Mentions of rape. Not in detail. Btw thank you for all the reviews, I appreciate all:)
Chapter 20
Kagome stirred awake in the darkness. The cold from the chambers long sweeping over the pair without a blanket for warmth. Weakly sitting up her stomach growled harshly. It had been quite a while since she had a nice meal. Considering her travels before getting caught as well.
She looked over at Lanna. Who slept with her back turned facing the wall. The bruises were much more prominent than yesterday evenings beating she had so cruelly received. Kagome couldn't imagine the pain she must've been in, having only been hit once in the face. The memory itself was painful as she gently touched the spot on her lip that was clearly busted. Knowing for certain there would be a discoloured mark on her features.
The door suddenly swung open, an older priestess standing with two trays in the doorway. She looked over at Kagome disgusted before slamming the trays on the floor. Turning to leave, her voice stopped her.
"Hey wait. Can you at least tell me what time it is? There's no windows so..," She shyly asked.
"Almost dawn. Everyone will be fully awake shortly.," She answered, shoving the door behind her. Letting darkness shroud them yet again.
Kagomes stomach growled eyeing the bits of bread and water. Having crawled over to one tray quickly and devouring her piece in a mouthful fit. Closing her eyes she tried to savor the food for a moment before finishing it fully. Gulping down the water beside it. Her stomach still let out loud sounds hard but this would have to do.
She looked over at the other woman who did not even budge from her sleeping position. Knowing she'd have to have been awoken by the noise the priestess made.
Crawling over to her, Kagome nudged her slightly.
"Lanna. You need to eat. I know you're up..," She whispered.
Her eyes opened a little for a brief moment followed by a sigh, but still remained still. Closing them again.
"I do not wish to eat.," She faintly said.
"But you need your strength! I need you strong for when we get out of here," Kagome said smiling.
Lanna barely rolled to meet hers, expression disheartened.
"We will not get out of here. This place has been my prison for months now. And it shall also be yours."
Kagome scowled. "I'm not giving up that easily. I have someone waiting for me. And so do you."
Lanna slowly sat up. Though still unwanting food or water. She stared down at her own feet avoiding eye contact.
Kagome was unsure how to make her feel better. In all she couldn't possibly understand, she wasn't the one beaten so severely yesterday. But regardless she needed this woman to have her strength up so they could flee together. There was no intention of leaving without her, abandoning her to be tortured further.
"You never told me about him.," She whispered.
Lannas face shot up, a small spark of light shown in her eyes.
"Him?," She asked, though knowing whom was implied.
"Who was this demon that you loved?," Kagome asked.
The young woman pondered for a minute obviously in thought. Emotions swaying across her face at the mention in memory.
Kagome eyed her, seeing the color returning to her once more. She smiled. Grateful that the idea worked to get her at least a little back to life. And there was a bit of excitement behind that face, eager now that someone finally took Intrest.
"He was… beautiful. A lean water demon that resided through the forest into the lake near my village. I went off to fish once. Though we were always told to stay away from the area, I ventured alone one day. I.. Always was a curious person," She said chuckling softly.
Continuing, "Well. One day I went again. Stepping deeper into the water. Being unaware of a sudden deep end of it, I fell under the water. Something gripped my clothes and I could not swim to the surface. I was certain to die. Until he came. Swimming right up to me and ripping me up, quickly bringing me to the surface."
Her face was flustered with emotions recalling the man she loved, reminiscing in memory. Describing the event aloud. While the other listened intently.
"So.. Why weren't you guys together before you got caught?..," Kagome hesitantly asked.
Lanna paused for a moment. The expression turning from joy to a saddened one, though still holding a shallow smile.
"He… cared for me. I visited every day for weeks after that. Ultimately it came down to the fact that I was human. And in his eyes, humans and demons simply wouldn't be. Only because of our short spans. He said, it'd be more painful to love me and watch me die. Than to let me go now."
Kagomes heart dropped hearing those words. Being one that believed in any love blossoming, it was unreal not to fathom giving something a try.
"Did you accept that? In my opinion you should enjoy the time you have with someone, no matter how small..," Kagome asked.
"For a while I did not. I would still see him. And he was still so kind to me. Until one day I was caught with him. I confessed my love, and they threw me out of the village. Being a water demon I could not stay with him, and I needed a home.. Not to mention he rejected me. So I tried to move on, alone. I was still trying to put myself back together when they kidnapped me, and brought me here. I do not know of what happened to him.," She finished. Sadness now showing clear as day.
The room was quiet. Kagome feeling somewhat guilt for asking, but also grateful to listen to this woman's story of hardships. What a strong person.
"So what of you?," Lanna asked, bringing her out of her thoughts.
Kagome blushed. "Huh? W-What of me?"
Lanna weakly laughed.
"Who is it that you love?"
Sesshomaru immediately came to mind. In visions of their recent travels. The bickering. Sleeping together. His angry face. The prestigious looks he presented himself with. Of course being in such close proximity, she had all the time in the world to study such a man. Not that she had any certain definition of feelings to describe when it came to herself though.
"Well uh. I don't know if you'd call it love.," She said blushing, looking away.
