Chapter 9: The Fated Union, Cont.
It happened again. It is no different from that other time. It is no different than my defeat in the aisles of FYE. Again, I was taken down. Again, I was helpless. Again, my rage exploded. The storm inside my heart was set free upon those I hated. I lost control, and I loved it. This loss of control gave me power, the power to defeat my own people who were terrorizing this world. I fought against them, bringing this unknown power to bear on enemies who were now themselves helpless, and were at my own mercy. I gave them no quarter, and now the arrogant mighty have fallen.
This power I still have no comprehension of. It comes when I am beaten, when I am spent, when there is nothing more to give. It comes when I need it most. Yet it is still an enigma. It has faded now, gone back to wherever it came from, leaving my still unconscious form to rest, yet I still sense it now. It is as a dim star in the night sky, not seen when looked at directly, but only revealing itself to the corner of your eye. The land must become very dark indeed if I am to ever see it fully.
Wait. Changes are occurring around me. An intense light has drawn near. A familiar scent lingering around a kind and courageous soul. Who is this newcomer? It is a woman, young, but full of power.
Her hands draw close, and I sense that she wishes me to awaken. Her intentions are pure: if I recover, she will be happy. Happy only because I have recovered. She is human, why would she risk awakening a strange youkai such as me? The reasons matter not. I will try for her.
I focus, but all I can manage is a slight twitch of my hand. Yet now the atrophy and lethargy of prolonged prostration is breaking apart. Piece by piece, my body is coming back to life.
The time has come to awaken for her. I open my eyes.
……………………………………….
Outside, Inuyasha went into panic mode as a small and familiar yip was heard. Kagome was in trouble! He sped inside, heedless of the startled guards. He rushed past them and into a back room, where he noticed three things of extreme interest. The first was the boy lying on a stone work surface; a strangely dressed youkai. The boy's eyes were slowly opening. Next he noticed Kagome, out cold in Sango's arms. He sniffed once and absently decided she was okay. He then looked at the wall next to the mysterious youkai. That was what startled him most. He saw two things that evoked hidden and treasured memories, but also ones of extreme emotional torment. He saw a plain wooden bow, and a leather quiver full of arrows.
His attention now completely on them, he ignored all others in the room and sniffed again. The room smelled of…magik. Yet beneath it there was something else. He scented harder and finally broke through the imperfect spell. His body stiffened as he found the answer. This scent is…!
Not even thirty seconds had passed before Inuyasha blasted back out of the room, out the door, past his startled friends outside, and into the woods beyond the village.
……………………………………….
Unggggghhhhh…..did someone get the license plate number on that six-pack…Ohhhhh. Groaning, I rise from whatever surface they dumped my carcass on. Wait, how the hell did I get here? Actually, I should probably ask where here is, for starters. I look to my right, and see a rack of assorted weaponry. The weapons are Taijiya, so I must be in the Taijiya village. Now the left…
"Eric!" Sango! She's alive! Duh, of course numbnuts. She wasn't supposed to die, remember?
Yeah, I remember, but lots of shit's changed, asshole! A fucked up kid from another world wasn't supposed to save this place, either!
Hey, you've got a point.
Duh, of course, numbnuts.
My self-dialogue complete, I begin to take in the sights. I'm in a large stone building, surrounded by arcane weaponry. Luckily for me, they've all been purified of youki, so I don't have to worry about any more of those wicked headaches. As if I didn't have enough bodily issues as it is. Next, I look at Sango, who is bandaged as expected but otherwise okay…Wait…who is she holding? In Sango's arms lies a girl, no older than any of the girls I used to…well, never mind. Besides that, she's much more beautiful. In fact, she's…stunning.
Before I allow my thoughts to go down that street, I begin the standard youkai familiarization process: sniff, stare, sniff some more, repeat until bitchslapped. Actually, I was supposed to do this before with Kikyo and Sango, but some, um, unusual circumstances prevented me from going through this particular rite. Now, with no distractions, I am able to follow my inherent instinct. I set my feet on the floor and begin to inspect her closely. Meanwhile, Sango stares at me like I've lost it. I sniff her hair, her shoulders, her neck, and down to her waist, then slowly back to the top. Sango, meanwhile, has laid the girl onto the floor.
