Blemished Armor: Untainted Innocence
By: lito-muffin
Disclaimer: If I did own Inuyasha, I wouldn't be sitting here in front of my computer typing my little fan fictions.
Chapter 4-
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Silence.
It was all quiet. Kagome nervously wrenched her hands together, clasping and unclasping them repeatedly.
"T-training?" Her mother's voice cracked the icy silence; Kagome turned her gaze to her mother and nodded.
Quietly, she whispered, "I want to continue my training; I want to at least have the chance to experience one Protecting assignment before I give myself to the life of a submissive wife."
More silence, it was pure silence. No one made a peep; all they did was look at one another in fascination.
"I-if, L-lady Kagome w-wants to c-continue her t-training, I would b-be honored to g-give her the ch-chance," stuttered Jiro who was looking at Kagome wistfully.
Kagome turned a brilliant smile at him and mouthed a silent 'thank you'. Turning back to her and Jiro's parents, her heart increased its pulse rate. This was it; Jiro had already agreed to let her continue on her training, all that mattered now was their guardian's approval.
Suddenly, a loud laugh was heard, a loud bellowing sound coming from Jiro's father—Marmuro—, he slapped his hands on his knees and turned to Aiko and Ryoichi.
"What a jewel you have here! Of course we will agree to her training, don't you agree Ryoichi? Aiko?" He turned his face to Kagome and winked, then turning back to receive his answer from her parents.
Ryoichi started and swallowed thickly, glaring at his daughter, "O-of course we will allow such a wonderful thing; it's a good opportunity for her to learn about the real world."
Aiko nodded her agreement and Marmuro grinned widely, winking again at Kagome, he smiled, "That's settled Kagome, you will continue with your little adventures!"
Kagome smiled, even if it was a little forced, sure Marmuro had gotten her permission to continue her training, but he made it sound as if she was a little kid thirsting to go and have a little 'adventure', like playing alone in the sandbox for one, or 'scavenging' the vast woodlands in hunt of some mystical beast.
Finally regaining her composure, Aiko turned a grudged smile to Marmuro and gritted out between her teeth, "so, it's decided, we'll have the ceremony in two days?"
Marmuro nodded, "It would be for the best to get this over with quickly if Kagome wants to complete her training and do her first assignment." Here he winked again, speaking in a tone meant for younger children.
Kagome managed to keep her lips tilting upwards with sheer willpower. She shifted uncomfortably in her tight shoes and heavy clothing. Her head was beginning to ache from its tight enforcements due to the tight bun.
She was going to have fun ripping off every one of those torturous pins out of her hair after their guests leave. She was going to chuck them one by one into the lake and prance off, shoes held in her hand. She nodded mentally at her plan.
She looked up to see the Mountain clan leader and his family rise from their chairs smiling brightly.
"We are glad your son approves of our daughter, Marmuro-san, I hope this will turn into one successful relationship."
Kagome smiled widely, not knowing what else to do. She had missed out on what her family had been talking about, so she continued to smile and nod along. Marmuro stood and with a flick of his hands, his family followed after him.
"Very well, we will see you in two days, hope your 'training' goes well Kagome," he smiled at her.
Smiling sweetly, Kagome nodded and walked after her mother to see them off.
After they had said their good-byes and the Mountain Clan had left, she reached up to take away the first pin and allow her hair to fall freely down her shoulders. Her hands froze halfway before her mother whirled around and turned an icy glare on her.
"You are NOT supposed to be asking for favors! You should be grateful that Marmuro-san didn't go and cancel everything! You know that it is by law no woman can bind to another once their destined has been chosen!"
Kagome clasped her hands behind her back nervously as her mother continued to seethe at her. She wanted to raise her chin dignifiedly and say that she was proud of what she had done, but her natural instincts screamed at her for submission.
Her mind forcefully gave in to her instincts and she found herself staring at the ground, head bowed murmuring her apologies.
Kagome raised her head a bit to see her mother starting to calm down and saw her father's wave of hand to dismiss her. Wasting no time, she scampered off to her room and slammed the door close, blowing out a sigh of relief.
Nothing else mattered now; she was going to continue her training.
-:- -:- -:-
"Tilt your head up a little bit more Kagome-sama! That's it! Tilt your head up...just a little bit more."
Kagome fought the urge to roll her eyes, she didn't need to tilt her head up, the young servant girl was already helping her by painfully tugging on her hair. She leaned her head farther behind to relieve some of the pain scouring through her scalp.
"There! All finished! You look so pretty Kagome-sama! Jiro-kun is so lucky to marry such a pretty girl," the servant was bubbling over with giggles at what seemed to be the thought of binding oneself to another.
Kagome seemed to be forcing a lot of smiles on her face these days, so what's one more? She turned a wry grin at the girl and nodded—well, tried to nod, her hair was so tightly wrapped around her head, it barely allowed her any head movement.
Her hand was itching to just grab the fragile ornament comb that held her katsura in place and allow the heavy wig to fall onto the tatami mat.
