Chapter 21: Mischief
The air hung silent in the night. Still. Quiet. The rest of the palace slept; only the stars witnessed his journey, and who could they tell? He moved with unnatural grace and peculiar stealth, only the soft swishing of his hair whispered of his passing. His master would be pleased. After years spent inside the palace walls, watching, waiting, he finally had intelligence of a weakness, a pitfall to exploit. In his hand, he held a scrap of cloth, pilfered from one of the palace guests. The girl's scent clung to it, bright and sweet and sharp. It would prove beneficial to his master, once he shared his discovery.
He took to the wind, lifted high in the air and led away like a feather by a gale. Speed was a requisite– his absence may not be noted, yet unwanted and avoidable attention could only hurt him. The stronghold came into view, a stately manor situated on a distant mountainside, higher up and tucked away from prying eyes. The wind dropped him down in the middle of a grand courtyard. Light on his feet, swiftly through the twisting corridors, down and down he went into the depths of the stronghold. The genteel rice paper screens and elegant paneling of the mansion above shifted into roughly hewn walls; At the end of his path, two dim lanterns illuminated a dark set of doors. With grim assurance, the servant stepped through the doors.
The others in the room quieted as he came forward, kneeling before his master. After several moments of uneasy silence, he looked up. Around the room, youkai of varying shapes and sizes waited expectantly, their eyes weighing on him, boring holes with their acid gazes. Clearing his throat, the servant carefully articulated each word as his voice filled the room. "Master, there is a prophecy…"
Red eyes glittered maliciously in the dank light as a deep, velvety voice commanded, "Go on."
Kagome woke early that morning in a cold sweat, her hair tousled and yukata sticking to her in odd places. The sun had yet to rise, but hazy rays already turned the sky from midnight darkness to a fuzzy grey. Kagome pulled one of the thick furs closer, hugging it up to her shoulders. Mentally considering her options, she sighed, then rolled out of her futon. Shrugging off her yukata, she donned a clean one, then sat back down on the futon. Today can't be much stranger– or much worse– than yesterday, she thought grimly. Glancing around her room, her eye caught on the dark bloom Haruto had given her so long ago; it sat in the small vase, yet to unfurl its petals. Beside it, a small mirror, a few scrolls, and mementos from home.
She selected one of the scrolls at random, and buried herself in the comforting weight of the warm furs. Unrolling the scroll, she stared blankly at the words within. She recognized them, a collection of poetry she had been reading only a few days before, yet the words swam in her vision. Instead, she saw herself, bumbling through dinner, disregarded by Inuyasha, derided by the women around her. Emotion flooded through her; her throat grew tight, tears pricking her eyes. She blinked forcefully, shaking her head to clear it of invasive and destructive thoughts. She rubbed at her eyes, concentrating on comprehending the words before her.
The servant returned, his grasp tight on a small vial, the dark liquid within sloshing with each movement. The sun barely peeked over the horizon, the stars already fading from view. He knew what he had to do. He knew who would affect his master's plan. It was now just a matter of manipulating one to carry out the plot, and keeping the other out of the way. Other players had been set in motion to ensure an agreeable outcome. His eyes glimmered darkly, the taste of triumph already on his tongue.
Atusko found her not an hour later, when the sun stood proudly above the horizon, bright beams diffused by the rice-paper screens. If she was surprised to see Kagome awake and alert, she said nothing. Instead, she prepared her things and asked gently, "Would you like to head to the baths, Kagome-san?"
"Uh?... Oh… Hai, let's go to the baths," she said, false cheer echoing in her tone.
Atsuko hesitated, wide eyes appraising her mistress. Taking in Kagome's hooded eyes, crumpled hair, and pasty skin, she cocked her head, an impish grin tugging at the corner of her mouth as she suggested, "If we hurry, we could sneak out of the palace to visit the markets."
"Wha-what?"
Atsuko blinked, her lips twitching into a full-blown smile. "We could visit the markets this morning… Would that cheer you up?" She paused, evaluating her mistress' reaction as emotions flew across Kagome's face. At last, Atsuko giggled in victory as a hopeful longing appeared, then remained on Kagome's features.
"We could just… go?" she asked slowly.
"Well, I haven't been instructed not to go to the markets, nor that you need to stay within the palace grounds, even though none of the other women have left the palace grounds yet– I mean, except those that the Emperor is sending away–, and I–"
"The other girls are being dismissed?" Kagome interrupted, alarm turning her voice shrill. I can't possibly leave now, not before I have a chance to figure out what Hikaru-sama was talking about!
