Chapter 8: The Heart of a Witch
"Mother Earth never ceases to amaze me. Even in this time of difficulty, she stands strong and bright, showing us her true power." Lady Hutaru was walking along the halls of her home, gazing out the many windows that covered the dazzling wall. She had been waiting more than long enough for her son to arrive. He never came home after the argument between them a few days ago, and she began to get worried. "Oh Inuyasha, if you would only realize how important it is to find a mate. My dear boy, you will soon reign over the throne, and without a mate, that is impossible."
"Lady Hutaru! Lady Hutaru! There is a maiden here who wishes to speak with you about Lord Inuyasha. She's speaks about a type of relationship." The maiden turned around, being greeted by one of the castle guards. "You say that a maiden is here to speak about a relationship, with my boy? Is it possible that he has found a mate within the hours of a couple days?" A bright smile spread across her face as she hurried to the entrance of the door, ready to meet her guests. "The young lady is here with her mother. They both wish to speak with you." "Please, allow them to enter. We mustn't keep our guests waiting much longer." "Right away Miss."
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"Miss Saio, I am very pleased to have you in my presence one this fine day. You say that you wish to speak with me about my son, Prince Inuyasha?" The two noble women, along with Kikyo were walking pleasantly through the royal garden, conversing back and forth.
"Yes M'Lady. My daughter has heard many words about your son, Inuyasha. She has developed strong feelings towards him, and it is believed that he feels the same way towards her. We came here to get your consent, and make sure that it is allowed." Lady Hutaru glanced over her shoulder, looking towards Kikyo. Her eyes slightly widened when she noticed something red on her cheek. Slowing her pace, she walked towards the maiden's side.
"You must be Lady Kikyo. You seem like a very nice young woman to me. May I ask though, that cut on your cheek, where did it come from?" Kikyo glanced up, a flicker of anger shining in her eyes. "This cut, where it came from..."
Flashback
"Kagome! Kagome, come here this instant! I am in need of your help! Curse that female burden. If it weren't for her past, I would easily dispose of her." Kikyo growled somewhat, tired of waiting for the maiden to arrive. Standing by her side was her mother, and Sango, gazing out the window in peace. Sango had many thoughts on her mind, but they were quickly interrupted when Kagome came bursting into the room, entirely out of breath.
"Please forgive me for taking so long. I was really busy, but now I'm here! What was it you needed my lady?" Kagome got her knees before Kikyo, lowering herself to the ground. "Just stand. I have other needs for you at the time." Without hesitation, the maiden quickly stood, ready for any orders.
"For the dance that the Prince is giving, I have yet to find a suitable kimono. But, I hear of one that is ravishing, and I am to believe that you are in possession of it. I want to wear your mother's kimono." Kagome's eyes widened in shock after hearing her words. "My... mother's kimono? But... it's hers..." She continued to watch as Kikyo held out a pair of shoes that matched the beautiful kimono. "Where'd you..." "Where did I get them? Does that matter at the time? Your only concern is giving me your mother's kimono. For if not, you will pay severely."
For some reason, a strong wave of courage wiped throughout Kagome's body. Taking in a deep breath, she raced forward, and crashed head on with the maiden. Using all of her strength, she forced Kikyo to the ground. On her way down, a metal pole cut the side of her face, the shoes slipping from her grasp.
Lady Saio and Sango gasped as Kagome jumped towards Kikyo, knocking her to the ground. Lady Saio was ready to burst into anger as Kagome grabbed the shoes, and took off. However, a glistening orb caught her eye as it fell from Kagome's shirt, falling almost gracefully to the ground.
Kikyo growled angrily as she lifted up, a slight pain vibrating throughout her cheek. She lifted her hand and brushed against her skin, feeling some warm blood. A look of sheer anger flickered in her eyes as she lifted to her feet. Getting ready to follow the fleeing maiden, she was stopped by a touch on her shoulder. "What do you want? Leave me be, I have matters to attend to." Her eyes narrowed on her mother, but the expression suddenly changed when the orb was held in her face. "That's..."
