Chapter 19
The red surged through the outline of his eyes as things around became harder to make out without losing control. This plain was solely made to cleanse demons, with its strong spiritual aura emitting from the earth itself. It was no wonder he did not pick up on anything sooner, let alone close by for the ambush. It was of no matter in any case. The Lord was not one to be beaten easily. Though he must admit, things were becoming harder for his senses per minute. With the energy around drawing the inner beast out he struggled for dominance. The animalistic behavior clear as he stay on all fours. The claws ripping the grass out below in tremors with his nose sniffing the air around for any clues to where she may have been taken. Finding her would lead him straight to these humans who dared challenge and trick the Lord in such a childish manor.
Picking up a faint scent he dashed forward in sharp strides. The air stinging his skin harsher with an electric like current piercing repeatedly.
But as quickly as he arrived, he was stopped. The barrier rejecting any further movements. He grunted in pain as it seared upon contact, gritting his teeth. It was no use, projecting him backwards.
He landed hunched, the anger growing inside of him. The beast was almost in control now at this point, wanting nothing more than to rip out the enemies entrails. Sesshomaru knew he'd face no chance in staying close by here for now. He'd need a moment to ready himself and charge in another way.
A faint coughing could be heard not far behind him, interrupting his train of thought.
He glared angrily in the direction and stroded over to it. Seeing one of the previous men was still alive trying to drag himself away.
Sesshomaru yanked him up by the back of his shirt, holding him high in front. Forcing eye contact.
His red eyes striking immediate fear within the monk, he screamed out. Weakly holding his hands in front of his face for pathetic cover.
Sesshomaru hissed and bared his fangs out in response to this gesture.
"Take the barrier down," He demanded, tightening his grip on the back of the monks shirt choking him.
He gasped for air, prying the fabric back to no avail.
Coughing out he whispered, "I… cannot. You may.. Only pass if.. You truly want.. To save her… throw pride of vengeance away.."
"And where have they taken her past it?," He seethed.
"The.. The underground..passage for… safety.. She and others are… in need of repentance ugh," The man gasped out, bits of blood trailing down his chins.
The words barely managed to come out as he was losing air fast. Sesshomarus face grew more vicious at the insulting words. He had no one to save. To protect. If anything he owned this female for all of the struggle she had put him through, and the great Lord would not be bested by a group of simpleton humans. That was that.
Launching the monk into a nearby tree, he heard his spin snap at impact. Breathing was ragged by now as he was deeply angered by the situation. One thing was for certain, he was not to leave until every single one of them was dead. And the woman would be reprimanded for being so goddamn troublesome.
He stormed off from the spot to regain his train of thought for a moment. Wanting nothing more than to lash the anger out. The inner beast screamed to be let out but that move would be foolish. With this newfound information it was clear that the objective would not call for that. The beast was huge. And would surely crush Kagome inside along with the rest, caving the passage in.
The thought only triggered more fury inside of him. For humans were not exactly number one on his list of beings that the Lord cared for whatsoever. The audacity.
The hair along his back raised higher, the rippling muscles glistening in the sunlight. A growl erupted from within as he drew Baksusaiga, attempting to blow off steam best way he could. In a single thrust a large blow of light slashed through the surrounding trees. Sending trunks of wood flying through the air. Laying nothing but an open voyage of forest, scattered out for miles. A scenery that if any monks would emerge, it was sure to catch their attention. An obvious threat.
He huffed hard at the amount of energy put into the hit. The beast slowly subsiding for a moment as its master put it in its place. Sesshomaru needed time to access what was said to him and rest. In order to fully address the situation. There was a powerful barrier he could not seem to get past unless he had a pure intention such as merely saving the woman, and nothing more. How foolish. That definitely would not work. At this place in time all he wanted was to kill every human around.
ooooooo
The doors to her cell was swung open hard as the metal clanging abruptly woke her up. She scrambled up, scooting away from the two figures approaching her. Holding her wrist above her head for protection.
They both grabbed them harshly, dragging her to her feet. Holding her wrist hard the other smacked her back with his staff.
She cried out, stumbling forward.
"Move.," They demanded. She obliged, stepping out of the cell as one guided her out. The other following close behind.
"Where you taking me?!," She snapped rubbing her wrist to soothe the skin.
But she was met with another smack to her back. It took everything not to fall forward, but she managed to stay afoot. Wincing at the pain spreading.
They walked along the corridor, taking note of the well state it was in for something that was built underground. The smooth flooring under her feet was strong. With torches aligning the walls illuminating it all.