Instead, she wound her hand into the folds of her shiromuku and clenched her hands tightly; unaware of the wrinkles it would bring to the white silk. She used her other hand to finger the water cranes and swirling water mofits on her kimono while biting down her on glossy red lips, smudging the make-up.
The shoes she could do without however, it was too fancy for her tastes, not to mention that her toes pinched together, causing them to throb dully and her ankles were starting to feel raw with the hard cloth rubbing against it.
Exhaling in frustration when a stray hair fell out of its tight enforcements, she turned her head best to her abilities to look at the silent servant, gesturing at the strand; the servant immediately came over and tied it back in place.
A knock came from outside her room and the servant quickly moved to open it.
"Kagome," a crisp and sharp voice cut through the heavy silence in the room.
Kagome inclined her head slightly, causing another flash of pain to run through her tightly wound hair. Her mother walked up behind her and looked at her down her nose.
"Yes Mother?"
Taking a small comb out of a blue silk handkerchief, she held it in front of Kagome for her to inspect.
"This is the comb passed down from your great ancestors, it is for every woman that marries out of the Mountain Clan to wear on their head, I wore it when I was bound, it is now yours to wear."
Inspecting the comb, Kagome reached up to stroke her slender fingers along the sharp edges; it was beautiful to say in the least. Curved slightly at the top to make a graceful arc, it was a deep ivory color with green jade swirling slightly in the pearl. It seemed to glow with ethereal light, causing the comb to look as if it were alive.
Tiny blue stones were embedded into the top of the comb, and red ones surround all three sides, top, right and left side.
Her mother lifted the white wata boushi and placed it on her (Kagome's) head then securing the comb where it was visible to the audience.
Kagome looked herself over as the servant girl dashed around, applying another layer of gloss on her smudged lips. Her mother was placing the heavy white foundation on her cheeks, giving her the traditional Japanese look.
She opened her mouth to inhale a gasp of air before letting it out with a small 'whoosh'. She tried shifting her feet, but the way the servant and her mother were around her, it was practically impossible. She puffed out her cheeks in annoyance as she felt her legs grow numb.
Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, her mother and the servant moved out of the way and the young girl helped her to her feet and dusted off her kimono.
Straightening her back, she walked out the door as elegantly as possible, which was quite impossible, no thanks to her tight shoes, swollen ankle and numb feet. Somehow, she managed to walk out the door and continue her way as her mother led her to the room where the ceremony was held.
She knelt in beside her destined and smiled at him. She never had paid much attention to him, and now that she had, she wasn't sad to see what she saw. Jiro was a handsome looking young man, with deep chestnut hair around waist level tied back to a ponytail and dark violet-almost black-eyes. His face was tense and nervous, but she could see the acute cheekbones and full soft lips.
His face was one of boyishness, but had lines of maturing beauty. He was about a head taller than her and that was when she was on these ridiculously high shoes! His body was noticeably well built beneath the folds and ties of his hakama, a body that most young boys were envious of while in the age of puberty. She sighed, even if he well built and astonishingly handsome, she couldn't help but feel...unnerved around him.
He had given her that feeling that he was going to pounce on her any minute and start attacking her like a wild beast; she wanted to run away and hide in the sanctuary of her own room and be safe within familiar surroundings.
She watched as the sake was poured and the cup was lifted into her hands. Mechanically, she drank the alcohol and placed the cups gently back onto the tray held by one of the High Ones' apprentice. She quickly took the given napkin to dab her mouth free of any lingering liquid.
Silently, she turned to Jiro and bowed as required, then turned to the High Ones repeating the same gesture, she had gone over this ceremony many times with her mother in the last two days.
She stood up and allowed the servant to brush away the wrinkles and lifted her head proudly, as long as she endured this, she could continue her training.
-:- -:- -:-
Grumbling quietly, she twisted the embroidered napkin in her hands while looking around her. It was beautiful, the feast, the tables were groaning with the weight of the many dishes settled upon them, the wine glasses shiny and spilling with sake while everyone in attendance was loudly congratulating her or her new family.
She fumbled with her chopsticks and was rewarded with a scolding glare from her primly seated mother.
Setting down the wooden chopsticks, she poked her tongue out to lick her drying lips, she grimaced as the foul tasting lip power got licked away with her tongue, she took her water glass and took a small sip, careful not to spill any on her beautifully decorated dress.
Wanting nothing more than to run away from all the loud noises and pungent stink of sake, she gently probed her feet out of her tight shoes underneath the cloth covered table.
A loud slap on Jiro's back caused her to quickly step into the uncomfortable footwear and made her turn towards the happily laughing male—Fujita—the annoying loudmouth brat. Coming from the most influential family amongst their people, he was thoroughly spoiled and unreasonable.
His family had showered him with affection and riches, protecting him from harsh realities of the world-causing him to create an uproar when it was time for his training. Kagome shivered as he turned his drunken gaze towards her and grinned lopsidedly.
"So Jiro, got you a beauty eh?" Fujita managed to slur out as he waved his hand, Kagome moved further away from him to avoid being splattered with the sake spilling out of his small cup held in his hand.