"Yes, the Shikkon no Tama. It appears that Kagome has been holding it all this time without our consent. But still, we can use it to get back the shoes so you can wear the kimono." A grin of satisfaction spread across Kikyo's face as she grasped the jewel, turning towards the door.
Standing behind the two, Sango gazed in shock. Her eyes watched as all of the commotion occurred, not even knowing how to react. When she heard her mother's words, she wanted to step in, but she knew the consequences. Leaning back, she gazed in fear as the two left the room, quickly following behind Kagome. "Damn. They're going to do something horrible to her, and I can't stop it... but I will try!" Lifting up her kimono, she raced after the others, hoping she wasn't too late.
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"Thank goodness I got these back safely. I know that I'm going to pay seriously, but I can't allow her to wear my mother's kimono." Kagome slowed her pace by a fire place, soon coming to a stop. Holding the shoes close, she let out a sigh of relief.
"You made a big mistake back there Kagome." The maiden shot around, her eyes filled with terror as Kikyo and Lady Saio appeared before her. "Please, I don't want my mother's kimono to be worn by anyone else but me. It was only meant for me to wear... I hope you understand what I'm saying?" Taking a step back, she swallowed heavily.
"Oh, I think I understand clear enough. It's you who does not understand at all. You see, if you don't give me back those shoes, you will end up losing this." Kikyo held the Shikkon jewel for all to see. The orb glistened with unimaginable beauty, the flames of the fire adding to the sight.
Kagome's jaw dropped as she saw the jewel in Kikyo's hold. Glancing towards the fire, she realized what the maiden would do. "No wait! Please don't do that?!" Moving forward, she tried to grab Kikyo's hand, but it inched towards the fire. "Please..."
"If you want your precious jewel back, then hand over the shoes and allow me to wear the kimono?" Kikyo knew that she had won, but something else was planned up her sleeve. Watching in joy as Kagome hesitated, she saw that the maiden was giving in.
"You can wear it, but please be careful. Can I have my jewel back please?" Kikyo smirked, "You mean this?"
At that very moment, Sango entered the room. Her eyes instantly went to her sister's hand, and where it was heading. It was then that she realized what was about to happen. "No..." A word was mumbled from her lips as what she knew was going to happen, happened.
As soon as the shoes were handed to the maiden, her other hand threw the jewel into the raging fire. "No!!!" Kagome jumped forward, her eyes scanning through the flames as she searched for her special jewel. Almost instantly, she dropped to her knees in tears. The jewel may have been powerful, but it was the only thing she had left of her father. Her hands raised to her eyes, shaking from the continuous stream of tears that drizzled down her cheek.
Gazing in the doorway, Sango felt her heart drop into her gut as the tears continued to fall from Kagome's eyes. She held her hand near her breast as she turned away, trying to fight back her own tears. "Curse them... Why are they so cruel to her?" Taking one more glance towards the maiden, her eyes softened. "Poor thing..."
Kikyo smirked in pleasure, holding the shoes in her hands. "That wasn't so bad... only this wretched cut..." Her eyes narrowed at the weeping maiden as her fingers brushed over the cut.
End of Flashback
"I was holding my cat, and she saw something that caught her eye. Trying to remove herself from my grasp, she scratched me in the process." She lied, but as long as Lady Hutaru didn't know, she didn't care.
"You poor dear. Cat's are very peaceful, and yet the feline can be dangerous." She smiled, glancing towards Kikyo. "That's very true..."
Lady Saio walked towards the two, getting curious on their conversation. "Do you think Prince Inuyasha would be interested in wedding my daughter?" "I believe so, since you have mentioned that he seems to have feelings for her. This is great news, since I have been wanting him to be married for the longest of times. It seems that the hands of time have suddenly turned, bringing what we have been waiting for." A smile of joy spread across her face.
"Yes, I am very glad that this seems to be. My daughter has been having feelings for him for some time now. I do believe they will make a great couple. She will hold his heart very well, as will he hold hers." "It shall be arranged then. I will speak to Inuyasha when he returns home, and I will send him to your home. There, it will become official. After, the news will be announced at the ball." Lady Saio and Kikyo smirked in triumphant. "I guarantee to you that whence that day comes, his life will change forever, for the better."
