Frost-Bite
I wish you all a Happy New Year and hope you got all you wanted or needed for Christmas. This chapter is short than normal. If any errors please let me know.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Inu Yasha or the Yu Yu Hakusho characters.
Meanings:
`Thought'
"Speech"
Beast/Avatar
When you see something like this "Oh come on… " (Its a word drawn out: Like soooooo)
Chapter 11
'Reaching Koorime Island '
"Five million, nine hundred-ninety seven hundred thousand. Five million, nine hundred-ninety eight hundred thousand. Five million, nine hundred-ninety nine hundred thousand. Six Million steps... Oh my gosh how much longer Toran? My legs are killing me." Kagome stopped counting as she reached for her water flask and taking a much needed drink.
"We are a quarter of the way up. We will break at the landing our halfway point. From there the climb is vertical." Kagome looked at her in disbelief. But nodded her head, she knew not to argue with Toran right now due to how close they were to their goal.
Yes, a vertical climb, this will test our strength and power perhaps a trick or two to gain extra height.
'Can't we just levitate like Sesshomaru does? Can we even do that?' Kagome questioned Yuki. Not really wanting to scale up a sheer cliff side even if it were in a mountain.
We are not strong enough we need more time to manifest and manipulate our ki to do our bidding, however we can raise ourselves using an ice lift. The beast waggled it imaginary eyebrows in a odd way making Kagome laugh.
'Well, it was a thought. But the ice lift works better.' Missing a step Kagome face planted on the cold stone steps Toran turned back seeing the startled miko flat on the steps wondering what she was up to, not knowing she actually tripped over her own two feet once again.
"Eh, uh yeah. I kinda missed a step or two." Mirth danced in Toran's eyes as she watched the miko pick herself up a tint of pink on her cheeks as she patted them with her fingers. Kagome took this time to reprimanded her beast. Toran took a step down towards the miko when she heard a growl from above. The growl went unnoticed by Kagome but the beast heard loud and clear.
Be warned there is something lurking above.
'What is it? Can you tell what it is?'
(Sniff, sniff ah ha) It is a frost beast of the ice maidens. Roughly bred in between species of common youkai dog, bear and panther a very fierce and agile beast. Do be weary of the critter it will blend in with the ice. It must have a den of little ones for it to be lurking about to feed this far from the top.
"Toran, what of this frost beast? Is it looking for food to feed its kits, pups, ahh cubs? You know what I mean." Kagome questioned knowing Toran would answer when she pinpointed the movement of the beast.
"Yes, it was not here when I had left. The council must have caged them in here. If it indeed has a litter it is best to kill the mother before she strikes at us. The look of horror washed over Kagome's face as she registered Toran's words.
"What! We can't do that what about the er babies?" Kagome let out just as she saw movement up to the left of the wall. The corner just moved and shimmied.
"Uh lets worry about that later because I believe the moms right there." Kagome breathed out alerting Toran of where the beast was now.
"You have your gloves on yet were going to need to move once I freeze her to the wall." Kagome scoffed.
"Of course I do I've been ready just leaving behind a gift for the mom so it does not follow." Toran couldn't believe the miko would waste her meat to save a beast that most likely wanted to eat the both of them.
"Fine, leave the meat it will bide us some time to scale the wall of the mountain." Kagome looked above seeing the movement as she placed several large meat slabs on the platform unwrapping them from the leather hide.
"You know we don't have to scale the wall I can use my ice slide making it a platform to raise us to the top." Toran looked thoughtful.
"Then we work together to get us to the top faster. There is one more landing leading to stairs to the rest of the way. Then we will see what is in store for us, the council knows I have been here and they will stop at nothing to keep me from the queen." Kagome stuffed the leather wraps into her dirty pouch.
"Then lets get the show on the road or ice shall we." A nod in agreement Kagome and Toran combined their powers of ice and directed to the moving beast freezing it along the wall so they could freeze a block of ice to lift them to the near top of the mountain. They could hear the breaking of the ice where they captured the beast for a short period and its roar as it landed where Kagome had left the meat.
Kagome squealed like a little kid at the amusement park as Toran and her rose swiftly to the top where the next landing was. What they didn't know was that was where the mother beast had made its den. Cute little bundles of gray fur beasts huddled close together barking and mewing at one another tugging on ears or paws in playtime. Leaving a surprised Kagome behind as Toran moved up the steps.
"Do not think it miko. We cannot keep them or take one with us the mother would hunt us endlessly until her cub was found." Kagome heard loud and clear. Taking another slab of meat out Kagome unwrapped it and set it down leaving the leather wrap on but removed the ties before running up the steps to meet Toran who froze the passageway behind |Kagome.