Frowning slightly as Jiro nodded politely, she returned the smile flashed at her.
"Yes Fujita-san, she is quiet beautiful, I'm sure Kagome would be a wonderful destined."
Kagome almost rolled her eyes at the respect oozing from Jiro's mouth; no doubt his parents had raised him to sucking up to those higher than you. Of course, her parents had, but she had decided she would give her respect to whoever that deserves it.
Fujita was now wobbling uncertainly on his feet, the cup still held in his hand, empty of any alcohol. Her stomach flopped as he grinned evilly at her and turned to Jiro.
"I heard that there will be no binding 'til she finishes her training and gets her first assignment huh Jiro?"
Kagome stiffened, her parents were touchy on this subject and it didn't help that the drunken man had just yelled it straight out. She averted her eyes as several of the older Kami in attendance clucked at her, clearly not impressed of the news.
Watching Jiro flush a deep red did not help her conscience much; Jiro was stuttering an answer out while his cheeks remained aflame.
"Y-yes, she is. I decided it w-would be g-good for her to c-continue her t- training so she could b-bring more honor in our family," he stammered quietly.
She felt her own cheeks grow warm and ducked her head to avoid eye contact with her mother, whose gaze was burning into her head.
A loud thump was heard and she raised her head to see Fujita on the ground, dead asleep.
-:- -:- -:-
Thumping her head on the table, Kagome groaned at the memories.
"It was awful Kechi-sama! I was utterly humiliated!"
Kechi was heard chuckling and Kagome raised her head to playfully glare at her.
"Laughing at other's misfortunes are we Kechi-sama? That is no way for a Kami to act!"
She covered her mouth with her hand as everything quieted when she blurted out the disrespectful words; she quickly became flustered as she stammered an apology.
"I-I'm sorry Kechi-sama, I wasn't th-thinking straight, I'm sorry," she mumbled at her teacher while staring at her teacup.
A loud guffawed was heard and Kagome looked up to see her teacher chuckling at her. Kagome couldn't resist the hearty laughs and soon they were both laughing loudly.
When the giggles had subdued a bit, she returned her solemn face, "My life is ruined Kechi-sama, I didn't think that training would be this...difficult after my destined has been found."
Kechi nodded slightly, a mere incline of her head, "Yes child, it is not easy at all, your mother had also suffered throughout the pressure placed upon her shoulders, I am just hoping you will not give in that easily as well."
Shaking her head furiously, Kagome frowned, "I would never do such a thing, there is nothing more important than my training anymore, I will continue my training until I can reach the point where I can protect and I will get my first assignment."
Kechi nodded and Kagome went back to her own thoughts, she was going to continue her training, then get her first assignment, which shouldn't be too far away since she had already completed the material needed, she was bound spiritually to Jiro, but not physically. They still had separate rooms as requested by Kagome and Jiro.
She had yet to find out about the Laws of Kami, the one thing that every Kami-in-training had to find out on their own, but that didn't matter, she only needed those five laws before she did her Sacrifice or she would face unwanted consequences if she accidentally broke one of them without knowing it.
Absently biting her lower lip she fiddled with the teacup in her hand, she turned to Kechi who was looking at her intently.
"I have a question Kechi-sama, may I ask it?"
Smiling slightly, Kechi nodded. Kagome absently licked her drying lips and rested her chin on her hand clenched into fist, propped up by an elbow on the table.
"Why are you encouraging me to do this Kechi-sama? I remember that Mother's trainer had forced her to be bound...yet, you are doing this for me."
Kechi nodded, her head bowed down and sighed, she lifted her head to turn her gray eyes to Kagome's blue orbs, Kechi's eyes were full of raw pain and...regret?
"I know you were to ask this question some time soon, and I have prepared an answer for you." She sucked in a deep breath and slowly breathed it out, looking at Kagome unflinchingly she continued.
"Your mother had tremendous talent, and the teacher was a fool to ignore it. She should have encouraged Aiko to continue, but she did not want to be shunned from the rest of society, you have to understand dear, once you decide to defy the laws of Kami, you are immediately removed from the rest of them. You have done a sinful act by just not agonizing someone to get bound when they should; it is indeed a very sinful act." Kechi raised her teacup to take a quick sip.
"And unfortunately, I did not have the courage to stop your mother from binding herself; instead, I blamed her for not doing stepping into her rightful role. Your mother has never quite forgiven me for making such a horrid decision for her. You see, she had once said to me and I quote, 'I will never do anything anyone tells me, unless the person is you Kechi- sama.' Yes, it broke my heart to take her away from her training, but I was afraid. I was afraid that I would be punished, so I had to tell her to do what I thought at the time was right."
Kagome's eyes widened and she clenched her cup tighter, "You mean...you were the same Kami that taught my mother?"
Her answer was a small nod.
Disbelief filled her eyes, Kagome swallowed the tea thickly, allowing the cooling liquid to soothe her suddenly parched throat. "Why? Why are you doing it for me then?"