"Mother Earth never ceases to amaze me. Even in this time of difficulty, she stands strong and bright, showing us her true power." Lady Hutaru was walking along the halls of her home, gazing out the many windows that covered the dazzling wall. She had been waiting more than long enough for her son to arrive. He never came home after the argument between them a few days ago, and she began to get worried. "Oh Inuyasha, if you would only realize how important it is to find a mate. My dear boy, you will soon reign over the throne, and without a mate, that is impossible."
"Lady Hutaru! Lady Hutaru! There is a maiden here who wishes to speak with you about Lord Inuyasha. She's speaks about a type of relationship." The maiden turned around, being greeted by one of the castle guards. "You say that a maiden is here to speak about a relationship, with my boy? Is it possible that he has found a mate within the hours of a couple days?" A bright smile spread across her face as she hurried to the entrance of the door, ready to meet her guests. "The young lady is here with her mother. They both wish to speak with you." "Please, allow them to enter. We mustn't keep our guests waiting much longer." "Right away Miss."
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"Miss Saio, I am very pleased to have you in my presence one this fine day. You say that you wish to speak with me about my son, Prince Inuyasha?" The two noble women, along with Kikyo were walking pleasantly through the royal garden, conversing back and forth.
"Yes M'Lady. My daughter has heard many words about your son, Inuyasha. She has developed strong feelings towards him, and it is believed that he feels the same way towards her. We came here to get your consent, and make sure that it is allowed." Lady Hutaru glanced over her shoulder, looking towards Kikyo. Her eyes slightly widened when she noticed something red on her cheek. Slowing her pace, she walked towards the maiden's side.
"You must be Lady Kikyo. You seem like a very nice young woman to me. May I ask though, that cut on your cheek, where did it come from?" Kikyo glanced up, a flicker of anger shining in her eyes. "This cut, where it came from..."
Flashback
"Kagome! Kagome, come here this instant! I am in need of your help! Curse that female burden. If it weren't for her past, I would easily dispose of her." Kikyo growled somewhat, tired of waiting for the maiden to arrive. Standing by her side was her mother, and Sango, gazing out the window in peace. Sango had many thoughts on her mind, but they were quickly interrupted when Kagome came bursting into the room, entirely out of breath.
"Please forgive me for taking so long. I was really busy, but now I'm here! What was it you needed my lady?" Kagome got her knees before Kikyo, lowering herself to the ground. "Just stand. I have other needs for you at the time." Without hesitation, the maiden quickly stood, ready for any orders.
"For the dance that the Prince is giving, I have yet to find a suitable kimono. But, I hear of one that is ravishing, and I am to believe that you are in possession of it. I want to wear your mother's kimono." Kagome's eyes widened in shock after hearing her words. "My... mother's kimono? But... it's hers..." She continued to watch as Kikyo held out a pair of shoes that matched the beautiful kimono. "Where'd you..." "Where did I get them? Does that matter at the time? Your only concern is giving me your mother's kimono. For if not, you will pay severely."
For some reason, a strong wave of courage wiped throughout Kagome's body. Taking in a deep breath, she raced forward, and crashed head on with the maiden. Using all of her strength, she forced Kikyo to the ground. On her way down, a metal pole cut the side of her face, the shoes slipping from her grasp.
Lady Saio and Sango gasped as Kagome jumped towards Kikyo, knocking her to the ground. Lady Saio was ready to burst into anger as Kagome grabbed the shoes, and took off. However, a glistening orb caught her eye as it fell from Kagome's shirt, falling almost gracefully to the ground.
Kikyo growled angrily as she lifted up, a slight pain vibrating throughout her cheek. She lifted her hand and brushed against her skin, feeling some warm blood. A look of sheer anger flickered in her eyes as she lifted to her feet. Getting ready to follow the fleeing maiden, she was stopped by a touch on her shoulder. "What do you want? Leave me be, I have matters to attend to." Her eyes narrowed on her mother, but the expression suddenly changed when the orb was held in her face. "That's..."