"Did not need an angry mother following us." Kagome nodded in agreement although her own beast was barking at her in laughter.
'What's so funny. I haven't done anything wrong you know.'
I am not complaining, I just found that it was rather how you say cute the way you cooed to the little beasts.
'Well, they were cute and I'd love to have one to raise. Maybe one day. Now we need to catch up I can feel we are almost there.' The beast agreed as it settled down once again.
"We are here. I can sense guards posted all around waiting. I need you to cover your existence Kagome I do not wish for them to sense or see you. You are my secret weapon to save the empress and child should things turn for the worse." Kagome didn't think twice as she gathered her reki and yoki and tipped it over covering herself then stemming it off as her ki worked to levitate her from the ground so no footprints could be seen she began to shimmer then she disappeared from sight arming herself with her weapons in order to help Toran if needed.
Toran erased Kagome's footprints and scent saying the incantation the stoned ice door cracked open allowing Toran to push it open guards appeared instantly pointing their swords and ice orbs at Toran.
"You dare trespass ice maiden territory?" The tallest of the blue haired guards spoke.
"Hn I trespass no where, I am Lady Toran of the Northern Tribe of Panthers' Protector of the Ice Maiden Empress. You dare hold me at guard?" Toran narrowed her eyes at the tall guard knowing something was off with her. Ice Maidens do not get that tall.
"I do not believe you cat. For all I know you want to kill our beloved Empress." Toran was about to argue her point when she heard the sweet musical voice of one of the councilors who had contacted her on behalf of the Empress.
"Councilor Rui." Toran voiced. The guards removed the swords and ice orbs from around Toran before standing at attention.
"What is the meaning of this? Why do you hold our Lady protector at arms? She has committed no crime." Rui questioned as she walked slowly towards them.
"I had no such information that this ca... Lady Toran was a protector." The tallest guard spoke giving a half bow.
"No one shall disrespect our protectors, Sargent Kyou, Lady Toran's line have guarded we Ice Maidens over ten thousand years. Now you shall apologize then go back to your posts that General Kira assigned you. Now that is an order." The guards bowed to Toran then to the counselor then did as told.
"I had sensed something was off when I approached." Councilor Rui nodded knowing Toran had more to say however waited until the guards were out of hearing range.
"I do not trust this Sargent Kyou. How is it I have never come across her until now?" That was a good question remarked and answer she did.
"It appears Councilor Hana's sister requested a favor of Captain Mai." Toran looked on eyes narrowed not about to like what she was going to hear.
"That favor turned out to be the Sargent Kyou. Something is not right here, we both know it. Can we not speak to Jin perhaps she can look into this Kyou and where she came from." The councilor wore a frown upon her face.
"We have not heard nor seen from either General Jin or Captain Mai in some time. We have been having an odd increase of ice beast attacks in the lower quadrant they had gone to check it out with four other guards. We fear the beasts have claimed them." Toran growled hearing this Kagome's touch on her arm had her jump forgetting that she was there.
"What has you so jumpy Toran? Are you thinking what I am thinking?"
"Yes, there is no other answer for so many to be missing and I believe the beast are not at fault."
"Yes, I agree with you. We must inform the Empress. I fear she is no longer safe here."
"Let us be off." Toran suggested giving Kagome the heads up. With haste they whisked through the castle until they reached the Empress's bed chambers which were heavily guarded.
"Stand aside, we must speak to our Lady Empress." The guards knew not to move after being ordered to protection the Empress with their life however, this was the Councilor and the Protector none dared disobey them even with the outrageous orders they received. With the order they moved aside bringing down the barrier around the door allowing entry. Kagome just barely made it in when the barrier went back up.
"Empress are you well?" Toran questioned as she took a protective stance looking her over.
"I am well as can be with this one kicking my insides causing a bit of sour stomach. However, what I am concerned about are the constant change of guards. Where are General Jin and Captain Mai they will fix this matter." The councilor looked to Toran and both knew they would not hide this information from the Empress.
"We had reports that the ice beasts have attacked the lower quadrant the general and captain took four others to check it out." The look on the Empress's face told them everything they needed to know.
"What? No, no that cannot be. The ice beasts are my pets why would they turn on us?" Toran took the time to speak.
"I don't think they have Empress, to my knowledge they are protectors just as much as I am. Yet someone wants you and the others to believe otherwise. The same could be said for Jin and Mai gone missing. I believe they have been assassinated by one or more of your councilors who have come to dislike their Empress and child." The Empress knew that such would happen to her however not to their fellow guards.