Kechi looked up at her, and Kagome had to keep from gasping out loud at the pain and regret shining through them.
"I have to do what I know is right, I have to correct the mistake I once made many years ago. I have to do this. I know that I'm not making a mistake anymore Kagome, you are like your mother. Diligent in her training and always stubborn. I can't make myself to tell you that you need to be fully bound to Jiro; I can't make myself see to that you suffer once like your mother did. And most of all, I do not need another to hate me."
Kagome bit on her lower lip and nodded sadly, "I won't let anything get in my way Kechi-sama; I will continue on with my training, nothing matters anymore. Only my training. I'm close to reaching my goal and I will see to it that I do."
Kechi nodded and grasped Kagome's hand in her own gnarled one, "I know you will child. I know you will make me proud."
Smiling, Kagome stretched and rose, "I have to be going now Kechi-sama, I will come back tomorrow."
Kechi nodded and smiled, "Alright dear, you are dismissed."
Nodding, Kagome walked out the door and smiled a quick good bye to her teacher. Just as she reached the door and was about to open it, Kechi's calm voice drifted towards her.
"You have already reached your goal Kagome. My dear, you are getting your first assignment tomorrow."
Mouth dropping open, Kagome turned to her teacher to see her smiling and nodded; Kagome quickly grinned and opened the door, allowing the sunlight to jump into the musky room.
"Thank you Kechi-sama!"
-:- -:- -:-
It was harder said than done.
She had to get away from all this. She wasn't sure why, but she could feel everyone's scolding glares on her back, they were all looking at her, all mentally yelling at her for being so foolish and stubborn. They were all looking down at her, they were all surrounding her, they were everywhere.
She felt as if everyone was looking at her and tormenting her for being so stupid, that this wasn't her right to be training after she had been spiritually bound, she gripped her head between her hands and started to run for the one place she knew would be quiet.
As the object desired came closer, she picked her speed and ran straight for the old wooden bridge and collapsed onto the rotting wood.
She stared intently at the waters, envious of the fish underneath the quiet ripples and green lily pads, they had no worries except whether they had enough food, they didn't have a care in the world whether everyone was shunning her, her family, her acquaintances, her destined. Everyone was ignoring her like she was a deadly plaque.
She folded her hands and placed them on top of the piece wood on either side of bridge and rested her head sideways on it, the sun was slowly sinking, the round moon taking place instead.
The water rippled as the night breeze gently wafted across the clearing, the lily pads floated further and further away from her, only to be replaced by any batch of the green plants.
She lowered her hands to touch the once again soothing lotus flowers and stroked its delicate petals as her eyes grew heavy.
She allowed her eyes to close shut as one thought remained in her mind.
Nothing else mattered. Only her training did.
-:- -:- -:-
A/N: Alrighty! I'm mighty glad of this chapter, probably because I finished it in...two days! *throws confetti into the air and prances around* I hope that this is a satisfying chapter because I am really really bored and I have...approximately 20 minutes till I go to Banff and am I ever glad! Yay! But my conscience couldn't let me leave without leaving a chapter to you all...so yup!
Also, the wedding thing? I have no idea how a Japanese wedding works, so I kinda threw in a more Chinesey type of wedding, if you have any ideas how Japanese weddings go, don't hesitate to tell me! I need all the help I can get =) thanks!
Anyway, I want to thank all my wonderful reviewers and all those people who added me to their favorite lists and author alert lists! Thank you all!
Ok...everyone! (Pss...I need a drum roll!) *drum roll* Sesshoumaru is making his grand entrance in the next chapter!!! W00t w00t! *dances the happy dance*
Alright, to answer a few questions first:
She isn't going to run away because she doesn't really care whether she is getting bound or not, it has been 5 years, so her memories of Sesshoumaru isn't exactly...fresh, so she has kinda left him to the back of her mind, all that matters to her now is her training and she wants to get her assignment, so getting bound to Jiro(my character!) doesn't really affect her.
Kagome is a Protector, that's kinda like a Guardian Angel kind of thing, got it? If you insist to go into a deeper depth of the whole Protector thing, what it really means is that she has to Protect someone, but this someone isn't assigned to her, it's kind of a 'gut feeling' kind of thing. It will be explained later in the next chapter.
Now, about binding, bound, bounded, whatever tense you want to use, its almost like youkai mating, or humans marrying etc etc, since youkai have mating, why can't Kami have binding right? Anyway, what happens is that Kagome wants to complete at least one Protecting assignment before she has to bind/mate/make love, take your pick, but that's the general overview of it.
Alright, this is something I want to explain myself, alright. Kagome is now only spiritually bound to Jiro, that means they haven't had any sexual intercourse between them yet, they have only been 'married', because Kagome wants to finish her training okie? So they're still pure little virgin Kami.
Also, thanks to Lostinashadow for becoming my beta reader! Many thanks to Lostinashadow! She rocks!!
Press the little button on the bottom..you see the pretty purple one? *nods* that's the one. Pressing it and leaving me a review makes my world go round! Wheeeeee!