Reaching what looked to be a grouping of multiple cells, they approached what was clearly hers. Swinging the door open and motioning her to go.
She gulped, taking slow steps up to it.
Once she got even in the doorway one of the monks roughly kicked her in. And yet again she landed on her face, crying out at the pain.
Hearing the metal behind her being slammed shut.
"Lanna as been here for some time. May her treatment sway your mind.," They spoke lastly before leaving.
She weakly raised herself to her knees for balance, taking in the sight of her new stead. Two futons could be made out in the darkness. Only the light from the hallway showing way inside.
Kagome gasped, seeing a small figure huddled in the corner on the opposite futon.
Squinting her eyes to get a better look.
"Are you the priestess that cares for demons?," A small voice whispered.
A woman?
"I uh, can't exactly see too good in here," She said back.
The small figure crawled up to her across the flooring.
Kagome stared at her, now able to make out the young woman's features. It was a small woman, looking to be the same age as her nearly. Weak and clearly beaten, with filth around her face. Her body was covered head to toe in scars ranging from her face to her legs even.
She smiled to Kagome before reaching up, gently brushing the dirt off her cheeks. It was a new touch to the cruel abuse these people had given her.
"I've heard so much about you miss. The woman meant to change the generations and bring us all together. An idol," She whispered.
Kagome grew nervous unsure what she meant by the seemingly compliment. But maybe this young woman had answers that the abrasive monks and priestesses were clearly against answering.
"Where are we?," She asked.
"This place was originally a hide away for a neighboring village against demons. It was built a long time ago and barely used until the traditional spiritualist began to reside here.," She answered.
It was obvious Kagome had many questions for the young woman. She weakly laughed, pulling away from her to sit proper. And giving a thankful bow.
Kagome gaped in shock by the sudden gesture, flailing her hands.
"W-What are you doing, there's really no need for that!," She said.
Who does she think I am? I'm nothing special.
"I am thankful to you young priestess. Though I am sorry for your current state, you have advocated for humans and demons to be together. I adore you for that," She whispered in an emotional plea, raising herself to look Kagome in the eyes.
She could see the happiness in the weak woman's face. Showing through the pain these people had inflicted upon them.
"I am Lanna.. I fell in love with a demon once. One who I loved with all of my heart. And was cast out of my village for such.," She said, expression growing solemn.
Continuing, "I lived alone for a long time. Before word reached of you priestess. An outstanding young woman who would lead us to join forces. I was so happy and suddenly did not feel so alone. But… That was short lived. When word spread of you, traditional monks became frantic. Cursing your name, claiming you'd lead to the end of humanity. Those who praised you cast them out. And in numbers they took refuge here. Until they gained enough support to take action. And gathered those they all knew personally needed to… 'repent'."
Kagome eyes grew wide the knowledge of what her views had caused. Though in her eyes they were nothing special, it was simple. There's was absolutely no reason for people not to able to love whoever they wanted. Her heart hurt for this woman. For how long had she suffered for?
"Well I'll tell you one thing… we have nothing to repent for!," Kagome exclaimed. A proud expression showing on her face.
The girl eyed her wide. Observing the strong sense thing this priestess emitted.
Kagome stood, pressing her face against the bars peering outside.
"You hear me!? I have nothing to repent for!," She screamed down the hallway at the guards standing at the end.
They gawked at her bold behavior but that was quickly replaced by disgust. Charging at her, they roughly opened the door and shoved her down on her back.
Kagome glared at them while Lanna scooted away in fear. Shielding her body in fetal position.
"You are a sinner. Nothing more. Atone for what you have done and remain silent!," He yelled down at her.
Kagome would not be bullied into backing down though.
"When it comes to caring about something it's not a sin! Demons fought by my side many of times! Even saved all of us when I needed help against the jewel!," She yelled back.
"And if you were any true priestess you would not have needed aid the of demons!," He spat back.
That part stung a little to hear considering it was a little true. She always was a weak priestess. And never properly did train her powers. Always needing someone to protect her. But in this situation that did not matter. These people were held with nothing but hatred and it was horrible.
"Besides. You realize that not everyone was affected by the great demon you faced?," He sneered.
"What are you talking about?," She asked.
"There are plenty of humans that claim it was all a lie. Those who did not witness it. For others, they believe your fellow demons simply wanted the jewel for themselves. So you see it'd be nothing to overturn your words girl. I suggest you rethink this sudden burst of confidence," He spat smirking down at her before slamming the door shut and walking off.
She was stunned by what she heard. Were there really people that didn't even believe in her crusade against Naraku? Sure he may not have wreaked havoc in every single village. But there were plenty of other people that could testify of the ruin he caused. Kohaku was one for starters.
