Here it is! I have examinations in a driving school, therefore not too much time (especially with my, oh, 'so perfect' skills in typing). =P

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Chapter 3

Chapter of Accidents

Heady aromas filled the western night, soaking into Kagome's body and making her drunken with taste of freedom. The disguised miko felt like in the paradise.

It didn't matter that the ground was shaking from the remote battles, it was a mere sound, which replenished this new discovered world.

Quietly passing a group of conversing demons, Kagome couldn't help, but pick up some sentences. On the one hand, these creatures seemed callous, but on the other hand – versatile beings. Definitely she had to solve their mystery. Also she pondered over their frequent encounters.

'I don't get it. Is there a sort of military campaign? Youkai are strolling around in the woods, snarling and growling. But no one has noticed me…yet. Am I that good in concealing my scent or are those demons defective?..'

Chuckling slightly, she left them behind, wondering. 'Why do they search for volunteers? Aren't there enough people…ummm, youkai in their troops?'

Lifting her hand up to pitch-black locks she curiously touched her new hair style. 'Well…I do look more masculine with shorter chevelure AND who would ever think that I'm a girl, especially, if my mane is cut and fastened with hatimaki.'

Too busy musing on the latest hair fashion she never noticed a sudden energy wave. Looking up a microsecond too late, Kagome right away regrouped herself into a safety position and ordered her body to relax. The impact sent the miko flying, but she swiftly regained lucidity of mind. The heavy blow was rained by a potent youkai, who glared at her prepared form. In his chatoyant eyes flashed respect – he saw a worthy opponent.

"Don't you have anything better to do than try to maim somebody?"

It turned out that resentful words were not expected. Surprised demon lowered his clawed hand.

"These lands have been dragged into constant bloodshed. Now it's impossible to find a placid territory. Therefore it would be foolish to neglect strange and unknown intrusions. An absence of our army's symbol assumes your belonging to the enemy's side." The tall youkai narrowed his lilac-mousse colored eyes and unsheathed a splendid katana. Enigmatical moonlight caressed weapon's edge, revealing its peerless perfection. A voice whispered in Kagome's head that, although the blade is indeed magnificent, it wouldn't be very pleasant to feel its sharpness.

"Nevertheless, your obvious strength rouses in me a conviction, that I can believe your word. I trust you not to delude me. I insist on an explanation."

Thoroughly hiding her nervousness, Kagome decided to tell the truth. But certain aspects had to be avoided. She couldn't possible tell him about her gender and particularly her race.

"I won't abuse your confidence and assure you that I wouldn't violate the land's property."

"Then why is a warrior of your level wandering here? Shouldn't it be every male's primary wish to win recognition in such time?"

"You are right. I heard that there seems to be a need of volunteers. Are these rumors true?"

"I suppose so. The enemy is cunning. In the last two battles we had too many casualties." Inhuman eyes gleamed, while charmed Kagome looked the demon over for the tenth time in a row. "But do not worry. You are in an advantageous position. I became firmly established years ago, therefore it'll be easy to place troops at your disposal. And do not look so stunned, I'm convinced you will manage. Just come with me."

Shocked Kagome understood that she'll have to visit another youkai camp. She caught up with her new acquaintance, thinking over this situation. Finally making up her mind, she started a conversation. The miko found out that the demon was a Western Reconnaissance Army Commander. He also had a striking name to match his appearance – Sumire.

In her turn, Kagome blurted out her real name…Luckily enough, the youkai took no heed. Somewhere stirred a feeling that he already decided to let her particular qualities pass (like a bit feminine name, appearance). Now she only had to determine whether it was good …or not.

Their walk wasn't spent in silence, on the contrary. This unlikely pair chatted far the whole two hours, recalling funny childhood moments. Another two were devoted to making futile attempts to comprehend beginnings of Sumire's name. The youkai just couldn't understand the reason to name him a "violet".

A dancing fire light touched Kagome's face. She sat on the ground, leaning against a spreading chestnut. Tired muscles craved for a rest and a clinking jingle in her ears reminded of a constant exertion and concentration. Keeping a believable illusion for such a long period of time proved to be most exhausting. Sumire told her to wait and disappeared among high-born youkai.