By: lito-muffin
Disclaimer: If I did own Inuyasha, I wouldn't be sitting here in front of my computer typing my little fan fictions.
Chapter 4-
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Silence.
It was all quiet. Kagome nervously wrenched her hands together, clasping and unclasping them repeatedly.
"T-training?" Her mother's voice cracked the icy silence; Kagome turned her gaze to her mother and nodded.
Quietly, she whispered, "I want to continue my training; I want to at least have the chance to experience one Protecting assignment before I give myself to the life of a submissive wife."
More silence, it was pure silence. No one made a peep; all they did was look at one another in fascination.
"I-if, L-lady Kagome w-wants to c-continue her t-training, I would b-be honored to g-give her the ch-chance," stuttered Jiro who was looking at Kagome wistfully.
Kagome turned a brilliant smile at him and mouthed a silent 'thank you'. Turning back to her and Jiro's parents, her heart increased its pulse rate. This was it; Jiro had already agreed to let her continue on her training, all that mattered now was their guardian's approval.
Suddenly, a loud laugh was heard, a loud bellowing sound coming from Jiro's father—Marmuro—, he slapped his hands on his knees and turned to Aiko and Ryoichi.
"What a jewel you have here! Of course we will agree to her training, don't you agree Ryoichi? Aiko?" He turned his face to Kagome and winked, then turning back to receive his answer from her parents.
Ryoichi started and swallowed thickly, glaring at his daughter, "O-of course we will allow such a wonderful thing; it's a good opportunity for her to learn about the real world."
Aiko nodded her agreement and Marmuro grinned widely, winking again at Kagome, he smiled, "That's settled Kagome, you will continue with your little adventures!"
Kagome smiled, even if it was a little forced, sure Marmuro had gotten her permission to continue her training, but he made it sound as if she was a little kid thirsting to go and have a little 'adventure', like playing alone in the sandbox for one, or 'scavenging' the vast woodlands in hunt of some mystical beast.
Finally regaining her composure, Aiko turned a grudged smile to Marmuro and gritted out between her teeth, "so, it's decided, we'll have the ceremony in two days?"
Marmuro nodded, "It would be for the best to get this over with quickly if Kagome wants to complete her training and do her first assignment." Here he winked again, speaking in a tone meant for younger children.
Kagome managed to keep her lips tilting upwards with sheer willpower. She shifted uncomfortably in her tight shoes and heavy clothing. Her head was beginning to ache from its tight enforcements due to the tight bun.
She was going to have fun ripping off every one of those torturous pins out of her hair after their guests leave. She was going to chuck them one by one into the lake and prance off, shoes held in her hand. She nodded mentally at her plan.
She looked up to see the Mountain clan leader and his family rise from their chairs smiling brightly.
"We are glad your son approves of our daughter, Marmuro-san, I hope this will turn into one successful relationship."
Kagome smiled widely, not knowing what else to do. She had missed out on what her family had been talking about, so she continued to smile and nod along. Marmuro stood and with a flick of his hands, his family followed after him.
"Very well, we will see you in two days, hope your 'training' goes well Kagome," he smiled at her.
Smiling sweetly, Kagome nodded and walked after her mother to see them off.
After they had said their good-byes and the Mountain Clan had left, she reached up to take away the first pin and allow her hair to fall freely down her shoulders. Her hands froze halfway before her mother whirled around and turned an icy glare on her.
"You are NOT supposed to be asking for favors! You should be grateful that Marmuro-san didn't go and cancel everything! You know that it is by law no woman can bind to another once their destined has been chosen!"
Kagome clasped her hands behind her back nervously as her mother continued to seethe at her. She wanted to raise her chin dignifiedly and say that she was proud of what she had done, but her natural instincts screamed at her for submission.
Her mind forcefully gave in to her instincts and she found herself staring at the ground, head bowed murmuring her apologies.
Kagome raised her head a bit to see her mother starting to calm down and saw her father's wave of hand to dismiss her. Wasting no time, she scampered off to her room and slammed the door close, blowing out a sigh of relief.
Nothing else mattered now; she was going to continue her training.
-:- -:- -:-
"Tilt your head up a little bit more Kagome-sama! That's it! Tilt your head up...just a little bit more."
Kagome fought the urge to roll her eyes, she didn't need to tilt her head up, the young servant girl was already helping her by painfully tugging on her hair. She leaned her head farther behind to relieve some of the pain scouring through her scalp.
"There! All finished! You look so pretty Kagome-sama! Jiro-kun is so lucky to marry such a pretty girl," the servant was bubbling over with giggles at what seemed to be the thought of binding oneself to another.
Kagome seemed to be forcing a lot of smiles on her face these days, so what's one more? She turned a wry grin at the girl and nodded—well, tried to nod, her hair was so tightly wrapped around her head, it barely allowed her any head movement.
Her hand was itching to just grab the fragile ornament comb that held her katsura in place and allow the heavy wig to fall onto the tatami mat.