"Oh, yes, Kagome-san. I thought you knew."
"No, Atsuko-chan, I wasn't aware." Kagome sank back onto her futon. "Do you know why?"
"Apparently, Inutaisho-sama is displeased with how everything is progressing– his sons hardly interact with the women he has selected for them," Atsuko whispered conspiratorially, her eyes flickering with mischief. "And I heard many of the other girls– the maids and attendants, that is– are grateful that their mistresses are leaving. From what I have heard, Kagome-san… That is, well… Not many of the women present are half as kind as you, Kagome-san. I am most grateful to be at your service," Atsuko said with a deep bow of her head. Her mousy brown hair fell over her thin shoulders, and Kagome's heart went out to her. If these girls were so nasty to me, there's no telling how they would treat those below them. "And don't worry, Kagome-san, you are not being sent away!" Atsuko exclaimed brightly, her eyes shining.
Kagome hummed, a wordless acknowledgement of Atsuko's enthusiastic statement. She propped her chin in her hands, her eyes distant and unfocused. Drawing in a deep breath, she shook off her surprise and met Atsuko's gaze. The girl stood, still holding her supplies for the baths, her eyes still twinkling playfully.
"So, you were saying, about the markets?"
"Oh yes! I don't see why we could not visit the markets," Atsuko declared.
"But you did say 'sneak out of the palace' Atsuko-chan," Kagome teased, her own eyes gaining a mischievous glint. "It sounds like a wonderful idea!"
With a brief foray to the bath house and a quick change of clothes, Kagome and Atsuko set out, weaving through the palace, ultimately slipping through the kitchens. The kitchen bustled with activity, the air heavy with the lingering aromas of several different dishes. Chefs and servants skittered around the room in a well-practiced pattern, and each contributed to a unique chorus of stepping, chopping, sizzling, and stirring. Atsuko stopped their progress only once, quickly convincing one of the kitchen girls to produce some rice balls for them to eat on their way into town. They perched in a tight corner of the room, out of the way of the kitchen's elaborate dance.
The noise of the kitchen washed over them while they waited for their prize, and Kagome glanced around, appreciating the effortless efficiency in the kitchen staff. With a start, she recognized one of the servants, and her brow furrowed as she searched her memory to place him. A triumphant grin crossed her face as she remembered– He's the one from a few nights ago, when I missed dinner and Sesshomaru-sama led me to the kitchens! In the early morning light, she saw his features more clearly– he was much taller than the rest, and a green bandana kept his long hair from falling in his face. He was pretty, much prettier than the others around him; he moved with understated grace, his hands adeptly skinning and slicing fruit with practiced ease. As if feeling the weight of her gaze, he looked up from his task, his green eyes flashing. Kagome's breath caught, her cheeks flushing at having been caught staring.
Atsuko's friend returned, bearing two neatly wrapped rice balls. With matching nods of gratitude, the pair slipped out of the kitchen, continuing through side halls and corridors until they left the palace behind, following a well-worn path towards the city. As they crossed the river separating the palace grounds from the rest of the city, Kagome looked back. The palace was stunning, tall and imposing as it sat above the city, a regal protector of the citizens below; the sight brought a smile to Kagome's lips, then Atsuko tugged her along, intent on arriving at the markets before the heat of the day caught them.
Kagome wandered the market sector of the capital, Atsuko staying close by her side. She was grateful for her plain yukata; even the most understated kimono she had worn at the palace would stand out too much in this crowd. Without the borrowed finery, she was just Kagome, just another subject of the Empire. Sounds and sights assailed her senses as street vendors hawking their wares shouted over each other to be heard. They brashly pushed their goods on all who passed within eyeshot and earshot. Shops all around boasted brightly colored silks, fine pottery, and products procured from the mainland nations. Children played in the streets, often getting underfoot as they laughed and ran about; others moved through the crowds with armfuls of fresh flowers, begging for coins. In some nearby alley, a blacksmith's hammer rang out, the sharp peal of metal on metal accentuating an already boisterous atmosphere. Above all, a cloud of heavenly aroma rested over the sector, sweet and savory scents clashing for superiority in her nose. Kagome took a deep breath, and then another, appreciating the familiar ruckus of a lively market.
"Higurashi-san?"
Hearing her name, Kagome turned, scanning through the crowded street. Men, women, and children moved through the streets in an elaborate dance, bodies swaying and twisting to avoid collision. Who's calling me? The only people I know are at the palace, she speculated as she searched through the crowd. Her eyes settled on one who stood alone, an unmoving island in the midst of a rushing river of people.