Lanna stared at her smiling. Seeing the look in the priestess eyes and the expression on her face said it all.
"Well what is it that you feel?," She asked.
I can't even answer that to myself, let alone anyone else..
Kagome thought hard for a moment before answering, choosing her words carefully. In the best sense to describe it.
"I.. don't think I can say I love him. We've barely spent time together. But also.. I like being with him. He was actually trying to bring me home before, and honestly I really didn't want to. Because I knew I'd have no excuse to be near him again..," She answered, smiling sadly.
Lanna stared at her, reading the expressions Kagome held. The transparency clear to one such as her. Being aware of those feelings. But she'd remain silent. It was an issue for Kagome to work out and decide whether to pursue or not. A sweet thing to grow and water on her own.
The sound of shuffling could be heard throughout the hallways sparking their interest. Voices of agitation shouting about outside. Kagome stood, walking over to the small slit in the door to see what was going on.
She listened intently. But all she could make out is small muffled sounds. Until a few monks ran past their cell. She ducked down quickly to be unnoticed in the eavesdropping.
"Where is the high ceptor!? We must tell him immediately! That demon destroyed the surrounding forest! We're bare to intruders!," One said aloud.
Kagomes eyes widened, knowing full well they meant Sesshomaru.
"I believe he has finally risen. It is dangerous to go scouting in the open like that.," The other answered. It was all she could make out before their voices disappeared into the distance.
Kagome heart fluttered in hope. Trusting that he did not leave her behind. Or did he simply want revenge?
She shook her head, deciding not to torture herself. Just happy he stayed around and was nearby.
She ran over to Lanna, gripping her shoulders cheerfully.
"Hes around! I told you we're gunna get out of here!," She exclaimed happily.
Lanna smiled though saying nothing, less not to ruin her new friends cheer. Aware that she had long run out of hope.
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The old man rose with the new day risen. He dressed, descending the small stairs down from the bedchambers he resided in. Though today would not be a simple day, with the news approaching.
He stopped at the end of the stairs, seeing several monks running down from the hallway towards him in a frantic sense.
"What is wrong?," He shouted.
They finally reached him, huffing in sweat after running about in panic.
"Sir!," They huffed, breathing ragged. "The demon! He.. He destroyed.. The nearby forest! It was so strong that-that there's nothing but a valley left in his wake!"
The old man frowned at the news. Gripping his staff, he walked past the young men. Approaching his thrones and reaching behind it. Grabbing a small inscent and headed towards the outside. They gawked at him, flocking to follow behind. Spouting insanities of warning.
But he would have none of it. He would see for himself the extent of damage.
He walked up to the gate leading out and opened it, allowing the rays in. Pressing onwards he was out. And in amazement the words the monks attempted couldn't describe the true ray of damage.
Peering straight from past the barrier, there was nothing left. Leaving only the follege behind them, but forward was barren. The entire forest whipped completely away. He stood stunned by the demons raw power.
It would be short lived for now though. His face grew stern but angered by the insulting threat. Readying the inscent, he reached behind the monks who held the doors open and grabbed a torch. Lighting it and placing it atop his staff, then digging it into the ground. He watched on as it burned, determination and confidence in his features.
Whatever demon this was, it was no match for the tools they had. It would dissolve all sense the mind had and create illusions leading to madness. Ultimately forcing it to kill itself. Or die of exhaustion.
"Tell the others to do the same. Light their staffs of the same substance at every entrance. If the demons still around, we shall kill it here and now."
With that a heavy cloud of mist floated throughout the air, heading deeper into the remaining grounds. Past the barrier.
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Kagome waited inside patiently, desperately wanting to hear more news of the incident taking place outside. With no windows around it was nerve wracking sitting around with not even a sense of time. No noise to be heard from the outside into the hallways. Which she could only conclude something must be drawing their attention.
Lanna finally took small bites of her food. It appears their talk earlier had somewhat made a positive impression, no matter how gloomy the topic was. Having another to share the same feelings as you was a rare sight around the place.
They would soon be brought out of their thoughts and quiet thought, for they heard footsteps approaching close by. Both tensing, Kagome ready to listen in once more. She snuck up to the door, peeping outside. There was a dark toned laughter ringing from what seemed to be two monks closing in. But before she could move away, they kicked the door in. And she was flown back hard onto her back.
She stared up at them in shock, but ready for whatever crap they were about to administer.
The two monks stared down at the young women, a twisted grin appearing on both of their faces.
"You know, that little demon you were with is causing us a lot of trouble. But I gotta say, it sure does make a nice distraction so we could be alone," One said.
Kagome brows knitted not sure what they were implying. But Lanna knew. For her body posture changed immediately, gripping the sides of her head in a seeming attempt to keep her sanity.
"Oh Lanna don't be like that. I heard what you told the old man yesterday. Should we 'purify' you again?," He sneered as they both laughed to themselves.
She began to sob loudly scooting away. But as she did so the other went up to her and roughly grabbed her heel.
Lanna began to scream, thrashing about to get away. Though it was to no avail as he began to undo the bottom of his pants. It dawned then on Kagome just what these men had in mind.