Instead, she wound her hand into the folds of her shiromuku and clenched her hands tightly; unaware of the wrinkles it would bring to the white silk. She used her other hand to finger the water cranes and swirling water mofits on her kimono while biting down her on glossy red lips, smudging the make-up.
The shoes she could do without however, it was too fancy for her tastes, not to mention that her toes pinched together, causing them to throb dully and her ankles were starting to feel raw with the hard cloth rubbing against it.
Exhaling in frustration when a stray hair fell out of its tight enforcements, she turned her head best to her abilities to look at the silent servant, gesturing at the strand; the servant immediately came over and tied it back in place.
A knock came from outside her room and the servant quickly moved to open it.
"Kagome," a crisp and sharp voice cut through the heavy silence in the room.
Kagome inclined her head slightly, causing another flash of pain to run through her tightly wound hair. Her mother walked up behind her and looked at her down her nose.
"Yes Mother?"
Taking a small comb out of a blue silk handkerchief, she held it in front of Kagome for her to inspect.
"This is the comb passed down from your great ancestors, it is for every woman that marries out of the Mountain Clan to wear on their head, I wore it when I was bound, it is now yours to wear."
Inspecting the comb, Kagome reached up to stroke her slender fingers along the sharp edges; it was beautiful to say in the least. Curved slightly at the top to make a graceful arc, it was a deep ivory color with green jade swirling slightly in the pearl. It seemed to glow with ethereal light, causing the comb to look as if it were alive.
Tiny blue stones were embedded into the top of the comb, and red ones surround all three sides, top, right and left side.
Her mother lifted the white wata boushi and placed it on her (Kagome's) head then securing the comb where it was visible to the audience.
Kagome looked herself over as the servant girl dashed around, applying another layer of gloss on her smudged lips. Her mother was placing the heavy white foundation on her cheeks, giving her the traditional Japanese look.
She opened her mouth to inhale a gasp of air before letting it out with a small 'whoosh'. She tried shifting her feet, but the way the servant and her mother were around her, it was practically impossible. She puffed out her cheeks in annoyance as she felt her legs grow numb.
Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, her mother and the servant moved out of the way and the young girl helped her to her feet and dusted off her kimono.
Straightening her back, she walked out the door as elegantly as possible, which was quite impossible, no thanks to her tight shoes, swollen ankle and numb feet. Somehow, she managed to walk out the door and continue her way as her mother led her to the room where the ceremony was held.
She knelt in beside her destined and smiled at him. She never had paid much attention to him, and now that she had, she wasn't sad to see what she saw. Jiro was a handsome looking young man, with deep chestnut hair around waist level tied back to a ponytail and dark violet-almost black-eyes. His face was tense and nervous, but she could see the acute cheekbones and full soft lips.
His face was one of boyishness, but had lines of maturing beauty. He was about a head taller than her and that was when she was on these ridiculously high shoes! His body was noticeably well built beneath the folds and ties of his hakama, a body that most young boys were envious of while in the age of puberty. She sighed, even if he well built and astonishingly handsome, she couldn't help but feel...unnerved around him.
He had given her that feeling that he was going to pounce on her any minute and start attacking her like a wild beast; she wanted to run away and hide in the sanctuary of her own room and be safe within familiar surroundings.
She watched as the sake was poured and the cup was lifted into her hands. Mechanically, she drank the alcohol and placed the cups gently back onto the tray held by one of the High Ones' apprentice. She quickly took the given napkin to dab her mouth free of any lingering liquid.
Silently, she turned to Jiro and bowed as required, then turned to the High Ones repeating the same gesture, she had gone over this ceremony many times with her mother in the last two days.
She stood up and allowed the servant to brush away the wrinkles and lifted her head proudly, as long as she endured this, she could continue her training.
-:- -:- -:-
Grumbling quietly, she twisted the embroidered napkin in her hands while looking around her. It was beautiful, the feast, the tables were groaning with the weight of the many dishes settled upon them, the wine glasses shiny and spilling with sake while everyone in attendance was loudly congratulating her or her new family.
She fumbled with her chopsticks and was rewarded with a scolding glare from her primly seated mother.
Setting down the wooden chopsticks, she poked her tongue out to lick her drying lips, she grimaced as the foul tasting lip power got licked away with her tongue, she took her water glass and took a small sip, careful not to spill any on her beautifully decorated dress.
Wanting nothing more than to run away from all the loud noises and pungent stink of sake, she gently probed her feet out of her tight shoes underneath the cloth covered table.
A loud slap on Jiro's back caused her to quickly step into the uncomfortable footwear and made her turn towards the happily laughing male—Fujita—the annoying loudmouth brat. Coming from the most influential family amongst their people, he was thoroughly spoiled and unreasonable.
His family had showered him with affection and riches, protecting him from harsh realities of the world-causing him to create an uproar when it was time for his training. Kagome shivered as he turned his drunken gaze towards her and grinned lopsidedly.
"So Jiro, got you a beauty eh?" Fujita managed to slur out as he waved his hand, Kagome moved further away from him to avoid being splattered with the sake spilling out of his small cup held in his hand.