"Eric, what are you doing?!"
"Saying hello."
"You could at least wait until she wakes up!"
"No need. I'm done." I step back and my mind takes over the task of cataloguing and storing the memory of that scent. And a strange scent it is. It's like Kikyo, but at the same time unlike anything else. Despite the similarities, it is still a wonder how Hanyou Supreme could mistake one for the other.
With that finished, I am left to wonder. I am standing before Higurashi Kagome. She's out cold, though. I wonder why?
'Hey, Sango, why is she unconscious?"
"Well, she was trying to find a way to wake you up. Ever since the battle you've been asleep."
"Wait, what battle?"
"You mean you don't remember?!"
"Was there something to remember?"
"Yes! Naraku's forces attacked this village and nearly killed everyone! You transformed into your true form, and fought them, but you lost in direct combat with Naraku. Then you transformed back into your human form, and unleashed a storm that killed all remaining youkai!"
"Ungh?" Holy shit. Not this again! "Are you sure that was me?"
"Yes! Tomaru ordered you to be brought here instead of killed."
"Geez, thanks." I say sarcastically.
"What's the last thing you remember?"
"I'm not sure. I was in the woods when I saw the youkai coming, and then I smelled blood. Lots of it. I started running toward the village, trying to get there and join the fight. You know, youkai instincts and all. But as I was running, I started to feel real weird. I stopped, and then…everything went red. Things were really hazy for a little bit, and I felt like I was flying, and then I blanked out completely. That brings me here."
"So in other words, you lost control of yourself as soon as you took on your youkai form?"
"I guess. Did anyone by chance get a look at me while I was transformed?"
In response I received a look that would have been the biggest face-fault in anime.
"Everyone in the village saw you!" She cried. "You single-handedly fought off the biggest army of youkai anyone had ever seen! And beyond that, you…did not harm a single human being!"
Huh? Am I hearing her right? When I blanked out, I remember feeling a sense of rage that I don't ever remember feeling before. The kind of anger that makes you want to kill something. Even now, I have no recollection of what I did in that state. However, I'm sure of one thing. If I was that angry and that powerful, I would not have spared anything living. Back home, whenever I got pissed off, I'd get into terrible moods. The only thing that stopped me during those times was my belief that I was too weak to have an effect on anyone. Because of that belief, I simply choked back whatever I was feeling and waited for it to pass. Even so, I was often red-lined for days at a time.
The only thing that's changed about me between now and then is that I've become youkai. I don't think my morals have changed and I know I haven't gained any self-control, so it is simply inconceivable that I would show mercy in such a maniacal condition.
"Sango, are you saying that absolutely no one was hurt in the attack?"
"Not at all. Two score of our warriors were lost, half the survivors bear wounds, many serious, and all buildings were leveled except this one. Yet not one casualty bears the scars of Dragon or storm. Your only victims were youkai."
"Now what's this storm about?"
"You used some strange attack to kill the remaining youkai. That's what destroyed the village. I heard from Tomaru that you floated into the sky and rained lightning on everything, but once again spared all human lives.
I admit, I did not believe it myself when I was told. I'm afraid you must excuse me, and the rest of my people. We have spent generations eliminating youkai wherever they could be found, but we have never met one such as you. In our experience, youkai with a human form are considered dangerous, and that's why I tried to kill you. Yet you have revealed yourself to be most unusual. I count myself fortunate to have met you."
"Sango, please don't thank me…"
"Why not? My people are alive. Our homes are in ruins but as long as we have strength in our hands and fire in our hearts we can rebuild our lives. Were you not here, the youkai could very well have slaughtered everyone I've ever known. Now, you have my eternal gratitude, and I promise you will never again have to fear the Taijiya."
In the wake of these heartfelt words, I'm beginning to think that maybe I have changed a bit more than physically. I have saved several hundred lives this time, and people who would normally kill me without a second thought are now embracing me as a savior. Yep. I've changed all right. I wonder if I'd even recognize myself now. That's actually a damn good question since I haven't had the opportunity to look in the mirror lately. Mostly because there hasn't been a mirror to look at.
"Eric?"
"Yeah?"
"I was wondering if you planned on departing soon. Since you are no longer our prisoner, you are free to leave."
"To tell you the truth, I really don't have anywhere to go. You know now that I'm from a completely different universe, and I still haven't figured out how to return. Obviously, I don't know anyone from here, being from America and all."
"Amer..ica? What kingdom is this? I've never heard of such a land."
"It doesn't exist here." And it won't for another three centuries.
"Oh, I see. In that case, I would like to invite you to stay in our village for as long as you may need. If you would be willing, we will require much help in rebuilding, If you desire lending your power to the task."
"So you guys will let me stay? How does Tomaru feel about this?"
"He is the one who suggested the idea. Do you accept?"
"Ehhh….Okay. Sure, but I've gotta warn you, me and tools don't mix." Sango laughs lightly.
"I don't think that will be a problem. Your hands will be sufficient to the task."
"Okay…now tell me, why is Kagome asleep?"
"I do not know. She was checking something in your eyes when you opened them and whispered her name. She fainted. Tell me, how do you know of her? Are you from the same strange land?"
"Not exactly…It's…kinda hard to explain. I'll tell all of you eventually. After all, it'll be a long journey."
"What journey?"
"The fight against Naraku. Sango, surely you're not thinking of staying and letting that wacko go free! We've gotta chase him down and kick his ass! You for Kohaku and your family and me for…my Youkai pride! Whatever that is. Anyway, we can't just let this go. I won't let this go."
"You are right, but since my father is gone I have certain responsibilities to the village. I am now elder."
"Yes, and as elder you need to do what's best for your people, and that means eliminating any threat to their safety. I would say Naraku qualifies as one big ass threat!"
"Please do not lecture me on my responsibilities. I, too, think as you do. I will be traveling with Kagome and her friends to find Naraku and defeat him. I am not sure yet if they will welcome your presence, yet I will speak on your behalf."
"Thanks Sango. It's not often that people think so highly of me, or do so much to help me. You've already done so much…"
"And you've done even more for me. Do not think our debts are settled yet."
"Thank you."
I am sorry to leave you but I must prepare."
"For what?"
"After a large battle such as this one, Taijiya custom calls for a celebration to honor the warriors of the day, both the living and the dead. You must prepare as well. You are, naturally, the guest of honor. Now if you will wait here, I will bring you fresh clothes and some food."
"Wait. Yes for the clothes, very big no for the food. I don't know why, but I'm completely stuffed. I feel like I've consumed a hundred pounds of the weirdest tasting chicken ever made. I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound rude."
"Oh, I understand. Tomaru said you were devouring youkai by the dozens."
Did she just say…youkai? Is she saying I've got a gut full of…oh god, I'm going to be ill…
"Are you okay?"
"Just…*urk*…fine…"
"Very well. I will return with some fresh clothes for you." With a short bow, she leaves the room.
I can't believe this! I am crammed full of youkai…carcass…ew…so gross. C'mon, butthead, get a hold of yourself! In light of all that's happened to you in the past few days, I don't think this qualifies as quite that massive of a deal. Whatever, this is still sickening and INCREDIBLY disturbing. Mustering all my willpower, I somehow resist the urge to lose my lunch everywhere. That done, my mind is left to wander as I wait for Sango to return with my new duds. I wonder if she'll bring some of that cool Taijiya armor, or some crappy kimono like the rest of the village schmucks wear…
"Ohhhh….Sango-chan? Are you there?"
I look to the floor on my left and see that She is stirring. Oh crap…what now?! Please don't scream please don't scream please don't scream…She sees me, and yelps. Her face pales visibly as she rears back toward the wall.