"Yes, the Shikkon no Tama. It appears that Kagome has been holding it all this time without our consent. But still, we can use it to get back the shoes so you can wear the kimono." A grin of satisfaction spread across Kikyo's face as she grasped the jewel, turning towards the door.
Standing behind the two, Sango gazed in shock. Her eyes watched as all of the commotion occurred, not even knowing how to react. When she heard her mother's words, she wanted to step in, but she knew the consequences. Leaning back, she gazed in fear as the two left the room, quickly following behind Kagome. "Damn. They're going to do something horrible to her, and I can't stop it... but I will try!" Lifting up her kimono, she raced after the others, hoping she wasn't too late.
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"Thank goodness I got these back safely. I know that I'm going to pay seriously, but I can't allow her to wear my mother's kimono." Kagome slowed her pace by a fire place, soon coming to a stop. Holding the shoes close, she let out a sigh of relief.
"You made a big mistake back there Kagome." The maiden shot around, her eyes filled with terror as Kikyo and Lady Saio appeared before her. "Please, I don't want my mother's kimono to be worn by anyone else but me. It was only meant for me to wear... I hope you understand what I'm saying?" Taking a step back, she swallowed heavily.
"Oh, I think I understand clear enough. It's you who does not understand at all. You see, if you don't give me back those shoes, you will end up losing this." Kikyo held the Shikkon jewel for all to see. The orb glistened with unimaginable beauty, the flames of the fire adding to the sight.
Kagome's jaw dropped as she saw the jewel in Kikyo's hold. Glancing towards the fire, she realized what the maiden would do. "No wait! Please don't do that?!" Moving forward, she tried to grab Kikyo's hand, but it inched towards the fire. "Please..."
"If you want your precious jewel back, then hand over the shoes and allow me to wear the kimono?" Kikyo knew that she had won, but something else was planned up her sleeve. Watching in joy as Kagome hesitated, she saw that the maiden was giving in.
"You can wear it, but please be careful. Can I have my jewel back please?" Kikyo smirked, "You mean this?"
At that very moment, Sango entered the room. Her eyes instantly went to her sister's hand, and where it was heading. It was then that she realized what was about to happen. "No..." A word was mumbled from her lips as what she knew was going to happen, happened.
As soon as the shoes were handed to the maiden, her other hand threw the jewel into the raging fire. "No!!!" Kagome jumped forward, her eyes scanning through the flames as she searched for her special jewel. Almost instantly, she dropped to her knees in tears. The jewel may have been powerful, but it was the only thing she had left of her father. Her hands raised to her eyes, shaking from the continuous stream of tears that drizzled down her cheek.
Gazing in the doorway, Sango felt her heart drop into her gut as the tears continued to fall from Kagome's eyes. She held her hand near her breast as she turned away, trying to fight back her own tears. "Curse them... Why are they so cruel to her?" Taking one more glance towards the maiden, her eyes softened. "Poor thing..."
Kikyo smirked in pleasure, holding the shoes in her hands. "That wasn't so bad... only this wretched cut..." Her eyes narrowed at the weeping maiden as her fingers brushed over the cut.
End of Flashback
"I was holding my cat, and she saw something that caught her eye. Trying to remove herself from my grasp, she scratched me in the process." She lied, but as long as Lady Hutaru didn't know, she didn't care.
"You poor dear. Cat's are very peaceful, and yet the feline can be dangerous." She smiled, glancing towards Kikyo. "That's very true..."
Lady Saio walked towards the two, getting curious on their conversation. "Do you think Prince Inuyasha would be interested in wedding my daughter?" "I believe so, since you have mentioned that he seems to have feelings for her. This is great news, since I have been wanting him to be married for the longest of times. It seems that the hands of time have suddenly turned, bringing what we have been waiting for." A smile of joy spread across her face.
"Yes, I am very glad that this seems to be. My daughter has been having feelings for him for some time now. I do believe they will make a great couple. She will hold his heart very well, as will he hold hers." "It shall be arranged then. I will speak to Inuyasha when he returns home, and I will send him to your home. There, it will become official. After, the news will be announced at the ball." Lady Saio and Kikyo smirked in triumphant. "I guarantee to you that whence that day comes, his life will change forever, for the better."