Frowning slightly as Jiro nodded politely, she returned the smile flashed at her.
"Yes Fujita-san, she is quiet beautiful, I'm sure Kagome would be a wonderful destined."
Kagome almost rolled her eyes at the respect oozing from Jiro's mouth; no doubt his parents had raised him to sucking up to those higher than you. Of course, her parents had, but she had decided she would give her respect to whoever that deserves it.
Fujita was now wobbling uncertainly on his feet, the cup still held in his hand, empty of any alcohol. Her stomach flopped as he grinned evilly at her and turned to Jiro.
"I heard that there will be no binding 'til she finishes her training and gets her first assignment huh Jiro?"
Kagome stiffened, her parents were touchy on this subject and it didn't help that the drunken man had just yelled it straight out. She averted her eyes as several of the older Kami in attendance clucked at her, clearly not impressed of the news.
Watching Jiro flush a deep red did not help her conscience much; Jiro was stuttering an answer out while his cheeks remained aflame.
"Y-yes, she is. I decided it w-would be g-good for her to c-continue her t- training so she could b-bring more honor in our family," he stammered quietly.
She felt her own cheeks grow warm and ducked her head to avoid eye contact with her mother, whose gaze was burning into her head.
A loud thump was heard and she raised her head to see Fujita on the ground, dead asleep.
-:- -:- -:-
Thumping her head on the table, Kagome groaned at the memories.
"It was awful Kechi-sama! I was utterly humiliated!"
Kechi was heard chuckling and Kagome raised her head to playfully glare at her.
"Laughing at other's misfortunes are we Kechi-sama? That is no way for a Kami to act!"
She covered her mouth with her hand as everything quieted when she blurted out the disrespectful words; she quickly became flustered as she stammered an apology.
"I-I'm sorry Kechi-sama, I wasn't th-thinking straight, I'm sorry," she mumbled at her teacher while staring at her teacup.
A loud guffawed was heard and Kagome looked up to see her teacher chuckling at her. Kagome couldn't resist the hearty laughs and soon they were both laughing loudly.
When the giggles had subdued a bit, she returned her solemn face, "My life is ruined Kechi-sama, I didn't think that training would be this...difficult after my destined has been found."
Kechi nodded slightly, a mere incline of her head, "Yes child, it is not easy at all, your mother had also suffered throughout the pressure placed upon her shoulders, I am just hoping you will not give in that easily as well."
Shaking her head furiously, Kagome frowned, "I would never do such a thing, there is nothing more important than my training anymore, I will continue my training until I can reach the point where I can protect and I will get my first assignment."
Kechi nodded and Kagome went back to her own thoughts, she was going to continue her training, then get her first assignment, which shouldn't be too far away since she had already completed the material needed, she was bound spiritually to Jiro, but not physically. They still had separate rooms as requested by Kagome and Jiro.
She had yet to find out about the Laws of Kami, the one thing that every Kami-in-training had to find out on their own, but that didn't matter, she only needed those five laws before she did her Sacrifice or she would face unwanted consequences if she accidentally broke one of them without knowing it.
Absently biting her lower lip she fiddled with the teacup in her hand, she turned to Kechi who was looking at her intently.
"I have a question Kechi-sama, may I ask it?"
Smiling slightly, Kechi nodded. Kagome absently licked her drying lips and rested her chin on her hand clenched into fist, propped up by an elbow on the table.
"Why are you encouraging me to do this Kechi-sama? I remember that Mother's trainer had forced her to be bound...yet, you are doing this for me."
Kechi nodded, her head bowed down and sighed, she lifted her head to turn her gray eyes to Kagome's blue orbs, Kechi's eyes were full of raw pain and...regret?
"I know you were to ask this question some time soon, and I have prepared an answer for you." She sucked in a deep breath and slowly breathed it out, looking at Kagome unflinchingly she continued.
"Your mother had tremendous talent, and the teacher was a fool to ignore it. She should have encouraged Aiko to continue, but she did not want to be shunned from the rest of society, you have to understand dear, once you decide to defy the laws of Kami, you are immediately removed from the rest of them. You have done a sinful act by just not agonizing someone to get bound when they should; it is indeed a very sinful act." Kechi raised her teacup to take a quick sip.
"And unfortunately, I did not have the courage to stop your mother from binding herself; instead, I blamed her for not doing stepping into her rightful role. Your mother has never quite forgiven me for making such a horrid decision for her. You see, she had once said to me and I quote, 'I will never do anything anyone tells me, unless the person is you Kechi- sama.' Yes, it broke my heart to take her away from her training, but I was afraid. I was afraid that I would be punished, so I had to tell her to do what I thought at the time was right."
Kagome's eyes widened and she clenched her cup tighter, "You mean...you were the same Kami that taught my mother?"
Her answer was a small nod.
Disbelief filled her eyes, Kagome swallowed the tea thickly, allowing the cooling liquid to soothe her suddenly parched throat. "Why? Why are you doing it for me then?"