This camp seemed to be deprived of an excessive noise. Demons lounged and exchanged remarks quietly, cleaning, sharpening and polishing their deadly weapons. A buzz covered the place suddenly. Everyone sprang to their feet only to kneel or bow low.

From the shadows Kagome observed a fine procession. Unfortunately, she only had a back view and in addition couldn't understand anything. Feeling intrigued, she moved closer.

'Wow! Their hair is so wonderful, simply perfect in our society's eyes: long, well-groomed, straight. I guess they are Geishas…sort of. These tall, fascinating women must be very expensive…'

"Kagome! Many nobles and a Commander-in-Chief have just arrived with their retinue. We're in luck. And I have found a perfect position for you…Are you giving any heed to my words?"

After a moment the miko realized what was going on. She had to fix her silence up.

"I present my apologies, but I was absorbed in examining…those girls. What?!"

"Nothing. I just got an idea that you weren't interested in the opposite sex…Why are YOU staring now? Did I miss anything? Because the last time I saw you, I was absolutely convinced you don't suffer from the attraction to females."

"…sigh…forget it. Let's go closer. I wondered what those girls were doing in a military camp. Kind of dangerous for them."

"Where did you see any females? I sure didn't."

"Look straight ahead. There is a tall silver-haired one. Still can't see?.. She is wearing snowy clothing with red embroidery; also there is a sapphire crescent moon adornment…Why do you have a funny expression?"

Twinkling eyes glanced at Kagome. She noticed pure mirth in them. Sumire's face broke into smile and he rocked with laughter. The sound was disarming and contagious. Seeing uncomprehending and astonished miko, he continued to split his sides with laughter. Between sniggers he desperately tried to pronounce something, but failed miserably.

Finally laughing himself hoarse, he calmed down and rumpled Kagome's hair. Then he pulled her inside of a spacious tent.

With a help of a favourable recommendation she was appointed to scout and to control the reconnaissance unit. An ochre-haired youkai introduced Kagome to her squadron and acquainted with the facts of the recent events. Persons on duty were posted; demons, who weren't injured or worn out, engrossed themselves into useful work. Exhausted miko let her eyelids close and plunged into a slumber land.

The early morning was saturated with peachy air, the sky was scarcely lit. Drowsy Kagome understood that new information about adverse army's disposition was obtained.

Verifying her appearance, she collected vagrant thoughts and prepared for the mission. A group of six darted off.

Appointed by a fate's mockery to be a leader in a combat mission, she attempted to acquire composure. Checking the adjoining territory, bat-youkai located an unnatural sound. They came closer insensibly, constrainedly scrutinizing every movement and rustle. Owing to this laborious work, the group stumbled upon an active camp. It was filled with conversations about an excellent trap, to which essential army leaders were ensnared.

Holding back her scouts from attacking the camp, she resolved to send three men off. 'These three will notify in advance our army and will upset enemy's plan.'

The residuary trio circled the camp and somehow, when fierce sable-rattling reached their ears, they got separated. Kagome found herself in an unexpected, but familiar situation. Easily throwing blows and dodging some, she paved the way to the source of the violent clang.

Bloody night met her this day. The ground was soaked with pain and fury. Her lone figure moved quietly, struggling forward to an unknown destination. She had a tendency to rely on her sixth sense, which persistently called her.

All of a sudden, four silhouettes clashed against each other. Kagome observed them carefully, coming to a conclusion that her ally was seriously wounded and, nevertheless, withstood his potent opponents. Apparently, his gashes throbbed terribly and prevented plasticity of his motion.

He tripped.

But the enemy's sword never met his body. The miko confidently stood in front of the fallen warrior. Opponents attacked simultaneously, yet it was not enough to defeat Kagome's awaken powers. Transferring them both into a safer place, she sent a purifying wave, which wiped assaulting demons from the face of the Earth.

She turned around and examined the person she just had saved. Vinous stripes on each cheek, midnight-blue crescent on a forehead… It turned out to be the silver-haired 'geisha'.

If you have any comment or advices - I'm all ears.

Ja ne.