"Oh, I…didn't know you were…awake…" She is visibly trembling. Obviously, she's standing in front of quite possibly the most hideous thing that exists for miles around. Such behavior is quite understandable. I merely continue to look at her, waiting for her to speak again.
"Umm…How are you feeling?" Huh? No 'how the fuck do you know my name?!' No 'Aaaaa! Stay back!!' Of all the things she could, and very rightly should, have said, she chooses to inquire about my comfort. Her eyes lock with mine, and I do not see the fear that was there only a moment ago. Instead there is only the famous expression of Kagome: unquestioning compassion. This is the face that in episode 125 said 'Go, Inuyasha! This is isn't the time to be hesitating." After which the stupid mutt went off to find Kikyo, leaving her all alone. The face that looked over Shippo in episode 9 as she tended to the large lump on his head, given by Inuyasha after the kitsune tried to rob them of their Shikon shards. The face that stood between the thieves and their maniac boss in episode 2, even though the thieves would have probably raped and killed her without mercy. This is the one component of the series that I could never understand: her compassion, her purity, her love. I have never known anything in my own world that even comes close to her. Now I am in her presence, and she still makes absolutely no sense. Shouldn't she at least hate me? Shouldn't her fountain of compassion run dry in my presence? No one else could ever seem to stand me. What makes her so different? It's probably nothing. She'll change eventually. Those eyes won't care for me for very long. Everyone always leaves me in the end.
"I'm fine." At this point, something strange and entirely unwanted happens. In an instant, my muscles turn traitor against me and against my will, I reach down and offer my hand to her, whereupon she clasps it with her own small fingers, and I pull her to her feet. Immediately I see her as she was meant to be seen: her dark yet innocent, shining eyes, her small yet beautiful smile, her skin, not completely perfect but radiant nonetheless, and her hair, a perfect shade of purest raven: the polar opposite of her heart. Standing here, her scent completely envelops me, and I stagger back a step to avoid complete immersion. Her eyes change, as she apparently thinks I'm about to faint. Maybe I am…but sure as hell not from battle fatigue…
She is beside me in an instant. "Here, let me help you." She positions her body under my left shoulder and proceeds to guide me to where I lay only moments ago. I sit, and she continues to watch me with worry in her eyes.
"I'm okay, Kagome, you don't have to be so damn close." In reality, I want to run out of here like a thunderbolt. Her scent is…making me…crazy.
"Oh, sorry…Wait! You said my name again!" Now, here it comes… "Do I…know you?"
"No."
"How…do you know who I am?"
"I know lots of things about a lot of people. Just ask Sango." I would have added 'and Kikyo' but I figure the 'K' word is not something she would want to hear. Even though I don't think most of the crap Kikyo tried to do to Kagome in the series will happen now. "I know that you come from a time of cars, computers, skyscrapers, and high schools. Enjoy any shakes from WacDonald's lately? How's Souta, Jii-chan, and Mama Higurashi?"
Kagome's jaw has almost hit the floor. Her eyes are bugged just about out of her head. Oh, and I think she's trembling.
"Like I said, I know things."
"You…how do you know of my time if you're youkai?"
"It's a long story. Very long." Her voice fades to a whisper as a breathless question escapes her lips. "Are you…a modern-day youkai? Did you fall down the well?"
"No. In fact, I wish I did, then it would be much easier to get back. As far as that goes, getting back is going to be really interesting. And as far as where I'm from, let's just say you wouldn't want to go."
"You're not a stalker or something are you?"
"Of course not, what good would it do me to follow you? I don't want to hurt anyone and I'm not after the shards. I'll just say I have had some unique…visions. Let's leave it at that."
"Okay, just out of curiosity, why were you asleep?"
"I don't know exactly. That's been happening a lot over the past week. I'll get into a battle or get attacked by something, then I'll blank out for a day or so. When I come to, everything looks like World War Three! Just like the village out there. They said I did that, but didn't hurt anyone. Which is, by the way, impossible. This is just…really confusing."
