled in anger.
"You still need my reiki or did you want to kill me and have every single youkai hunt you down?" She knew there were no other miko that walked this earth anymore. Yamamoto, no doubt, absorbed the last of them. Without a way to replenish the reiki, the youkais will soon sense a lack of power and destroy him.
"Giving you control over the youkai camp doesn't benefit me."
A price. He gave her only two choices. One, escape by herself and risk a high chance of getting killed, but gradually make Yamamoto lose his power over the imprisoned youkais. Two, remain in charge of the youkai's safety, but replenish Yamamoto's powers.
Stay, Shikon Miko. The whispers of the Shikon no Tama hummed through her ears.
'I would have stayed anyways,' Kagome mumbled to herself. Still, she wondered why the Shikon no Tama wished for her to stay. Its purpose was to accomplish the wish of establishing peace between youkai, hanyou and humans. She was certain escaping now and stop empowering Yamamoto's crystal ball would gradually cause the Shikon no Tama's wish to succeed. What was the Shikon no Tama planning? Was her duty in this era still not over yet?
"Let's make a deal then, Yamamoto." Folding her arms, she eyed his every movement as he moved to stand and dust his uniform. "You place me in charge of the entire youkai camp, and I will continue to replenish your crystal ball."
Her chin lifted as she concealed the nervousness and fear she felt inside. He had to agree or she had just announced Shin's execution. There was no way she would want to be in charge of the youkai camp if someone hadn't pointed out the truth to her.
Wiping off the blood from his mouth, he sneered, "Deal. However, the moment I hear that a youkai has escaped, you are finished."
Unable to stand her presence any longer, Yamamoto stalked out of the room. The Miko had delayed his plans to exterminate the youkai race of Germany and Austria-Hungary. Spitting out the remaining blood, his eyes darkened. Let the Miko deal with the youkai camp he dreaded to deal with each day. He would let her have her fun before slaughtering them all before her very eyes.
##
She felt so small before the grand gates to the youkai camp. Her feet rooted to the ground, she stood gazing at the rows and rows of warehouses.
"Ma'am, you shouldn't be here." A soft spoken voice shook her from her daze. Looking for the owner of the voice, Kagome noticed a watch guard waving at her.
"I don't know why there's a pretty woman like you near our Military Base, but this is no place for you to be lurking." Words she could not understand spouted from the guards mouth. Finally understanding that the guard was telling her to go away by the gesture of his hands, she unfolded a piece of paper and handed it over. The guard scanned the content on the paper and eyed her in disbelief. The paper was a letter Yamamoto had written that stated that she was in charge of the youkai camp and held authority equivalent to his.
The guard handed her back the paper and yelled something to his fellow guards in the control room. With a creak, Kagome saw the large gates open for her. Immediately, all the guards ran towards her and lined up to salute.
Bowing, as it was her Japanese custom, she held a hand over her chest and said, "Kagome."
She remained silent and waited. Then, realizing what she wanted, the guard she had first met replied, "Christoph."
"Frank," a guard with blonde hair answered.
"Albert," the last guard said.
Kagome smiled to show her thrill to meet their acquaintance.
"Kagome-sama!" She heard the voice of Shin call out.
Suddenly, the kind guards she had just met dissolved into violent beasts. Pulling out a pistol, Christoph shot a blast of reiki from it causing Kagome to gasp. "Get back to your hut, youkai! You are not allowed out!"
Thankfully the blast had been a bluff to scare Shin off, but he did not retreat back into the warehouse. He needed to know why she was here alone.
Putting a hand over Christoph's pistol, the guards immediately paused. Kagome waved for Shin to come. Without hesitation, he walked to stand by her side. Kagome could sense the fear and wariness in the guards composure, but continued to smile in reassurance. Resting a hand over Shin's chest, Kagome told the guards, "Shin."
Realization dawned upon Christoph who had read the letter. It was written that the youkai, Shin, was her friend and would stand as her translator.
"Shin, tell them that no youkai is allowed to be shot at unless for self-defence," she said. "There will be many rules that I will change. The first is allowing the youkais to wander around the camp."
As Shin translated her words to the guards, she wondered out loud, "I hope you know how to speak many languages."
"What do you mean, Kagome-sama?"
"Well, the youkai prisoners are probably soldiers from all over the country. I want to communicate to all of them," Kagome explained.
"Kagome-sama... the youkais who live here are not prisoners or soldiers from other countries."
Confusion clouded her eyes as she scanned the youkai camp once more. The scenery resembled closely to the photos of prisoner camps displayed in her History Textbooks.
Dread portrayed on Shin's face, he said gravely, "They are all civilians of this country and Austria-Hungary."
Author's Note: DUN DUN DUN! If you have any question, feel free to leave a comment and I will definitely reply back! I hope I surprised everyone with this twist. Alsooooo~ I am happy to announce that "The Hime Tradition", another story of mine, has been nominated for Best Romance Fiction in the 2015 Feudal Association Awards! All your support amazes me.
Thank you for reading,
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