To add to insult it hurt to hear that some believed the demons beside her only wanted to get to the jewel. After witnessing how hard they fought and suffered over the same sake as her. It was truly offensive. Protecting and caring for people would always be a priority, but God humans could be stubborn. That was what ignorance breeds though sadly.
She looked over at Lanna who sat very still, unmoving even after the monks had left. The abuse she suffered by their hands must've been severe to strike such sudden fear like that. One thing was for sure, Kagome wasn't going to be broken like that. Even if Sesshomaru didn't save her… it wouldn't matter. She knew her convictions were right.
"Lanna," She stated. The young woman slowly peeping to look at her.
Kagome smiled, moving herself over to her own futon. Placing her hands on her lap to appear calm. Things were not good in their favor she knew. But to make this woman anymore fearful was not the game plan.
"Things are going to be okay. We're going to get out of here. I'm not one to give up mkay?," She said to her winking, trying to appear cheerful.
Lanna nodded, still seeming apprehensive of Kagomes claim. But the hopeful attitude was a good change for the young woman's pace. For a kind face and demeanor was uncommon.
Unfortunately for Kagome, she just had no idea how long Lanna had been here for. Nor was she to admit it, unwanting to shoot down this girls confidence.
ooooooo
The cell opened the following day, the high ceptor old man appeared before them both. Standing behind him the same two monk guards as earlier.
The two girls braced themselves for what was to come at how stern his face was.
He approached Lanna.
"Stand," He ordered. She obeyed immediately. Standing fearful looking down.
"Tell me child. Are you ready to repent for certain this time?," He calmly asked.
She grew nervous peering down at Kagome, who's face shown strong.
"She doesn't have to repent for anything! Who are you to tell her who to love!?," She spat standing up finally behind him to defend the young woman.
The confident attitude at her cell partner began to slowly effect her. Before she'd always lie and say she did not have love for the demon man anymore. But the monks always saw through it and beat her anyways. This priestess spoke for them, representing humans like her. Who deserved to be free.
She swallowed, taking a deep breath.
"This priestess… showed me that my love.. i-isnt wrong..," She whispered refusing to make eye contact with the old man.
He scowled angrily at this. Her words so scared, but true.
True, and wrong in his eyes.
He slammed his staff down signalling for them to grab her. To which they walked around him, roughly grabbing her up by both arms.
Lanna yelped, tears silently falling out of her eyes. Teeth chattering from fear.
"Show her the light.," He stated to them.
She began to thrash and shriek, begging the men not to hurt her. But it fell of deaf ears. They dragged her out of the cell and threw her on to the ground.
Where they began to violently beat her with the ends of their staffs. She cried out, wailing in pain and terror. They jabbed hard, spearing her back and legs.
Kagome could hear the sounds of the woman's pain as she saw her sprawled out onto the ground. With the two towering over her, repeatedly hitting.
She tried to push her way through but the old man stopped her by the back of her hair. Lightly tossing her back before slapping her straight across the face. She hit the slab hard, directly on her back holding her face. Blood leaking out of her mouth.
She stared up at the old man who only angrily glared down at her. Pure disgust shown on his face.
"This is your fault you harlot. Filling her head with lies. False promises. False beliefs. I wanted you here for her to set an example for your behavior, but my suggestion was wrong. Watch on down and bare victim to the work of God for your shame."
Kagome could only watch as he said. The woman crying out in pain from her ordeal.
They suddenly yanked her up and threw her back into the cell. The men slowly leaving and shutting the door. The old man's disappointed and disturbed face showing through the slits in the door for a brief moment before he too walked away.
Lanna scrambled to her futon, clutching her new bruised arms and legs. Blood evident on her face and parts of her body.
She slowly moved over to her, unsure how to comfort the woman.
Lanna sobbed into the corner of the cell, not looking back at Kagome.
We… we have to get out of here soon. They're going to kill us.
oooooooooo
Night time appeared outside with the moon held high. Sesshomaru resided not far away from the area. Just far enough to get a break from the pure air. The beast had since fallen asleep inside of him but the anger he felt still clear as day.
He pondered what the man meant by repent. And when the next group would emerge from hiding to witness the extent of damage he did nearby. Maybe it'd scare them enough to surrender. Where he'd slay them all.
Something did dawn on him though. No matter how annoying Kagome certainly was, one thing was here that he had not had in while now. Which was a sleepless night in the dark. Alone. Not even the comfort of her displeasing company.
ooooooooo