"What's so confusing? You just didn't want to hurt anyone. You should be happy."
"I guess I should, shouldn't I…" Footsteps sound from the door.
"I have returned, and with your new garments." In her arms she carries something black and stiff-looking. There's some kind of red cloth with it as well. She opens it and it's the one thing I didn't expect: a Taijiya uniform. And it's even in my native colors: black and red.
"Sango! I…" What can I say, I'm speechless. This is just too cool!
"Here you are, now change quickly, so you may begin helping us prepare for tonight."
"Okay, no problem. Would you give me some privacy, or would you like to help?" Kagome realizes quickly that my sardonic inquiry was directed at her.
"Wha…of course not!" She walks out the door followed by Sango, who are both probably mumbling 'hentai.' Hefting my new armor, I walk out of the building and out into the bright sunlight of the afternoon. Damn! Ouch! Bright sun…night vision…owie… I stagger back and forth waiting for my eyes to adjust, then nearly faint (I seem to be doing that a lot lately) when I survey the ruins of the Taijiya Village. Holy shit! This place is fucking totaled. There's no way anyone could have survived this! But people have. I see them, many familiar faces from when I was first dragged in by one of the finest of cats, Sango. They are lifting shattered boards, clearing away debris, tending wounded, even performing more domestic tasks such as sweeping and preparing food; all in the open air and all amidst piles of debris. Let's just say these people bounce back fast.
I walk through the rubble field and make haste to the river, very near the spot I was captured. In fact, I can see the shattered tree stumps left behind by Hiraikotsu. Moving on, I reach the river and perform the entire ritual of freshening up, which includes freezing my ass off in the process. I still haven't gotten used to the whole 'wash my privates in the ice-cold river' deal. Yet there isn't any other option. I have to be clean, and for now at least, becoming a floating ice block seems to be part of the process. Minutes later, I am clear of the river, dry, warm, and best of all, clothed in my new tight-fitting Taijiya uniform. It's a little snug in…um…certain areas, but otherwise it feels great, provided I don't attempt a split.
More than that, it allows me to see how much my body has changed. In place of mush, comes muscle! I have pecs, abs, lats…pretty much everything I didn't have back in my old life. In spite of all that's been happening to me, I think I actually like this world a little. I mean, it's a hell of a lot different than how the series made it out to be, but it's somehow more…pure. Yes, more pure than my own world. Despite all the war and death that runs rampant here, there seems to be less greed, corruption, and hate. The average people all seem kind, gracious, and hard-working. The taijiya are a prime example but the people in the last village were the same. It is in sharp contrast to the people in my world, who seem to love getting rich of other's labors, while they sit on their fat asses in their tropical mansions. People here work for everything they get, and bad guys like Naraku seem to be the exception, not the rule. Leaders seem to be those who serve instead of getting served, like Sango and her father.
But there is one thing in particular that bothers me. There's something that I sense here, in the air, in the wind, in the flowing of the river, in the waving of the grass. Yet I can't see, hear, scent, touch or taste it. It's something that I know is there, an added depth and quality to things, a kind of pulse beneath the normal labors of the world. It is intangible, but powerful. I have no idea what it is, but it is what separates this world from my own. It was felt the moment I awoke here, and I feel it still with every breath I take. Unknown, but strong and pervasive.
Many things in this world confuse me, and since I have no immediate plan for getting home, I might as well try to make sense of it. After all, I've been given the opportunity that others like me could only dream of: the chance to explore another world. Not just through a television screen or a computer monitor, but on my feet and with my eyes and hands. Touching what is really there and seeing the colors, smelling the sakura and hearing the birds sing through a land mostly untouched by the greed of man. This place, it somehow feels more like home. Suddenly, I almost feel alive again.
I guess I'll just try and enjoy it until I can figure out exactly what got me here, then I'll go back to my mundane life of school, books, teachers, parents, and enemies. Back to a world without honor and a home without peace.
Taking one last look back at the river, I set my feet ahead and walk silently back to the village, leaving the dark, muddy river to flow on forever, without me.