Kechi looked up at her, and Kagome had to keep from gasping out loud at the pain and regret shining through them.
"I have to do what I know is right, I have to correct the mistake I once made many years ago. I have to do this. I know that I'm not making a mistake anymore Kagome, you are like your mother. Diligent in her training and always stubborn. I can't make myself to tell you that you need to be fully bound to Jiro; I can't make myself see to that you suffer once like your mother did. And most of all, I do not need another to hate me."
Kagome bit on her lower lip and nodded sadly, "I won't let anything get in my way Kechi-sama; I will continue on with my training, nothing matters anymore. Only my training. I'm close to reaching my goal and I will see to it that I do."
Kechi nodded and grasped Kagome's hand in her own gnarled one, "I know you will child. I know you will make me proud."
Smiling, Kagome stretched and rose, "I have to be going now Kechi-sama, I will come back tomorrow."
Kechi nodded and smiled, "Alright dear, you are dismissed."
Nodding, Kagome walked out the door and smiled a quick good bye to her teacher. Just as she reached the door and was about to open it, Kechi's calm voice drifted towards her.
"You have already reached your goal Kagome. My dear, you are getting your first assignment tomorrow."
Mouth dropping open, Kagome turned to her teacher to see her smiling and nodded; Kagome quickly grinned and opened the door, allowing the sunlight to jump into the musky room.
"Thank you Kechi-sama!"
-:- -:- -:-
It was harder said than done.
She had to get away from all this. She wasn't sure why, but she could feel everyone's scolding glares on her back, they were all looking at her, all mentally yelling at her for being so foolish and stubborn. They were all looking down at her, they were all surrounding her, they were everywhere.
She felt as if everyone was looking at her and tormenting her for being so stupid, that this wasn't her right to be training after she had been spiritually bound, she gripped her head between her hands and started to run for the one place she knew would be quiet.
As the object desired came closer, she picked her speed and ran straight for the old wooden bridge and collapsed onto the rotting wood.
She stared intently at the waters, envious of the fish underneath the quiet ripples and green lily pads, they had no worries except whether they had enough food, they didn't have a care in the world whether everyone was shunning her, her family, her acquaintances, her destined. Everyone was ignoring her like she was a deadly plaque.
She folded her hands and placed them on top of the piece wood on either side of bridge and rested her head sideways on it, the sun was slowly sinking, the round moon taking place instead.
The water rippled as the night breeze gently wafted across the clearing, the lily pads floated further and further away from her, only to be replaced by any batch of the green plants.
She lowered her hands to touch the once again soothing lotus flowers and stroked its delicate petals as her eyes grew heavy.
She allowed her eyes to close shut as one thought remained in her mind.
Nothing else mattered. Only her training did.
-:- -:- -:-
A/N: Alrighty! I'm mighty glad of this chapter, probably because I finished it in...two days! *throws confetti into the air and prances around* I hope that this is a satisfying chapter because I am really really bored and I have...approximately 20 minutes till I go to Banff and am I ever glad! Yay! But my conscience couldn't let me leave without leaving a chapter to you all...so yup!
Also, the wedding thing? I have no idea how a Japanese wedding works, so I kinda threw in a more Chinesey type of wedding, if you have any ideas how Japanese weddings go, don't hesitate to tell me! I need all the help I can get =) thanks!
Anyway, I want to thank all my wonderful reviewers and all those people who added me to their favorite lists and author alert lists! Thank you all!
Ok...everyone! (Pss...I need a drum roll!) *drum roll* Sesshoumaru is making his grand entrance in the next chapter!!! W00t w00t! *dances the happy dance*
Alright, to answer a few questions first:
She isn't going to run away because she doesn't really care whether she is getting bound or not, it has been 5 years, so her memories of Sesshoumaru isn't exactly...fresh, so she has kinda left him to the back of her mind, all that matters to her now is her training and she wants to get her assignment, so getting bound to Jiro(my character!) doesn't really affect her.
Kagome is a Protector, that's kinda like a Guardian Angel kind of thing, got it? If you insist to go into a deeper depth of the whole Protector thing, what it really means is that she has to Protect someone, but this someone isn't assigned to her, it's kind of a 'gut feeling' kind of thing. It will be explained later in the next chapter.
Now, about binding, bound, bounded, whatever tense you want to use, its almost like youkai mating, or humans marrying etc etc, since youkai have mating, why can't Kami have binding right? Anyway, what happens is that Kagome wants to complete at least one Protecting assignment before she has to bind/mate/make love, take your pick, but that's the general overview of it.
Alright, this is something I want to explain myself, alright. Kagome is now only spiritually bound to Jiro, that means they haven't had any sexual intercourse between them yet, they have only been 'married', because Kagome wants to finish her training okie? So they're still pure little virgin Kami.
Also, thanks to Lostinashadow for becoming my beta reader! Many thanks to Lostinashadow! She rocks!!
Press the little button on the bottom..you see the pretty purple one? *nods* that's the one. Pressing it and leaving me a review makes my world go round! Wheeeeee!