Oh my God they're going to rape us!
She had barely enough time to think before the other grabbed her by the throat, raising her to her feet. She gasped, fear creeping up to her face.
"Oh come on I know this isn't your first go around. Just some whore worn out by a demon. Try being with someone of your own kind.," The monks snapped at her, bringing her in closely to lick the side of her face.
Kagome screamed out, roughly kicking him in the stomach. He hunched forward, coughing and gagging for air. She shoved him harshly away from her, making a run for it out of the room and straight down the hall. She could hear them shouting from behind, saying mentions of catching her before she could escape.
Lanna I'm so sorry. Please let this be a good enough distraction, because I can't save you on my own!
Kagome huffed already out of breath, the adrenaline pumping through her veins. She had no idea where to go for each hallway looked the same. But still able to make out the voices of the two monks not that far behind. Which was the only good thing. At least they both were after her, and not defiling Lanna.
Reaching a different hallway down the right, she jolted down it. Hiding behind an old wooden box for storage. She was soaked in sweat. For sure knowing that if Sesshomaru could smell her, the fear would be overwhelming.
She covered her mouth and closed her eyes tightly hearing their footsteps approach. Taking deep breaths under her hands to calm her breathing.
"Where the hell is she!?," One said.
"How should I know? Hurry up and find her!," One snapped.
She listened closely as the steps seemed to part ways. One turning around from the direction they came to back track, and the other moving forward.
She sighed heavily, her heart beating wildly. Whatever was to happen she needed to get out of there fast and get help. For she was of no use to the other woman on her own. Not only that but to sound shameful and guilty, Kagome herself was a virgin. And had no intention of losing it that way.
The sound of shuffling caught her ears. Coming down the small hallway she was now hiding down. Struggling to see in the darkness, she could make out further doors. Those belonging to the same ones she and Lanna were locked in. She crawled forward, careful and quiet not to make a sound before standing. Taking small steps into the darkness.
"Hello?," She faintly whispered.
But was greeted by more movement. She swallowed hard, taking further steps onwards. Approaching the first door she peered into it. Hoping to glance the source of company. A tiny figure was outlined into the darkness, making its way up to her.
Kagome gasped, seeing who it was. Followed by his raspy, hateful voice as usual.
"You.. Stupid girl managed to get captured I see. Though it was only meant to be you, and not I..," He said aloud with a cough.
"Jaken? What are you doing here?," She asked surprised to see the little toad demon.
He stood weakly, clearly beaten as well with dark spots outlining his face. The bags hung heavy and his voice rather raw sounding. Probably from lack of water.
"What does it matter girl get me out of here at once!," He snapped.
She nodded quickly, attempting to try and pry the door open. But she stopped. Catching hint of what he had said.
"What do you mean it was only meant to be me?," She asked, taking her hands off the handle.
He gaped at her in frustration. "It is of unimportance! Hurry now!"
Kagome paused for a moment in thought. Concentrating hard on what decision to make. Before if dawned on herher, recalling everything that had happened.
"You… you were what they meant when that old man said they were watching me for sometime.."
Jaken stilled. Staring at her with sweat forming on his face in nervousness. It appeared there was not much of a way to con himself out of this one.
"No no girl we were simply captured out of coincidence!," He nervously said.
"Don't lie to me, there's no way it's a coincidence you're all the way out here!," She snapped. "Tell me what's going on!"
He sighed. But if he was to be left to die in the putrid, purified grounds then at least he could get one good insult over a person he hated.
"They offered me a way to get rid of you. Agreeing that you were a danger to us all, considering you brought that horrible demon into the village and let it kill your friends.," He started.
"They said they knew I was a good, hard working demon. I was different. But you would just bring more violent ones in, in due time. I promised I'd bring you to them and be rid of your problem causing self once and for all! But alas, that stupid dragon injured me. Right when I finally found you. And I played it off like a charm while you carried me into the village. With that act of kindness, I could not bring myself to go through with it. So I ignored them, hoping it'd resolve itself. If you got caught it'd be your own problem!"
"Oh it'd be my problem? My act of kindness should've been rewarded with you warning me! What the hell is wrong with you?!," She snapped. The anger showing clear on her face at the news of the betrayal. True this little imp never did care for her. But never in a million years did she imagine he'd do something so horrible.
"Nonsense! I kept my noise out of it from then on! Though I was unaware of their true nature, for they are corrupt! Insane! And eventually when I wasn't paying attention, they nabbed me! And have left me here for dead! Now shall you forgive me and help!," He begged.
She was shaking in anger at his words. All this time these creeps were spying on her. Their village. Her people. And this little monster was so blindly hateful he couldn't see through this threat. And he would've actually allowed her to be kidnapped!
"So that's why no one could find you when Rin and Sesshomaru were about to leave.," She said.
He looked down frustrated and shameful. Not having the courage to look this mere human woman in the face.
But their meeting would come to an abrupt end.
"There you are you little bitch!," The monk from earlier shouted down the hall. She had been caught. And was unready for the nightmare waiting to happen by the hands of these people.
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