"Tell me Toran have you gained what you have sought after?" Looking around the room she didn't sense anything. The councilor took to looking around the room as well wondering what the Empress was implying.
"Yes, it has taken much to long but I have acquired what I sought. It is my greatest protection." Now the councilor was not worried they were speaking of something to give protection which would be an added bonus.
"I would like to see for my own eyes. But first allow me to place my barrier of secretiveness." With a wave of her dainty hand another barrier shimmied into place blocking hearing, sight, aura's and power from the rest of the castle.
"Empress Hina, Councilor Rui may I introduce the Shikon no Miko Warrior Kagome." Kagome was impressed by the introduction by no means she removed the binding spells holding her body and power invisible. The councilor doubled over from the sheer power the female had. The Empress smiled in awe of the female that came to protect her son. Kagome bowed to both the Empress and Councilor.
"I must say it is an honor to meet you finally Lady Empress and a greeting to you as well Councilor Rui." The councilor bowed and the Empress nodded her head towards Kagome.
"It is an honor Shikon no Miko Warrior Kagome for you to come to my home. I fear we do not have much time as I have already gone into labor a few hours ago." Now Kagome blinked back large owl's eye in a start. Toran calmly looked the Empress over and the Councilor as she placed her hand on the bulge of the Empress's stomach counting the babe's heartbeats while Kagome jumped into action.
"What are you doing Toran?" Both the Empress and Councilor questioned at the same time.
"I am to check your babes' heart rate." A matter of fact tone came from Toran.
"check my babe's heart rate? Your ears could hear fine why place your hand as such."
"Lady Kagome taught this method to ensure that the babes' heartbeats remain steady should it increase complications may arise. I am to see to your and the babe's wellness before and after the birthing process." Toran missed the sadness in Lady Hina's eyes.
"The labor gives no pain at this time, I am well." The Empress added however, Kagome had something to say.
"My Lady Empress, Please allow Toran to check you over. I know it may seem early to do so however, I have instructed Toran on the heartbeats and breathing to better comfort you. So please allow her to check those and if you permit me to check on the baby's birth progression this way I will know roughly how long it will take to have him." The councilor agreed with what Kagome had said.
"Very well Shikon no..." Kagome interrupted.
"Please Lady Empress, call me Kagome, just Kagome will do." With that Kagome walked over to the Empress pulling down the blanket carefully not to make any sudden movements. Once she had the blanket drawn she noticed there was an area wet around the Empress's lower region.
"I see that your water broke. Do you recall when this happened?" Kagome questioned trying to determine how long the birthing would take.
"We have to scoot her down to the edge of the futon, this way I can get a better feel of what's going on in there." Toran and Rui helped the Empress so her back side was at the edge of the futon.
Kagome began counting as she saw the slight ripple of a contraction end. Feeling the lower abdominal area Kagome pressed two fingers testing the width of the cervix to that of the baby's progression of movement as it settled its head into the labor canal. Voicing the next part Kagome didn't want to alarm the Empress for what she was about to do.
"I can tell the baby is already settled into the birthing canal. Now I need to check your dilation. This will inform me how much further you have to progress until the birthing begins."
"You have been a midwife before?" The councilor questioned.
"Um, no. I've assisted a many births under lady miko Kaede, healer of Edo, my mentor." Smiling back at the trio Kagome's began thinking of her mentor and how proud she would be to know she delivered a baby on her own.
"Have any babe died during the births you attended." The councilor asked fearing for the Empress the notion had Toran growling.
"It's okay Toran, its a fair question. Actually, none. After gaining some knowledge and skills from healers we call doctors, I proceeded to teach others miko and healers what I have learned so there would be fewer deaths. However, there are still a few mothers' who have died of complications that I nor my mentor could heal." They all could see and smell the sadness coming from the miko.
The Councilor Rui narrowed her eyes but said nothing. Kagome continued to check the Empress. Kagome doubled check to make sure then a wide smile lit her face as she looked up.
"What?" Rui, Toran and the Empress questioned out loud. With a grin Kagome told them.
"I will not be delivering a baby." Kagome got their attention. "Lady Hina, you're having twins. Two babies, is that a common thing among demons as well?" Kagome innocently asked watching as Toran patted Hina's shoulder. Rui looked dumbfounded. The Lady Hina began to cry.
End Chapter.
I don't know much about Hina (Hiei's and Yukina's mother) I know she was not an Empress or royalty but I wanted her to mean something so I made her an empress. Also other than what I know from the manga and the anime which contradict one another on how she dies. So I'm go with the anime version less graphic that way. Wow, we finally made it to the birthing process... Please be kind and Review.