"Higurashi-san, it is you!" Her old guard bounded over to them, the corners of his eyes wrinkling with delight as a wide smile stretched across his face. He wore plain clothes, though a katana still hung from his sash. The divergence from his traditional uniform softened him, and he looked younger without it; with a dazed observation, Kagome realized that the guard was likely not much older than herself. Touma's cheeriness withered, his smile fading from his lips, as he looked around them, clearly searching for something, then frowned at her and Atsuko. "Where is your guard?"
Kagome tittered, looking to Atsuko; the girl glanced between Touma and Kagome before shrugging apologetically.
"I didn't bring one, Touma-kun. I was unaware I needed a guard," Kagome offered, hoping to appease him. Her words did little, and Touma stepped closer, nearly towering over Atsuko.
"You are Kagome-san's attendant?" He inquired, a sharp edge to his voice. Atsuko nodded once, her eyes wide. "Why did you not arrange a guard to accompany her? Are you not aware of the dangers she faces as a potential mate to one of the princes?" Atsuko's chin quivered, her eyes shining. "You would be so careless with your mistress's life?"
"Touma-kun," Kagome interjected, stepping between him and Atsuko, "Atsuko-chan is not at fault. Stop berating her." Her voice, soft in comparison to the market's cacophony, was firm. Touma flicked his gaze to meet hers, his eyes darkening at her command.
"I recognize an honest mistake, Kagome-san. Yet she must know that her actions could have led to a disastrous consequence for you," Touma insisted. Kagome held firm, and Touma gave a soft sigh. "Very well. But at least allow me to accompany you." Kagome started to object, but Touma held up his hand to silence her protest. "I will not accept your presence here without a guard. If you will not allow me to accompany you, I am obligated to return you to the palace," he said, his voice firm and unyielding.
Kagome rocked back on her heels, considering her options. It would be a great shame to cut our venture short. With a quick nod, she acquiesced. "I will allow it, Touma-kun."
With that, they were on their way again, quick to admire the many trinkets and baubles of a nearby shop as Touma followed a half-step behind, his eyes sharp and his hand resting on the pommel of his katana.
They spent several hours perusing all the markets had to offer. Touma, their ever-present shadow, remained close enough to ensure safety, yet not so close as to encroach on their privacy or draw unwanted attention. To all others drifting through the markets, Kagome was a regular citizen, not a guest of the Imperial house. When the sun stood high in the sky and their stomachs begging for sustenance, Atsuko suggested they purchase some food from a street vendor, then return to the palace; Kagome readily agreed, and the disjointed trio began retracing their steps through the crowded streets.
They ate in the street, eagerly slurping their noodles without care. Touma casually rested against a wall, casually scanning the streets. When they finished, Atsuko once more led them through the crowds. They had nearly returned to the entrance of the market sector when a small shop, tucked in the side of an alleyway, caught Kagome's eye. Hooking Atsuko's arm, Kagome veered away from their destination, heading for the shop. She didn't have to look behind her to know that Touma was following– he had yet to break away from them that entire morning, regardless of their erratic path from street to street and shop to shop. With a veritable skip in her step, Kagome bounded to her chosen shop, eye keenly admiring what it had to offer.
All types of bows filled the walls, ranging in size and shape and color. A cursory glance confirmed that not all were made of wood; a few of the bows displayed were a faint whitish yellow, others a deep black, and one shone a pearly white, shimmering softly. A more appreciative inspection revealed elegant carvings twisting around the grips of nearly every weapon exhibited. Below the bows, quiver upon quiver of arrows sat, imitating the intricate detail of the weapons above to form dozens of matched sets.
Touma slipped up to her side, startling her; yet he did not look up, but merely plucked an arrow from one of the quivers and held it aloft.
"Kagome-san," he whispered lightly, not meeting her eye– he appeared engrossed in evaluating the arrow in his hands. "I believe you are being followed."
Oh Kagome… What mess will you get in now?
Also...I read some fun prompts and I started a new story! It's pretty different- different AU, different writing style (drabble chapters), different genre! It's a fun little Sess/Kag side project called Pet Shop- check it out if you want!
Thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I love hearing your thoughts and what I can do better to make a better story!
Tempest S- you make a very good point. I will try to add more realistic conflict between Kikyo, Kagome, and their "rivals".
In other news, is there an appropriate word for "female suitors"? I want to call the other girls "suitors" but in my brain that's normally a male-coded word! Looking for suggestions (: